Ferry Travel and Fares in Istanbul in 2026
Every day, hundreds of thousands of people in Istanbul commute between the two sides of the city, avoiding traffic and enjoying the unique views of the Bosphorus. With updated tariffs effective June 7, 2026, we have prepared the most comprehensive guide for passengers searching for Istanbul ferry fares 2026. Şehir Hatları, the city's official sea transport authority, and private sea motor cooperatives apply different pricing policies on different routes.
In this guide, you will find the Şehir Hatları ferry price list, the answer to the question how much is Istanbulkart ferry, and especially the most frequently asked Princes' Islands ferry fare 2026 details during the summer months. We also provide practical information on ticket purchase methods, transfer discounts, and distance-based refund systems.
2026 İstanbulkart Ferry Fares (Full List)
Ferry fares with İstanbulkart vary according to the length and popularity of the route traveled. In the table below, you can review the current one-way fares for the most frequently used routes in 2026.
| Route Name | Operator | Full (Adult) | Student | Over 65 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beşiktaş - Kadıköy | Şehir Hatları | 59.28 TL | 28.87 TL | Discounted |
| Kabataş - Kadıköy | Şehir Hatları | 57.00 TL | 28.13 TL | Discounted |
| Üsküdar - Eminönü | Şehir Hatları | 53.20 TL | 25.85 TL | Discounted |
| Beşiktaş - Üsküdar | Dentur Avrasya | 45.59 TL | 22.21 TL | Discounted |
| Kabataş - Adalar | Şehir Hatları | 137.48 TL | 68.76 TL | 96.23 TL |
The prices above are for standard İstanbulkart users. For current service cancellations or immediate tariff changes, it is recommended to check the official channels of the operators (Şehir Hatları: 444 1 851, Dentur Avrasya: 0212 444 6 336).
Popular Şehir Hatları Ferry Fares and Service Details
Şehir Hatları ferries, the lifeline of Istanbul, transport millions of passengers between continents every day. Each route has its own unique scenery, journey duration, and pricing. Here are the details of the most frequently used routes:
Beşiktaş - Kadıköy Ferry Route
The Beşiktaş - Kadıköy ferry route is one of the popular routes connecting the two sides of Istanbul by crossing the middle of the Bosphorus. Ferries reach Kadıköy from Beşiktaş in approximately 20 minutes, offering a pleasant journey with views of Ortaköy Mosque, Bosphorus Bridge, and Anadolu Hisarı. Beşiktaş Pier is within walking distance of the stadium and Dolmabahçe Palace.
- Adult Fare: 59.28 TL
- Student Fare: 28.87 TL
- Journey Duration: 20 Minutes
Within the summer schedule (June 1 - September 30, 2026), weekday morning departure times are as follows: 07:15, 07:45, 08:15, 08:45, 09:15, 09:45, 10:15, 10:45, 11:15, 11:45, 12:15, 12:45, 13:15, 13:45, 14:15, 14:45, 15:15, 15:45, 16:15, 16:45. For current services on weekends and public holidays, please check the pier notice boards.
Kabataş - Kadıköy Ferry Route
The Kabataş - Kadıköy ferry route provides a 20-minute connection from Kabataş Pier, adjacent to Beşiktaş, to Kadıköy. Kabataş offers easy access to Taksim via tram and funicular connections. This route is also an attractive option for tourists, with views of Dolmabahçe Palace and Çırağan Palace.
- Adult Fare: 57.00 TL
- Student Fare: 28.13 TL
- Journey Duration: 20 Minutes
Services generally start at 07:40 in the morning and continue throughout the day at 08:10, 08:40, 09:10, 09:40, 10:10, 10:40, 11:10, 11:40, 12:10, 12:40. On Sundays and public holidays, services start at 12:40.
Üsküdar - Eminönü Ferry Route
The Üsküdar - Eminönü ferry route provides access from the Anatolian Side to Istanbul's historical center in 15 minutes. Passing through one of the narrowest points of the Bosphorus, this route offers a short but impressive journey with views of the Maiden's Tower and the Sultanahmet skyline. Üsküdar Pier is directly integrated into Istanbul's extensive transportation network via its Marmaray connection.
- Adult Fare: 53.20 TL
- Student Fare: 25.85 TL
- Journey Duration: 15 Minutes
Services starting in the early morning are quite frequent: 06:25, 06:40, 07:00, 07:20, 07:40, 08:00, 08:20, 08:40, 09:00, 09:20, 09:40, 10:00, 10:20, 10:40, 11:00, 11:20, 11:40, 12:00, 12:20, 12:40.
Private Sea Motors: Dentur Avrasya Beşiktaş - Üsküdar Route
Besides Şehir Hatları, Dentur Avrasya is one of the important cooperatives that carry the transportation load in Istanbul. These motorboats, operating continuously throughout the day between Beşiktaş - Üsküdar, minimize waiting times.
For these motorboats, departing approximately every 15 minutes, the 2026 adult fare is set at 45.59 TL, and the student fare at 22.21 TL. Services start at 06:20 in the morning and continue until 01:00 at night. It is an ideal alternative for those seeking a quick and practical crossing.
Princes' Islands Ferry Fares 2026 and Service Details
Access to the Princes' Islands, the first destination for those wishing to escape the noise of Istanbul, experiences high demand during the summer months. The Kabataş - Princes' Islands ferry route stops at Kınalıada, Burgazada, Heybeliada, and Büyükada, respectively. This long and enjoyable 90-minute journey is accompanied by the open waters of the Marmara Sea and the green silhouettes of the islands.
The Princes' Islands route has a different pricing policy than standard urban routes. The current Princes' Islands ferry fare for 2026 is as follows:
- Full (Adult) Ticket: 137.48 TL
- Student Ticket: 68.76 TL
- Over 65: 96.23 TL
Current departure times for ferries from Kabataş are: 06:50, 08:20, 09:30, 10:40, 12:15, 13:45, 15:15, 17:00, 18:30, 20:00, and 21:30. If you are planning a trip on the Princes' Islands route, you can check our Istanbul Princes' Islands Ferry Guide page for information on beaches and places to visit on the islands.
Adakart Difference and Transfer Rule
The most important point to note on the Princes' Islands route is that transfer discounts are not valid. This means that when you get off a metro or bus and board a Princes' Islands ferry, the full fare (137.48 TL) will be deducted from your İstanbulkart. Special discounted local tariffs apply only to citizens residing in the Princes' Islands who hold an "Adakart". For tourists and standard Istanbul residents, no transfer discount applies on this route.
İstanbulkart Transfer Discount and Distance-Based Refund System
One of the biggest advantages of public transport in Istanbul is the transfer system. Your İstanbulkart applies a discounted fare for subsequent transfers (metro, bus, tram, or ferry) made within 2 hours of your first boarding.
The transfer discount works fully on Şehir Hatları's Bosphorus routes (e.g., Beşiktaş-Kadıköy or Üsküdar-Eminönü). However, as mentioned earlier, the Princes' Islands route is excluded from this system.
Distance-Based Routes and Refund System: In Istanbul, distance-based pricing may be applied on some long routes (e.g., certain integrated routes like Kabataş-Kadıköy or rail systems like Marmaray). In this system, the fare for the longest distance is charged from your card when you pass through the turnstile. After disembarking the ferry, you can scan your İstanbulkart at the "Refund Machines" located at the pier exit to instantly reload the fare for the distance you did not travel back to your card. If you forget to complete the refund process, the maximum amount charged will remain deducted from your card.
How to Buy Ferry Tickets?
In 2026, buying ferry tickets in Istanbul has become quite digital and practical. You can use the following methods without needing to wait in line at ticket offices:
- İstanbulkart: You can load balance onto İstanbulkart, the city's official transportation card, from Biletmatik machines at the piers or via the mobile application, and then pass through the turnstiles.
- Contactless Credit/Debit Card: If you don't have your İstanbulkart with you, you can pass through the turnstiles at all Şehir Hatları and Dentur piers by tapping your contactless credit or debit card. However, transfer discounts do not apply to credit card payments, and your bank may charge a small commission.
- İstanbulkart Mobile (QR Code): You can make contactless passes by using the QR code readers at the turnstiles with the İstanbulkart application downloaded to your smartphone.
For detailed information on whether transportation is free on public holidays and religious festivals, you can refer to our article Are Ferries Free on Public Holidays and Religious Festivals? 2026 Guide. Additionally, you can check our Full List of Istanbul Piers page for a list of all piers.
