Where Do Ferries to the Princes' Islands Depart From? 2026 Transportation Guide
For those seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of Istanbul and spend a day immersed in nature and history, the Princes' Islands are the first choice. Comprising Büyükada, Heybeliada, Burgazada, and Kınalıada, these unique archipelagos are easily accessible today via regular ferry services from both the European and Anatolian sides of the city. So, where do ferries to the islands depart from, and which pier is the right choice for you? In this comprehensive guide, we detail current schedule information, ticket prices, and journey durations as of June 7, 2026. For a more general overview, you can also check our Istanbul Islands Ferry Guide page.
European Side Departure Points
For residents of the European side or tourists visiting the city, Kabataş is the primary point of access to the Islands. Additionally, Beşiktaş and Eminönü piers also offer seasonal alternatives.
Kabataş Pier (Main Hub)
From the European side, the Kabataş Princes' Islands ferry line is the most classic and popular way to reach Istanbul's Princes' Islands. Ferries departing from Kabataş Pier, located at the intersection of tram, funicular, and bus lines, call at Kınalıada, Burgazada, Heybeliada, and Büyükada, respectively. During this journey, which takes approximately 90 minutes, you'll be accompanied by the open waters of the Marmara Sea and the unique silhouette of the Historical Peninsula. This route is very busy on weekends and during summer months, so it is advisable to arrive at the pier at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
Kabataş - Princes' Islands Ferry Timetable (2026 Summer Schedule):
| Departure Time | Vessel / Note |
|---|---|
| 06:50 | Şehit Mustafa Aydoğdu |
| 08:20 | Moda |
| 09:30 | Fahrettin Altay |
| 10:40 | Fahrettin Altay |
| 12:15 | Fahrettin Altay |
| 13:45 | Suhulet |
| 15:15 | Barış Manço |
| 17:00 | Şehit Mustafa Aydoğdu |
| 18:30 | Barış Manço |
| 20:00 | Suhulet |
| 21:30 | Fahrettin Altay |
Ticket Prices: As of 2026, on this main Şehir Hatları line, a full fare ticket is priced at 137.48 TL, a student ticket at 68.76 TL, and a ticket for passengers over 65 years old at 96.23 TL. (Different local tariffs may apply for Adakart holders). For more details, you can check our Kabataş - Princes' Islands Services page.
Beşiktaş and Eminönü Piers
In addition to Kabataş, services to the Princes' Islands are also operated from Beşiktaş and Eminönü piers on the European side. Especially during the summer season and on weekends, motorboats and additional ferry services are introduced from these piers. However, the schedules and timings of these routes can frequently change depending on the season. Therefore, for the exact departure times of services from Beşiktaş and Eminönü on any given day, the most reliable method is to call Şehir Hatları's call center at 444 1 851 or check their official website.
Anatolian Side Departure Points
The Anatolian side is geographically much closer to the Princes' Islands, so journey times are significantly shorter compared to the European side. Kadıköy and Bostancı are the main arteries in this region.
Bostancı Pier (Fastest Route)
If you're asking, "How do I get to the Princes' Islands in the shortest time?", the answer is definitely the Bostancı Princes' Islands ferry line. Ferries departing from Kadıköy Bostancı Pier reach the islands in as little as 40 minutes. Bostancı's integrated location with the Marmaray station and coastal road bus lines makes it a perfect starting point for day trips to the islands. As the closest pier to Kınalıada, Bostancı is a favorite, especially for those wanting to have breakfast on the island in the morning.
Bostancı - Princes' Islands Ferry Timetable (2026 Summer Schedule):
| Departure Time | Vessel / Note |
|---|---|
| 06:50 | Barış Manço |
| 08:20 | Suhulet |
| 09:50 | Moda |
| 11:00 | Şehit Mustafa Aydoğdu |
| 13:30 | Suhulet |
| 15:30 | Barış Manço |
| 17:00 | Barış Manço |
| 19:00 | Barış Manço |
The adult one-way fare for the Bostancı line is set at 30.00 TL. For detailed information, you can review the Bostancı - Princes' Islands Services page.
Kadıköy Pier
Kadıköy Pier is one of the most popular answers to the question of where ferries to Büyükada depart from, thanks to its central location and vibrant social life. Ferries departing from Kadıköy reach the Princes' Islands in approximately 75 minutes. With metro (M4) and Metrobus connections, it's quite easy to reach Kadıköy from all over Istanbul and then transfer to a ferry for the islands.
Kadıköy - Princes' Islands Ferry Timetable (2026 Summer Schedule):
| Departure Time | Vessel / Note |
|---|---|
| 07:30 | Fahrettin Altay |
| 09:00 | Suhulet |
| 10:30 | Nasreddin Hoca |
| 12:00 | Şehit Mustafa Aydoğdu |
| 14:00 | Suhulet |
| 16:00 | Barış Manço |
| 17:30 | Nasreddin Hoca |
| 19:30 | Fahrettin Altay |
The adult one-way fare for services departing from Kadıköy is set at 30.00 TL. For all service details, you can visit the Kadıköy - Princes' Islands Services page.
Fast Sea Buses and Alternative Motorboats
In addition to the nostalgic and pleasant atmosphere of Şehir Hatları ferries, fast sea buses and passenger motorboats from operators like Mavi Marmara, Turyol, and İDO are also available for passengers who wish to save time. Mavi Marmara motorboats, especially those departing from Bostancı, Kartal, and Maltepe, offer a quick alternative for inter-island transfers and returns to the mainland. For the schedules and dynamic pricing of these private companies, it is necessary to follow their official channels.
Summer Services from Kocaeli to Büyükada (İzmit and Darıca)
During the 2026 summer season, not only Istanbul residents but also those from Kocaeli can directly enjoy the Princes' Islands. Special summer services organized by Kocaeli Metropolitan Municipality Sea Transportation collect passengers along the gulf line and transport them to Büyükada. Reservations are mandatory for these services, which operate only on Sundays between June 22 and September 21, 2026 (kdu.kocaeli.bel.tr).
İzmit - Büyükada Line
This long and enjoyable gulf tour starting from İzmit takes approximately 225 minutes. The ferry calls at İzmit (08:30), Değirmendere (09:15), Karamürsel (10:00), and Darıca (11:15) piers, arriving at Büyükada around 12:15. The return journey is at 17:30.
| Departure - Arrival | Fare (Round Trip) |
|---|---|
| 08:30 - 12:15 | Full: 350.00 TL | Student: 225.00 TL |
For details of this route, you can review the İzmit - Büyükada Services page.
Darıca - Büyükada Line
For passengers boarding at the Darıca stop of the same ferry, the journey time is reduced to approximately 60 minutes. The ferry departing from Darıca at 11:15 arrives at the island at 12:15.
| Departure - Arrival | Fare (Round Trip) |
|---|---|
| 11:15 - 12:15 | Full: 260.00 TL | Student: 200.00 TL |
For tickets and reservation information departing from Darıca, please refer to our Darıca - Büyükada Services page.
Which Island is Closest to Which Pier? Practical Tips
When planning your trip to the Princes' Islands, knowing the geographical locations of the piers is critical for time management. Şehir Hatları ferries typically follow this route: Kınalıada -> Burgazada -> Heybeliada -> Büyükada.
- For those going to Kınalıada and Burgazada: Choosing Bostancı pier will save you a lot of time. A ferry departing from Bostancı reaches these islands in just 30-40 minutes.
- For those going to Büyükada: Büyükada is the last stop on the route. If you board from Kabataş, your journey will take up to 90 minutes. From Kadıköy, it takes 75 minutes. Since the journey is long, it is recommended to queue early to secure a spot on the open deck.
- Weekend Crowds: Especially on Sundays, ferries returning from the Princes' Islands (between 17:00 - 19:00) reach maximum capacity. It is essential to sort out your return ticket/card top-up as soon as you arrive on the island and to be at the pier 45 minutes before your return departure time for a stress-free journey.
