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Ferry transportation across the strait was established in 1952, connecting the Crimea and the Krasnodar Krai ( Port Krym - Port Kavkaz line). Originally there were four train-ferry ships; later three car-ferry ships were added. Train transportation continued for almost 40 years. Train-ferries became old in the late 1980s and were removed from operation. In autumn of 2004 new ships were delivered as replacements and train transportation has been re-established.

Several attempts have been made to build a bridge across the Kerch Strait to replace the ferry, but the difficult geological configuration of the area makes bridge projects too expensive.

Several fish-processing plants are located on the Crimean coast of the strait. Fishing season begins in late autumn and lasts for 2-3 months, when many seiners put out into the strait to fish.

In ancient times the Kerch Strait was known as the Cimmerian Bosporus; it is also known by its Tatar name, Yenikale.