How to Take a Ferry to Princes Islands: Step-by-Step Guide

This guide is for first-time visitors planning a day trip to the Princes Islands, Istanbul’s car-free island escape in the Sea of Marmara. If you are staying in the Old City (Sultanahmet) or near the waterfront, the public ferry is the most practical and affordable option. By the end of this article, you will know exactly which ferry terminal to go to, how to pay, and what to expect when you board.

The recommended option is to use the public ferry system operated by Şehir Hatları, paid with an Istanbulkart — the same contactless card that works on the metro and tram. How to take a ferry to Princes Islands involves getting an Istanbulkart, heading to your chosen pier (Kabataş, Eminönü, Kadıköy, or Bostancı), tapping in at the turnstile, and boarding without a seat reservation. The crossing takes 35 minutes to just over two hours depending on which pier and island you choose.

Quick answer: To take the public ferry, tap your Istanbulkart at the turnstile and board — there are no assigned seats. Ferries depart from four main piers: Kabataş and Eminönü on the European side, and Kadıköy and Bostancı on the Asian side. The entire journey, including ferry ride and arrival, takes 1–2 hours depending on which pier you start from and which island you visit.

At a Glance

Total time	1–2 hours (depending on pier and island; crossing time alone ranges from 35 minutes to 75 minutes)
Typical cost	₺ per single crossing when paid with Istanbulkart

What You Need Before You Start

• Istanbulkart (Istanbul travel card) or a contactless bank card
• Enough balance on your card to cover the ferry crossing
• Comfortable shoes for walking on the ferry and around the island
• Valid passport (not required for ferry boarding, but useful for identification)
• Sunscreen and water, especially on summer days
• An awareness that schedules vary by season and day of the week

Compare Your Options

Option	Duration	Price	Notes
Şehir Hatları public ferry (recommended)	35–120 minutes depending on pier and island	₺	Şehir Hatları is the city's public ferry line — the classic white ferries, paid with an Istanbulkart. Ferries run multiple times daily from Kabataş, Eminönü, Kadıköy, and Bostancı. Most frequent from Kabataş. No seat reservation required. Most authentic and cheapest option.
Private operator ferries (Turyol, Dentur, Mavi Marmara)	60–90 minutes	₺₺	Private lines such as Turyol and Dentur Avrasya run faster, more frequent boats from their own piers. Operate from Eminönü, Karaköy, Beşiktaş, Kabataş, and Bostancı. Usually one-way tickets required. Higher comfort but less frequent than Şehir Hatları.
Online-booked guided ferry or audio tour	4–8 hours (full day with return included)	₺₺₺	Audio-guided island boats bundle the crossing with commentary and a guaranteed seat — the queue-free option in high season. For instance, a guided day trip removes every decision including lunch, while audio-guided boat tickets keep you independent but skip the ticket-queue scramble. Bookable through tourism platforms online. Guaranteed seating and tour structure.
Ferry from the Asian side (Kadıköy or Bostancı)	45–75 minutes	₺	The fastest route is the public ferry from Bostancı on the Asian side, which reaches the first island (Kınalıada) in about 35 minutes. Good if staying in Kadıköy or Moda. Fewer tourist crowds than European-side piers.
Private sea taxi or speedboat	20–30 minutes	₺₺₺₺	Private boat hire from Kabataş or other piers. Fastest crossing but priciest. Book through hotels or tour operators. No public schedule; negotiate rate in advance.

₺ budget · ₺₺ moderate · ₺₺₺ upscale · ₺₺₺₺ splurge. Price levels are estimates compared with typical prices for visitors.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Choose your departure pier

Decide which part of Istanbul you are starting from. From Sultanahmet, walk or take the T1 tram to Eminönü and board a ferry there, or ride the tram to Kabataş for more frequent sailings. Alternatively, cross to Kadıköy first and take the faster Asian-side ferry. The fastest route is the public ferry from Bostancı on the Asian side, which reaches the first island (Kınalıada) in about 35 minutes. The four main piers are located at water level near major tram and transport hubs, so finding them is straightforward.

Tip: Kabataş offers the most frequent sailings to the main islands; Bostancı is fastest if you are on the Asian side.

Step 2: Get or top up your Istanbulkart

The public ferry uses the Istanbulkart, the same contactless card that works on the metro, tram and buses. Buy and top it up at any kiosk or machine near the pier, tap in at the turnstile, and board. If you do not have a card, kiosks near every ferry pier sell them with an initial balance. You can also add money to an existing card at the same machines.

Tip: Top up your card with enough balance to cover both the outbound and return journeys. Kiosks accept cash.

Step 3: Locate the ferry gate and check the departure board

Walk to the pier entrance. Before passing through the turnstile and paying for your fare, check the board above. It should display the ferry departure time and the word 'Adalar' (islands). The board shows multiple ferries; look for the one labeled Adalar (Islands). Write down or photograph the departure time and the destination island.

Tip: Arrive at least 15 minutes before your ferry's departure time, especially on weekends when ferries fill up quickly.

Step 4: Tap your card at the turnstile

Tap in at the turnstile, and board — there are no assigned seats. Your Istanbulkart will automatically deduct the ferry fare. If your card has insufficient balance, the turnstile will not open; return to a kiosk to add money.

Tip: If a contactless bank card fails at the turnstile, revert to the Istanbulkart; foreign contactless cards work inconsistently.

Step 5: Board the ferry and find your place

Enter the boat about 10–15 minutes before departure. On busy days, gates open and passengers stream toward the gangway. There is no assigned seating; sit anywhere on the upper or lower deck. Decks are covered, so you can shelter from sun or rain. The boat departs promptly once full or at the scheduled time.

Tip: Sit outside on the upper deck for views of Istanbul's skyline and the Marmara Sea; this is the highlight of the crossing.

Step 6: Stay on the ferry until your island

The ferries usually stop off on each main island, so you just have to get on board. You can reach these islands by ferry in approximately 35 to 60 minutes. Pay attention to the ferry staff's announcements; they will call out each island as you approach. Common stops are Kınalıada (first), Burgazada, Heybeliada, and Büyükada (the largest and most visited). Disembark when your destination is announced.

Tip: If unsure which stop is which, ask crew or passengers — they are accustomed to helping visitors.

Step 7: Explore your island

The Princes' Islands are free to visit — you only pay the ferry. No admission gates or tickets are required to enter the islands. Fare is paid for the ferry only. Büyükada, the largest island, has a waterfront promenade, restaurants, beaches, and the landmark Greek school building. Smaller islands are quieter with fewer facilities.

Tip: Rent a horse-drawn carriage, bicycle, or simply walk the quiet streets. Avoid planning to visit multiple islands on one trip unless you check ferry schedules carefully.

Step 8: Check return ferry times before you settle in

Take one of the earliest ferries to get to the islands to spend a full day on the island since it takes a long time to get there. Before you return, check the ferry schedule, aim for a ferry and be at the ferry terminal at least 5-10 minutes earlier. If you miss the last ferry, you may have to spend the night on the island. Return ferries run less frequently than morning departures, especially on weekdays.

Tip: Photograph or write down the return departure times posted at the pier, or ask the ferry office staff when you arrive.

Step 9: Return to the same pier when ready

Head back to the ferry terminal 10–15 minutes before your chosen departure time. You simply tap your Istanbulkart at the turnstile and board. The return ferry brings you back to the same pier where you departed. The crossing back takes the same time as the outbound journey.

Tip: On busy summer weekends, the last ferry of the day may be at capacity. Arrive very early if you plan to take a late return.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistaking the Eminönü pier for a Şehir Hatları pier: Some Eminönü piers belong to Turyol (a private operator) or are permanently closed. Dentur Avrasya runs ferries from Eminonu (this ferry terminal is permanently closed even though it still shows up on their official website). Use Kabataş for the most reliable Şehir Hatları service.
• Forgetting to check the return ferry schedule: Before you return, check the ferry schedule, aim for a ferry and be at the ferry terminal at least 5-10 minutes earlier. If you miss the last ferry, you may have to spend the night on the island. This is a real problem on busy weekends.
• Using a foreign contactless card instead of an Istanbulkart: At some turnstiles, it is possible to pay with a contactless bank card. However, not all cards work consistently, and if you manage to pay today, it is not guaranteed that you will be able to pay again tomorrow. Always have an Istanbulkart as backup.
• Boarding the wrong ferry: Check the destination board carefully and look for the word 'Adalar' (Islands). Other boats depart for the Bosphorus or other cities and look similar.
• Traveling between islands without checking schedules: Note that there are no shuttle boats among the islands, only the scheduled ferries. To travel from one island to another (for example, from Büyükada to Heybeliada), you must check the ferry schedules to find voyages that will both take you to the other island and take you away from it so you don't end up spending the night.
• Arriving at the ferry terminal too late on summer weekends: On summer weekends, arrive early — the popular late-morning sailings to Büyükada fill up fast. Ferries can reach full capacity and depart without waiting.

Tickets, Payment and Booking

Public Ferry Tickets

• The public ferry uses the Istanbulkart, the same contactless card that works on the metro, tram and buses. Buy and top it up at any kiosk or machine near the pier.
• You simply tap your Istanbulkart at the turnstile and board. No advance booking needed for the public ferry.
• Kiosks accept cash in Turkish lira. Top-up machines are located near every ferry pier entrance.

Payment Methods

• You can use an Istanbulkart transport card with sufficient balance to pay for the trip. Note that up to five people can travel with one Istanbulkart.
• At some turnstiles, it is possible to pay with a contactless bank card. However, not all cards work consistently, and if you manage to pay today, it is not guaranteed that you will be able to pay again tomorrow.

Private Operator and Guided Tours

• Private lines such as Turyol and Dentur Avrasya run faster, more frequent boats from their own piers. Turyol operates from Eminönü, Karaköy, and Kadıköy. Purchase at their ticket counters or online.
• Guided and audio tours can be booked through international tourism platforms (Booking.com, Viator, GetYourGuide). These options include guaranteed seating and do not require an Istanbulkart.
• Avoid ticket sellers or touts at the pier; buy directly from official kiosks or online.

Istanbul Vibes Tips

• Board one of the earliest ferries (departing between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM) to maximize your time on the island. Return ferries are less frequent than morning departures, so an early start gives you the most flexibility on return timing.
• Sit on the upper outdoor deck during the crossing for the best views of Istanbul's skyline and the Marmara Sea. This crossing is considered one of Istanbul's most beautiful and authentic travel experiences.
• Bring cash in Turkish lira if you plan to rent a bicycle or horse-drawn carriage on the island. Not all small vendors accept cards, and there are no ATMs on smaller islands like Kınalıada or Burgazada.
• On Büyükada, most restaurants and cafés cluster near the pier. Walk inland and climb to the Greek school or the island's quieter neighborhoods to escape crowds and find more local atmosphere.
• Summer weekends (Saturday and Sunday, June–August) see peak ferry traffic. If you visit then, expect crowded piers, full ferries, and longer waits. Spring and autumn offer fewer crowds but still reliable ferry schedules.
• Ferries stop at each main island in sequence, but return ferries sometimes run on different routes or with fewer stops. Always check the return schedule upon arrival, as it differs from the morning schedule.

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FAQ

Do I need to book ferry tickets in advance?

For the public ferry, no — you simply tap your Istanbulkart at the turnstile and board. Advance booking only applies to private cruises and organised tours, which are worth reserving ahead in peak summer.

Is there an entrance fee to the Princes Islands?

The Princes' Islands are free to visit — you only pay the ferry. Four of them welcome visitors, and there is no entrance fee — you pay only for the boat.

How long does the ferry crossing take?

You can reach these islands by ferry in approximately 35 to 60 minutes. The exact time depends on which pier you depart from and which island you visit. Bostancı to Kınalıada is fastest (about 35 minutes); Eminönü or Kabataş to Büyükada takes 60–90 minutes.

Can I visit more than one island in a day?

It is possible but requires careful planning. There are no shuttle boats among the islands, only the scheduled ferries. To travel from one island to another, you must check the ferry schedules to find voyages that will both take you to the other island and take you away from it so you don't end up spending the night. Most visitors spend their entire day on Büyükada, the largest island.

What time do the last return ferries leave?

Return ferry times vary by season and day of the week. Boats run throughout the day, roughly from early morning until late evening, with the heaviest service in summer and at weekends. Because seasonal timetables change, check the current schedule on the day of travel. Typical last returns are between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM, but always confirm when you arrive.

Can children and elderly people travel on the ferry?

Yes. Ferries are designed for general public use. The decks and seating are accessible to families with children and slower-moving passengers. However, wheelchair accessibility is limited, and it is essential to research accessibility considerations when planning a visit to the Princes Islands.

What should I bring on the ferry?

Bring comfortable shoes, sunscreen, water, and a light jacket* or sweater — the crossing can feel breezy. If planning to swim or visit a beach club, bring a towel and swimwear. Cash in lira is useful for small vendors and rentals on the islands.

Is food available on the ferry or islands?

The ferry has no food service. On Büyükada and Heybeliada, restaurants, cafés, and small shops cluster near the pier and around the main waterfront. Kınalıada and Burgazada have fewer options. Pack snacks if visiting a smaller island or plan to eat at a waterfront restaurant.

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