The Istanbul ferry network is integral to the city’s public transportation system, connecting various districts across its European and Asian shores. The primary operator, Şehir Hatları, manages numerous lines, including the Golden Horn Line (Haliç Hattı) and Bosphorus Line (Boğaz Hattı). Both are regular commuter services and at the equivalent of approximately €1.00 per journey, undoubtedly provide Istanbul’s best value-for-money tourist experiences.
These voyages are less frequent than the cross-Bosphorus Istanbul ferry lines and require some advanced planning, but they offer the most spectacular panoramic views of Istanbul’s historic sites and waterfronts. Here at LikeTürkiye.com, we have tried to simplify some of the complications of the Istanbul ferry network and give some tips on how to get the best of Istanbul within a small budget.
Istanbul Ferry – Table of Contents
Golden Horn – Istanbul Ferry Lines
Traveling along the Golden Horn Line offers passengers picturesque views of Istanbul’s historic and cultural landmarks. Notable sights between the Haliç, Atatürk and Galata Bridges include the northern end of the restored Feshane ArtIstanbul, the Byzantine Theodosian Walls, the Rahmi M. Koç Transport Museum, the colourful houses of the Balat and Fener neighborhoods, the imposing redbrick Greek Orthodox High School, the ornate iron-built Sveti Stefan Bulgarian Orthodox Church, the Tersane Ottoman shipyards (now event halls), Divanhane (old navy ministry building), the Haliç Shipyards, Galata Tower, the Egytian Spice Bazaar, Suleymaniye Mosque and multitude of other historic mosques that pierce the skyline, and the many parks that line the shore.
There are three distinct lines operated by Şehir Hatları on the Golden Horn: The (i) Eyüpsultan to Üsküdar line, also known as the Golden Horn Line, and the (ii) Eyüpsultan to Kadıköy Line, both of which operate reasobaly frequently (each approx every hour) during the day on weekdays and weekends. The (iii) Eyüpsultan to Beşiktaş Line is more of a commuter line with morning services each way during the week and some early evening services seven days a week.
Golden Horn Line (Haliç Hattı)
Ferry Terminal Google Map Key Locations: Eyüpsultan İskelesi – Karaköy İskelesi – Üsküdar İskelesi
The Golden Horn Line (Haliç Hattı) is an Istanbul ferry service connecting several key neighborhoods along the Golden Horn estuary and before crossing the Bosphorus. Managed by Şehir Hatları, the line operates daily with departures from Eyüpsultan (northwest end) or the reverse journey from Üsküdar (Asia), both starting at 07:30 and continuing until 19:45, with ferries running approximately every hour. On Sundays and public holidays, services begin later, around 10:30, and include an additional departure at 20:45. The ferry route includes stops at Eyüp (Eyüpsultan), Sütlüce, Ayvansaray, Hasköy, Balat, Fener, Kasımpaşa, Karaköy, and Üsküdar, totaling nine stations. The Golden Horn journey from Eyüpsultan to Karaköy takes approximately 40 minutes. The entire trip to Üsküdar takes approximately 55 minutes.
Eyüpsultan to Kadıköy Line
Ferry Terminal Google Map Key Locations: Eyüpsultan İskelesi – Kasımpaşa İskelesi – Kadıköy İskelesi
Like the Golden Horn Line, the Eyüpsultan to Kadıköy Line ferry service connects key neighborhoods along the Golden Horn estuary and before crossing the Bosphorus. However, it is faster as it misses three of the stops on the European side. The line operates daily with departures from Eyüpsultan (northwest end) or the reverse journey from Kadıköy (Asia), both starting at approximately 07:00 and continuing until approximately 20:00, with ferries running roughly every hour.
On Sundays and public holidays, services begin later, around 09:00, with the final departures at around 19:00. The ferry route includes stops at Eyüp (Eyüpsultan), Sütlüce, Hasköy, Fener, Kasımpaşa, and Kadıköy, totaling six stations. The Golden Horn journey from Eyüpsultan to Kasımpaşa takes approximately 25 minutes. The entire trip to Kadıköy takes approximately 50 minutes.
Bosphorus – Istanbul Ferry Lines
Traveling along the Bosphorus Line offers passengers panoramic views of the tapestry of Istanbul’s rich historical and cultural landmarks. As the ferry departs from Eminönü, travelers can admire the silhouettes of Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Blue Mosque. Further along, the journey provides views of Galataport, the Dolmabahçe Palace, Beşiktaş football stadium, Çırağan Palace, Galatasaray University, and the 15 Temmuz Şehitler and Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridges. Approaching the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, passengers can see the Rumelian Fortress on the European side and the Anadolu Fortress on the Asian side; the landmark structures guard the narrowest point (750 metres wide) of the Bosphorus.
As the ferry sails northward, passengers can enjoy views of the hillsides that line the strait, dotted with traditional wooden yalis (waterside mansions). Along the European shore are the charming districts such as Bebek, Arnavutköy, Emirgan and Sarıyer, known for their vibrant cafés and historic architecture. On the Asian side, notable sights include the Beylerbeyi Palace and the picturesque neighbourhoods of Kanlıca and Anadolu Kavağı, a charming fishing village near the Black Sea entrance.
Approaching Rumeli Kavağı, the landscape becomes increasingly lush and tranquil, culminating in the sight of the medieval Rumeli Kavağı Fortress, a former military post with panoramic views toward the Black Sea. This final stretch of the Bosphorus offers a more pastoral and lesser-seen side of Istanbul, ideal for relaxing and taking in the natural and cultural heritage of the city.
Eminönü to Rumeli Kavağı Line
Ferry Terminal Google Map Key Locations: Eminönü İskelesi – Sarıyer İskelesi – Rumeli Kavağı İskelesi
For tourists, the most convenient and best value for money Bosphorus ferry is the Eminönü to Rumeli Kavağı ferry line, operated by Şehir Hatları. The reasonably frequent daily services connect central historical Istanbul to the northern part of the European Bosphorus. As of Spring 2025, departures from Eminönü begin at 09:35 daily (including weekends), with 11 subsequent sailings approximately hourly (40 minutes to 80 minutes apart) until 20:20.
The return trips from Rumeli Kavağı start at 07:20, with subsequent sailings approximately hourly (40 minutes to 80 minutes apart). Note that four of the sailings terminate/start at Sarıyer. The complete journey covers ten stops: Eminönü, Beşiktaş, Ortaköy, Arnavutköy, Bebek, Emirgan, İstinye, Büyükdere, Sarıyer, and Rumeli Kavağı. The total travel time from Eminönü to Rumeli Kavağı is approximately 100 minutes each way.
Üsküdar to Anadolu Kavağı Line
Ferry Terminal Google Map Key Locations: Üsküdar İskelesi – Beykoz İskelesi – Anadolu Kavağı İskelesi
A reasonably frequent Bosphorus route that skips along the Asian shoreline is the Üsküdar to Anadolu Kavağı ferry line. As of Spring 2025, Üsküdar departures begin at 11:35 daily (including weekends), with seven subsequent sailings approximately hourly and bi-hourly (50 minutes to 130 minutes apart) until 19:10. Three of the sailings go the full distance to Anadolu Kavağı while five terminate at Beykoz.
The return trips from Anadolu Kavağı & Beykoz are split between early morning commuter journeys and mid-afternoon sailings until 16:00 from Anadolu Kavağı and 17:45 from Beykoz. The complete journey covers nine stops: Üsküdar, Beylerbeyi, Çengelköy, Anadolu Hisarı, Kanlıca, Çubuklu, Paşabahçe, Beykoz, and Anadolu Kavağı. The total travel time from Üsküdar to Beykoz and Anadolu Kavağı is approximately 85 and 100 minutes, respectively, each way. The Üsküdar to Anadolu Kavağı Line is particularly interesting for tourists who want to combine the Golden Horn and Bosphorus routes – see below “Combining The Golden Horn & Bosphorus”.
Bosphorus Line (Boğaz Hattı)
Ferry Terminal Google Map Key Locations: Eminönü İskelesi – Kabataş İskelesi – Beykoz İskelesi – Anadolu Kavağı İskelesi
The Bosphorus Line (Boğaz Hattı) is a set of early-morning (south towards centre) and early-evening (north towards Black Sea) commuter ferry services that traverse the Bosphorus Strait, connecting various districts along its European and Asian shores. Operated by Şehir Hatları, the Boğaz Hattı line departs from Eminönü or Kabataş and concludes in Beykoz or Anadolu Kavağı. It includes stops at key locations such as Beşiktaş, Üsküdar, Kanlıca, and Sarıyer, before reaching its final destination at Beykoz or Anadolu Kavağı. The whole journey comprises approximately 23 stations and takes just under two hours from start to finish. This line’s ferry only operates the full distance of the route once daily, but has four sailings to Beyoz on weekdays.
Cross Bosphorus Ferries
The cross-Bosphorus Istanbul ferry network is a convenient and enjoyable way to travel between Europe and Asia, especially for those staying on the European side to see the vibrant Kadıköy district in Asia, or anyone staying on the Asian side looking to see the historical sites. Ferries frequently crisscross on the Eminönü–Karaköy(Europe)–Kadıköy(Asia) line, the Eminönü–Karaköy(Europe)—Üsküdar(Asia) line, the Beşiktaş(Europe)—Kadıköy(Asia) line, or Kabataş(Europe)—Üsküdar(Asia). These cross-Bosphorus ferries typically operate every 15 to 30 minutes during peak hours. On Friday night (Saturday morning) and Saturday night (Sunday morning) between 00:15 and 05:30, eight overnight boats operate between Beşiktaş and Kadıköy, the last four of those boats also stop in Karaköy.
| Europe | Asia | Daily (MTWTF/S/S) | Duration (minutes) | Frequency (every minutes) | First (sailing) | Last (sailing) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Karaköy1 | Kadıköy | 33/30 | 15 | 15 | 07:20 | 01:00 |
| Eminönü + Karaköy | Üsküdar | 28/26 | 20 | 20 | 07:20 | 01:002 |
| Kabataş | Üsküdar | 32/26/18 | 30 | 30 | 07:10 | 21:15 |
| Ortaköy | Üsküdar3 | 7 | 20 | irregular | 08:054 | 18:454 |
| Sarıyer | Beykoz | 22/20 | tbc | irregular | 06:455 | 20:305 |
| Yeniköy | Beykoz | |||||
| Beşiktaş | Küçüksu | 3/0 | tbc | irregular | 07:55 | 19:55 |
| İstinye | Küçüksu | 7/0 | tbc | irregular | 07:15 | 19:35 |
| Aşiyan | Üsküdar | 20/20 | tbc | 30-60 | 07:20 | 21:00 |
| Aşiyan | A. Hisarı | 34 | 10 | 15-30 | 06:55 | 21:30 |
Bosphorus Boat Tours
Companies, including Şehir Hatları, Turyol, and private tour operators, organise Bosphorus boat tours. These tours typically depart from central locations such as Eminönü, Kabataş, Beşkitaş, and Üsküdar, which are easily accessible via public transportation. The tours offer different durations and experiences, from short 90-minute sightseeing cruises to full-day excursions. For instance, Turyol offers a 90-minute tour that departs hourly during the high season, providing a quick overview of the Bosphorus’ main sights.
The routes of these tours vary depending on the duration and operator. Short tours often cover key landmarks such as Dolmabahçe Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, and Rumeli Fortress, offering passengers a glimpse of Istanbul’s rich history and architecture. Longer tours may extend to areas like Anadolu Kavağı, allowing for stops at local villages and exploring Ottoman-era fortresses. Some tours also include live commentary, providing historical context and interesting facts about the sights along the Bosphorus.
In addition to sightseeing cruises, there are also themed tours such as lunch and dinner cruises. Lunch cruises typically start between 9:30 and 12:30 and last two to five hours, while dinner cruises usually begin between 8:30 and 9:00 and last around three hours. These cruises often feature onboard dining, live music, and traditional performances, providing a unique way to experience Istanbul’s culture and cuisine while enjoying the scenic views of the Bosphorus.
Combining The Golden Horn & Bosphorus
The Istanbul ferry network allows you to experience Istanbul from its waterways for a full day (7.5 hours—9.5 hours) on a small budget. Based on the current 2024/5 winter schedule (until 22 June 2025), the suggested timetable below is feasible. With an Istanbulkart, as of April 2025, these four connecting journeys would be the Turkish Lira equivalent of between €4.00 and €5.00 per person for the entire Golden Horn and Bosphorus journey.
| Start | Finish | Departure | Arrival | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Finish | Duration | |||
| Eyüpsultan | Üsküdar | 10:30 or 11:30 | 11:25 or 12:25 | 55 minutes |
| Üsküdar lunch rest | 140/80 minutes | |||
| Üsküdar | Anadolu Kavağı | 13:45 | 15:25 | 100 minutes |
| Explore Anadolu Kavağı | 150 minutes | |||
| Anadolu Kavağı | Rumeli Kavağı | 17:15 | 17:25 | 10 minutes |
| Explore Rumeli Kavağı | 65 minutes | |||
| Rumeli Kavağı | Eminönü | 18:30 | 20:10 | 100 minutes |
| or disembark Besiktaş | 19:55 | 85 minutes |
Note that all times are indicative and based on the official 2024/25 winter timetable produced by Şehir Hatları, valid until 22 June 2025. While these times are valid for both weekdays and weekends, they are subject to change due to weather and may not apply to certain public holidays.
Facilities Onboard Istanbul Ferry Services
Istanbul’s ferries are equipped with amenities to enhance passenger comfort onboard. Most vessels feature kiosks serving traditional Turkish tea, snacks, and other refreshments. Some journeys are accompanied by live music from local street musicians, adding a cultural touch to the commute. The ferries are designed to accommodate daily commuters and tourists, offering spacious seating and open decks for unobstructed views of Istanbul’s skyline and maritime landscape. Private companies like TurYol and Dentur Avrasya also provide services like Bosphorus cruises and connections to the Princes’ Islands.
Istanbul Ferry Tickets
Istanbulkart, the city’s public transportation card, is the primary payment method. This card can be purchased at kiosks, vending machines, or metro stations and recharged. Once you have an Istanbulkart, tap it at the turnstiles or card readers at ferry terminals to board the ferry; there’s no need for a paper ticket. The system automatically deducts the appropriate fare based on the route, and transfers between other public transport (metro, tram, bus) within a specific time are discounted. If you don’t have an Istanbulkart, you can purchase single-use tickets at ticket counters or machines at major ferry terminals such as Eminönü, Kadıköy, or Üsküdar.
As of April 2025, the price of a single journey (except to Prince’s Islands) is the Turkish Lira equivalent of between €0.70 and €1.05, depending on the maximum length of the boat’s route. Subsequent transfers made within 120 minutes of the original tap are discounted at 40-60%. Night (00:30-05:30) ferries are charged double the standard price. The Prince’s Island ferry price in April 2025 was the Turkish Lira equivalent of €2.05.
As with most other Istanbul public transport, you may be eligible for a partial fare refund if you disembark before completing the whole route on specific Şehir Hatları ferry lines. This system applies to specific lines with distance-based pricing. To receive a refund, you need to tap your Istanbulkart on the refund machines (iade cihazı) located at the pier’s exit when you disembark. The system calculates the unused portion of your journey and credits the difference to your card if you disembark within 120 minutes of your initial boarding.
The Istanbulkart can also be used on Turyol ferries and with other private ferry operators like Dentur Avrasya. This makes travelling across Istanbul’s waterways easy without needing separate tickets for different ferry services. While the Istanbulkart is accepted, the fare rates on private ferries like Turyol may differ slightly from those on municipal Şehir Hatları ferries.
Ferry Timetables
Each operator in Istanbul ferry ports, including Şehir Hatları, typically has electronic boards displaying the upcoming sailing departure times and destinations. However, note that several piers can handle different operators and destinations in large ports such as Eminönü and Karaköy.
The best source for checking ferries in real time is Google Maps. Click on the respective port icon to open the sidebar listing of upcoming daily sailings. Note that, as shown below, for the Beşiktaş port, there can be more than one icon listing departure piers.
Small booklets with current timetables are usually available at Tourist Information Centres, in the pier waiting rooms, and on the boats. The same information is available online, and the booklet can be downloaded as a .pdf file. Note, however, that the timetable is somewhat confusing. The format of the tables varies, and there appears to be little logic in the sections and orders of the timetables.
Istanbul Sea Taxi
The Şehir Hatları Sea Taxi (İBB Deniz Taksi) is a flexible, on-demand maritime transport service operated by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality. Designed to alleviate road traffic and provide efficient travel across the city’s waterways, these modern sea taxis are for up to 10 passengers. They operate 24/7 and can be booked at short notice (if available) and up to 5 days in advance via the İBB Deniz Taksi mobile app, available for Android and iOS devices. Users can select their departure and arrival piers through the app, schedule their journey, and track the taxi in real time. The service operates between various piers along the Bosphorus and the Sea of Marmara, offering private and shared ride options.
Fares for the Sea Taxi are calculated based on distance (in miles, not km) using a taximeter model. As of the pricing in April 2025, the fares are the Turkish Lira equivalent of: Opening fare €10, which includes the first mile. Subsequent distances are charged at €7.50 per mile for 1–4 miles, €6.00 per mile for 4–8 miles, and €5.00 per mile beyond 8 miles. Payments are made exclusively through the app using registered credit or debit cards; cash payments are not accepted.