Şehir HatlarıAs of 08:00 AM on August 3, 2026, dense fog, which intensified its effect in Istanbul, negatively impacted sea transportation. Due to this situation, the Istanbul Strait was closed to vessel traffic in both directions, and specifically, Sirkeci - Harem car ferry services were canceled. The last update was made on August 3, 2026, at 08:38 AM, and passengers are advised to review their travel plans and follow announcements from the relevant operators.
Istanbul Strait Closed Due to Dense Fog
Dense fog, which intensified in the morning, significantly reduced visibility across Istanbul. As this situation threatened safety in maritime traffic, the Coast Guard authorities decided to close the Istanbul Strait to vessel traffic in both directions. This temporary closure of the Strait disrupted international vessel transits and urban sea transportation.
Canceled Şehir Hatları and Car Ferry Services
Due to dense fog and adverse weather conditions, some ferry and car ferry services operated by Şehir Hatları have been temporarily suspended until further notice. Among the canceled services is the historic Sirkeci - Harem car ferry line, which is a crucial crossing point connecting the two sides of Istanbul.
Other canceled ferry services include:
- Kadıköy - Kabataş
- Kadıköy - Beşiktaş
- Kadıköy - Karaköy - Eminönü
- Üsküdar - Karaköy - Eminönü
- Üsküdar - Haliç
- Kadıköy - Haliç
- Beşiktaş - Haliç
- Kadıköy - Üsküdar - Ortaköy
- Kadıköy - Beşiktaş - İstinye - Sarıyer
- Küçüksu - Beşiktaş - Kabataş
- Üsküdar - Aşiyan
- Arnavutköy - Eminönü
- Çengelköy - Eminönü
Important Announcement and Alternatives for Passengers
Passengers planning to travel by sea are advised to check Şehir Hatları's official website or mobile app and follow current announcements before departing. For canceled services, alternative transportation methods such as road or rail systems should be considered. Especially for vehicle owners traveling between Sirkeci and Harem, bridges and tunnels offer alternative routes. Services are expected to resume once the dense fog dissipates and visibility returns to normal.