Istanbul Ferry Piers Guide 2026: Where, Which Lines?

Istanbul Ferry Piers: The Heart of the 2026 Transportation Network

As of June 7, 2026, ferries are the most enjoyable, most nostalgic, and often the fastest way to travel between the two sides of Istanbul. Istanbul ferry piers are not just transportation hubs; they are also cultural heritage sites where you can admire the city's historic skyline and feed seagulls. For tourists visiting the city and Istanbulites commuting daily, correctly understanding the Istanbul ferry piers map saves significant time. In this guide, we detail the exact locations of the city's main piers, which lines depart from which pier, and the secrets of inter-pier transfers.

For those seeking a broader perspective, you can also check out our Complete List of Istanbul Piers guide.

Where is Kadıköy Ferry Pier? The Difference Between Old and New Piers

Kadıköy, the largest transportation hub on the Anatolian Side, has a frequently confusing structure when it comes to sea transport. The question "Where is Kadıköy ferry pier?" doesn't have a single answer, as there are multiple pier buildings lined up side by side along the Kadıköy coastline. These are generally referred to as the Old Kadıköy Pier and the New Kadıköy Pier.

Old Kadıköy Pier (Beşiktaş and Eminönü Lines)

The building notable for its historic tiles and located directly opposite the Haldun Taner Stage (the old market hall building) is the Old Kadıköy Pier. Primarily, the Beşiktaş and Eminönü lines depart from here. If you are going to Beşiktaş, this is the building you should head for.

New Kadıköy Pier (Kabataş and Islands Lines)

Walking north from the Old Pier, towards Haydarpaşa (near the metro exits and the area with the balloon), you will find the more modern structure which is the New Kadıköy Pier. A common mistake, especially among tourists, is going to the old pier to catch a ferry to Kabataş or the Islands. Kabataş - Kadıköy ferry services and the Islands lines depart from this new building.

Beşiktaş Ferry Pier: Barbaros Hayrettin Paşa

Located in the heart of the Bosphorus on the European Side, Beşiktaş is one of the busiest piers due to its proximity to both bus stops and the bazaar. The Beşiktaş ferry pier is situated in Barbaros Square, right next to the Naval Museum. From this point, officially named Barbaros Hayrettin Paşa Pier, frequent services are organized towards Kadıköy and Üsküdar.

Beşiktaş - Kadıköy ferry services take approximately 20 minutes, offering views of the Bosphorus Bridge and the Maiden's Tower. The pier, within walking distance of the stadium, Dolmabahçe Palace, and Çırağan, can be extra busy on match days and in the evenings.

Eminönü Ferry Piers: Gateway to the Historic Peninsula

Eminönü is Istanbul's most complex yet historic pier area. The Eminönü ferry piers do not consist of a single building; rather, they are a series of adjacent stops stretching along the coastline from Galata Bridge towards Sirkeci. Located directly opposite the New Mosque and the Spice Bazaar, these piers are separated by their respective lines.

• Üsküdar Pier: The small pier closest to the Galata Bridge.
• Kadıköy Pier: One of the largest buildings, located right in the middle of the square.
• Bosphorus Lines Pier: Located behind the bus stops, towards Sirkeci. Istanbul Bosphorus Tour 2026 with Şehir Hatları services usually start from here.

The most important point to note here is the crowded pedestrian underpasses in Eminönü. You need to follow the signs carefully when using the underpasses to reach the piers.

Üsküdar Ferry Pier and Marmaray Connection

Üsküdar, the historic district on the Anatolian Side, is one of the most strategic points for crossing to the European Side, with its ferry pier located right next to the Marmaray station. The pier, situated in Üsküdar Square, directly opposite the Mihrimah Sultan Mosque, is primarily used for crossings to Eminönü and Beşiktaş.

Üsküdar - Eminönü ferry services take place at one of the narrowest points of the Istanbul Bosphorus and last only 15 minutes. Throughout the journey, the Maiden's Tower and the silhouette of the Historic Peninsula accompany you.

Kabataş Ferry Pier: Islands and Taksim Connection

Located on the European Side, between Beşiktaş and Karaköy, Kabataş Pier is one of Istanbul's most important transfer centers. Its position as the final stop of the T1 Bağcılar-Kabataş tram line and the starting point of the F1 Taksim-Kabataş funicular line makes this pier unique. It is the number one choice for both local and foreign tourists wishing to go to the Islands.

Kabataş - Islands ferry services offer a pleasant 90-minute journey across the Sea of Marmara. This line is very busy during the summer months, so it is advisable to be at the pier at least 20 minutes before the scheduled departure time. For more detailed planning, you can review our Istanbul Islands Ferry Guide article.

Note: For passengers over 65 years old on the Islands line, the ticket price is 96.23 TL.

Sirkeci and Harem Car Ferry Piers

Car ferries, a great alternative to bridges and the Eurasia Tunnel for those wishing to cross the Istanbul Bosphorus by vehicle, operate between Sirkeci and Harem piers. Sirkeci pier is located just east of Eminönü, towards Sarayburnu; while Harem pier is on the Üsküdar coastal road, right next to the bus terminal.

Harem - Sirkeci car ferry services are organized by İDO and take approximately 20 minutes. During the journey, you have the opportunity to view Topkapı Palace from the sea.

Inter-Pier Walking and Transfer Tips

Here are some practical E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness) focused tips to save you time when using Istanbul ferry piers:

1. Karaköy - Eminönü Walk: The walk between Karaköy pier and Eminönü piers over the Galata Bridge takes only 10-15 minutes. If you miss a ferry at one pier, you can walk across the bridge to catch an alternative ferry departing from the opposite pier.
2. Beşiktaş - Kabataş Walk: To avoid Barbaros Boulevard traffic, you can walk from Beşiktaş pier to Kabataş pier via the tree-lined Dolmabahçe road in 15 minutes.
3. Marmaray Integration: Don't panic if ferry services are canceled due to fog or strong southerly winds (lodos). Üsküdar and Yenikapı/Sirkeci piers are within walking distance of Marmaray. You can change continents underwater.

Always remember to call the official call centers of operators like Şehir Hatları and İDO (Şehir Hatları: 444 1 851, İDO: 444 4 436) before your trip for current service cancellations and additional schedule information.