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

Bandırma - Ambarlı (Istanbul) ROPAX Route

Operating between Bandırma Çelebi RoRo Port and Istanbul Avcılar Ambarlı Port, this long route traverses the entire length of the Sea of Marmara and is a truck-heavy ROPAX (RO-RO + passenger) line. The journey takes approximately 8 hours (480 minutes). The operator is Marmara RoRo Kooperatifi.

This route offers a direct maritime connection from the Bandırma industrial and port zone to the European side of Istanbul. It completely bypasses the Bosphorus crossing, the Osmangazi Bridge, and Istanbul's inner-city traffic. For truck and lorry drivers, it provides significant savings in terms of fuel, driver working hours, and bridge tolls.

Journey Details

• Duration: 8 hours (480 minutes)
• Type: ROPAX (RO-RO freight + passenger, predominantly trucks/lorries)
• Operator: Marmara RoRo Kooperatifi
• Frequency: Reciprocal sailings 4-5 days a week

Who Is It For?

• Truck and lorry drivers departing from Bandırma's industrial zone — Freight from Erdemir, Bagfaş, Eti Maden, and the OIZ heading to European Istanbul, Thrace, Bulgaria, and the Greek border.
• Truckers departing from Izmir, Bursa, and Balıkesir — Direct crossing to the European side of Istanbul after reaching Bandırma by road.
• European caravan traffic — European caravan drivers who want to avoid driving through Istanbul.
• Logistics companies — Those who regularly plan freight delivery times by bypassing Istanbul's traffic.

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 (depending on size, tonnage, and cargo type)
• AdaKart corporate discount: 15-30%

Preparation at Bandırma Çelebi RoRo Port

The port is equipped with a large truck park, customs facilities, and driver rest areas. Things to do before the 8-hour crossing:

• Present freight documents (CMR waybill) at the customs counter
• ADR carriers must notify 24-48 hours in advance
• Reserve a 3-phase electrical connection for refrigerated trucks
• Driver working hour cards must be inserted beforehand
• Prepare documents for Istanbul port customs

Ambarlı Port (Istanbul Avcılar)

Located in the Avcılar district on the west side of European Istanbul, Ambarlı is one of Istanbul's largest freight ports. Port features:

• 3 minutes to the D-100 / E-5 highway
• 10 minutes to Avcılar Marmaray-Metro station
• Inner-city bus connections (Halkalı, Beylikdüzü, Bahçeşehir)
• Truck park, tire repair, fuel stations, and trucker restaurants
• 25 minutes to Atatürk Airport

AdaKart Corporate Account

For logistics companies, corporate AdaKart accounts are highly advantageous on this route. They offer a 15-30% discount for 4-8+ monthly crossings, bulk invoicing, and monthly reporting. The special approval process for hazardous materials (ADR) drivers is expedited.

Seasonal Considerations

Active year-round: Since the route is commercial freight-focused, there is little difference between summer and winter. In winter, the risk of cancellation is higher due to lodos (southwesterly) and poyraz (northeasterly) storms; an alternative road route (D-200 + Osmangazi + D-100) should be kept as a backup.

Alternative Routes

• Bandırma - Tekirdağ (240 mins) — Alternative to the Thracian side
• Yalova-Tavşanlı ferry + Istanbul road (short but heavy traffic)
• Direct road route (Bandırma - Bursa - Osmangazi - Istanbul) — 5-7 hours, tolled, traffic-dependent

Ship Comfort (8-Hour Journey)

The long 8-hour crossing provides specially designed comfort on ROPAX vessels:

• Passenger beds with cabins: Single and double cabins can be reserved for an additional fee.
• Classic seating: Reclining seats in an air-conditioned passenger lounge.
• Driver rest area: Showers, WCs, TV lounge, and resting beds for truck and lorry drivers.
• Restaurant and buffet: Hot meals (kebab, pita, soup), breakfast, tea, and coffee.
• Open observation deck: Scenic views during the Marmara Sea crossing.
• Wi-Fi: Works intermittently while on the open sea.

RO-RO ADR and Freight Notes

• ADR (hazardous materials): Notification 24-48 hours in advance is mandatory. Special approval is required for explosive, flammable, and corrosive cargo.
• Refrigerated trucks: A 3-phase electrical connection is critical for the 8-hour crossing; reservation is mandatory.
• Freight documents: CMR waybill, customs documents, invoice/delivery note.
• Driver working hours: In the AETR/EU calculation, the 8-hour crossing is considered a full rest period; insert the driver card before the crossing.
• Istanbul customs: Customs procedures at Ambarlı are handled within the port; there are no additional fees.

About Ambarlı

Ambarlı is the largest freight port zone on the European side of Istanbul. It serves container and dry cargo ships as well as ROPAX vessels. Integration into the city is excellent: the D-100 (E-5) highway is 3 minutes away, and the Avcılar Marmaray-Metro station is 10 minutes away. It takes 25 minutes to reach Atatürk Airport, making it a practical transit point for airport-bound passengers. There is easy access to the Beylikdüzü, Bahçeşehir, and Halkalı areas via taxi and public transport.

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