Bosphorus Ferry Tour by Public Ferry: Choose Your Route

A Bosphorus ferry tour works best when you choose the boat by the time you want on the water. The city operator Şehir Hatları publishes short and long sightseeing tours from Eminönü. The long option reaches Anadolu Kavağı. An ordinary ferry to Üsküdar gives you a shorter crossing and lets you choose how long to spend ashore.

Read the destination board before joining a line. Eminönü has several piers and a scheduled crossing uses different arrangements from a sightseeing product. Use the three options below to pick the trip that suits your day, then check the return before you board.

At a glance: Use the short tour for a compact sightseeing ride, the long tour for time at Anadolu Kavağı, or a scheduled ferry crossing for an outing you can shape around Üsküdar.

Option 1 — Short Bosphorus tour

Choose this outing if you want time on the strait while keeping the rest of the day in the centre. Use the operator’s short tour listing to see the piers and departure arrangements. Keep your plans ashore flexible until you know where your sailing ends.

1. Eminönü — Find the Şehir Hatları short-tour departure.
2. Bosphorus — Look for the changing waterfront between the central piers and Ortaköy.
3. Return pier — Use the operator's trip details to plan your onward walk.

Tip: Ask whether your sailing is suitable if you intend to disembark at an intermediate pier.

Option 2 — Long Bosphorus tour

Give the long tour a substantial part of the day. It follows the strait north to Anadolu Kavağı. Use the time ashore for a meal or short walk and confirm the departure point and return time before leaving the pier. Keep the inland climb optional.

1. Eminönü — Board the long Şehir Hatları tour.
2. Upper Bosphorus — Watch for waterfront villages as the boat heads north.
3. Anadolu Kavağı — Step ashore according to the tour arrangements.
4. Return to Eminönü — Be back at the pier before the published departure.

Tip: Save the return details offline while you are still at the terminal.

Option 3 — Scheduled ferry to Üsküdar

Use an ordinary public crossing if you want a short spell on the water and control over your shore time. After landing, stay around the Üsküdar waterfront for the skyline or continue on foot if the weather suits. Choose your return crossing before taking a longer walk.

1. Eminönü — Find the scheduled public ferry for Üsküdar.
2. Üsküdar pier — Disembark and orient yourself on the waterfront.
3. Üsküdar shore — Pause for tea or walk towards Salacak.
4. Return ferry — Confirm the pier and destination on the board.

Tip: Keep the regular ferry and sightseeing-tour fare arrangements separate.

Istanbul Vibes Tips

• Read the product name before you join the pier queue.
• Take a windproof layer even on a clear day.
• Give yourself time to return to the correct Anadolu Kavağı pier.
• Use the waterfront landmarks to orient yourself before taking photos.
• Keep a scheduled crossing in mind if the long tour will take too much of the day.

Explore Nearby Bosphorus Ferry Tour by Public Ferry

Sights near Bosphorus Ferry Tour by Public Ferry

• 
  AI

  Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
  Anadolu Kavagi · typical visit: 3-4 hoursOpen 24 hours

Related guides

• 
  AI

  Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
  Eminönü: Istanbul’s Waterfront Heart and Ottoman Harbor
• 
  AI

  Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
  Üsküdar: The Asian Shore’s Authentic Neighborhoods and Bosphorus Views
• 
  AI

  Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
  Ortaköy: Mosque, Bridge and Bosphorus Waterfront

Browse more: All Ferry Routes · All Itineraries

?

FAQ

Can I use an ordinary public ferry for Bosphorus views?

Yes. A scheduled crossing to Üsküdar gives you water and skyline views in a shorter outing.

Which tour goes to Anadolu Kavağı?

Look for the long Bosphorus tour on Şehir Hatları’s timetable.

Does Istanbulkart cover the sightseeing tour?

Check the dedicated tour product with Şehir Hatları. Ordinary line fares and tour admission have separate arrangements.

Where do the tours start?

Use the operator’s listing to identify its Eminönü pier for your sailing.

Can I get off at Ortaköy?

Read the exact short tour’s boarding and disembarkation instructions before making that plan.

Can I see the strait in a short visit?

Choose the short tour or a regular crossing if you want time for another part of the city.

What should I wear on deck?

Take a layer for wind and use the covered cabin if the deck is uncomfortable.

How do I plan lunch on the long tour?

Confirm your return first, then choose a meal within an easy walk of the Anadolu Kavağı pier.

Take this guide with you

Get a free PDF of this guide to print or read offline: key facts, tips and a map link on a few clean pages.

Get the free PDF I want to receive the newsletter by email and agree that my email address is stored for this purpose. I can unsubscribe at any time.