Konak - Karşıyaka - Foça Ferry Guide 2026
Connecting the urban maritime transport network of the Gulf of Izmir to the historic coastal districts in the north of the city, the Konak - Karşıyaka - Foça line is a strategic sea route that responds to the increased need for mobility, especially during the summer months. Operated by İZDENİZ, this line departs from the Izmir city center (Konak), stops at the Karşıyaka pier, and then heads directly to Eski Foça. Offering the opportunity to travel between districts directly by sea without entering intercity highway and coastal road traffic, these sailings are heavily used by summer residents, day-trippers, and tourists. Aiming to reduce car usage and lower the carbon footprint on Izmir's northern axis, this route represents one of the most successful examples of maritime integration.
Journey Time and Distance
Starting from Konak Pier and ending at Foça Pier with a transfer at Karşıyaka, this sea voyage covers a total distance of 50.0 kilometers and takes approximately 120 minutes. The duration may vary by a few minutes depending on speed limits within the gulf and passenger boarding/alighting operations at the Karşıyaka pier. Looking at alternative road transport, traveling from Konak to Foça via Anadolu Avenue and the Izmir-Çanakkale Highway (D300) by private vehicle takes 1 hour and 15 minutes under normal conditions, but this time can increase up to 2.5 hours on summer weekends due to congestion at the Menemen and Seyrek intersections. Sea travel completely eliminates traffic stress and offers a predictable, fixed travel time.
Schedules and Timetables
The Konak - Karşıyaka - Foça line is among İZDENİZ's seasonal routes and generally operates under the "Summer Schedule," which begins in mid-June and continues until the end of September. Organized as morning departures and evening returns on weekends (Saturday and Sunday) and public holidays, the sailings can also be integrated into weekdays depending on passenger demand. The ship departing from Konak in the morning picks up its passengers from Karşıyaka shortly after and heads out of the gulf. The return trip from Foça takes place in the evening. There are no regular sailings on this line during the winter season. Before planning your trip, you can get the current ferry schedules here.
Tickets and Fares
Since this line operates on a "passenger-only" (pedestrians and cyclists) concept, vehicle tickets are not sold. The pricing system is managed via Izmirim Kart, the electronic fare collection system of the Izmir Metropolitan Municipality, or with single-use Bilet35 cards available at the pier toll booths. Different fare brackets apply for full, student, teacher, and over-65 passengers. As it is a special summer service, it is subject to a different pricing policy than the standard inner-city ferry tariff. Contactless credit and debit cards are also valid at the turnstiles. For detailed data on current ticket prices, discount rates, and groups entitled to free passage (veterans, relatives of martyrs, disabled individuals), you can review our Ferry Prices page.
About Konak Pier
Located in Konak Square, the historical and administrative center of Izmir, Konak Pier is one of the city's busiest transfer hubs. The pier is just a few hundred meters' walk from the Izmir Clock Tower, the Historical Kemeraltı Bazaar, and the Yalı Mosque. It is in a highly advantageous location in terms of transport integration; passengers can easily reach here from all over the city via the Izmir Metro (Konak Station), Konak Tram (İskele Stop), and ESHOT bus terminals. Inside the pier, there are spacious and air-conditioned waiting lounges, Izmirim Kart top-up machines, a cafeteria, restrooms, and ramps suitable for disabled access. Since parking facilities in the area are limited and paid (Çankaya and Konak multi-story car parks), arriving at the pier by public transport is recommended.
About Foça Pier
The destination point, Foça Pier, is located on the Küçükdeniz coastline in the historical district center, popularly known as "Eski Foça" (Old Foça). The docking area opens directly onto Reha Midilli Avenue, home to restaurants, boutique hotels, and ice cream parlors. The moment you step off the pier, you enter the historical texture of Foça. Transportation within the district can easily be done on foot; the Büyükdeniz area and Karakum Beach are within walking distance. Passengers wishing to go to Yeni Foça or surrounding villages (Kozbeyli, Gerenköy) can use ESHOT buses (line 744) or district minibuses from the Foça Bus Terminal, a 5-minute walk from the pier.
What to Do in Izmir?
For passengers reaching Eski Foça using the Konak - Karşıyaka - Foça line, the district offers a rich historical and gastronomic experience. The main activities to do after disembarking from the pier are as follows: First, the Genoese-built Beşkapılar Castle and its walls, which are on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List, should be visited. Secondly, you can join tours to the Siren Rocks and İncir Island, the subject of Homer's Odyssey epic, with small excursion boats departing from the Küçükdeniz harbor (this area is also the habitat of the endangered Mediterranean monk seals). Thirdly, you can take a photo walk in the streets of Eski Foça (especially 161st Street and its surroundings), which host the most beautiful examples of stone architecture. Finally, you can experience Aegean seafood, olive oil mezes, and Foça's unique yogurt fish roast at the local fish restaurants lined up along the coast.
Vehicle vs. Passenger Travel
Due to the physical structure of the catamaran-type passenger ships used, this route only serves pedestrians and cyclists. Those wishing to travel with a vehicle must use the D300 highway. However, the chronic parking problem experienced in the narrow streets and center of Foça during the summer months makes traveling without a vehicle a much more logical option. While traveling by private vehicle brings disadvantages such as fuel costs, parking fees, and traffic fatigue, traveling by passenger ferry provides great comfort by allowing you to enjoy the gulf view, rest in air-conditioned lounges, and disembark directly in the district center. Passengers looking for vehicle sea transport within Izmir should review the Bostanlı - Üçkuyular car ferry line in the gulf.
Cancellations, Refunds, and Weather Conditions
The Gulf of Izmir and the waters off Foça are sea areas directly affected by severe Lodos (southwesterly), Poyraz (northeasterly) winds, and storms seen especially in the winter months. If the wind speed exceeds certain knot values or the wave height at sea threatens navigational safety, sailings may be canceled by the decision of the Port Authority and the İZDENİZ operations center. In case of cancellations, ticket fares are refunded in full through the payment channel used for the purchase (credit card or Izmirim Kart). It is highly recommended to check the weather conditions and wind direction on the day of travel from the official website of the General Directorate of Meteorology. For instant cancellations and schedule changes, you must check our Current Announcements page before your voyage.
Travel Tips
- Arrive Early: Since it gets busy during the summer months and especially on weekend morning departures, being at the pier at least 20 minutes before departure will make passing through the turnstiles easier.
- Bicycle Usage: You can board İZDENİZ ships free of charge with your folding or standard bicycles; a bicycle provides a great advantage for transportation within Foça.
- Seasickness: Since open sea conditions begin after exiting the gulf (past the Yenikale passage), passengers prone to seasickness are advised to sit in the rear sections of the middle deck or take precautions before the journey.
- Clothing: Even if you are traveling on the open deck in the summer, it will be useful to have a light windbreaker with you due to Izmir's famous İmbat breeze.
- Pets: You can travel with your small pets provided they are in their cages or carrier bags; muzzles are mandatory for dogs, and you must have their vaccination cards with you.
- Food and Drink: You can purchase tea, coffee, cold drinks, and snacks from the cafeterias (Büfe35) located on the ships.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many minutes does the Konak - Karşıyaka - Foça ferry take?
The total journey time of the sailing departing from Konak Pier, stopping at Karşıyaka, and arriving in Foça is approximately 120 minutes. This time may vary slightly depending on gulf traffic and weather conditions.
Can I travel with a vehicle on this line?
No, the ships used on the Konak - Karşıyaka - Foça line are catamaran-type passenger ferries. Therefore, only pedestrians and cyclists are accepted on the line, and vehicle passage is not possible.
How to get to Konak Pier by public transport?
You can get off at the 'Konak' station using the Izmir Metro, get off at the 'İskele' stop with the Konak Tram, or come to the Konak Bahribaba transfer center with ESHOT buses and reach the pier with a few minutes' walk.
Where to buy Konak - Foça tickets?
Ticketing is done by scanning the Izmirim Kart, the electronic card of the Izmir Metropolitan Municipality, at the turnstiles. You can also pass using single-use Bilet35 or contactless credit/debit cards from the pier toll booths.
Are sailings canceled in bad weather?
Yes, sailings may be temporarily canceled by İZDENİZ in meteorological situations that endanger navigational safety, such as severe Lodos, Poyraz, or dense fog, which are especially effective in the Aegean Sea.