One of the first addresses for those who want to get away from the crowds of Istanbul and spend a day in touch with nature is the Islands. Known for their fascinating stops such as Büyükada, Heybeliada, Burgazada and Kınalıada, these islands are flooded with visitors at all times of the year.
If you are wondering how Istanbul Islands transportation will be in 2024, we offer you the most up-to-date and practical transportation options in this guide. For those who are just a few hours away from the city but want to step into a completely different world, this article will be the first step of your journey to Istanbul Islands.
Transportation Methods from Istanbul to the Islands
One of the unique beauties of Istanbul, the Islands are a popular getaway for both city dwellers and tourists. There are various ways to reach the Islands, and each offers a different experience. Here are the transportation alternatives from Istanbul to the Islands in 2024:
1. Ferry
The ferry is the most classic and nostalgic way to get to the Islands. For those wondering how to get to the Islands by ferry, the city lines ferries departing from different districts of Istanbul make regular trips to Büyükada, Heybeliada, Burgazada and Kınalıada. Ferries departing from Eminönü, Kadıköy, Bostancı and Kabataş offer fascinating views of the Bosphorus and the Sea of Marmara during the journey. The ferry trips last about 1-2 hours, giving passengers the opportunity to enjoy the sea.
2. Ferry
The charming Islands of Istanbul are peaceful getaways that can be reached by a short boat trip from the city. One of the most popular and enjoyable ways to reach the Islands is by ferry. Both traditional ferries that offer a nostalgic experience and fast and comfortable ferries regularly operate from various points in Istanbul to the Islands.
3. Engines
The motorboats to the Islands are another popular way to get to the Islands. The private motorboats, especially those departing from Kabataş, Beşiktaş and Kadıköy, provide a faster and more flexible way to get to the Islands. The motorboats are smaller and faster than ferries and sea buses, which makes them especially attractive for those who want to beat the rush on weekends. The motorboats usually run from early morning until late at night, making it possible to reach the Islands at any time of the day.
4. Private Boats
For those looking for a more private and personal experience, the Islands with a private boat is a great option. You can rent private boats from many marinas and ports in Istanbul to reach the Islands. This method is ideal for those looking for a quieter sea journey away from the crowds. A journey with a private boat allows you to spend a unique day with your loved ones. In addition, renting a boat is a great alternative for special events, birthdays or romantic getaways.
2024 Current Ferry Services and Fare Information
The ferry times and fares of the ferries, one of the indispensable means of transportation in Istanbul, may change throughout the year. Especially in the summer months, due to the increasing demand for tourism and weather conditions, there may be changes in the frequency of the trips and routes. Here are some of the ferry services and schedules for the Islands:
1. City Lines Ferries
City Lines ferries, which organize ferry services to the Islands, depart from various piers in Istanbul and go to the Islands (Büyükada, Heybeliada, Burgazada, Kınalıada). These piers include Kabataş, Kadıköy, Bostancı, Beşiktaş, Eminönü and Maltepe. It can generally be said that it is the most frequent and most affordable option to go to the Islands.
City Lines Travel Lines and Departure Times:
- Kabatas Departure : 06:45, 08:00, 09:00, 10:05, 11:05, 12:00, 14:00, 16:30, 17:35, 18:25, 18:50, 19:20, 19:40, 21:40, 23:30
- Kabataş Departure (Sundays and public holidays) : 07:30, 08:30, 09:05, 10:05, 11:05, 12:05, 14:00, 16:30, 17:35, 18:25, 18:50, 19:20, 19:40, 21:40, 23:30
- Kadikoy Departure : 07:10, 08:25, 09:25, 10:30, 11:30, 12:25, 14:25, 16:55, 18:00, 19:25, 20:05, 22:05, 23:55
- Kadıköy Departure (Sundays and public holidays ): 07:55, 08:55, 09:30, 10:30, 11:30, 12:30, 14:25, 16:55, 18:00, 19:25, 20:05, 22:05, 23:55
- Bostanci Departure : 07:05, 12:55, 17:55, 20:00
- Bostancı Departure (Sundays and public holidays) : 07:00, 12:55, 17:55, 20:00
- Besiktas Departure : 07:25, 13:00, 15:15, 18:15
- Beşiktaş Departure (Sundays and public holidays) : 08:10, 13:00, 15:15, 18:15
- Eminonu Departure : 19:05
- Eminönü Departure (Sundays and public holidays) : 19:05
Travel times and departure times may change seasonally. You can find up-to-date information on the City Lines website.
City Lines Ticket Prices:
- Full (TL) Without Adakart/With Adakart : 65.47 / 39.26
- Student 30 Years Old (TL) : 58.93
- Student (TL) : 32.74
- Discounted (TL) : 45.82
These prices are direct flights, but prices may vary for connecting flights.
City Lines Transportation Time:
- It takes approximately 1 hour to go to Büyükada by ferries departing from Kadıköy and Kabataş.
- It is possible to reach Büyükada with a journey of approximately 30-45 minutes by ferries departing from Bostancı.
2.Mavi Marmara
Mavi Marmara is a well-established transportation company that organizes ferry services to the Istanbul Islands. It is one of the most popular options for transportation to the islands of Istanbul, famous for their historical and natural beauties. Mavi Marmara organizes services from different points of Istanbul to the Islands. Thus, it offers you the opportunity to choose the most suitable departure point.
Mavi Marmara Voyage Lines and Departure Times:
- Eminonu Departure: 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:15
- Kabatas Departure: 09:45, 10:45, 11:45, 13:00
- Besiktas Departure: 09:30, 10:30, 11:30, 12:45
- Bostanci Departure: 07:10, 08:00, 09:00, 10:00, 10:45, 11:45, 12:40, 13:30, 14:30, 15:15, 15:50, 16:30, 17:15, 17:45, 18:20, 19:00, 19:30, 20:15, 21:00, 22:00, 23:00, 23:45
3.Dentur Eurasia Expeditions
Dentur Avrasya is one of the private sea transportation companies in Istanbul and organizes touristic trips to the Islands. With Dentur Avrasya trips, you can reach the Islands by departing from the piers of Istanbul and make tours covering the whole day.
Dentur Avrasya Flight Lines and Departure Times:
- Eminönü Departure : 09:45, 10:40, 11:40, 12:40, 13:40. (There is also an additional 14:40 departure on weekends.)
- Kadıköy Metro Departure : 10:10, 11:10, 12:10, 13:10, 14:10 (There is also an additional 15:10 service on weekends.)
- Karaköy Departure : 09:45, 10:45, 11:45, 12:45, 13:45, (Extra 14:45 departure on weekends)
Dentur Eurasia Ticket Prices:
- Full (TL) : 80
- Student (TL) : 75
Transportation to the Islands with Private Sea Transportation
If you are looking for a fun and different way to get to the Istanbul Islands, private sea transportation is for you! If you want to get away from the crowds of city line ferries and have a private island adventure, private sea taxis or rental boats can offer you a unique experience. Private sea taxis, rental boats and yachts are among the frequently preferred methods of transportation to the Islands.
Private Water Taxis
It provides direct transportation to the Islands from different points of Istanbul (Kabataş, Kadıköy, Bebek, Yenikapı). Especially during rush hour, water taxis offer a fast transportation alternative.
Water taxis can be customized according to the number of people and their demands. It can be preferred for small groups or families.
Prices vary depending on the distance and the number of people. The cost of transportation from Kabataş to the Islands by sea taxi can be between 600-1500 TL on average. This figure may increase depending on the night tariff or the number of passengers.
Boats and Yachts for Rent
Rental boats and yachts are especially preferred for groups or special events. By renting a yacht, you can have a luxurious journey to the Islands and spend time at sea.
With rental boats, you can not only reach the Islands but also take excursions on the Bosphorus or the Sea of Marmara.
Rental boats are priced on an hourly or daily basis. Prices vary depending on the size of the boat, the level of luxury and the duration of the event. The average hourly rental price can start from 2000 TL.
Advantages of Transportation to the Islands with Private Sea Transportation
- Flexibility : You can depart from any pier at any time you want, regardless of departure times.
- Fast Transportation : Allows you to reach the Islands faster.
- Private Experience: Offers a personal and comfortable journey, avoiding crowded public transport.
Things to Consider When Getting to the Islands
Some important points should be taken into consideration when reaching the Islands, especially during the summer months and holiday periods. Here are the things to consider:
Seasonal Conditions
Summer : Summer is the busiest time to travel to the Islands. Both local and foreign tourists prefer the Islands, which causes serious congestion on ferries and sea buses. On hot summer days, a good strategy is to choose early morning or evening trips to avoid congestion.
During Winter : Ferry services may be less frequent in winter and cancellations may occur due to weather conditions. Wind and rough seas can make transportation difficult during winter months, so it is important to check the sailing times in case the trips are cancelled.
Ticket Purchasing Tips
- Early Booking : It is recommended that you purchase your tickets in advance, especially if you are planning to travel during the summer months and on weekends.
- Mobile Applications : You can easily buy your tickets and track flight times using mobile applications of companies such as Şehir Hatları and Mavi Marmara.
- Discount Opportunities : Discounted ticket options are available for students, elderly and disabled citizens.
- Cashless Payment : You can usually pay by credit card at ferry piers.
Density Situations
- Arrange Your Travel Times Well : You can have a quieter journey by learning the busy hours in advance and avoiding these hours.
- Alternative Piers : If possible, you can move from less busy piers.
- Public Transportation : In addition to ferries, you can also choose water taxis to reach the islands.
- Flexible Planning : By keeping your travel plan flexible, you can take precautions against possible delays.
- Wake Up Early : Especially in the summer months, it would be advantageous to wake up early and take the ferry to catch the sun and explore the islands in a calmer atmosphere.
Additional Suggestions
- Weather Conditions : Check the weather conditions before your trip and don't forget to take the necessary clothing with you.
- Sunscreen and Hat : It is important to use sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the harmful effects of the sun during the summer months.
- Breathtaking View : You can take a camera with you to watch the unique view of the Bosphorus during your journey.
- Things to Do on the Islands : You can do many activities on the islands, such as renting a bike, visiting historical buildings, swimming in the sea or fishing.
What to Do After Arriving on the Island?
It is not possible to go to the islands with your car or rent a car because vehicles are not allowed. For this reason, there are different alternatives for transportation on the islands. Due to the unique atmosphere and size of each island, the transportation methods you can choose may vary.
Bicycle Rental
Büyükada : The most popular means of transportation is bicycles. Considering the size of the island, renting a bicycle is a pleasant and comfortable option. It is quite common to tour around the island by bicycle. The daily bicycle rental fee can vary between 150-250 TL.
Heybeliada and Burgazada : Bicycle rentals are also common on these islands, but since they are not as large as Büyükada, they can also be easily explored on foot.
Electric Vehicles (Adabus)
After the ban on horse-drawn carriages, electric vehicles (Adabus) came into play. Especially in Büyükada, there is an Adabus service for tourists to travel around the island. These vehicles provide service between stops on certain routes.
Prices : Prices for electric vehicles vary depending on the distance traveled and are generally more expensive than bicycles.
Walk
It is possible to explore the entire island on foot on these smaller and quieter islands. You can walk to the Aya Yorgi Monastery on Burgazada and walk along the coastline of Kınalıada.
Don't forget to take water with you and use a hat to protect yourself from the sun, especially when walking in the summer.
Taxi Boat and Water Taxis
If you want to make a quick transition between the islands, you can use inter-island sea taxi services. For example, it is possible to go from Büyükada to Heybeliada in a short time by sea taxi. It can be advantageous especially for groups.
Carriages (Historical)
After the removal of the horse-drawn carriages in 2020, they were replaced by electric vehicles (Adabus). However, the historical importance of horse-drawn carriages still has an important place in the island culture.
Which Transportation Method Should Be Preferred on Which Island?
Büyükada : Bicycle and Adabüs are the most logical transportation options due to its larger area.
Heybeliada : Electric vehicles and walking are popular.
Burgazada and Kınalıada : It is easy to explore the islands on foot; cycling is also an option, but walking is generally preferred because they are small.
