If you are looking for information on the application of Istanbul City Lines (Şehir Hatları), İDO, BUDO, Gestaş, and other ferry operators on April 23rd National Sovereignty and Children's Day, you are on the right page. In this guide, we share whether ferries will be free on April 23rd, the fare status, and travel tips for families with children for 2026.
Are Şehir Hatları Ferries Free on April 23rd, 2026?
Şehir Hatları, affiliated with the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB), has implemented free travel on April 23rd many times in recent years. However, this application is announced anew each year; it is not an automatic rule. For 2026, definitive information depends on the official announcement from İBB and Şehir Hatları. The announcement is usually made in the last week before the holiday.
Children aged 7 and under already travel free every day on Şehir Hatları. Therefore, you do not need a free travel decision to take your children on a ferry on April 23rd; young children do not pay for tickets anyway.
April 23rd Operator Status
- Şehir Hatları: Usually free, Sunday schedule applies.
- İDO: Normal fares, paid. Yenikapı–Bursa, Yenikapı–Bandırma, Pendik–Yalova lines are open.
- BUDO: Normal fares, paid. May announce special discounts for children in some years.
- Gestaş (Çanakkale): Already free for passengers, standard vehicle fee applies.
- Negmar: Normal fares, paid. Eskihisar–Topçular services continue 24/7.
- İzdeniz (İzmir): As a municipal affiliate, it may implement free travel.
Ferry Travel Tips with Children
- Strollers and toys can be brought on Şehir Hatları ferries; you can move around comfortably on the spacious decks.
- The Princes' Islands line gets very crowded on April 23rd. You might consider boarding from Kabataş or Kadıköy instead of Yenikapı or Bostancı.
- Preparing bread for your children to feed the seagulls on deck would be a wonderful holiday activity.
- There may be April 23rd holiday events at Eminönü, Karaköy, and Üsküdar piers; this can make the ferry journey unforgettable for children.
April 23rd Schedule Times
As it is a public holiday, Şehir Hatları operates on a Sunday schedule on April 23rd. This means fewer services compared to the weekday schedule. Service intervals:
- Eminönü–Üsküdar: Every 15–20 minutes
- Beşiktaş–Üsküdar: Every 20–30 minutes
- Kadıköy–Eminönü: Every 30 minutes
- Princes' Islands line: 1 service per hour (may be 2 services in summer schedule)
For exact times, check Şehir Hatları's official website or mobile application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are ferries free on April 23rd?
It is a common practice for municipal affiliates like Şehir Hatları and İzdeniz. İDO, BUDO, and Negmar operate on their normal schedules. The official decision is announced each year before the holiday.
Do children always travel free?
On Şehir Hatları, children aged 7 and under travel free every day. Age limits and discount rates vary for İDO and other private operators.
Does the Princes' Islands line operate on April 23rd?
Yes, the Princes' Islands line operates on April 23rd with a Sunday schedule. It may be busy due to the holiday, so we recommend leaving early.
Can I travel to Bursa with İDO on April 23rd?
Yes, İDO Yenikapı–Bursa (Mudanya/Güzelyalı) services operate on April 23rd with a normal schedule. There may be weekend congestion on the return journey after the holiday.
Can I cross to Çanakkale by ferry on April 23rd?
Yes, Gestaş Çanakkale–Eceabat and Çanakkale–Kilitbahir lines operate on April 23rd. Passengers travel free, and a standard fee is paid for vehicles.
Click here to return to the ferry services guide for all public holidays and festivals. We also have detailed pages for other national holidays.
