Do ferries operate on public holidays, and are they free? Across Turkey, operators like Şehir Hatları, İDO, BUDO, Gestaş, Negmar, and İzdeniz have different policies for holidays. In this guide, we compile the status of ferry and sea bus schedules, pricing policies, and additional voyages for all national holidays in 2026 on a single page. If you want detailed information for a specific day, you can check out the sub-guides below.
Remaining Public Holidays in 2026 — Quick Calendar
Eid al-Adha (May 27–30, 2026) and July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day are behind us; the two remaining public holidays in 2026 are August 30 Victory Day and October 29 Republic Day. By decision of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB), Şehir Hatları ferries provided free service to personalized Istanbulkart holders during the Eid holiday (May 27, 00:00 – May 30, 24:00); meanwhile, İDO and BUDO operated on their standard fares. For details, you can check the Eid al-Adha 2026 ferry schedules guide. Upcoming public holidays in 2026 and ferry statuses:
- August 30 Victory Day (Sunday) — the nearest public holiday: Since it falls on a Sunday, most operators will already be on their Sunday/holiday schedule. İBB's decision on free public transport is announced closer to the holiday. Details: August 30, 2026 ferry schedules.
- October 29 Republic Day (Thursday): In previous years, İBB has made public transport (including Şehir Hatları) free of charge; the 2026 decision will be announced in October. Details: Are ferries free on October 29, 2026?
For summer season schedules, check out our 2026 summer schedule guide.
Ferry Policies on Public Holidays in Turkey
Public holidays in Turkey are divided into two main groups: national holidays (April 23, May 19, August 30, October 29, July 15) and religious holidays (Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha). In addition, May 1 Labor and Solidarity Day is considered a public holiday. The practices of ferry operators on these days fall under three headings:
- Schedule changes: Some operators apply a Sunday or Saturday schedule on holidays, while others continue with their weekday schedule.
- Free travel: Municipality-affiliated ferry operators (Şehir Hatları, İzdeniz, some Gestaş routes) may provide free service to passengers on national holidays. This practice depends on the municipality's official announcement each year.
- Additional voyages: Extra trips are organized on the eve and return days of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, especially on the Marmara and Aegean routes.
Below, we summarize the current 2026 policy for each holiday by operator.
Which Days Might Be Free?
On the following days, Istanbul Şehir Hatları and some municipality-operated ferries generally offer free travel. However, private operators like İDO, BUDO, and Negmar usually do not follow this practice and charge their standard fares.
- May 1 — Labor and Solidarity Day: Şehir Hatları has traditionally provided free service, but this is announced separately each year. İDO is paid. May 1, 2026 detailed guide.
- April 23 — National Sovereignty and Children's Day: Children aged 7 and under already travel free on Şehir Hatları ferries; free travel for all passengers may be applied on the holiday. April 23, 2026 detailed guide.
- May 19 — Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day: In recent years, İBB's practice has been to offer free travel. May 19, 2026 detailed guide.
- August 30 — Victory Day: Şehir Hatları traditionally provides free service. August 30, 2026 detailed guide.
- October 29 — Republic Day: Free travel is common during the 1.5-day holiday starting on the afternoon of October 28. October 29, 2026 detailed guide.
- July 15 — Democracy and National Unity Day: Municipal operators may offer free travel, evaluated according to the annual announcement. July 15, 2026 detailed guide.
- 1st day of Eid al-Fitr: Şehir Hatları is traditionally free. Eid al-Fitr 2026 detailed guide.
- 1st day of Eid al-Adha: Free travel is customary for Şehir Hatları. Eid al-Adha 2026 detailed guide.
Important note: Free travel practices depend on the official announcements of the relevant municipality or operator each year. We recommend checking operator announcements before traveling.
2026 Policies by Operator
Şehir Hatları (Istanbul)
Affiliated with the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, Şehir Hatları traditionally offers free travel on national holidays and public holidays like May 1. In 2024 and 2025, this was implemented on May 1, May 19, August 30, October 29, and the first days of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Exact dates and times for 2026 depend on the official announcements by İBB and Şehir Hatları. Schedules generally switch to the Sunday timetable, which means fewer trips on certain routes.
İDO — Istanbul Fast Ferries
As a private sector operator, İDO does not offer free travel on public holidays. Regarding schedules, weekend timetables may apply on holidays. During busy holiday periods (especially the eve and return days of Eid), additional voyages are added to the Yenikapı–Bursa, Yenikapı–Bandırma, and Pendik–Yalova routes. Purchasing tickets in advance is highly recommended.
BUDO — Bursa Sea Buses
Although BUDO is a subsidiary of the Bursa Metropolitan Municipality, it maintains its standard pricing policy. Additional voyages may be operated on the Bursa–Istanbul (Eminönü/Kabataş) and Bursa–Armutlu routes during holiday periods. While BUDO has occasionally offered discounted or free travel on national holidays like April 23 and May 19, this is not a standard practice.
Gestaş — Çanakkale
Gestaş Maritime Transportation operates between the two sides of the Dardanelles (Çanakkale–Eceabat, Çanakkale–Kilitbahir, Gelibolu–Lapseki). The vast majority of these routes are already free for foot passengers but paid for vehicles. Vehicle tolls continue at the normal rate during holidays. Since the week of August 30 Victory Day increases visitor density on the Gallipoli Peninsula, Gestaş may add extra voyages.
Negmar — Eskihisar/Topçular and Gulf of Saros
Negmar operates car ferry routes such as Eskihisar–Topçular and Tekirdağ–Karabiga. There is no free travel during holidays, but departure frequencies are increased to 24/7 during busy days.
İzdeniz — Izmir
İzdeniz, a subsidiary of the Izmir Metropolitan Municipality, frequently supports free travel on national holidays. Free travel has been observed on September 9 (Liberation of Izmir, a local holiday), October 29, and August 30.
Holiday Schedules and Additional Voyages
Long holiday periods of up to 9 days, such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, create massive travel movements in Turkey. Ferry operators make the following adjustments during this period:
- Eve afternoon and holiday return: The busiest hours. Tickets sell out quickly on the İDO Yenikapı–Bursa, Yenikapı–Bandırma, and Negmar Eskihisar–Topçular routes.
- Additional voyages: Operators may add 1–3 extra trips during the holiday. These are usually announced 1–2 weeks before the holiday.
- Early ticket purchase: It is recommended to buy your tickets at least 10 days before the holiday. For car ferries, this period can extend up to 2–3 weeks.
- Schedule transition: Sunday/Saturday schedules are applied on official holiday dates. Unlike the weekday schedule, this means fewer trips.
For a detailed strategy, check out our guide on how to buy ferry tickets during the holiday period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are ferries free on public holidays?
No, this is not a universal rule for all operators. Only municipal subsidiaries like Istanbul Şehir Hatları and İzdeniz typically offer free travel on national holidays. Standard fares apply for İDO, BUDO, and private operators.
Does İDO operate on May 1?
Yes, İDO continues its services on May 1, but it is not free. A weekend schedule may be applied.
How to buy car ferry tickets during holidays?
For car ferry routes like Eskihisar–Topçular, Çanakkale–Eceabat, and Gelibolu–Lapseki, it is recommended to buy tickets 2–3 weeks before the holiday. Make reservations with operators that have an online ticketing system; for those that don't, you will need to queue at the pier.
What are the Şehir Hatları operating hours during holidays?
On public holidays, Şehir Hatları generally operates on a Sunday schedule. This means fewer trips compared to the weekday schedule. Popular routes like the Princes' Islands, Eminönü–Üsküdar, and Beşiktaş–Üsküdar can be crowded.
How much do we pay if we take the ferry with children on April 23?
Children aged 7 and under already travel for free on Şehir Hatları. If free travel is implemented for all passengers on April 23, everyone rides for free. İBB officially announces this decision every year.
Does BUDO organize additional voyages during holidays?
Yes, BUDO may organize additional voyages on the Bursa–Istanbul route during Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and long holiday periods. Announcements are usually made 1–2 weeks before the holiday.
Which ferry route is the busiest during holidays?
Eskihisar–Topçular (Negmar) and Yenikapı–Bursa (İDO) are the busiest routes around the Marmara region. Waiting times on these routes can reach 2–4 hours at the beginning and end of the holiday.
Conclusion
Ferry schedules in Turkey on public holidays vary greatly depending on the operator. While municipal subsidiaries offer free travel, private operators work on standard fares. When planning your trip: (1) determine which operator you will travel with, (2) check the official announcement for the relevant year, and (3) buy tickets 2–3 weeks in advance during holiday periods. Check the sub-guides above for a specific holiday; we provide separate schedule, fare, and additional voyage information for each public holiday.
