İzmit - Büyükada Ferry Schedules 2026
The İzmit - Büyükada ferry route is part of the special summer Princes' Islands service organized by the Kocaeli Metropolitan Municipality. A single ferry picks up passengers in the following order: İzmit at 08:30 → Değirmendere at 09:15 → Karamürsel at 10:00 → Darıca at 11:15, and then proceeds to Büyükada. This allows passengers boarding from various districts of Kocaeli to travel directly to Büyükada without transferring. Departure from the İzmit pier is at 08:30, with arrival in Büyükada at approximately 12:15.
Operating Days and Season
Sailings are operated as round trips every Sunday between June 22 and September 21, 2026. Since the route runs exclusively during the summer season and only one day a week (Sunday), it is perfectly designed for those wanting a day trip to the island. The ferry remains in Büyükada for the day and begins its return journey at 17:30.
Departure Times from İzmit
- Outbound (Sunday): İzmit 08:30 departure → Büyükada ~12:15 arrival
- Return (Sunday): Büyükada 17:30 departure → İzmit ~21:15 arrival
Because the ferry stops at other piers along the eastern edge of the Gulf of İzmit before heading out, the schedule is based on a single vessel's route within the gulf. Return ferry schedules from Büyükada to İzmit are listed on a separate page.
Ticket Prices (2026)
Round-trip tour tickets departing from İzmit are 350 TL for adults and 225 TL for students. The price includes both the outbound and return journeys, structured as a single round-trip tour. Ticket prices vary depending on the departure pier—the Darıca departure, which is closest to the island, offers the most affordable fare.
Reservations Required
Because seating is limited on these sailings, advance reservations are mandatory. Reservations can be made through the Kocaeli Metropolitan Municipality at kdu.kocaeli.bel.tr or www.kocaeli.bel.tr. Rather than arriving at the pier without a booking on a Sunday morning, it is highly recommended to secure your spot in advance.
Why Take the Ferry to Büyükada from Kocaeli?
During the summer, ferries departing from within Istanbul to the Princes' Islands become extremely crowded, especially on weekends, resulting in long queues at the Bostancı and Kabataş piers. This direct service from Kocaeli allows you to reach Büyükada via a pleasant sea voyage without ever dealing with Istanbul traffic or crowded transfer hubs. The views of both shores of the Gulf of İzmit and the Sea of Marmara turn the journey itself into a scenic tour.
A Day in Büyükada
Since the ferry arrives in Büyükada before noon, you will have about five hours to explore the island. Electric vehicles (which have replaced the horse-drawn carriages), bicycle tours, the hike up to the Aya Yorgi Church, historic mansions, and seaside seafood restaurants provide plenty to do for a day trip. We recommend planning your time on the island carefully so you are ready at the pier for the 17:30 return departure.