Ferry Options and Rights for Disabled Passengers

Ferry Options and Rights for Disabled Passengers: 2026 Updated Guide

Surrounded by seas on three sides, Turkey's unique geography and well-developed inland waterways make maritime transport both a pleasant and practical option. Ferries play a vital role in intercontinental and intercity travel, especially in the Marmara and Aegean regions. However, when it comes to disadvantaged groups, the accessibility of the journey is just as important as its comfort. As of 2026, maritime companies and local municipalities in Turkey have largely implemented international accessibility standards to ensure that disabled passengers can travel by ferry independently, safely, and on equal terms. In this comprehensive guide, we examine every detail you need to know step-by-step, from the legal rights of disabled individuals when traveling by ferry to the ticketing processes, physical facilities at the piers, and onboard equipment. Remember, a well-planned sea voyage with the right information is a liberating experience where barriers are left behind in the wake.

Fundamental Rights of Disabled Passengers in Ferry Transport

Under the laws of the Republic of Turkey and international conventions to which it is a party, the right of disabled citizens to benefit from transportation services at a discount or free of charge is legally guaranteed. The Disabled Identification Card issued by the Ministry of Family and Social Services is the primary key to accessing these rights. With the 2026 updates, digital integrations have made exercising these rights much more practical.

Right to Free or Discounted Travel

For urban maritime transport (such as Şehir Hatları in Istanbul or İZDENİZ in Izmir), disabled passengers are entitled to travel completely free of charge. On intercity routes (such as İDO, BUDO, and GESTAŞ), free or highly discounted fares are applied for foot passengers, while different tariff policies may come into play for vehicle crossings. Individuals with a severe disability report (indicated as 'Fully Dependent' under the new regulation) are also entitled to this free or discounted travel right for one accompanying companion.

Expert Tip: Arriving at the pier with only your medical board report can cause delays during ticketing. Always carry your chip-enabled or barcoded Disabled Identification Card issued by the Ministry of Family and Social Services.

İDO (Istanbul Sea Buses) Disabled Passenger Procedures

As one of the largest operators in the Sea of Marmara, İDO serves critical routes such as Yenikapı-Bursa, Yenikapı-Bandırma, and Yalova-Pendik. İDO's fast ferries and sea buses are specially designed with wheelchair users in mind.

Terminal and Onboard Accessibility

At main terminals like Yenikapı and Bursa, there are designated parking areas, ramps, and elevators for disabled passengers. Disabled passengers are given priority at ticket counters. During boarding, İDO staff assist wheelchair-bound foot passengers by setting up special boarding ramps. The passenger lounges of fast ferries feature designated, seatbelt-equipped securing areas for wheelchairs. Additionally, all mainline vessels are equipped with disabled toilets that meet international standards.

• Presenting a Disabled Identification Card is mandatory when purchasing tickets.
• Tickets are free for foot passengers, though minor deductions such as port taxes or service fees may apply.
• Special discount quotas are applied for disabled vehicles on car ferry journeys.

Şehir Hatları and BUDO: Two Major Alternatives in Marmara

Şehir Hatları, the lifeblood of Istanbul's urban transport, and BUDO, which offers an economical and fast alternative between Istanbul and Bursa, provide different but effective solutions for accessibility.

100% Accessibility Goal at Şehir Hatları

Affiliated with the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, Şehir Hatları has overhauled most of the older vessels in its fleet as part of its 2026 vision, while designing its new-generation ferries to be completely barrier-free. The pier ramps used for boarding and disembarking are adjusted by staff according to tide and wave conditions to accommodate wheelchair access. Tactile paving and audio announcement systems for visually impaired passengers are standard across all piers.

Mudanya - Eminönü/Sirkeci Route with BUDO

BUDO, a subsidiary of the Bursa Metropolitan Municipality, operates foot passenger transport with its sea buses. Wheelchair access is possible on BUDO vessels, but due to the structural design of sea buses, assistance from the crew may be required at door thresholds and lounge transitions. The disability discount is automatically applied during the ticketing process.

The Aegean and Dardanelles: Barrier-Free Travel with GESTAŞ

Dominating the North Aegean and the Dardanelles Strait, GESTAŞ carries millions of passengers on the Çanakkale-Eceabat, Gelibolu-Lapseki, Geyikli-Bozcaada, and Kabatepe-Gökçeada routes. The heavy traffic on the island routes, especially during the summer months, makes advance planning essential for disabled passengers.

Elevator Usage on Car Ferries

All the new-generation car ferries that have joined the GESTAŞ fleet in recent years feature wide-cabin elevators connecting the car deck to the passenger lounge. However, some older vessels may lack elevators. In such cases, wheelchair-bound disabled passengers are permitted to remain in their vehicles within the framework of safety regulations.

• Tips for Bozcaada and Gökçeada Trips:
• Always specify your disability status when booking online during the summer season.
• Show your disabled parking placard to the pier staff and request to park as close to the elevator as possible.
• Keep in mind that pier exits on the islands can sometimes be narrow, so do not rush when disembarking.

Expert Tip: If you are traveling on the Çanakkale-Eceabat route and wish to leave your vehicle to go up to the passenger lounge, you can tell the toll booth attendant, 'I want to wait for a ferry with an elevator,' and request to be directed to the next available elevator-equipped ferry.

Accessible Transport in the Gulf of Izmir with İZDENİZ

Providing car ferry services between Bostanlı and Üçkuyular, and passenger ferry services on routes like Konak-Karşıyaka in the Gulf of Izmir, İZDENİZ is one of Turkey's pioneering institutions in accessibility. Its catamaran-type passenger vessels offer a flawless experience for wheelchair users with their wide doors, threshold-free passages, and spacious lounges.

Thanks to the disabled boarding rights integrated into the İzmirim Kart system, passing through the turnstiles takes only seconds. On car ferries, elevators are standard, and there are designated parking lanes for disabled vehicles. For visually impaired passengers, tactile guide paths on the piers run continuously from the turnstiles to the ship's doors.

What Disabled Passengers Need to Know on Car Ferries

Ferry travel for disabled passengers traveling with their vehicles involves slightly different dynamics compared to foot passengers. The positioning of the vehicle on the deck is of great importance, especially on longer journeys.

Priority Boarding and Parking Positioning

Many piers offer priority boarding rights for disabled vehicles. When you approach the toll booth and present your disabled parking placard and ID, the directing staff will guide you to special parking areas that are either closest to the onboard elevator doors or wide enough for the vehicle doors to open fully. These areas are typically located in the middle lanes of the ship.

Note: Prices and discount rates vary periodically; always visit the respective operator's official website for current prices and vehicle class discounts.

Services Offered for Visually and Hearing Impaired Passengers

Accessibility is vital not only for the orthopedically disabled but also for individuals with visual and hearing impairments. As of 2026, the standards implemented at terminals and on vessels have been significantly improved.

Audio and Visual Information Systems

For hearing-impaired passengers, emergency warnings and arrival announcements are broadcast on digital information screens in all main terminals and onboard lounges using text and sign language animations. At ticket counters, induction loop systems compatible with hearing aids are utilized. For visually impaired passengers, floor and direction information in Braille is available on the handrails of onboard stairs, and emergency announcements are made with high audio quality.

Rules for Traveling with Guide Dogs

Guide dogs, the greatest helpers of visually impaired passengers, are admitted free of charge into the passenger lounges on ferry routes in Turkey. However, certain rules must be followed for this travel:

1. The guide dog's internationally recognized training certificate or ID must be presented.
2. The dog must wear its special harness indicating it is a guide dog.
3. An up-to-date vaccination card showing rabies and combination vaccines must be ready before boarding.
4. For safety reasons, the captain may request that the dog be muzzled in crowded lounges at their discretion.

Accessibility Standards at Terminals and Piers

The journey begins the moment you step into the pier or terminal, long before boarding the ship. Modern ferry terminals are designed so that disabled passengers can handle all their procedures without needing assistance from anyone.

Automatic sliding doors at terminal entrances and lowered ticket and information counters suitable for wheelchair height have become standard. Waiting lounges feature seating arrangements with designated spaces for wheelchairs. Additionally, large terminals have 'Assistance Request Points' for passengers who need help. When the buttons at these points are pressed, specially trained terminal staff arrive to escort the passenger all the way to their seat on the ship.

Expert Tip: If you are traveling alone and need assistance with carrying luggage or boarding the ship, you can call the relevant ferry company's call center at least 48 hours before your departure time to request the 'Disabled Passenger Assistance Service'.

Current Pricing and Discount Policies as of 2026

Although economic conditions and operating costs change every year, state policies aimed at protecting disabled passengers remain constant. For foot passengers, discounts ranging from 50% to 100% are applied to the base prices of intercity ferry tickets. However, it should be noted that even if the ticket price is 0 TL, additional service fees such as port usage fees, insurance costs, or seat selection fees may be collected from the passenger.

The situation is slightly different for vehicle crossings. Vehicles with the phrase 'Disabled Vehicle' on their registration or those with a disabled parking placard receive discounts within the quotas set by the ferry company. This discount is generally applied based on the passenger car class. Prices for vehicle crossings vary depending on the season, time, and route; visit the operator's website for current pricing.

Conclusion and Golden Rules for Barrier-Free Travel

With the spaciousness and freedom of movement it offers, maritime transport is one of the most comfortable travel methods for disabled passengers. The level of accessibility achieved by institutions such as İDO, BUDO, GESTAŞ, Şehir Hatları, and İZDENİZ in Turkey as of 2026 competes with international standards. Planning your trip in advance, always carrying your Disabled Identification Card, and arriving at the pier a little earlier than usual for vehicle travel to inform the staff of your situation are the most important golden rules for a smooth journey. Remember, any accessibility service you request is not a favor, but your most natural legal right.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. I have a severe disability report; can my companion also travel for free on the ferry?

Yes, if your identification card issued by the Ministry of Family and Social Services includes the phrase 'Right to a Companion in Transportation' (or 'Fully Dependent' in the new system), one person traveling with you is also entitled to free or discounted travel as a foot passenger.

2. Can my motorized wheelchair be plugged in for charging during the ferry ride?

On ferries with large, enclosed lounges (such as İDO fast ferries), standard 220V outlets are available in the passenger areas. You can charge your motorized wheelchair at a suitable outlet by asking permission from the crew. However, this facility may not always be available on short-distance routes.

3. Do I have to leave my vehicle if there is no elevator on the car ferry?

No. If there is no elevator on the ship or if it is out of order, disabled passengers who use wheelchairs or have mobility difficulties are allowed to remain on the car deck inside their own vehicles, provided that safety measures are taken.

4. Are guide dogs allowed on ferries for visually impaired passengers?

Yes, guide dogs with an internationally recognized certificate and wearing their special harness are admitted into the passenger lounge free of charge alongside the visually impaired passenger. You must have their vaccination card with you.

5. Can I buy discounted or free disabled tickets online?

Yes, as of 2026, many operators (İDO, BUDO, etc.) automatically apply the disability discount in their online ticketing systems by querying the MERNİS and Ministry databases using your Turkish ID Number.

6. Are there designated parking areas for disabled passengers at ferry piers?

Yes, by regulation, the main terminals of major operators like Şehir Hatları, İDO, BUDO, and İZDENİZ have specially designated, widened free or discounted parking areas for disabled vehicles.