Marmara Island - Erdek Ferry Route (Return)
Operating between the main pier of Marmara Island in Marmara village and Erdek Port, this route is the primary RO-RO connection for direct returns from the island to the Southern Marmara region. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes (105 minutes). The operator is Marmara RoRo Kooperatifi.
It is the busiest connection for passengers heading to Bursa, Izmir, and Balıkesir on Sunday returns. It also serves as the return leg for marble trucks heading to Izmir Port for export, which initially traveled from Erdek to the northern quarries of Marmara village.
Journey Details
- Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes (105 minutes)
- Type: Mixed (passenger + vehicle + RO-RO cargo)
- Operator: Marmara RoRo Kooperatifi
- Frequency: 4-5 daily sailings in summer, 2-3 in winter
Sunday Return Strategy
Sunday returns from Marmara village are fully booked during the summer months. If you plan to make it to work in Bursa or Izmir on Monday morning, opt for the 14:00-16:00 Sunday departures. Evening ferries arrive in Erdek late at night, creating a risk of fatigued driving during the long road trip ahead.
Estimated Ticket Price Range
- Passenger: 150-250 TL
- Car: 700-1.100 TL
- Motorcycle: 250-400 TL
- Caravan: 1.500-2.700 TL
- AdaKart discount: 10-25%
Onward Connections from Erdek
- Bursa: 2 hours (D-565)
- Balıkesir: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Izmir: 3.5 hours (E-87)
- Bandırma: 30 minutes
- Edincik thermal springs: 15 minutes
AdaKart Sunday Priority
During the summer, a special quota is reserved for AdaKart holders on Sunday returns from Marmara to Erdek. This is a critical advantage for regular travelers from Bursa and Izmir, as it largely eliminates the risk of not finding a ticket for the Sunday return trip.
Seasonal Considerations
Summer peak: Sunday departures between 14:00 and 20:00 are the busiest. Holiday returns sell out 4-5 weeks in advance.
Winter season: Low passenger numbers, predominantly marble trucks. Risk of cancellation during Lodos (southwesterly) winds.
Alternative Routes
- Saraylar - Erdek (90 mins) — alternative from the northern pier
- Badalan - Erdek (75 mins) — the new southern pier
- Road trip to Bursa via Marmara - Tekirdağ (longer but avoids traffic bottlenecks)
Onboard Comfort and Sunday Crowds
Ferries are fully booked on summer Sunday sailings. Amenities include an air-conditioned passenger lounge, an open observation deck, and a snack bar. Boarding 30 minutes early during the Sunday peak is important to secure a seat. There is an open deck and a TV lounge suitable for families with children.
After Arriving in Erdek
Erdek Port is located in the city center; seafood restaurants, cafes, and aparthotels are within walking distance of the pier. The bus stop for Bursa, Balıkesir, and Izmir is 5 minutes away. Edincik thermal springs can be reached in 15 minutes, making it an ideal transitional break from your holiday. If you have a vehicle, you can reach Bursa in 2 hours via the D-565 highway.