Are There Night Ferries in Istanbul? 2026 Transportation Guide
In a 24-hour metropolis like Istanbul, the need for transportation between the two sides of the city doesn't end at sunset. Especially on weekends, after concerts, for those working late, or simply for those who want to enjoy the night view of the Bosphorus, Istanbul night ferry services are of vital importance. While finding sea transportation after midnight was quite difficult in previous years, as of 2026, continuous transportation is available on certain lines until late hours, and in some cases, until morning.
The answers to users' most frequently asked questions like "what time is the last ferry?" or "which lines have night ferry services?" vary depending on the pier and operator you choose. In this guide, we will detail the current status of night and late-hour ferries, especially those operating on the Üsküdar, Beşiktaş, Kadıköy, and Princes' Islands axes, along with ticket prices and alternative transportation methods.
Night Tariff Price Difference (00:30 - 05:30)
One of the most important issues to consider when using public transport in Istanbul during night hours is the night tariff application. Şehir Hatları and some other sea bus operators may apply a "double fare" or increased night tariff for services generally operated between 00:30 at night and 05:30 in the morning. This is implemented due to night staff costs and reduced service frequency. If your journey falls within this time slot, having at least double the normal ticket fare on your Istanbulkart is a practical and important tip to avoid surprises at the pier.
Üsküdar - Beşiktaş Late Hour Ferry Services
One of the fastest and most frequent ferry routes between the two sides of the Istanbul Bosphorus is between Üsküdar and Beşiktaş. Dentur Avrasya, serving this line, acts as a lifeline for passengers looking for "Üsküdar Beşiktaş night ferry" services. This short Bosphorus crossing, lasting approximately 15 minutes, is made frequently throughout the day in both directions.
According to Dentur Avrasya's 2026 summer schedule, the first service from Üsküdar to Beşiktaş starts at 06:10 AM and continues approximately every 15 minutes until 00:45 AM. From the opposite direction, i.e., from Beşiktaş to Üsküdar, the first departure is at 06:20 AM, and the last service runs until 01:00 AM. This allows you to travel safely and enjoy the sea air between the two sides even after midnight.
| Route | Operator | Adult Fare | Student Fare | First - Last Service (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Üsküdar - Beşiktaş | Dentur Avrasya | 45.59 TL | 22.21 TL | 06:10 - 00:45 |
| Beşiktaş - Üsküdar | Dentur Avrasya | 45.59 TL | 22.21 TL | 06:20 - 01:00 |
Note: For current confirmation and possible instant changes for Dentur Avrasya services, you can call the operator at 0212 444 6 336.
Beşiktaş - Kadıköy Night Ferry Status
The ferry journey between Kadıköy, the heart of the Anatolian Side, and Beşiktaş, the center of the European Side, is one of Istanbul's most enjoyable routes. This route, lasting approximately 20 minutes, offers views of Ortaköy Mosque and the Bosphorus Bridge. Night services are particularly important for those wishing to return to Kadıköy from events in Beşiktaş, especially on weekends.
On the Beşiktaş - Kadıköy line operated by Şehir Hatları, our current data set shows daytime services running between 07:15 AM and 05:05 PM. Ticket prices are 59.28 TL for adults and 28.87 TL for students. However, it is known that on the Kadıköy-Beşiktaş line, the last services generally extend beyond 11:00 PM. Due to data limitations, for definitive times of late-night services after 05:05 PM and 11:00 PM, please check the operator's official channels for current information. Şehir Hatları call center number: 444 1 851.
| Departure Point | Arrival Point | Adult | Student | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beşiktaş | Kadıköy | 59.28 TL | 28.87 TL | 20 Minutes |
Princes' Islands Night Ferry: Bostancı and Kabataş Lines
Transportation to the Princes' Islands (Kınalıada, Burgazada, Heybeliada, Büyükada) is indispensable for both Istanbul residents and tourists, especially in summer. Night services are a critical need for those staying on the islands or those who go for a day trip and wish to return late.
The Bostancı - Princes' Islands line, the shortest crossing point from the Anatolian Side to the islands, takes approximately 40 minutes. The adult ticket price on this line is set at 30.00 TL. According to our data, daytime services are listed from 06:50 AM until 07:00 PM. However, especially in summer, night watchman ferry services may be organized on the Princes' Islands line around 02:00 AM and 04:45 AM. Due to data limitations, for confirmation of these midnight services, please check the operator's official channels for current information (Şehir Hatları Tel: 444 1 851).
The Kabataş - Princes' Islands line, departing from the European Side, is Istanbul's most classic route and the journey takes approximately 90 minutes. On this line, an adult ticket is 137.48 TL, a student ticket is 68.76 TL, and a ticket for those over 65 is 96.23 TL. According to the current schedule, the last service from Kabataş to the Princes' Islands is at 09:30 PM (with the Fahrettin Altay ferry).
| Route | Adult | Student | Over 65 | Last Visible Service |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bostancı - Princes' Islands | 30.00 TL | - | - | 07:00 PM (Confirm for night services) |
| Kabataş - Princes' Islands | 137.48 TL | 68.76 TL | 96.23 TL | 09:30 PM |
Alternative Transportation Tips for Those Who Miss the Night Ferry
If you miss the night ferry or the last sea bus, you still have some alternatives for crossing between the two sides of Istanbul. However, it is important to pay attention to the hours and routes of these alternatives:
- Marmaray Does Not Operate at Night: Marmaray usually ends its services around midnight on weekdays (extended services may be available on weekends). Therefore, you should not plan relying on Marmaray after 01:00 AM.
- Metrobus Operates 24 Hours: You can use the Metrobus via Zincirlikuyu or Söğütlüçeşme to provide continuous transportation between the two sides 24 hours a day. Although service intervals extend at night (approximately every 15-20 minutes), it is the most reliable night transportation option.
- Night Bus Lines (İETT): In Istanbul, there are night buses operating until morning on certain main arteries. You can check lines like Taksim - Kadıköy (night variations similar to 129T).
- Yellow Shared Taxis (Dolmuş): Yellow shared taxis operating from Taksim to Kadıköy or Bostancı until morning are a quick but relatively more costly alternative for those who miss the ferry.
Related Guides
To learn more details about sea transportation in Istanbul and better plan your travels, you can also check out our guides below:
