Erdek Pier → Avşa PortFerry Schedule 2026 — Current Departure Times and Prices

Erdek - Avşa - Marmara Islands Ferry Guide 2026

As one of the busiest maritime connections in the South Marmara region, the Erdek - Avşa - Marmara Islands route is the main transport artery between the mainland and the touristic archipelagos of the Marmara Sea. Departing from Erdek Pier on Balıkesir's Kapıdağ Peninsula, car ferries and Ro-Ro vessels carry tens of thousands of holidaymakers daily during the summer, while serving island residents and commercial logistics in the winter. Operated by Gestaş Deniz Ulaşım (GESTAŞ) as of 2026, this route accommodates both foot passengers and vehicles. Holidaymakers traveling from major cities like Istanbul, Bursa, and Eskişehir rely heavily on this route to reach the islands. Since there are no road connections to the islands, this ferry line is the region's only regular, high-capacity transport alternative.

This route is not just a tourist itinerary; it is a critical logistical bridge supplying Avşa, Marmara, Paşalimanı, and Ekinlik islands with essential food, healthcare, construction materials, and cargo. The vessels in the GESTAŞ fleet feature open decks and enclosed passenger lounges designed to handle the Marmara Sea's varying weather conditions. During the summer season, continuous ring services run late into the night, whereas the winter schedule primarily offers morning and evening departures to help islanders manage official business on the mainland.

Journey Time and Distance

The maritime distance between Erdek Pier and Avşa Island is approximately 25.0 kilometers (about 13.5 nautical miles). Depending on the vessel type and weather conditions, the journey takes an average of 120 minutes. This duration applies to direct sailings from Erdek to Avşa. However, since some trips operate with stops—such as "Erdek - Paşalimanı (Balıklı) - Avşa - Marmara"—the total sailing time can extend to 2.5 to 3 hours depending on your destination. Checking whether your ticket is for a "direct" or "connecting/stopover" service is crucial for your travel planning.

There is no road alternative to reach the Marmara Islands. However, road alternatives can be considered for reaching Erdek Pier. For instance, a passenger traveling from Istanbul to Avşa can drive over the Osmangazi Bridge to reach Erdek in about 3.5 hours before boarding the ferry. Alternatively, you can take a fast ferry from Yenikapı to Bandırma, followed by a short 20-minute drive (approximately 22 km) from Bandırma to Erdek Pier. For travelers departing from Istanbul, taking the Yenikapı–Yalova route and driving via Yalova - Bursa - Karacabey - Bandırma - Erdek is another frequently preferred logistical option.

Schedules and Timetables

Schedules on the Erdek - Avşa - Marmara Islands route are organized into two main timetables: summer and winter. During the summer season, which runs from mid-June to mid-September, more than 10 daily round trips are organized to meet the increased passenger and vehicle demand. On busy weekends, such as Friday evenings and Sundays, additional "fill-and-go" (ring) services are added to the schedule. In the winter months (October - May), the number of trips is limited to 2 or 3 per day, generally organized as morning departures from the islands to Erdek and evening returns from Erdek to the islands.

During public holidays, such as Eid al-Adha and Ramadan, schedules vary entirely, and uninterrupted 24-hour departures may occur. Before planning your trip, checking the current ferry schedules here for your planned dates will save you from waiting hours at the pier.

Tickets and Fares

On this route operated by GESTAŞ, different pricing policies apply to foot passengers and vehicles. Full-fare, student, over-65, and disability discounts are available for foot passengers. Island residents can register for the "Adalı Kart" (Gestcard) system to enjoy special discounts on all crossings. For vehicle crossings, pricing varies based on the vehicle class (motorcycle, automobile, SUV/Minivan, caravan, bus, truck). Vehicle tickets generally include only the driver; other passengers in the vehicle must purchase separate foot passenger tickets.

While tickets can be purchased at the pier ticket offices during the summer, buying tickets online is highly recommended to avoid long vehicle queues. Passengers with vehicles who purchase online tickets can board the ship faster using dedicated lanes at the pier. Ticket cancellations and changes can be made via the online system up to a certain time before departure. For a detailed review of the current price list for all passenger and vehicle classes, luggage quotas, and Gestcard advantages, you can visit our Ferry Prices page.

About Erdek Pier

Located in the Yalı neighborhood of Balıkesir's Erdek district, the Erdek Ferry Pier is situated right in the town center. Geographically positioned on the southwest of the Kapıdağ Peninsula, the pier features a sheltered harbor structure protected from the winds. Around the pier, there are numerous tea gardens, seafood restaurants, cafes, and markets where passengers can spend time while waiting for their ferry. The pier square is particularly lively during the summer months.

Getting to the pier is quite easy. Balıkesir Metropolitan Municipality (BTT) buses and minibuses departing from the Bandırma İDO Pier transport passengers directly to the entrance of Erdek Pier in about 25-30 minutes. For passengers arriving by car, there are open and closed parking areas managed by BALPARK (Balıkesir Parking Enterprises) around the pier. However, since finding a parking spot can become a serious issue in July and August, passengers planning to leave their cars in Erdek and cross to the island on foot are advised to arrive at the area at least 2 hours before their scheduled departure.

About Avşa Pier

The Avşa Island Ferry Pier is located on the central coastline, the island's most densely populated settlement. The moment you step off the ship, you enter the heart of the island. Right at the pier exit, you are greeted by hotels, pensions, and a street lined with restaurants and bars stretching along the coast. Since Avşa is a small island, most of the accommodation facilities in the center can be reached within a 5 to 15-minute walk from the pier.

Just to the right of the pier, there is a minibus terminal and taxi stands providing transportation to other parts of the island (Yiğitler Village, Çınar Bay, Altınkum, Karadut). During the summer, significant pedestrian and vehicle traffic builds up at the pier exit when a ferry docks. Therefore, if you arrived on the island by car, you must be extra cautious of pedestrians and follow traffic directions when exiting the pier area. Inside the pier building, there are ticket offices, a small waiting lounge, and kiosks where you can meet your basic needs.

Things to Do in Balıkesir

Passengers using the Erdek - Avşa route can find numerous nature, history, and sea-focused activities both on the Kapıdağ Peninsula (Erdek) and the Marmara Islands. You can plan your trip not just as a ferry crossing, but as a broader exploration of the South Marmara region. Here are the must-see places along and around the route:

• Ancient City of Kyzikos (Erdek): Located just 10 km from the center of Erdek, this ancient city is home to the ruins of the Temple of Hadrian from the Roman period. It is ideal for a short historical tour while waiting for your ferry.
• Çınar Bay (Avşa): One of the most famous and pristine bays on Avşa Island. Reachable in about 15 minutes by minibuses departing from the pier, this bay is perfect for families with children thanks to its fine sand and shallow waters.
• Vineyards and Wineries (Avşa/Marmara): Avşa Island is famous for its unique vineyards and local wine production. You can visit local wineries like Büyülübağ for a tasting experience.
• Ilyas Tree and Çınarlı Village (Marmara Island): The centuries-old plane trees and historic Greek houses on Marmara Island reflect the island's cultural fabric. Marmara Island offers a quieter, more nature-immersed experience compared to Avşa.
• Kapıdağ Peninsula Tour (Erdek): If you arrived in Erdek by car and have time, you can visit the villages of Ormanlı, Turanlar, and Doğanlar via the winding but incredibly scenic roads that encircle the Kapıdağ Peninsula.

Traveling with a Vehicle vs. as a Foot Passenger

Whether you should travel with your vehicle or as a foot passenger on the Erdek - Avşa - Marmara Islands route largely depends on your destination island and holiday plans. Avşa Island is geographically quite small; the roads in the center are narrow, large areas are closed to vehicle traffic in the summer, and parking facilities are extremely limited. If your accommodation is in the center of Avşa or if you plan to visit the island's popular bays solely by minibus, leaving your car in a secure parking lot in Erdek and crossing on foot is much more logical, both economically and practically. Car ferry tickets are significantly more expensive than foot passenger tickets, and there is a risk of waiting for hours in vehicle queues during the summer.

On the other hand, if your destination is Marmara Island, the situation changes. Marmara Island is Turkey's second-largest island, and the distances between villages are long (for example, traveling from the Center to Çınarlı or Topağaç). If you want to fully explore Marmara Island and reach its hidden coves, crossing with your vehicle will provide a major advantage. Since there is no road access (e.g., a bridge) to the island, if you must bring your car, you absolutely need to make a round-trip vehicle reservation weeks in advance.

Cancellations, Refunds, and Weather Conditions

Located in the southwestern part of the Marmara Sea, this route is highly susceptible to "Lodos" (southwesterly) storms, especially in the winter and spring months. Since severe lodos winds make the sea between Erdek and the islands extremely rough, sailings are frequently canceled in accordance with maritime safety regulations. In the summer, "Poyraz" (northeasterly) winds prevail; while poyraz generally does not cause cancellations, it can result in a chilly and splashy journey for those traveling on the open deck.

If sailings are canceled by GESTAŞ due to adverse weather or operational reasons, the ticket fees are fully refunded to the passengers' credit cards without any deductions. For passenger-initiated cancellations and changes, deductions may apply depending on the time remaining until departure. It is important to check the marine weather forecasts for Balıkesir/Erdek and the Marmara Sea via the General Directorate of Meteorology 24 hours before your trip. For instant cancellation and additional sailing information, you can frequently visit our Current Announcements page.

Travel Tips

• Arriving Early is Crucial: If you are crossing with a vehicle in the summer, you must be at the pier and in line at least 1.5 hours before departure, even if you have a reservation. For foot passengers, arriving 30 minutes early is sufficient.
• Preventing Seasickness: If it is windy and you are prone to seasickness, opt for the enclosed lounges in the middle and lower sections of the ship. Make sure to consume light foods before the ship departs.
• Cafeteria and Amenities: Most ferries have kiosks selling tea, coffee, toast, and snacks. However, since queues can be long during the summer rush, it is helpful to bring water and small snacks with you.
• Traveling with Children: Baby care rooms on the ships are limited. When boarding with a stroller, foot passenger ramps can sometimes be steep, so you may ask the staff for assistance.
• Pet Rules: Cats and small breed dogs are allowed in enclosed passenger lounges provided they are in their carriers. Large breed dogs must travel on the open deck, muzzled, and accompanied by their owners.
• Enjoying the Open Deck and Sun: If the majority of the 120-minute journey takes place during the day, don't forget to use sunscreen and a hat on the open deck. The wind can be chilly even in summer, so bringing a light cardigan is recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the Erdek - Avşa ferry take?

The travel time for direct ferries departing from Erdek Pier to Avşa Island is approximately 120 minutes (2 hours). However, if the vessel's route includes stops at Paşalimanı or Ekinlik islands, this duration can extend to between 2.5 and 3 hours.

How do I get to Erdek Pier?

Erdek Pier is located in the center of Balıkesir's Erdek district. You can take the Yenikapı-Bandırma fast ferry from Istanbul to Bandırma, and from there, reach the pier directly via a 25-minute bus or minibus ride. Paid parking lots are available around the pier for those arriving by private car.

What should I pay attention to when buying a car ferry ticket?

When purchasing vehicle tickets, it is mandatory to correctly select your vehicle's class (automobile, SUV, minibus) exactly as stated on its registration. Incorrect class selections may result in a price difference being requested at the pier, or you may be denied boarding if there is no space on the ship. Additionally, the vehicle ticket only covers the driver.

Are ferry sailings canceled in bad weather?

Yes, sailings can be canceled for maritime safety, especially on days when severe lodos storms affect the Marmara Sea. In the event of a cancellation, ticket fees are automatically refunded by GESTAŞ, or your ticket is transferred to the next available sailing.

Is it logical to go to Avşa Island by car?

Avşa Island is geographically small, and there are serious parking and traffic issues in the center during the summer months. Since the island's bays can be easily reached by minibuses, leaving your car in Erdek and crossing as a foot passenger is generally a more economical and stress-free option.