The Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, commonly known as the Second Bosphorus Bridge, is a 1,510-meter suspension bridge spanning the strait between Kavacık on the Asian shore and Hisarüstü on the European side. Opened on July 3, 1988, it was designed by Freeman Fox & Partners and BOTEK Bosphorus Technical Consulting Corp. to ease traffic congestion that had built up since the First Bosphorus Bridge opened in 1973.
Unlike the older bridges, this is purely a motorway structure—pedestrians are not permitted. The bridge carries European route E80 and serves as a critical transport artery, handling approximately 150,000 vehicles daily. It is named after Mehmed the Conqueror, the 15th-century Ottoman sultan who captured Constantinople in 1453.
Quick Facts
| Turkish name | Fatih Sultan Mehmet Köprüsü |
|---|---|
| Built / opened | 1988 |
| Architect(s) | Freeman Fox & Partners, BOTEK Bosphorus Technical Consulting Corp. |
| Address | Fatih Sultan Mehmet Köprüsü, Istanbul, Turkey Google MapsApple MapsYandex Maps |
| District | Beykoz |
| Best time to visit | The bridge is open and passable 24 hours, but driving conditions vary greatly by time of day. Avoid crossing during morning rush (7–10 a.m. weekdays) and evening rush (4–7 p.m. weekdays), when traffic is heaviest. Late night, early morning, and midday on weekdays offer the smoothest crossing. Weekends are generally less congested than weekdays. Weather rarely closes the bridge, but heavy rain or fog can reduce visibility. Winter weather in Istanbul is mild, so seasonal factors are minimal. |
What Is (and Isn't) Part of a Visit to Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge?
| Part | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| The bridge deck and crossing | Included in the standard ticket | Open 24 hours to vehicles. No pedestrian access is permitted; the bridge is for motor traffic only. |
| Toll fee | Included in the standard ticket | Crossing from Europe to Asia requires payment via the HGS (Hızlı Geçiş Sistemi) electronic toll collection system; crossing from Asia to Europe is free. |
| 15 July Martyrs Bridge (First Bosphorus Bridge) | Outside / not part of it | A different bridge, located about 5 kilometers south. Turkey's oldest Bosphorus crossing, opened in 1973. |
| Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge (Third Bosphorus Bridge) | Outside / not part of it | The newest crossing, located about 10 kilometers north, opened in 2016. |
Why Visit Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge?
The Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge is not a traditional tourist destination but a significant engineering feat worth understanding if you spend time in Istanbul. It is an excellent vantage point for photographing the Bosphorus from the shoreline beneath its towers, particularly from the European side near Hisarüstü where the northern approach meets land. The bridge’s massive suspension spans and clear engineering design make it photogenic, and views from nearby waterfront areas show how the structure connects the two continents. For those interested in modern infrastructure and engineering, the bridge represents an important moment in Istanbul’s development—it reduced traffic on the older First Bridge and demonstrated Turkey’s capacity for large-scale construction in the late 1980s.
Atmosphere
Driving across the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge is a bracing experience—the deck is elevated 64 meters above sea level, and the crossing takes only a few minutes. The bridge is busy, particularly during morning and evening rush hours, with heavy truck traffic alongside personal vehicles. From the elevated position, views open across the Bosphorus to both shores: the European hills and suburbs on the left, the Asian coast on the right. The structure itself is functional and industrial, with grey steel towers rising 105 meters above the roadway. There is no pedestrian access, so the experience is entirely vehicular. The bridge can be congested, especially approaching Istanbul from the north or during peak travel times.
History of Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge
The Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge was built in response to urgent traffic congestion on Istanbul’s sole Bosphorus crossing, the First Bosphorus Bridge (15 July Martyrs Bridge), which had opened in 1973. By the mid-1980s, that bridge could no longer handle the volume of vehicles needed for a rapidly expanding city. Turkish authorities commissioned the design in the early 1980s, and construction began on March 29, 1985.
The bridge was engineered by Freeman Fox & Partners, a renowned British firm, alongside BOTEK Bosphorus Technical Consulting Corp. The design is a suspension bridge with a main span of 1,090 meters—one of the longest in the world at the time. Construction proceeded rapidly, completed in just over three years, and the bridge officially opened on July 3, 1988, driven by Prime Minister Turgut Özal, who famously drove his official car across first.
When completed, the bridge ranked as the world’s fifth-longest suspension bridge span. Its construction cost approximately 380 million US dollars (converted to modern terms). The bridge immediately relieved pressure on the First Bridge and became essential infrastructure for Istanbul’s growing metropolitan area. A third crossing, the Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge, was built further north and opened in 2016, but the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge remains one of the city’s most heavily used transport arteries.
Tickets and Booking for Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge
This is not a ticketed attraction; it is a toll motorway. If you are driving in a rental vehicle or private car, tolls are collected electronically via HGS (Hızlı Geçiş Sistemi). Most rental agencies pre-register vehicles with a toll payment system, and charges are added to your rental bill or a deposit is held. Payment is required only when crossing from the European side to the Asian side; the return crossing is free. If using a taxi or ride-sharing service, the toll is typically included in the fare. Pedestrians cannot use the bridge—it is a motorway for vehicles only. If you need to cross the Bosphorus on foot, use a ferry from Eminönü, Beşiktaş, Üsküdar, or other ferry terminals instead.
Suggested itineraries Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge
Drive across
If driving yourself or using a taxi, the crossing takes 3–5 minutes depending on traffic. Heavy congestion occurs during morning and evening rush hours (7–10 a.m. and 4–7 p.m. weekdays). Off-peak times are typically late night or midday on weekdays. Plan to stop at a nearby viewpoint to appreciate the bridge from the shoreline rather than photographing from the vehicle.
How to Get to Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge
The bridge is not a walking destination. It connects two motorway sections and has no pedestrian path. Vehicles access it via the northernmost Bosphorus route:
- From the European side (north): Follow signs for the northern suburbs (Sarıyer, Beşiktaş northbound, or the O-2 motorway). The bridge toll plaza appears before the span; follow HGS electronic toll lanes.
- From the Asian side (south): Follow signs for Kavacık or the O-2 southbound. The toll plaza is on the Asian approach.
- By taxi or ride-sharing: Tell your driver you want to cross the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge; the fare will include the toll. This is the most practical way for non-drivers to see it.
- To photograph from shore: The best views are from the waterfront near Hisarüstü on the European side (accessible by bus or car) or from Kavacık on the Asian side. There are no official viewing platforms, but public waterfront areas and parks offer sight lines.
Accessibility
The Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge is a motorway with no pedestrian access. Wheelchair users and those with mobility restrictions must use an alternative Bosphorus crossing: ferries are fully accessible and operate from multiple terminals (Eminönü, Beşiktaş, Üsküdar, Kadıköy, and Üsküdar to Balıklı). Drivers with mobility issues can take a taxi or ride-sharing service across the bridge; the journey takes only a few minutes. Accessible parking is available at both toll plazas.
Food Nearby
The bridge itself has no food facilities. The nearest dining is in Kavacık on the Asian side or Sarıyer on the European side, both suburban areas with local restaurants and cafés. If planning to cross, eat before leaving your origin side rather than relying on roadside options near the toll plazas.
What to Bring
If driving, ensure your vehicle's documents (license, registration, insurance) are with you, as toll enforcement includes vehicle checks. If taking a photo from a viewpoint near the bridge, bring sun protection and water. Avoid stopping on the bridge itself or the motorway approach; use designated pull-offs only if legally available.
Best Views and Photo Spots of Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge
Hisarüstü waterfront (European side)
The bridge towers and northern span are visible from the European shoreline. The view shows the bridge connecting the two continents with the Bosphorus water and opposite shore in the background. Morning light from the east illuminates the structure and water.
Best time: Early morning, 6–8 a.m., for golden light and minimal shadows. The water is calmer in early morning, creating better reflections.
Kavacık waterfront (Asian side)
Opposite perspective from the Asian coast. The European hills rise behind the bridge. The view includes anchored ships and the busy waterway traffic typical of the Bosphorus.
Best time: Late afternoon, 4–6 p.m., for warmer light on the European shore. Fewer boats pass in late afternoon.
Photography Rules
Photography from a moving vehicle on the bridge is not recommended due to traffic and safety. The best photographs are taken from the shoreline near Hisarüstü (European side) or Kavacık (Asian side), where you can capture the bridge's full span, towers, and cables against the Bosphorus backdrop. Drones are not permitted in Istanbul's airspace without special authorization. Waterfront parks and public access points offer legal vantage points.
Family Suitability
The Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge itself is not a family attraction because pedestrian access is forbidden. Families should not plan to visit the bridge on foot or stop to view it from the roadway. However, families driving across for travel to the northern suburbs or returning from a Bosphorus day trip will experience the crossing. Young children may find a few minutes of bridge crossing exciting but not educational without explanation. Alternative Bosphorus experiences suitable for families include ferry rides and waterfront parks.
Istanbul Vibes Tips
- If driving a rental car, check that your rental company has registered the vehicle with the HGS toll system before you pick it up. Some companies charge a service fee on top of the toll. Ask explicitly whether tolls are pre-arranged.
- Do not cross during evening rush hour (4–7 p.m. weekdays) unless you have time to spare. Traffic can be congested for 20+ minutes during these times, turning a 5-minute crossing into 25 minutes.
- The best way to appreciate the bridge is from a waterfront viewpoint on either shore, not from inside a vehicle. Spend time at Hisarüstü or Kavacık waterfront areas to photograph and understand the scale.
- If you need to cross the Bosphorus but do not drive, use a ferry instead. Ferries are cheaper, more interesting (you see the water and both shores), and are fully accessible. The bridge is motorway-only.
- The bridge toll is one-way: you pay to cross from Europe to Asia but not the other direction. If you accidentally enter from the wrong direction, you will not incur a toll on the return.
Explore Nearby Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge
Sights near Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge
Mihrabat Grove – about 800 m away (~13 min walk) · typical visit: 2–4 hoursOpen daily 08:00–00:00Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Borusan Contemporaryabout 850 m away (~14 min walk) · typical visit: 1.5–2 hoursMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Rumeli Fortress – about 900 m away (~14 min walk) · typical visit: 1–2 hours7 min on foot from Aşiyan metro, Open 09:00–17:00, closed MonMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Baltalimanı Japanese Garden – about 1.1 km away (~17 min walk) · typical visit: 30–45 minutesOpen daily 08:00–19:00Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Sakip Sabanci Museum – about 1.1 km away (~18 min walk) · typical visit: 2–3 hoursOpen 10:00–18:00, closed MonMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Anatolian Fortress – about 1.1 km away (~18 min walk) · typical visit: 1–2 hoursOpen 10:00–17:30, closed MonMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Restaurants and cafes near Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge
Emirgan Sütiş – about 1.4 km away (~23 min walk)Open daily 06:00–02:00Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
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Rumeli Kale Cafe: Breakfast on the Bosphorus ShoreMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
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Browse more: More in Beykoz · All Landmarks · All Sightseeing
FAQ: Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge
Can I walk across the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge?
No. The bridge is a motorway reserved for motor vehicles only. Pedestrian access is strictly forbidden. If you need to cross the Bosphorus on foot, use a ferry from Eminönü, Beşiktaş, Üsküdar, Kadıköy, or other ferry terminals.
Do I have to pay a toll to cross the bridge?
Tolls are collected when crossing from the European side to the Asian side. Crossing from Asia to Europe is free. Payment is via HGS (electronic toll system); most rental cars and taxis have this pre-arranged. As of October 2026, the toll for a standard car is moderate.
Is this the same as the First Bosphorus Bridge?
No. The Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge (Second Bridge) opened in 1988 and is located north of the First Bridge (15 July Martyrs Bridge), which opened in 1973. They are separate crossings about 5 kilometers apart.
What time of day has the least traffic?
Early morning (before 7 a.m.) and midday on weekdays (10 a.m.–4 p.m.) are typically less congested. Avoid morning rush (7–10 a.m.) and evening rush (4–7 p.m.) on weekdays. Weekends are generally lighter.
Can I stop on the bridge to take photographs?
No. Stopping on the bridge or motorway approach is prohibited. Photograph the bridge from designated viewing points on the shoreline, such as the waterfront areas in Hisarüstü or Kavacık, or from a vehicle moving legally through traffic.
Is the bridge open 24 hours?
Yes. The Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge is open around the clock for vehicle traffic. It is never closed for maintenance or bad weather unless there is an emergency.
How long does it take to cross the bridge?
The crossing takes 3–5 minutes in normal traffic, about 1 kilometer per minute. During rush hour, it may take 20–30 minutes if traffic is congested.
Is this bridge part of Istanbul's metro system?
No. The Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge is a motorway toll bridge for cars, trucks, and buses. Istanbul's metro system is underground and does not cross the Bosphorus; ferries are the public transit option for crossing the strait.
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Hotels near Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge
Restaurants near Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge
- Lacivert (400 m) Google Maps
- Iskele (550 m) Google Maps
Distances are straight-line, from OpenStreetMap data.
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