Eskihisar - Tavşanlı Negmar Ferry 2026 Guide
As Turkey's busiest car ferry route, the Eskihisar - Tavşanlı line is operated 24/7 without interruption by Negmar Denizcilik. Operating with the motto "As if carrying our own family...", Negmar Narlı Ferries took over this strategic line from İDO in 2020 and manages it with high customer satisfaction standards. As the number one choice for both commercial drivers and holidaymakers crossing the Gulf of Izmit, this route provides significant time and cost savings for road trips between Istanbul and Bursa, Yalova, the Aegean, and the Mediterranean regions. For those looking to escape Istanbul's stressful traffic and breathe in the fresh sea air, Negmar ferry crossings offer a comfortable break.
Journey Time and Distance
The sea voyage between Eskihisar and Tavşanlı takes an average of 25 minutes. Connecting Gebze Eskihisar on the northern shore of the Gulf of Izmit with Yalova Tavşanlı on the southwestern shore, this route is approximately 7 nautical miles (about 13 kilometers) long. By choosing the car ferry instead of driving around the gulf, drivers not only save miles of driving but also get a chance to rest during this short, pleasant 25-minute sea crossing. You can enjoy the sea breeze on the open decks or complete your journey comfortably in the indoor passenger lounges.
Frequency (24/7 Every 20 Minutes)
One of the biggest advantages of Negmar's ferry operations is that crossings continue uninterrupted at all hours of the day. Ferries depart mutually from both the Eskihisar and Tavşanlı piers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every 20 minutes. On standard days, there are approximately 72 mutual crossings daily. However, during peak periods such as summer months, public holidays, Friday evenings, or Monday mornings, the frequency is increased to minimize waiting times based on vehicle density at the piers. During these times, the ships operate on a continuous shuttle basis using a fill-and-go system without waiting. For your return journey, you can also check our Tavşanlı - Eskihisar crossings page.
Tickets and Fares (2026 Tariff)
With its updated 2026 tariff, Negmar Denizcilik offers a transparent pricing policy suitable for every vehicle class and passenger type. Ticket prices are set for one-way crossings, and passengers inside vehicles are not charged an additional foot passenger fee. According to the current ferry prices list, the tariff as of 02.01.2026 is as follows:
- Car: 725 TL
- Bus: 1,365 TL
- Passenger (Foot): 60 TL
- Student: 20 TL
This pricing policy offers a highly economical crossing option compared to road alternatives. Detailed pricing tables for other vehicle classes, such as trucks, HGVs, and motorcycles, are also available at the toll booths. In case of uncertainty regarding possible tariff updates or campaigns, please confirm with Negmar customer service at 444 99 88.
The Negmar Fleet — 4 Ro-Ro Ferries
The Negmar Denizcilik fleet includes 4 modern Ro-Ro car ferries specifically designed for crossing the Gulf of Izmit, featuring high maneuverability and large carrying capacities. These ships are:
- Aziziye (2008): One of the highest-capacity ships in the fleet. With a length of 100.6 meters and a width of 18 meters, the Aziziye can carry 139 cars or 29 trucks / 19 HGVs in a single trip.
- Bahariye (2006): Measuring 97 meters long and 17.56 meters wide, this ship provides uninterrupted service with a capacity of 95 cars or 38 trucks / 21 HGVs.
- Muradiye (2001): With a length of 91.3 meters and a width of 17.4 meters, the Muradiye eases heavy vehicle traffic with a carrying capacity of 90 cars or 40 trucks / 24 HGVs.
- Hamidiye (2013): The youngest ship in the fleet, the Hamidiye is 90 meters long and 18 meters wide. It has a capacity of 90 cars or 29 trucks / 19 HGVs.
All ships are equipped with modern amenities such as wheelchair-accessible areas, clean restrooms, a cafeteria, massage chairs, and vehicle charging stations for electric cars. Additionally, the entire fleet is pet-friendly, allowing you to travel safely with your furry friends.
About Eskihisar Pier
Located within the borders of the Gebze district in Kocaeli, the Eskihisar Pier is one of the main transit points for vehicles crossing from Istanbul to Anatolia. Easily accessible from the TEM highway and the D-100 state road, the pier is equipped with spacious parking areas, numerous ticket booths, and waiting lounges. There are restaurants and rest facilities around the pier where passengers can meet their needs. Thanks to the toll booths integrated with the HGS (Fast Transit System), ticketing can be completed quickly without forming long vehicle queues.
About Tavşanlı Pier
Connected to the center of Yalova and locally known as the "Tavşanlı" area, the Tavşanlı Pier is the main arrival point for those traveling towards Istanbul from southern and western provinces like Bursa, Izmir, and Antalya. With a direct connection to the Yalova - Bursa highway, the pier can manage traffic smoothly even during busy holiday periods thanks to its large vehicle staging areas. The pier features modern waiting lounges, cafeterias, and taxi stands for foot passengers. Vehicles disembarking from the car ferry can directly access the main arteries without getting stuck in traffic, thanks to the wide connecting roads.
HGS and the Ticketing Process
The ticketing process on Negmar ferries is designed to maximize passenger comfort. Since a fill-and-go system is used for the crossings, there is no need to make an advance reservation. When you arrive at the pier, you are directed to board the next available ferry. In addition to cash and credit card payments, HGS (Fast Transit System) support is also offered at the toll booths. As long as your HGS balance is sufficient, you can get your ticket from the automatic toll booths and proceed to the ship without stopping, thanks to the tag scanned from your vehicle's windshield. A practical mobile ticket application is also available for passengers who prefer it.
Osmangazi Bridge Comparison
Drivers have two main alternatives for crossing the Gulf of Izmit: Negmar car ferry crossings and the Osmangazi Bridge road route. Although the Osmangazi Bridge, the road alternative, seems like a fast option to cross the gulf, it is longer and more costly compared to using the ferry. When the bridge is used, the journey distance increases by approximately 50 kilometers, which means extra fuel consumption. Additionally, the bridge toll is on average 245 TL more expensive than the ferry ticket (for cars). For those who want to save fuel, avoid paying the bridge toll difference, and rest without driving for 25 minutes, Negmar ferries are unquestionably the most economical and comfortable option.
Weather Conditions and Cancellations
The climate conditions of the Sea of Marmara can occasionally affect maritime transport. Severe Lodos (southwesterly) storms and dense fog, which are especially prevalent in the winter months, can cause temporary cancellations or delays as they may endanger navigational safety. Because Negmar Denizcilik prioritizes passenger and ship safety above all else, it may temporarily suspend crossings during such extreme weather conditions. It is advisable to check the weather before setting out on your journey. In case of uncertainty regarding the status of crossings during potential storms, please confirm with Negmar customer service at 444 99 88.
Travel Tips
To make your ferry journey on the Eskihisar - Tavşanlı line more enjoyable and hassle-free, it is recommended to pay attention to a few details. You should plan your travel keeping in mind that the piers can get crowded during peak hours, especially during public holidays, Friday evenings, and Sunday returns. You can turn your short journey into a relaxing break by taking advantage of the massage chairs and cafeteria services on board. The charging facilities provided on the ships are also a great advantage for electric vehicle owners.
For all car ferry routes in Turkey, operators, prices, and schedules, you can review the Car Ferry Master Guide 2026.