How much is the ferry fare with Istanbulkart in 2026?

According to the current tariff, the full Istanbulkart ticket on Şehir Hatları ferries in Istanbul is approximately 53–59 ₺ depending on the route and distance. On Bosphorus routes operated by Dentur Avrasya (e.g., Üsküdar–Beşiktaş), the fare is around 45 ₺, on the Bostancı/Kadıköy–Princes' Islands route it is approximately 30 ₺, and on the Kabataş–Princes' Islands route it is 137,48 ₺. Payment is made with Istanbulkart or a contactless debit/credit card.

How much is the Princes' Islands ferry fare in 2026 (Istanbulkart)?

The ferry fare to the Princes' Islands (Kınalıada, Burgazada, Heybeliada, Büyükada) from Kadıköy, Kabataş, and Bostancı with Istanbulkart is approximately 30 ₺ for routes departing from Bostancı/Kadıköy, and 137,48 ₺ for the route departing from Kabataş. Fast sea bus services (Turyol/İDO) may have different and higher fares.

How much is the student discount on the ferry?

With a Student Istanbulkart, the ferry ticket is about half the full fare; according to the current tariff, it is approximately 22–29 ₺ per route. A student subscription/Discounted Istanbulkart is required to benefit from the discount.

How much is the ferry fare for those over 65?

In Istanbul, citizens aged 65 and over travel for free on Şehir Hatları ferries with the IMM's free travel card (60+ / 65+ card). There may be different practices on some routes of private operators.

Is Istanbulkart valid on Dentur and Turyol ferries?

Istanbulkart is valid on scheduled Bosphorus routes operated by Dentur Avrasya (Üsküdar–Beşiktaş, Kabataş–Üsküdar, etc.). Turyol's private sea bus/Bosphorus tour services may be sold with separate tickets; check on a route-by-route basis.

Is there a transfer discount on the ferry?

Yes. A discount is applied for transfers made within a certain period (usually 2 hours) with Istanbulkart; when transferring from the metro, bus, or Marmaray to the ferry, the second boarding is charged at a lower rate.

How is the ferry fare paid?

On Şehir Hatları and scheduled ferry routes, payment is made at the pier turnstiles with Istanbulkart or a contactless debit/credit card. Cash payments are generally not accepted.

Is the Long Bosphorus Tour included in the Istanbulkart fare?

No. Since Şehir Hatları's Long Bosphorus Tour (Eminönü–Anadolu Kavağı) is a touristic voyage, it is sold with a special ticket separate from the Istanbulkart tariff. Normal inner-city ferry routes are subject to the Istanbulkart tariff.

Is there a ferry fare for children?

Children under a certain age (usually 0–6 years) travel for free on Istanbul public transportation; a student/discounted tariff may apply to older children. Check IETT/IMM tariffs for current age limits.

Which is the cheapest ferry route in Istanbul?

Short inner-city Bosphorus crossings and the Princes' Islands route are the most economical options; the Bostancı/Kadıköy–Princes' Islands route is ~30 ₺ with Istanbulkart. Benefiting from the transfer discount also reduces the total cost.

How much is the pedestrian fare on the Sirkeci–Harem car ferry?

Pedestrian (passenger) crossing on the Sirkeci–Harem car ferry is approximately 15 ₺ with Istanbulkart. For vehicle crossings, a separate vehicle fee (car ~185 ₺) is charged.

Istanbulkart Ferry Prices 2026: Full 53-59 ₺, Islands 30 ₺

Ferry Travel and Pricing in Istanbul for 2026

Every day, hundreds of thousands of people in Istanbul travel between the two continents without getting stuck in traffic, accompanied by the unique views of the Bosphorus. With the tariffs updated as of June 7, 2026, we have prepared the most comprehensive guide for passengers searching for istanbul ferry prices 2026. The city's official maritime transport institution, Şehir Hatları, and private marine motor cooperatives apply different pricing policies on different routes.

In this guide, you can find the şehir hatları ferry price list, the answer to how much is the ferry with istanbulkart, and the details of the princes' islands ferry price 2026, which is highly sought after, especially in the summer months. Additionally, we provide practical information on ticket purchasing methods, transfer discounts, and distance-based refund systems.

2026 Istanbulkart Ferry Prices (Full List)

For ferry journeys made with Istanbulkart, prices vary depending on the length and popularity of the route traveled. In the table below, you can review the current 2026 one-way fares for the most frequently used routes.

Route Name	Operator	Full (Adult)	Student	Over 65
Beşiktaş - Kadıköy	Şehir Hatları	59,28 ₺	28,87 ₺	Discounted
Kabataş - Kadıköy	Şehir Hatları	57,00 ₺	28,13 ₺	Discounted
Üsküdar - Eminönü	Şehir Hatları	53,20 ₺	25,85 ₺	Discounted
Beşiktaş - Üsküdar	Dentur Avrasya	45,59 ₺	22,21 ₺	Discounted
Kabataş - Princes' Islands	Şehir Hatları	137,48 ₺	68,76 ₺	96,23 ₺

The prices above are for standard Istanbulkart users. For current voyage cancellations or instant 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 Prices and Voyage Details

Şehir Hatları ferries, the lifeblood of Istanbul, carry millions of passengers between continents every day. Each route has its own unique scenery, travel time, 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 paths connecting the two sides by passing through the middle of the Bosphorus. Reaching Kadıköy from Beşiktaş in about 20 minutes, the ferries offer a pleasant journey accompanied by views of the Ortaköy Mosque, the Bosphorus Bridge, and the Anatolian Fortress. Beşiktaş Pier is within walking distance of the stadium and Dolmabahçe Palace.

Adult Fare: 59,28 ₺
Student Fare: 28,87 ₺
Travel Time: 20 Minutes

Under 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 weekend and public holiday schedules, you can check the pier information boards.

Kabataş - Kadıköy Ferry Route

The Kabataş - Kadıköy ferry route provides a 20-minute connection to Kadıköy from Kabataş Pier, neighboring Beşiktaş. Kabataş offers easy access to Taksim via tram and funicular connections. This route is also an attractive path for tourists with its views of Dolmabahçe Palace and Çırağan Palace.

Adult Fare: 57,00 ₺
Student Fare: 28,13 ₺
Travel Time: 20 Minutes

Voyages 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, voyages begin at 12:40.

Üsküdar - Eminönü Ferry Route

The Üsküdar - Eminönü ferry route provides a 15-minute transport from the Asian Side to the historical center of Istanbul. Passing through the narrowest points of the Bosphorus, this route offers a short but impressive journey accompanied by views of the Maiden's Tower and the Sultanahmet skyline. Üsküdar Pier is directly integrated into Istanbul's extensive transportation network via the Marmaray connection.

Adult Fare: 53,20 ₺
Student Fare: 25,85 ₺
Travel Time: 15 Minutes

Departures starting in the early hours of the 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 Marine Motors: Dentur Avrasya Beşiktaş - Üsküdar Route

Apart from Şehir Hatları, one of the important cooperatives carrying the transportation load in Istanbul is Dentur Avrasya. Operating continuously throughout the day between Beşiktaş - Üsküdar, these motorboats minimize waiting times.

Departing approximately every 15 minutes, the 2026 adult fare for these motorboats is set at 45,59 ₺, and the student fare is 22,21 ₺. Voyages start at 06:20 in the morning and continue until 01:00 at night. It is an ideal alternative for those looking for a fast and practical crossing.

Princes' Islands Ferry Prices 2026 and Voyage Details

Transportation to the Princes' Islands, the first destination for those wanting to escape the noise of Istanbul, experiences great density during the summer months. The Kabataş - Princes' Islands ferry route stops at Kınalıada, Burgazada, Heybeliada, and Büyükada, respectively. During this long and enjoyable 90-minute journey, the open waters of the Sea of Marmara and the green silhouettes of the islands accompany you.

The Princes' Islands route has a different pricing policy than standard inner-city routes. The current 2026 princes' islands ferry price is as follows:

Full (Adult) Ticket: 137,48 ₺
Student Ticket: 68,76 ₺
Over 65: 96,23 ₺

The current departure times for ferries leaving 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 journey on the Princes' Islands route, you can also get information about the beaches and places to visit on the islands by reviewing our Istanbul Princes' Islands Ferry Guide page.

The Adakart Difference and Transfer Rule

The most important point to note on the Princes' Islands route is that transfer discounts are not valid. In other words, when you get off the metro or bus and board the Princes' Islands ferry, the full fare (137,48 ₺) is deducted from your Istanbulkart. Special discounted local tariffs are applied only for citizens residing on the Islands and holding an "Adakart". There is no transfer discount on this route for tourists and standard Istanbul residents.

Istanbulkart Transfer Discount and Distance-Based Refund System

One of the biggest advantages of public transportation in Istanbul is the transfer system. For subsequent boardings (metro, bus, tram, or ferry) made within 2 hours of your first boarding, your Istanbulkart will deduct a discounted fare.

On the Bosphorus routes of Şehir Hatları (such as Beşiktaş-Kadıköy or Üsküdar-Eminönü), the transfer discount works fully. However, as we mentioned earlier, the Princes' Islands route is excluded from this system.

Distance-Based Routes and Refund System: On some long routes in Istanbul (for example, certain integrated routes like Kabataş-Kadıköy or rail systems like Marmaray), distance-based pricing may be applied. In this system, the fare for the longest distance is collected from your card as you pass through the turnstile. After getting off the ferry, you can refund the fare for the distance you did not travel back to your card in seconds by scanning your Istanbulkart at the "Refund Machines" located at the pier exit. If you forget to perform the refund process, the maximum amount deducted will remain charged to your card.

How to Buy Ferry Tickets?

In 2026, buying a ferry ticket in Istanbul has become highly digital and practical. You can use the following methods without needing to wait in line at the ticket booths:

Istanbulkart: You can pass through the turnstiles by loading balance onto Istanbulkart, the city's official transportation card, from the Biletmatik machines at the piers or via the mobile app.
Contactless Credit/Debit Card: If you do not have your Istanbulkart with you, you can pass by scanning your contactless credit or debit card at all Şehir Hatları and Dentur turnstiles. However, transfer discounts are not applied for credit card passes, and your bank may charge a small commission.
Istanbulkart Mobile (QR Code): You can make a contactless pass using the QR code readers at the turnstiles with the Istanbulkart application you download to your smartphone.

For detailed information on whether transportation is free on public holidays and religious festivals, you can check out our article titled Are Ferries Free on Public Holidays and Festivals? 2026 Guide. Additionally, for a list of all piers, you can review our Full List of Istanbul Piers page.