Bostancı Pier → Büyükada PierFerry Schedule 2026 — Current Departure Times and Prices

Bostancı Pier - Büyükada Pier Ferry Guide

This pleasant sea voyage from Bostancı Pier to Büyükada is one of the most preferred routes for Istanbulites and tourists visiting the city to reach the Princes' Islands. For those wanting to escape the city's chaos and meet nature, fresh air, and historical mansions, Büyükada is the pearl of the Sea of Marmara. Operated by Şehir Hatları, this line experiences heavy traffic, especially on weekends, public holidays, and during the summer months. It is frequently used by families looking for a day trip and young people wanting to cycle through the island's nostalgic streets. Ferries departing from Bostancı, one of the central points of the Asian Side, make enjoying the island practical and accessible for everyone thanks to its ease of transportation.

Journey Time and Distance

The nautical distance between Bostancı Pier and Büyükada Pier is approximately 10 kilometers. This nostalgic and enjoyable journey on Şehir Hatları ferries takes an average of 40 minutes. Although this duration may vary by a few minutes depending on the general weather conditions of the Sea of Marmara, the ferry ride is extremely smooth and safe.

Throughout the journey, as you leave the shores of Istanbul's Asian Side behind, you will have the opportunity to watch the fascinating silhouettes of Kınalıada, Burgazada, and Heybeliada from afar. The seagulls accompanying the foaming waters of the ferry and the smell of sea iodine turn this 40-minute period into a therapy in itself rather than just an ordinary means of transportation. If you are traveling especially at sunset, the unique scenery where the sky is painted red creates a wonderful backdrop for taking photos.

Ferry Schedules

The Şehir Hatları Bostancı - Büyükada line provides regular and uninterrupted service every day of the week. Departures starting in the early hours of the morning continue until midnight. While the frequency of sailings increases during the morning and evening hours, which are commuting times for work and school, a more standard schedule is applied in the middle of the day. There are significant differences in sailing frequencies between the summer and winter schedules; additional trips are added during the summer months to meet the increasing tourist demand. On weekends, there is serious congestion, especially in the morning towards the island and in the late afternoon on the return journey. When planning your trip, it will be beneficial to check the current timetable and determine your return time in advance.

Ticket Prices and Reservation

Since this route is entirely for passenger transport, there are no vehicle tickets sold. The ticketing system on Şehir Hatları ferries works with Istanbulkart integration. Current Istanbulkart toll fees are applied for different tariff groups such as full, student, teacher, and over 65 years old. The Islands lines are subject to a different pricing bracket compared to standard inner-city ferry lines, and the price is slightly higher. In addition, single-pass ticket (use-and-throw ticket) options can be obtained from the ticket offices or ticket machines at the pier. There is absolutely no need to buy tickets online or make a reservation in advance; you can pass directly by scanning your card at the turnstiles at the pier.

Getting to the Piers

The departure point, Bostancı Pier, is right in the heart of one of the most integrated transportation hubs on the Asian Side. You can easily reach the pier from all over the city via Marmaray, Kadıköy-Tavşantepe Metro (Bostancı stop), High-Speed Train (YHT), and numerous IETT bus/minibus lines. For those arriving by private vehicle, there are paid parking options around the pier and in areas belonging to İspark, but finding parking on weekends can be quite difficult. The arrival point, Büyükada Pier, is located in the center of the island. As soon as you leave the pier, the island's famous clock tower, bicycle rental shops, ice cream parlors, coastal restaurants, and electric vehicle (adabüs) stops welcome you.

Traveling with a Vehicle

Important Note: The Bostancı - Büyükada route is a passenger-only line. Civilian vehicle entry to Büyükada and all other Princes' Islands is legally prohibited. Therefore, there is no car ferry service on this line. Transportation on the island is provided on foot, by bicycle, or by municipality-owned electric vehicles. If you set off with your private vehicle, you must leave your vehicle in the parking lots around Bostancı Pier. Considering the congestion that may occur in the parking lots on weekends, it is highly recommended that you arrive in the area at least 45-60 minutes before the ferry time and arrange your parking spot.

Travel Tips

• Long queues may form at the turnstiles to board the ferry during the summer months and on weekends; arrive at the pier at least half an hour early.
• If you are going to travel on the open deck of the ferry, remember that the sea can be breezy even in summer and take a light cardigan with you.
• Feeding the seagulls is an indispensable ritual of the island journey; do not forget to buy a few fresh simits before coming to the pier.
• When you arrive at the pier for the return journey, plan your return time in advance, taking into account the intensity of the evening sailings.
• Avoid wasting time in the ticket machine queue by topping up your Istanbulkart balance via the mobile application before coming to the pier.
• Food and beverage venues in Büyükada are concentrated around the pier, but if you are looking for quieter and more affordable places, walk towards the back streets of the island.
• Do not neglect to use sunscreen and a hat when traveling in the open areas of the ferry on sunny days.

Nearby Attractions

From the moment you step onto Büyükada Pier, a nostalgic and historical atmosphere welcomes you. The famous Clock Tower in Pier Square is the first photo spot for those coming to the island. With a pleasant walk or bike ride through the pine forests of the island, you can climb to the Aya Yorgi Church on Yüce Tepe, the highest peak, and watch the entire Sea of Marmara from a bird's eye view from here. The historical Greek Orphanage, one of the largest wooden structures in the world, Çankaya Street lined with magnificent wooden mansions, the Museum of the Princes' Islands, and the Yörükali or Nakibey beaches, which you can choose to cool off in the summer months, are the most important attractions of the island.