Getting there · By sea
Princes' Islands Ferry from Istanbul: Schedule & Tickets
Public ferries reach the Princes' Islands from four Istanbul piers. Here's the full rundown of schedules, ticket prices, crossing times and how to board.
Almost everyone reaches the Princes’ Islands the same way Istanbulites have for generations — by ferry. Public boats run by Şehir Hatları and İDO cross the Sea of Marmara from four city piers, and the ride, threading past the skyline and out to the pine-clad islands, is one of the best-value experiences in Istanbul.
Where the ferry leaves from
There are four departure piers, two on each side of the Bosphorus. Which one you choose depends mostly on where you’re staying — and how quick a crossing you want.
Tickets and the 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 — there are no assigned seats. As of July 2026 a single crossing costs about 151 TL on a full-fare Istanbulkart, which still makes the islands one of the cheapest days out in the city.
Ferry schedule and timetable
Şehir Hatları boats run from early morning until around midnight, with the first sailing from Kabataş at 06:45 (07:30 on Sundays) and the last city departures between 23:30 and 00:05. The full first-and-last table is below. Timetables change seasonally, so check the official Şehir Hatları Kabataş–Islands timetable (including its PDF) on the day of travel. İDO also runs faster sea-bus services; see ido.com.tr. On summer weekends, arrive early — the popular late-morning sailings to Büyükada fill up fast.
Şehir Hatları · checked 7 October 2026
Ferry timetable at a glance
First and last public ferry departures to the Princes' Islands from each city pier. Kabataş ferries reach Büyükada from 08:30 (Mon–Sat) or 09:15 (Sun); the last Büyükada arrival is around 01:15.
| Pier | Mon–Sat first / last | Sun & holidays first / last |
|---|---|---|
| Kabataş | 06:45 / 23:30 | 07:30 / 23:30 |
| Kadıköy | 07:10 / 23:55 | 07:55 / 23:55 |
| Bostancı | 09:05 / 00:05 | 09:50 / 00:05 |
| Eminönü | 19:05 (single sailing) | 19:05 (single sailing) |
Fares are doubled on sailings between 00:30 and 05:30. Times change seasonally — confirm on the official Şehir Hatları timetable.
Departure piers
Ferry routes from Istanbul
Approximate fast-ferry times to Büyükada, the last and largest stop. Nearer islands are quicker.
| Pier | Side | To Büyükada | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kabataş | European | ~55 min | The main departure point on the European side, connected to the T1 tram and the funicular from Taksim. |
| Eminönü | European | ~75 min | Historic quay near the Old City (Sultanahmet), a scenic but slightly longer sailing. |
| Kadıköy | Asian | ~45 min | The busiest Asian-side departure, well connected by metro, Marmaray and bus. |
| Bostancı | Asian | ~35 min | The closest Asian-side pier to the islands and often the fastest crossing. |
On board
The island stops, in order
The ferry calls at the islands in sequence — handy if you plan to island-hop.
| Stop | Island | Character |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kınalıada | Closest to the city; easy beaches |
| 2 | Burgazada | Quiet and local; sunset cliffs |
| 3 | Heybeliada | Pine forest and swimming |
| 4 | Büyükada | Largest and most visited |
Ferry FAQ
How much does the Princes' Islands ferry cost?+
As of July 2026, a single Şehir Hatları island ferry crossing costs about 151 TL on a full-fare Istanbulkart, or about 91 TL with an Adakart (the islands residents' card). Fares on sailings between 00:30 and 05:30 are doubled. Private tour boats and cruises cost considerably more but include extras like guiding and island-hopping.
What is the Princes' Islands ferry timetable?+
On the Şehir Hatları Kabataş–Islands line, the first ferry leaves Kabataş at 06:45 Monday to Saturday (07:30 on Sundays and holidays) and the last at 23:30. From Kadıköy the first sailing is 07:10 (Sunday 07:55) and the last 23:55; from Bostancı the first is 09:05 (Sunday 09:50) and the last 00:05. Eminönü has a single evening sailing at 19:05. Times were checked on 7 October 2026 and change seasonally, so confirm on the official Şehir Hatları timetable before travelling.
When is the last ferry back from the Princes' Islands to Istanbul?+
The return time depends on the season, the island and the pier you are heading to, and Şehir Hatları publishes it in the timetable PDF on its Kabataş–Islands page rather than as a separate table. Check that PDF for the day you travel, and aim to be at the pier well before the last listed sailing, especially on summer weekends when the evening boats are crowded.
Where does the ferry to the Princes' Islands leave from?+
Ferries depart from four main piers: Kabataş and Eminönü on the European side, and Kadıköy and Bostancı on the Asian side. Bostancı offers the fastest crossing to the islands.
Do I need to book Princes' Islands 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.
How long is the ferry to the Princes' Islands?+
It depends on the pier. The quickest crossing, from Bostancı, reaches the first island in about 35 minutes; from Kabataş, Büyükada is roughly 55 minutes; and the scenic route from Eminönü takes around 75 minutes.
Prefer a guided boat instead?
If you'd rather skip the logistics, compare organised day tours and private cruises that include the crossing, guiding and island time.
Compare tours & cruisesKeep exploring
Getting There
Every way to get to the Princes' Islands from Istanbul — public ferry, fast sea bus and private boat — with piers, journey times and simple directions.
Read more
Day Trip
A ready-made Princes' Islands day trip itinerary from Istanbul — when to leave, which island to pick, what to do hour by hour and timing the ferry home.
Read more
Büyükada
Everything to know about Büyükada, the largest Princes' Island near Istanbul — the ferry, the Aya Yorgi climb, mansions, bikes, beaches and things to do.
Read more