Ambarlı Port → Bandırma Çelebi RoRo PortFerry Schedule 2026 — Current Departure Times and Prices

Ambarlı (Istanbul) - Bandırma ROPAX Route (Return)

Operating mutually between Istanbul Avcılar Ambarlı Port and Bandırma Çelebi RoRo Port, this long ROPAX route provides a direct maritime connection from the European side of Istanbul to the South Marmara industrial zone. The journey takes approximately 8 hours (480 minutes). The operator is Marmara RoRo Kooperatifi.

This direction is heavily used by truck and lorry drivers coming from Istanbul Europe, Thrace, and the Bulgarian and Greek borders for freight transport destined for Izmir, Bursa, and Balıkesir. It completely bypasses the Istanbul Bosphorus crossing and Osmangazi Bridge traffic.

Journey Details

• Duration: 8 hours (480 minutes)
• Type: ROPAX (passenger + RO-RO freight; primarily trucks and lorries)
• Operator: Marmara RoRo Kooperatifi
• Frequency: 4-5 mutual sailings per week

Who Is It For?

• Truck drivers departing from Istanbul Europe and Thrace — Freight destined for Izmir, Bursa, and Balıkesir.
• Truckers entering from Europe — Freight transit from the Bulgarian-Greek border through Istanbul to South Marmara.
• Car and caravan owners — Passengers wanting to bypass Istanbul city traffic and Osmangazi Bridge tolls.
• Logistics companies — Fuel and time savings for regular freight delivery schedules.

Estimated Ticket Price Range

• Passenger: 600-900 TL
• Car: 2,500-4,000 TL
• Motorcycle: 800-1,300 TL
• Caravan / Minivan: 5,000-9,000 TL
• Truck / Lorry: 12,000-25,000 TL
• AdaKart corporate discount: 15-30%

Preparation at Ambarlı Port

What to do before the 8-hour crossing at Istanbul Avcılar Ambarlı Port:

• Present freight documents (CMR waybill) and customs documents at the toll booth
• ADR carriers must notify 24-48 hours in advance
• Reserve a 3-phase electrical connection for refrigerated trucks
• Insert driver working hour card before crossing
• Prepare documents for Bandırma customs

Arrival Connections in Bandırma

• Bursa: 1.5-2 hours (D-200)
• Balıkesir: 1 hour (D-565)
• Izmir: 3.5 hours (E-87)
• Erdek: 30 minutes (D-200B)
• Bandırma Railway Station: 10 minutes (YHT high-speed train connection to Pendik)
• Manyas Bird Sanctuary: 30 minutes

AdaKart Corporate Account Benefits

For logistics companies, corporate AdaKart accounts are highly advantageous on this route:

• 15-30% discount for 4-8+ crossings per month
• Bulk invoicing and monthly reporting
• Expedited special approval process for hazardous materials (ADR)
• Priority for driver rest areas
• Priority for cabin bed reservations

Seasonal Considerations

Active year-round: Since the route is focused on commercial freight, there is little difference between summer and winter.

During winter months, there is a high risk of cancellation due to lodos (southwesterly) and poyraz (northeasterly) storms; an alternative road route (D-100 + Osmangazi + D-200) should be kept as a backup.

Alternative Routes

• Tekirdağ - Bandırma (240 mins) — An alternative via Tekirdağ for passengers departing from Thrace
• Yalova-Tavşanlı ferry + Bursa highway
• Direct highway (D-100 + Osmangazi Bridge + D-200) — 5-7 hours, tolled

Onboard Comfort (8-Hour Journey)

• Passenger cabin beds: Single/double cabins can be reserved for an additional fee.
• Classic reclining seats: In the air-conditioned passenger lounge.
• Driver rest area: Showers, WC, TV lounge, resting beds.
• Restaurant and buffet: Hot meals, breakfast, tea, and coffee.
• Open observation deck: Views of the Sea of Marmara.
• Wi-Fi: Intermittent while on the open sea.

RO-RO Practical Notes

• Driver working hours: The 8-hour crossing counts as a full rest period in the AETR/EU calculation.
• ADR freight: Mandatory notification 24-48 hours in advance.
• Refrigerated trucks: 3-phase electrical connection reservation required.
• Freight documents: CMR, invoice, waybill.
• Bandırma customs: Processing inside the port; no additional fee.

After Disembarking in Bandırma

Bandırma Çelebi RoRo Port is 5 km from the Bandırma city center and 10 minutes from the Bandırma Organized Industrial Zone (OSB). Outside the port, you will find trucker diners, gas stations, tire repair shops, and driver accommodation facilities. The Bursa-Izmir highway connection is very fast. Manyas Bird Sanctuary is 30 minutes away; you can add it to your travel plans.

For all Turkey car ferry routes, operators, prices, and schedules, you can review the Car Ferry Master Guide 2026.