July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day is a public holiday and particularly a day when traffic is heavy for crossings to Anatolia via the July 15 Martyrs Bridge. In this guide, we share the status of ferry services for 2026.
Şehir Hatları (City Lines) on July 15, 2026
Şehir Hatları, an affiliate of IMM (Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality), has implemented free travel on July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day in recent years. This practice is confirmed annually by an official announcement. The final decision for 2026 depends on IMM's official announcement.
On July 15, commemoration ceremonies are held around the July 15 Martyrs Bridge, Beşiktaş, and Üsküdar. Therefore, pedestrian traffic around the ferry piers may be heavy; ferries can be an alternative to ease this congestion.
Operator Status on July 15
- Şehir Hatları: Traditionally free, Sunday schedule.
- İDO: Normal fares, paid.
- BUDO: Normal fares, paid.
- Gestaş: Passengers free (standard), vehicles paid.
- Negmar: Normal fares.
- İzdeniz (Izmir): Generally free due to municipal policy.
Ferry Access to July 15 Commemoration Ceremonies
- July 15 Martyrs Bridge: You can reach the Beşiktaş or Üsküdar piers via Şehir Hatları, and then walk to the bridge square.
- July 15 Democracy Museum (Saraçhane): After reaching Eminönü pier by ferry, you can connect to the metro.
- Beşiktaş Square: Direct ferry access — the most practical option for commemoration ceremonies.
Summer Congestion on July 15
July 15 coincides with the summer holiday season. Therefore, ferry and car ferry lines around the Marmara Sea experience summer congestion:
- İDO Yenikapı–Bursa: Heavily used by those traveling to Bursa, Mudanya, İznik for summer holidays.
- Eskihisar–Topçular: Queues lengthen during summer holiday departures and returns.
- Çanakkale–Eceabat: A heavily used route by those traveling to Bozcaada, Gökçeada, and Saroz.
- IMM Princes' Islands line: Typically busy on a summer day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Şehir Hatları (City Lines) free on July 15?
Yes, in recent years, but the final decision for 2026 depends on IMM's official announcement.
Is İDO operating on July 15?
Yes, İDO operates on its normal fare schedule. As it's the summer season, it is recommended to purchase tickets in advance.
How to get to the July 15 commemoration ceremonies by ferry?
For the July 15 Martyrs Bridge, you can disembark at the Beşiktaş or Üsküdar pier and walk to the bridge square.
Are the Princes' Islands accessible on July 15?
Yes, the Princes' Islands line is open on July 15. As it's the summer season, congestion is high.
Is ferry crossing to the Çanakkale side busy on July 15?
Yes, as it's the summer holiday, waiting times on the Çanakkale–Eceabat line can reach 1–3 hours.
Return to the ferry services guide for all public and national holidays to see details for other national holidays.
