Kabataş Ferry Terminal is one of Istanbul’s busiest transport hubs, a waterfront interchange where ferries, trams, buses and a funicular meet on the Bosphorus. The terminal was renovated and reopened in 2019 with modern facilities and a rooftop parkland. Today it serves as the departure point for commuter ferries to the Asian shore and sightseeing routes up the Bosphorus and to the Princes’ Islands.
Visitors often pass through Kabataş en route to other attractions—it sits between the lower slopes of Taksim and the Dolmabahçe Palace gardens—but the terminal and its surroundings reward exploration. The new Istanbul Bosphorus Museum on the second floor documents the strait’s history and cultural significance.
Quick answer: Ferry to Kadıköy (Şehir Hatları) (20 minutes, ₺). 5 more ways compared below.
Quick Facts
| Type | River pier / station |
|---|---|
| Built / opened | 2019 |
| Address | Ömer Avni, İskele Yolu, 34427 Beyoğlu, Istanbul, Turkey Google MapsApple MapsYandex Maps |
| District | Beyoğlu |
| Metro | Kabataş (F1 Funicular, Direct access from funicular station) Kabataş (T1 Tram, Direct access from tram stop) |
| Opening hours | Daily 06:00-23:30 |
| Admission | Free entry; ferry tickets required for travel |
| Best time to visit | Kabataş Ferry Terminal operates year-round. Morning and early evening rush hours (7:00–9:30 AM and 4:30–7:30 PM, weekdays) are crowded with commuters; ferries run frequently but are often packed. Mid-morning (9:30 AM–noon) and early afternoon (1:00–4:00 PM) offer smaller crowds and less congested loading.Evening ferries (after 7:30 PM) are quieter and offer beautiful light over the Bosphorus in spring and summer, though sunset times vary by season. Weekend mornings are moderate; Sundays have reduced Kadıköy ferry service (limited departures before noon, full service from midday).Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer mild weather and clear Bosphorus views. Summer (June–August) brings peak visitor numbers, especially for Princes' Islands ferries. Winter weather can be rough on the water, reducing visibility, but is quiet. Rainy days are less appealing for the rooftop parkland but do not affect ferry operations. |
| Website | sehirhatlari.istanbul |
How to Get to and from Kabataş Ferry Terminal
| Option | Duration | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ferry to Kadıköy (Şehir Hatları) | 20 minutes | ₺ | Departs approximately every 30 minutes (more frequent in rush hours). Weekday service runs 7:10 AM–8:40 PM; limited Sunday service from 12:10 PM. This is the main commuter route across the Bosphorus to the Asian side. Purchase ticket using Istanbul Card or contactless payment at machine before boarding. |
| Ferry to Üsküdar (Şehir Hatları) | 10 minutes | ₺ | Hourly service throughout the day, 6:00 AM–11:30 PM (hours vary by date). Üsküdar is a shorter crossing than Kadıköy, connecting to the M4 metro line and local markets. Ferries depart from dedicated piers at the terminal. |
| Ferry to Beşiktaş (Şehir Hatları) | 7 minutes | ₺ | Hourly service, 8:00 AM–8:30 PM. Beşiktaş is a short ferry hop north along the European shore, with access to Bosphorus-side restaurants and the Dolmabahçe Palace area. Useful for visitors combining multiple Bosphorus sightings in one outing. |
| Bosphorus scenic ferries: Ortaköy and villages (Şehir Hatları) | 15 minutes to Ortaköy; longer to villages beyond | ₺ | Limited schedule, typically 1–2 evening departures per day, 6–7 PM. Routes vary; check sehirhatlari.istanbul for current schedule. These are local ferries, not tourism cruises, providing slow scenic transit along the Bosphorus to waterfront villages popular with locals. |
| Ferry to Princes' Islands: Büyükada, Heybeliada (Dentur Avrasya and Şehir Hatları) | 1 hour | ₺₺ | Daily service, frequency and schedule vary by season. Most common in summer (May–September). Ferries depart at scheduled intervals. Purchase tickets at counters. The islands are car-free, with 19th-century Ottoman architecture, pine forests and beaches. A full day excursion is typical. |
| Funicular F1 to Taksim Square | 5 minutes | ₺ | Operates 6:00 AM–12:30 AM (00:30), every 5–10 minutes. Direct access from inside terminal building. Gateway to Istiklal Avenue, Taksim neighbourhood and upper districts. Use the same Istanbul Card for all transit. |
₺ budget · ₺₺ moderate · ₺₺₺ upscale · ₺₺₺₺ splurge. Price levels are estimates compared with typical prices for visitors.
Why Visit Kabataş Ferry Terminal?
Kabataş Ferry Terminal is the practical gateway to ferries that connect Istanbul’s two continents and reach the green islands in the Sea of Marmara. From here, authentic commuter ferries depart several times an hour to Kadıköy and Üsküdar on the Asian side. Less frequent but scenic routes run north along the Bosphorus to villages like Ortaköy and Arnavutköy, and to the Princes’ Islands, giving visitors an economical alternative to private Bosphorus cruises. The terminal itself, with its renovated facilities and waterfront setting, is a working glimpse of how Istanbul moves by water.
Highlights of Kabataş Ferry Terminal
Modern Terminal Building and Facilities
The Kabataş terminal was completely renovated and opened to the public in 2019, with a closed area of 708 square meters. The building contains ticket offices, waiting areas, cafes, and ATM machines. Its design prioritises passenger comfort during peak commuter hours and frequent ferry service throughout the day and evening.
Tip: Arrive 10 minutes before ferry departure; during morning (7:00–9:30) and evening (4:30–7:30) rush hours, the terminal is crowded but ferries run frequently.
Rooftop Parkland and Bosphorus Views
The terminal building is topped with a raised parkland created from its slanted roof, a pleasant public space where visitors can sit and look out over the Bosphorus. The vantage point captures the narrow waterway, passing ferries, and the hills and villages of the opposite shore, making it a quiet alternative to the busy streets below.
Tip: Visit the rooftop in late afternoon when the light becomes golden and crowds thin; the views are best when ferries pass and the water is active.
Istanbul Bosphorus Museum
A new museum operated by Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, located on the second floor of the terminal building. The collection explores the Bosphorus through art, historic photographs, maps and prints, documenting the strait's strategic and cultural significance to Istanbul and the wider region. It is not a traditional history museum but a thematic exploration of place and identity.
Tip: The museum is free and can be visited without buying a ferry ticket; enter from the dedicated staircase inside the terminal. Plan 45–60 minutes for a thorough visit.
Kadıköy Ferry Route: Asia in 15 Minutes
The most-used commuter ferry departs regularly from Kabataş to Kadıköy on the Asian shore, a journey of about 20 minutes across the open Bosphorus. Ferries run at roughly 30-minute intervals throughout the day (more frequent in rush hours), allowing easy exploration of Kadıköy's neighbourhoods, waterfront restaurants and markets. This is the authentic commuter experience, not a tourism cruise.
Tip: Travel outside peak hours (before 7 AM or after 8 PM) for uncrowded ferries and the best views. Ferries on this route do not depart before noon on Sundays.
Üsküdar Ferry and the Asian Shore
City Lines ferries (Şehir Hatları) run multiple daily routes from Kabataş to Üsküdar, another major town on the Asian side with its own markets, mosques and waterfront. The route is shorter and quicker than to Kadıköy, making it an efficient crossing for visitors heading to less touristy neighbourhoods or to connect with the M4 metro line on the Asian side.
Tip: Buy tickets using the Istanbul Card (reusable transit card) or contactless credit/debit card at the ticket machine; this is faster than queuing at the counter.
Bosphorus Scenic Routes: Ortaköy and Beyond
Less frequent but highly scenic ferries run north from Kabataş along the Bosphorus, stopping at picturesque villages like Ortaköy, Arnavutköy and Bebek on the European shore, and their Asian counterparts. These are not tourist cruises but working ferries used by locals; they offer a slow, authentic view of the strait's landscape and architecture without the price or crowds of private boat tours.
Tip: Check the Şehir Hatları website (sehirhatlari.istanbul) for schedules before visiting; evening service is limited. The Ortaköy route runs six days a week at 6:20 PM, taking about 15 minutes.
Princes' Islands Day Trip by Ferry
Kabataş is a major departure point for ferries to the Princes' Islands (Adalar) in the Sea of Marmara: Büyükada, Heybeliada and others. The journey takes roughly 1 hour and crosses open water; ferries run year-round, with more frequent service in summer. The islands are a popular day-trip escape with car-free streets, beaches, pine forests and 19th-century architecture.
Tip: Island ferries operate on limited schedules; check times before visiting and allow time to board, as ferries depart when full. Morning departures are preferable to reach the islands when they are quieter.
Connection to Taksim and Istiklal Avenue
The F1 funicular railway links Kabataş directly uphill to Taksim Square and Istiklal Avenue, Istanbul's main pedestrianised shopping and entertainment street. The short journey takes less than 5 minutes, making Kabataş an efficient gateway for visitors staying near or exploring the Taksim district. The descent by funicular at the end of a day also offers a restful journey back to the ferries.
Tip: Buy a day pass (Istanbulkart) that covers both the funicular and all ferries; it is cheaper and more convenient than single tickets.
T1 Tram Connection to Sultanahmet
The T1 historic tram line runs through Kabataş, connecting the terminal to Sultanahmet, Gülhane Park, Eminönü and the Spice Bazaar further west, and to Bağcılar district to the west. This is the primary overland route linking the ferry terminal to central Istanbul's main tourist district without needing to walk or take a separate metro transfer.
Tip: Board the tram from the stop directly adjacent to the ferry terminal entrance. The T1 runs at 10–15 minute intervals; direction is clearly marked at the stop.
Atmosphere
Kabataş Ferry Terminal is a working transport hub with constant motion. In the morning and early evening, the ticket hall and piers fill with commuters—office workers, students, elderly locals—checking phones and boarding ferries with practiced ease. Outside these rush hours, the atmosphere becomes calmer, allowing space to watch the water, ferries manoeuvering, and the distant Asian shore.
The terminal building is modern and functional: fluorescent-lit, with queues at ticket windows and electronic departure boards. The rooftop parkland, by contrast, feels quieter and more atmospheric, with wind from the strait and views over water and distant hills. The smell of salt water and diesel fuel is constant. Evening light across the Bosphorus can be beautiful if crowds are light.
Nearby, the energy of Taksim and Istiklal Avenue contrasts sharply with the ferry terminal’s purposeful efficiency. Walking uphill to the funicular, the commercial noise fades and the waterfront becomes primary.
History of Kabataş Ferry Terminal
The Kabataş Ferry Terminal site has served ferries for generations, but the modern terminal building dates to recent renovation. The facilities were comprehensively rebuilt and reopened in 2019, creating contemporary waiting areas, ticket systems and a 708-square-meter enclosed passenger area designed for Istanbul’s heavy daily commuter ferry traffic.
The renovation transformed Kabataş into a unified modern transport interchange, integrating the existing F1 funicular terminus (opened 2006) and T1 tram stop (extended to Kabataş in 2006) into a coherent pedestrian experience. Before 2019, the terminal was fragmented and outdated, with ferry operations less organized. The new building raised passenger comfort and efficiency to meet the volume of daily use.
In 2024, a new public square opened at Kabataş, providing additional outdoor gathering space alongside the ferry piers. The rooftop parkland on the terminal building, created from the structure’s sloped roof, became a secondary public viewpoint over the Bosphorus.
The Istanbul Bosphorus Museum, opened within the terminal building’s second floor, represents a shift in how Istanbul documents its maritime and geographic identity. Rather than a traditional artifact-focused museum, it uses photography, maps, art and prints to explore the Bosphorus as a historical place and cultural boundary.
Kabataş remains an evolving transport hub. An underground M7 metro station has been under construction at Kabataş for several years, expected to open around 2028, which will further integrate the site with the city’s rapid transit network.
Tickets and Payment at Kabataş Ferry Terminal
Ferry tickets are purchased at the terminal ticket windows or from automated machines near the boarding gates. Most services accept the reusable Istanbulkart (Istanbul transit card) or contactless credit and debit cards. Tickets can also be purchased in advance via the official Şehir Hatları website (sehirhatlari.istanbul) for some routes, though walk-up purchase is the norm for commuter ferries.
Payment methods: Istanbul Card (available at machines in the terminal), contactless credit/debit cards, or cash at ticket counters. The Istanbul Card offers a small discount compared to single tickets and is required for unlimited daily passes.
Ticket categories: Most ferries offer single-journey tickets for foreign adults; children and Turkish citizens have different rates and discounts. Rates for specific categories and concessions change frequently and are detailed on the official Şehir Hatları website.
Booking in advance: Commuter ferries do not require advance booking; buy tickets on arrival. Princes’ Islands ferries have higher summer demand; arriving early during peak season (July–August) is recommended to secure a space, though same-day purchase is normally possible.
Entry: No separate terminal entry fee. Ferries depart from piers inside the secured boarding area; present your paid ticket to staff before boarding. Security is minimal; bag checks are rare.
For all ticket categories, current rates, schedules and special offers, visit the official Şehir Hatları website (sehirhatlari.istanbul) or ask at the terminal ticket counter. Rates for Turkish citizens and concessions differ significantly from international visitor rates.
How to Get to Kabataş Ferry Terminal
By Funicular F1: Take the funicular from Taksim Square downhill to Kabataş. The journey takes 5 minutes and puts you directly at the terminal entrance. Funiculars run 6:00 AM–12:30 AM every 5–10 minutes.
By T1 Tram: The historic T1 tram line runs directly to Kabataş from Sultanahmet (via Gülhane Park and Eminönü), and from Bağcılar to the west. The Kabataş stop is adjacent to the ferry terminal. Journey time from Sultanahmet is roughly 30 minutes; trams run every 10–15 minutes, 6:00 AM–midnight.
By bus: Several İETT city bus routes serve Kabataş (routes 22, 25E, 26, 26A, 26B, 27E, 27SE, 28, 28T, 29C, 29D, 30D, 41E, 43R, 58A, 58N, 58S, 58UL, 62, 63, 70KE). Buses are slower but useful from Beşiktaş or northern districts.
By taxi or car: Kabataş sits on the busy Meclis-i Mebusan Avenue, a main thoroughfare. Taxi meters begin in the moderate range. Limited parking is available but not recommended due to congestion; public transport is faster and more practical.
On foot: From Taksim Square, the funicular is the direct route (5 minutes downhill). From Dolmabahçe Palace, walk downhill to the waterfront (about 10 minutes). From Eminönü (Spice Bazaar area), take the T1 tram rather than walking (the route crosses steep terrain).
Accessibility
The modern Kabataş Ferry Terminal building is fully wheelchair accessible. The main entrance is level and doors are automatic. Elevators provide access to the second floor where the Istanbul Bosphorus Museum is located. The ticket hall and waiting areas have level access throughout.Accessible restrooms are available inside the terminal. Ferry boarding itself presents challenges; some ferries have ramps, while others require small steps. Staff can assist passengers boarding, though it is advisable to alert them in advance if mobility assistance will be needed. The rooftop parkland is accessible by elevator and has level pathways.The T1 tram stop is accessible with low-floor trams. The F1 funicular has accessible cars with space for wheelchairs or mobility devices, though staff assistance may be required. Bus access varies by route; modern buses have ramps, older ones do not.
Food Nearby
The terminal building has a cafe and snack kiosk serving basic Turkish coffee, tea, pastries and simple food. Limited seating indoors and outdoors. Food quality is basic and prices moderate for a transport hub setting.Nearby, within walking distance, the streets around Kabataş and toward Dolmabahçe offer casual kebab and sandwich shops, bakeries and small restaurants. Taksim Square and Istiklal Avenue (accessible via the funicular, 5 minutes uphill) have a dense concentration of cafes, restaurants and international fast-food chains ranging from budget to upscale. Eminönü (15 minutes by tram) has the Spice Bazaar and numerous surrounding restaurants specializing in seafood and Turkish food. For a sit-down meal with views, the Bosphorus waterfront toward Ortaköy (reachable by ferry or by road) has waterfront dining options.
What to Bring
Comfortable walking shoes are essential, as Kabataş involves stairs between street level and ferry piers (staff and elevators assist, but some routes require small steps). A light jacket or windbreaker is practical—wind off the Bosphorus can be cool even on warm days, particularly on ferries. In summer, sunscreen and a hat protect against strong UV reflection from water. In winter, warm layers and waterproof clothing are necessary as spray from the Bosphorus can soak passengers on exposed decks.An Istanbul Card (transit card) eliminates queues at the terminal ticket machines. Small bags are best—ferries are crowded and large luggage complicates boarding. Cameras and phones are permitted; no restrictions on photography exist at the terminal.
Photography Rules
No restrictions on photography at Kabataş Ferry Terminal. The rooftop parkland and waiting areas allow pictures freely. Drones are not permitted in the terminal building or immediately over the busy Bosphorus waterway due to port regulations and safety. Tripods may be used in the rooftop parkland and waiting areas but should not obstruct passenger flow. Flash photography is not restricted but is unnecessary indoors. Many passengers photograph the ferries themselves and the Bosphorus views; this is normal and permitted.
Family Suitability
Kabataş Ferry Terminal is family-friendly and suitable for visitors with children. The modern building is clean and has restrooms and childcare facilities. Ferries are an exciting experience for children, especially the Princes' Islands route (about 1 hour, suitable for ages 4+) and the Bosphorus scenic routes. Crowding during rush hours may stress very young children or those in strollers; mid-morning or early afternoon is preferable.Stroller access is possible but challenging due to boarding steps on some ferries; assistance is available from staff. The rooftop parkland is a quiet place for children to move and watch ferries passing. Ferries have outdoor decks where children can stand and see the water (with adult supervision—railings are present but care is needed). Food options are basic, so bringing snacks is advisable. The Princes' Islands and Bosphorus ferries are well-suited to a half-day family outing.
Istanbul Vibes Tips
- Avoid morning commuter rush (7:00–9:30 AM, weekdays) and evening rush (4:30–7:30 PM) if you prefer a relaxed experience. Ferries are infrequent before 6 AM and after 11:30 PM, so plan accordingly.
- Buy or top up an Istanbul Card before your first ferry ride. It saves time at ticket machines, offers a small discount over single tickets, and works on the funicular, tram and all ferries from one card.
- Check Kadıköy ferry schedules in advance if you plan a Sunday morning crossing. This route does not depart before noon on Sundays, requiring alternative ferries (Kadıköy–Karaköy–Eminönü or Kadıköy–Beşiktaş) if an earlier crossing is needed.
- Visit the rooftop parkland during late afternoon or early evening for the best light and smaller crowds. The views improve as the sun lowers and the Bosphorus glows.
- For Princes' Islands ferries in summer (July–August), arrive at least 30 minutes before departure, as ferries fill up. Schedules vary by season; confirm departure times on sehirhatlari.istanbul before visiting.
- Ask staff at the ticket counter if you need guidance on which ferry is best for your destination; staff speak basic English and are helpful with first-time visitors unfamiliar with Istanbul's many ferry routes.
Explore Nearby Kabataş Ferry Terminal
Metro stations near Kabataş Ferry Terminal
Kabataş – about 200 m away (~3 min walk)Open daily 06:15–00:00Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Fındıklı-Mimar Sinan Üniversitesi – about 400 m away (~7 min walk)Open daily 06:00–00:00Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Sights near Kabataş Ferry Terminal
Dolmabahce Palace – about 950 m away (~16 min walk) · typical visit: 2–3 hours15 min on foot from Kabataş metro, Open 09:00–18:00, closed MonMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Galata Tower – about 1.8 km away (~30 min walk) · typical visit: 1–2 hours4 min on foot from Şişhane metro, Open daily 08:30–23:00Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Galata Bridge – about 2.3 km away · typical visit: 30 minutes to 1 hour10 min on foot from Haliç metro, Open 24 hoursMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Taksim Square · typical visit: 30 minutes to 1 hour, or longer with İstiklal AvenueMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University – about 500 m away (~8 min walk) · typical visit: 1–2 hours2 min on foot from Fındıklı-Mimar Sinan Üniversitesi metroMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Train stations and river piers near Kabataş Ferry Terminal
Beşiktaş Ferry Terminalabout 1.2 km away (~19 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Karaköy Ferry Terminalabout 1.9 km away (~31 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Üsküdar Ferry Terminalabout 1.9 km away (~31 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Restaurants and cafes near Kabataş Ferry Terminal
Ayaspaşa Russian Restaurant – about 500 m away (~8 min walk)5 min on foot from Kabataş metro, Open daily 12:30–23:30Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Jash Istanbul – about 650 m away (~11 min walk)4 min on foot from Fındıklı-Mimar Sinan Üniversitesi metro, Open daily 12:00–02:00Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Van Kahvalti Evi – about 700 m away (~11 min walk)6 min on foot from Fındıklı-Mimar Sinan Üniversitesi metro, Open daily 08:00–17:00Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Susam Cafe – about 750 m away (~12 min walk)6 min on foot from Fındıklı-Mimar Sinan Üniversitesi metro, Open daily 10:00–02:00Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Events and traditions near Kabataş Ferry Terminal
Istanbul Music Festivalabout 1.7 km away (~27 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
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FAQ: Kabataş Ferry Terminal
Which ferry should I take if I want to go to the Asian side?
Two main options: Kadıköy (20 minutes, every 30 minutes, Kadıköy is larger and touristy) or Üsküdar (10 minutes, hourly, smaller and less touristy). Both use the same ticket format and Istanbul Card. The Kadıköy ferry offers better views of the open Bosphorus; the Üsküdar ferry is shorter and connects to the M4 metro line. First-time visitors usually prefer Kadıköy.
Can I use my Istanbul Card on ferries?
Yes. The Istanbul Card (reusable transit card purchased at the terminal or from other vendors) works on all ferries, the funicular and trams. Buy or top up your card at automated Biletmatik machines in the terminal before boarding. It is cheaper than single tickets and faster than queuing at the counter.
How early should I arrive before my ferry?
For commuter ferries (Kadıköy, Üsküdar), arrival 10 minutes before departure is sufficient; ferries run frequently and you can catch the next one if you miss. For Princes' Islands ferries in summer, arrive 30 minutes early as these fill up. Ticket purchase takes 2–5 minutes at a machine.
Is there a ferry to the Princes' Islands from Kabataş?
Yes. Dentur Avrasya and Şehir Hatları operate daily ferries from Kabataş to Büyükada and other islands in the Sea of Marmara. Journey time is about 1 hour. Service is frequent in summer (May–September) and reduced in winter. Check sehirhatlari.istanbul for the current schedule before visiting.
Can I see the Istanbul Bosphorus Museum without buying a ferry ticket?
Yes. The Istanbul Bosphorus Museum is on the second floor of the terminal building and is free to enter. Use the dedicated entrance inside the terminal (ask staff to direct you); no ticket purchase is required. Plan 45–60 minutes for a visit.
What payment methods do ferries accept?
Istanbul Card (transit card), contactless credit and debit cards, and cash at the ticket counter. Machines accept cards; not all accept cash. Having a card loaded with credit is fastest and most practical, especially during busy times.
Is there a ferry from Kabataş that goes north along the Bosphorus?
Yes, Şehir Hatları operates scenic routes to villages like Ortaköy, Arnavutköy and Bebek. Service is limited—typically 1–2 evening departures per day (6–7 PM). These are working ferries used by locals, not tourism cruises. Check the schedule on sehirhatlari.istanbul before visiting.
When should I avoid Kabataş?
Avoid morning commuter hours (7:00–9:30 AM, weekdays) and evening rush (4:30–7:30 PM) if you prefer smaller crowds. The terminal is most pleasant mid-morning (9:30 AM–noon) or early afternoon (1:00–4:00 PM). Ferries run infrequently after 11:30 PM.
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