Istanbul's long-established maritime transport provider Şehir Hatları has concluded its summer season and transitioned to its winter schedule starting Monday, September 7, 2026. For Istanbul residents traveling by sea, ferry times and arrangements have been updated with this new timetable, which will be valid until June 27, 2027. The company aims to ease the daily transportation burden between the European and Asian sides and offer comfortable and safe travel opportunities for millions of city residents.
An Average of 826 Daily Sailings on 32 Lines
With 175 years of deep-rooted maritime experience inherited from Şirket-i Hayriye, Şehir Hatları holds the title of Europe's largest public maritime transport provider. The fleet, which transports approximately 40 million passengers annually on a total of 32 different lines, will operate an average of 826 sailings per day during the winter season, which will last until June 27, 2027. Officials state that while aiming to maintain uninterrupted maritime traffic on busy routes, all technical and operational preparations for winter conditions have been thoroughly completed, and passenger safety is kept at the highest level.
Night Sailings Continue Throughout Winter
To meet Istanbul's 24-hour urban transportation needs, night ferry services continue uninterrupted during the winter months. In line with passenger demand, night sailings on the Bostancı-Princes' Islands (Adalar) Ring line continue to operate every day of the week. Furthermore, on the Kadıköy - Karaköy - Beşiktaş line, one of the important routes connecting the Asian and European sides, ferry services provide convenience to passengers on the nights connecting Friday to Saturday and Saturday to Sunday. These night connections support the city's dynamism while offering safe travel opportunities by sea. For example, frequent services are also organized during the day on busy lines such as Üsküdar - Eminönü and Eminönü - Üsküdar.
Bosphorus Tours and Sea Taxi Services
Bosphorus Tours, offering the opportunity to discover Istanbul's unique beauties from the sea, continue to attract the interest of both local and foreign visitors during the winter season. The Long Bosphorus Tour and Short Bosphorus Tour options, offered within the program, are organized once a day each. Beyond scheduled lines, Sea Taxis provide uninterrupted 24/7 service for those seeking a faster and more personalized transportation alternative. These services significantly contribute to Istanbul's maritime tourism and individual transportation needs.
50% Discount on İstanbulkart Transfers
For personalized İstanbulkart holders, a 50% discount on transfers made within 120 minutes from public transport vehicles to Şehir Hatları ferries continues with this winter schedule. This discount is valid for all sailings except the Princes' Islands (Adalar) line, making maritime transport more economical for Istanbul residents. Passengers can benefit from this advantage when making transfers from central points such as Kadıköy Pier or Eminönü Pier.
Information Channels for Schedules and Announcements
Passengers wishing to obtain information about current ferry times and possible route changes related to the new winter schedule can use Şehir Hatları's official digital channels. The current schedule PDF can be accessed from the company's official website at files.sehirhatlari.istanbul/tarife.pdf?kis2026. Instant inquiries can also be made via the mobile application and official social media accounts. For more detailed information and questions, it is recommended to contact the IMM 153 Solution Center.