Car Ferry Schedules 2026 — All Routes, Times, and Prices

Turkey's car ferry services in 2026 are offered by 6 different operators across more than 25 active routes. In this master guide, you will find all car ferry schedules, current prices (car, jeep, minibus, truck, trailer), departure times, online ticketing channels, and holiday season tips for routes including Eskihisar-Tavşanlı, Yenikapı-Yalova, Bandırma-Yenikapı, the Marmara Islands, the Dardanelles (Çanakkale Strait), Bozcaada-Gökçeada, and Cyprus. Data is pulled directly from operator tariffs and our active schedules database.

What is a Car Ferry and How Does It Work?

A car ferry, also known locally as "araba vapuru" or "arabalı vapur", is a ro-ro type vessel featuring vehicle capacity (cars, minibuses, trucks, trailers, motorcycles) on the lower deck and passenger lounges on the upper deck. The driver crosses with their vehicle using a single vehicle ticket; separate adult/student/child tickets are usually issued for accompanying passengers. Car ferries in Turkey are concentrated in three main geographic areas: the Istanbul-Marmara route (Eskihisar-Tavşanlı, Yenikapı-Yalova, Pendik-Yalova, Bandırma-Yenikapı), the Dardanelles (Çanakkale-Eceabat, Kilitbahir, Lapseki-Gelibolu, Geyikli-Bozcaada, Kabatepe-Gökçeada), and the Marmara Islands (Tekirdağ-Marmara, Saraylar, Avşa, Erdek connections).

A car ferry generally offers a shorter transit time compared to traveling by road. For example, the Eskihisar-Tavşanlı crossing takes only 25 minutes, whereas the same route via the Gulf bridge and highway can take 1.5-2 hours during peak traffic. Similarly, the Yenikapı-Yalova fast ferry completes the journey in 75 minutes; driving between Istanbul and Yalova, including the Osmangazi Bridge, takes 2.5-3 hours.

All Car Ferry Routes in Turkey (2026 Price Table)

The table below lists all active car ferry routes in Turkey, their operators, transit times, and current one-way car prices. Prices are taken from operator tariffs for the 2026 season and represent the fare for 1 passenger car only, excluding adult passenger fees. For detailed schedules and reservations, you can visit the respective route page.

* On İDO fast ferry tariffs, the passenger fee is charged separately for the driver; Yenikapı-Yalova adult passenger is 346 TL, Yenikapı-Bandırma adult is 830 TL. The vehicle tariff must be confirmed with the operator based on 2026 season campaigns.
** Üçkuyular-Bostanlı is an urban tariff; the car ticket is significantly lower than standard passenger tariffs.

Operator Comparison: Negmar, İDO, GESTAŞ, Marmara RoRo

There are four main players in the Turkish car ferry market. Each has a different geographic stronghold, fleet size, and pricing policy.

Negmar Denizcilik

Negmar Denizcilik is the new operator of the Eskihisar-Tavşanlı route (having taken over from İDO as of May 2026). It operates 24/7 mutual departures every 20 minutes with 4 ro-ro ferries. The Eskihisar-Tavşanlı crossing is the busiest car ferry route connecting the eastern and western shores of the Marmara Sea, serving over 100,000 vehicles daily. Negmar's car fare on the Eskihisar-Tavşanlı and Tavşanlı-Eskihisar routes is 725 TL. Tickets are only purchased via HGS / toll booth; there are no reservations.

İDO İstanbul Deniz Otobüsleri

İDO is Istanbul's long-established fast ferry operator. It operates fast ferries (hovercraft-type catamarans) on the Yenikapı-Yalova, Pendik-Yalova, and Yenikapı-Bandırma routes. While these vessels primarily carry passengers, they accept a limited number of vehicles; advance reservations are MANDATORY for cars on the Yenikapı-Yalova crossing. İDO also operates the Sirkeci-Harem car ferry route under the İDO Arabalı Vapur brand, providing vehicle crossings every 20 minutes between Istanbul's European and Asian sides (185 TL).

GESTAŞ Deniz Ulaşım

GESTAŞ Deniz Ulaşım is the dominant operator in the Dardanelles and Marmara islands. It operates the Çanakkale-Eceabat (690 TL), Çanakkale-Kilitbahir (680 TL), and Lapseki-Gelibolu (690 TL) routes 24/7 with ro-ro ferries in the Dardanelles. Island routes include Geyikli-Bozcaada (2,365 TL), Kabatepe-Gökçeada (1,330 TL), and the Erdek-Avşa-Marmara route (1,330 TL). GESTAŞ's online ticketing system allows reservations up to 30 days in advance via its mobile app and website.

Marmara RoRo

Marmara RoRo (SS. Erdek Deniz Motorlu Taşıyıcılar Kooperatifi) provides cargo + vehicle-focused services on long routes between Tekirdağ, Erdek, Avşa, Marmara, and Saraylar. Its tariff is more expensive than other operators because the routes are large open-sea crossings that can take 1.5-7 hours. Tekirdağ-Marmara is 2,500 TL, Tekirdağ-Avşa is 2,600 TL, Tekirdağ-Erdek is 3,300 TL, and the long Bandırma-Ambarlı route is 4,200 TL. Marmara RoRo predominantly operates during the summer season (June-September); in winter, some routes drop to 2-3 departures per week.

Akgünler Denizcilik (KKTC)

Akgünler Denizcilik is the operator of the Turkey-TRNC (Northern Cyprus) car ferry route. The Mersin-Gazimağusa route takes 10 hours and requires international crossing procedures (passport or ID card, vehicle registration, driver's license). The Taşucu-Girne route takes 2.5 hours and is primarily passenger-focused; vehicle capacity is limited.

Regional Operators

İZDENİZ operates the Üçkuyular-Bostanlı route in the Gulf of Izmir with an urban tariff; it is integrated into the Konak-Karşıyaka-Bostanlı ferry traffic. Ertürk Lines offers Greek Islands car ferry services on the Çeşme-Chios and Aliağa-Lesvos routes; however, vehicle tariffs are based on island-specific campaigns and are recommended to be purchased at the toll booth.

Vehicle Classes and Pricing Logic

The car ferry ticket price is determined by the vehicle's length x height class. Each operator's classification system is different, but the following classes generally apply in Turkey:

Prices are estimated for the 2026 season and must be strictly confirmed at the operator's toll booth. The car tariff is pulled live from the DB; for higher classes, the fee is determined by measuring the vehicle on the ramp according to its documents.

Factors Determining Vehicle Class

• Length: Under 5 meters is considered a passenger car, 5-6m is a long passenger car, 6m+ is a commercial vehicle.
• Height: Under 1.90m is a standard car, 1.90-2.30m is the jeep/high roof class, 2.30m+ is the minibus class.
• Total weight (GVWR): The maximum loaded weight written on the registration determines the trailer/truck tariff.
• Number of passengers: For some operators, 1 driver is included in the vehicle fee; adult/student/child tickets are issued separately for accompanying passengers (especially on İDO fast ferries).

Ticket Purchasing Processes (HGS, Toll Booth, Online, Mobile)

1. Automatic Transit with HGS (Eskihisar-Tavşanlı, Sirkeci-Harem)

On the Eskihisar-Tavşanlı and Sirkeci-Harem routes, vehicles with an HGS (Fast Transit System) tag pass through the barrier without waiting at the toll booth. Your HGS balance must cover at least 1 trip fare; otherwise, the system stops the vehicle and directs it to the toll booth. Non-HGS subscribers can pay with cash or credit card at the booth. There are no reservations on the Negmar Eskihisar-Tavşanlı route; boarding is on a first-come, first-served basis.

2. Online Tickets (GESTAŞ, İDO)

GESTAŞ accepts reservations up to 30 days in advance via gestasdenizulasim.com.tr and its mobile app. On island routes like Bozcaada, Gökçeada, and Avşa-Marmara, online reservations may be mandatory during the summer season (June 15 - September 15) and holidays. Reservation cancellations are free up to 24 hours before departure; a 30% deduction applies afterward. İDO sells vehicle or passenger tickets for Yenikapı-Yalova, Pendik-Yalova, and Bandırma routes via ido.com.tr; selecting the vehicle license plate and class is mandatory for vehicle tickets.

3. Instant Tickets at the Toll Booth

Instant ticket purchases at the toll booth are possible on all routes; however, you may experience waiting times at the booth for island routes (Bozcaada, Gökçeada, Avşa) during the summer season. On busy routes like Eskihisar-Tavşanlı, waiting times in front of the booth can range from 30 minutes to 2 hours, reaching 4-6 hours during holidays. For Marmara RoRo routes, the toll booth is inside the Tekirdağ port; ticket purchases must be completed at least 1 hour before departure.

4. Mobile App

Ticket purchases, schedule status, and cancellation/refund processes can be handled via the GESTAŞ Mobile (Android/iOS), İDO Mobile, and Negmar mobile apps. With a mobile ticket, the QR code is scanned when passing through the booth; no paper ticket is needed. You can use our ferry schedules page to view all active routes and prices.

Holiday and Peak Season Tips

Car ferry traffic in Turkey breaks records during the Ramadan Feast, Eid al-Adha, peak periods between July 15 - August 15, and the start of school holidays (mid-June, early September). Points to consider during these periods:

• Leave early: On busy days, vehicles arriving at the toll booth on the Eskihisar-Tavşanlı route before 06:00 AM cross within 1 hour; waiting 3-5 hours between 08:00-11:00 is common.
• Make a reservation: Vehicle reservations are mandatory on GESTAŞ island routes (Bozcaada, Gökçeada, Avşa) during holidays; booth sales are non-existent or very limited.
• Check your HGS balance: Top up your HGS balance to at least 2,000 TL before the holidays to avoid issues during automatic transit.
• Plan alternative routes: If Eskihisar-Tavşanlı is busy, consider the Yenikapı-Yalova fast ferry instead of Topçular-Eskihisar; if Eceabat is busy in the Dardanelles, opt for Lapseki-Gelibolu.
• Fuel and food stock: Waiting 2+ hours in the ferry queue drains the vehicle's fuel; waiting without AC on hot days requires water, light snacks, and a charged power bank.
• Weather check: Çanakkale and Marmara routes may be canceled due to lodos (southwesterly wind), storms, and fog; track the schedule status from the operator's official account.
• Flexible return dates: Do not fix your date when returning from the island to the mainland during holidays; even with a reservation, you may need to board the next day due to high demand.

Regional Car Ferry Routes

Istanbul - Yalova - Bursa Car Ferry

There are three main alternatives for the fastest crossing by car from Istanbul to Yalova and Bursa:

• Eskihisar - Tavşanlı (Negmar) — 25 min, 725 TL — 24/7 every 20 minutes, the busiest and most economical route.
• Yenikapı - Yalova (İDO) — 75 min fast ferry — The most comfortable option that completely skips traffic.
• Pendik - Yalova (İDO) — 45 min fast ferry — The shortest if you are coming from the Asian side.

If you are heading to Bursa, it is 70 km from Yalova via the E907 highway; 60 km from Tavşanlı via Gemlik. When determining which route is more advantageous during the peak season, evaluate the trio of your destination + time + weather conditions together.

Istanbul - Bandırma - Erdek Car Ferry

Vehicle crossing options for the Southern Marmara (Bandırma, Erdek, Avşa, Marmara):

• Yenikapı - Bandırma (İDO) — 2 hr 55 min fast ferry — The fastest direct connection.
• Ambarlı - Bandırma (Marmara RoRo) — 6 hours, 4,200 TL — Direct ro-ro route from the European side.
• Tekirdağ - Bandırma (Marmara RoRo) — 7 hours — Ideal for crossing south from Thrace.

To cross to the Erdek holiday region, the 18 km road trip from Bandırma or the direct Tekirdağ-Erdek long ro-ro route is preferred.

Dardanelles Car Ferry Routes

There are 3 different car ferry routes in the Dardanelles, all operated by GESTAŞ:

• Çanakkale - Eceabat (25 min, 690 TL) — City center to Gallipoli peninsula, the busiest route.
• Çanakkale - Kilitbahir (15 min, 680 TL) — The shortest, ideal for Gallipoli battlefield tours.
• Lapseki - Gelibolu (25 min, 690 TL) — Crossing towards Istanbul-Edirne without navigating the city center.

After the 1915 Çanakkale Bridge opened in 2022, crossing the strait gained an alternative; however, the ferry is still faster during the summer season and weekends when bridge traffic is heavy.

Bozcaada and Gökçeada Car Ferry

The only option for crossing to the islands by car is GESTAŞ ro-ro ferries:

• Geyikli - Bozcaada — 35 min, 2,365 TL — Summer season reservations are mandatory.
• Kabatepe - Gökçeada — 1 hr 15 min, 1,330 TL — 30 minutes by road from Eceabat to Kabatepe port.

Marmara Islands Car Ferry

Crossings to Marmara, Saraylar, and Avşa islands are made via Marmara RoRo's Tekirdağ and Erdek bases. There are 2-3 departures a day from Tekirdağ during the summer season; this drops to 3-4 departures a week in winter. Since Saraylar and Marmara island are connected by road, driving on the island is easy. Tekirdağ-Marmara is 2,500 TL, Tekirdağ-Avşa is 2,600 TL.

Cyprus Car Ferry

To cross from Turkey to Northern Cyprus by car, the Mersin-Gazimağusa (Akgünler) route is used. It operates as a 10-hour overnight service; a passport or ID, vehicle registration, and mandatory traffic insurance (additional insurance for TRNC) are required. The Taşucu-Girne route is primarily passenger-focused; vehicle capacity is limited to 30-40 cars.

Izmir Urban Car Ferry

İZDENİZ's Üçkuyular-Bostanlı route carries cars as an alternative to Konak-Karşıyaka traffic in the Gulf of Izmir; it operates 12-16 departures a day with an urban tariff.

Vehicle and Driver Preparation Before the Car Ferry

To cross by car ferry, the vehicle must meet certain technical and documentation requirements. Pre-departure checklist:

Vehicle Documents

• Vehicle registration (TÜVTÜRK): A valid inspection stamp is required; uninspected vehicles are not accepted by some operators.
• Mandatory traffic insurance: Ensure the policy is valid. Additional marine insurance may be required on international routes (TRNC).
• Driver's license: Class compatibility between the license plate and the driver's license (e.g., Class D instead of B1 for a minibus) may be checked at the toll booth.
• ID / Passport: An ID is sufficient for domestic routes; a passport or new-generation ID card is mandatory for the TRNC route.

Technical Preparation of the Vehicle

• Fuel: The vehicle's engine remains off during the ferry ride; however, keep at least a 1/4 tank of fuel in case of waiting 30+ minutes at the toll booth with the AC on.
• Oil and water levels: Deck temperatures can reach 40°C on long ro-ro routes (Marmara RoRo, Akgünler); ensure coolant levels are full.
• Tires: Vehicles with worn tires may slip during boarding due to the ramp incline; tire tread depth must be a minimum of 2 mm.
• Handbrake and chocks: The ferry may tilt due to waves and wind; the handbrake must be engaged, and the gear should be in P for automatic vehicles, or 1st or reverse gear for manuals.
• Alarm and immobilizer: The vehicle's vibration alarm should be turned off; otherwise, it will constantly go off during the voyage.

Safety Rules

• Smoking is prohibited on the ferry; it is only allowed in designated marked areas on the upper deck.
• The vehicle's LPG/CNG valve must be closed; some operators do not accept LPG vehicles, confirm in advance.
• Explosives, flammable liquids (gasoline in canisters), and hazardous chemical cargo are prohibited.
• Children must exit the vehicle and move to the upper deck; waiting inside a closed vehicle is prohibited.
• Life jackets are located under the passenger seats on the ferry; follow the crew's instructions in case of an emergency.

Environmental and Economic Comparison

Car ferries generally offer a lower carbon footprint compared to road travel. The 25-minute sea crossing between Eskihisar and Tavşanlı produces approximately 4.5-5 kg of CO₂ emissions per vehicle; the road alternative for the same route (about 95 km including the Osmangazi Bridge) corresponds to 14-16 kg of CO₂ for an average car. Ferries are also advantageous in terms of fuel costs: for a 95 km road trip, the fuel + bridge + highway toll for 1 car reaches approximately 950-1,100 TL for 2026; the ferry fare is 725 TL.

On long-distance ro-ro routes (Marmara RoRo Bandırma-Ambarlı, Tekirdağ-Erdek), the advantage grows even larger as the road distance can exceed 350+ km. For tired drivers, the opportunity to rest and sleep during a 7-hour ferry ride increases the safety of the next day's journey.

Practical Tips for Car Ferry Journeys

• Board the ship early: Busy departures operate on a first-come, first-served basis; be at the toll booth 30 minutes early.
• Leave the vehicle in gear with the handbrake on: There may be waves and swaying while the ferry is in motion.
• Go to the upper deck: On most routes, the lower deck is closed to passengers; the upper deck has seating areas, a cafeteria, and WCs.
• The vehicle's engine must be turned off during the voyage. Leaving the carburetor/electronics on is prohibited for fire safety.
• Pets: Most operators accept pets provided they remain in the vehicle or a carrier; they must be on a leash on the upper deck.
• Disabled access: New generation GESTAŞ and Negmar ro-ro ships have elevators and accessible WCs; check the tariffs for disabled discounts on tickets.
• Lost property: Apply to the operator's lost property office at the port after the voyage; you can also report it via mobile apps.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How much are car ferry prices in 2026?

Car ferry prices in Turkey in 2026 range from 185 TL (Sirkeci-Harem) to 4,200 TL (Bandırma-Ambarlı long route) for a car. The most popular Eskihisar-Tavşanlı route is 725 TL, Çanakkale-Eceabat is 690 TL, and the Yenikapı-Yalova fast ferry should be checked for current rates on the İDO tariff page. All prices are for the vehicle only, excluding adult passengers.

Where can I find car ferry schedules?

You can view all active car ferry schedules in Turkey by route at feribotseferleri.com.tr/seferler. Current timetables are also published on the official websites of GESTAŞ, İDO, Negmar, and Marmara RoRo. Departure times vary according to the summer/winter season, weekdays/weekends, and weather conditions.

Are reservations mandatory on car ferries?

There are no reservations on the Eskihisar-Tavşanlı (Negmar) route; a first-come, first-served basis applies. Reservations are recommended but not mandatory on GESTAŞ Dardanelles routes outside the summer season. On island routes like Bozcaada, Gökçeada, and Avşa-Marmara, reservations are mandatory during the summer season and holidays. Advance reservations are required for vehicle tickets on İDO Yenikapı-Yalova and Pendik-Yalova fast ferries.

How long does the Eskihisar-Tavşanlı ferry take?

The transit time between Eskihisar and Tavşanlı is 25 minutes. The service is operated 24/7 by Negmar Denizcilik with mutual departures every 20 minutes. The crossing fee for 1 car is 725 TL; there are no reservations, and a first-come, first-served basis applies. Click for schedules.

Does the Yenikapı-Yalova ferry take cars?

Yes, the İDO Yenikapı-Yalova fast ferry accepts a limited number of cars. Advance reservations are mandatory for vehicle tickets; they can be purchased via ido.com.tr or the mobile app by specifying your vehicle class and license plate. The transit time is 75 minutes. An adult passenger ticket (346 TL, 2026) is issued separately for the passenger accompanying the vehicle.

How do you cross to Bozcaada by car?

To cross to Bozcaada by car, the Geyikli (Yükyeri Pier) - Bozcaada GESTAŞ ro-ro ferry is used. The transit time is 35 minutes, and the car fare is 2,365 TL. During the summer season (June 1 - September 15) and all holidays, online reservations are mandatory; toll booth sales are very limited. Geyikli-Bozcaada schedules.

Which ferry is used to cross the Dardanelles by car?

There are 3 car ferry routes in the Dardanelles, all operated by GESTAŞ: Çanakkale-Eceabat (25 min, 690 TL), Çanakkale-Kilitbahir (15 min, 680 TL), and Lapseki-Gelibolu (25 min, 690 TL). The 1915 Çanakkale Bridge can also be used as an alternative, but it is a toll bridge.

How do you board a car ferry with HGS?

On the Eskihisar-Tavşanlı and Sirkeci-Harem routes, vehicles with HGS tags pass through the barrier without waiting at the toll booth. Your HGS balance must cover at least one trip fare (750 TL for Eskihisar). If the balance is insufficient, the system stops the vehicle and directs it to the toll booth. You can top up your balance via PTT, e-Devlet, or bank mobile apps.

Are reservations mandatory for car ferries during holidays?

Yes, especially on island routes (Bozcaada, Gökçeada, Avşa, Marmara), reservations are mandatory during the Ramadan and Eid al-Adha holidays. Although there are no reservations for Eskihisar-Tavşanlı, you can expect a 3-6 hour queue during holidays; therefore, midnight or early morning hours should be preferred. Follow the operator 1 week in advance for peak season capacity planning.

Are trailers and trucks transported by car ferry?

Yes, all car ro-ro ferries in Turkey transport trailers, trucks, and cargo. The trailer tariff is 8-10 times more expensive than a car; for example, a 40-ton trailer crossing at Eskihisar-Tavşanlı is approximately 6,500 TL. Marmara RoRo focuses specifically on freight transport; on the Bandırma-Ambarlı route, the trailer + driver tariff varies between 12,000-15,000 TL depending on the season. It is possible to get corporate agreement tariffs from the operator for freight transport.

Conclusion and Helpful Resources

Turkey's car ferry network, with over 25 active routes, offers an alternative to road traffic and is an indispensable mode of transportation, especially during the summer and holiday periods. To choose the right route, evaluate the four criteria of your destination, transit time, vehicle class, and season peak together. All schedules and prices are updated daily in the feribotseferleri.com.tr database.

Related Guides

• Yenikapı-Yalova Ferry Guide
• Çanakkale-Eceabat Ferry Guide
• Bozcaada Ferry Guide
• How to Buy Online Ferry Tickets?
• All Active Ferry Schedules
• All Ferry Operators