İstanbul, Adalar — İstanbul
Burgazada Pier is the entry point to Burgazada, famously known as the island of Sait Faik. Seafood restaurants and the Sait Faik Museum are located close to the pier.
Burgazada, the third largest of the Princes' Islands—the pearls of the Sea of Marmara—and perhaps the foremost stop for silence and tranquility, connects to the mainland via the historic Burgazada Pier. Synonymous with the master of Turkish literature, Sait Faik Abasıyanık, this island welcomes you with a nostalgic atmosphere from the very first moment you step off the ferry. Burgazada Pier is more than just a transportation hub; it is the beating heart of the island's social life, a meeting point for islanders and visitors where the sounds of fishing boats blend with the cries of seagulls.
Successfully preserving its historical texture to this day, the pier building offers a beautiful example of classic Şehir Hatları (City Lines) architecture. With its wooden details, wide eaves, and a waiting lounge overlooking the sea, it promises passengers a pleasant waiting experience. The pier square is surrounded by waterfront cafes, seafood restaurants, and famous ice cream shops that immediately embrace those stepping onto the island. Serving as the gateway to this peaceful island free of motor vehicle traffic, Burgazada Pier acts almost as a time machine for those looking to escape the chaos of Istanbul.
Located within the borders of the Adalar district of Istanbul province, Burgazada Pier is situated on the northeast coast of the island in the Burgazada Merkez neighborhood. Positioned at coordinates 40.8789000°N latitude and 29.0672000°E longitude, the pier geographically serves as a bridge between Kınalıada and Heybeliada. The distance to the mainland varies depending on the ferry line used, but it is an average 30 to 45-minute sea voyage.
The area surrounding the pier is completely pedestrianized. The motor vehicle ban applied throughout the Princes' Islands (except for official and emergency vehicles) is strictly enforced in Burgazada as well. This ensures that the pier square is always safe, quiet, and pedestrian-friendly. The coastline stretching to the immediate right and left of the pier is ideal for those who want to take a walk, swim, or simply sit on the benches and watch the Istanbul skyline. Although the pier is built in a relatively sheltered cove against strong winds like the Lodos, it is a structure directly affected by the dynamic weather conditions of the Sea of Marmara.
Burgazada Pier welcomes passengers from both the European and Anatolian sides of Istanbul and offers an integrated transportation network with the other Princes' Islands. Transportation to the island is quite diverse, with voyages organized by different operators such as Şehir Hatları, İDO, Mavi Marmara, Turyol, and Dentur. When planning your trip, you can review alternative routes by visiting our All Ferry Lines page. The main lines departing from and arriving at Burgazada Pier are as follows:
To reach Burgazada, you must first arrive at Istanbul's main piers (Kabataş, Eminönü, Kadıköy, or Bostancı). Integrated transportation networks to these piers are highly developed for passengers arriving in the city via different means of transport.
Arriving by Air: From Istanbul Airport (IST), you can use Havaist buses to reach the Eminönü or Beşiktaş/Kabataş areas directly, and from there, cross to Burgazada via Şehir Hatları or private passenger boats. Passengers using Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) can take the M4 Kadıköy-Sabiha Gökçen metro to Kadıköy or Bostancı stations and reach the piers with a short walk.
Rail Systems and Bus: The Marmaray line provides great convenience for transportation to the Princes' Islands. By getting off at the Ayrılık Çeşmesi or Söğütlüçeşme stops of Marmaray, you can transfer to the Kadıköy pier, or by getting off at the Bostancı stop, you can directly walk to the Bostancı pier in minutes. On the European side, the T1 Kabataş-Bağcılar tram line will bring you right in front of the Kabataş Pier. IETT buses departing from all over Istanbul also organize regular trips to the Kadıköy, Eminönü, and Kabataş platforms.
Burgazada Pier is a compact and functional structure equipped to meet the basic needs of passengers. Inside the pier building, there are ticket sales booths and Istanbulkart top-up machines (Biletmatik). There are indoor and semi-outdoor seating areas where passengers can rest while waiting for their ferry. On cold winter days, the indoor waiting lounge offers an ideal space to shelter from the wind.
Free internet access is provided around the pier and in the waiting lounge via the IMM (İBB) Wi-Fi network. For the access of disabled passengers, the pier ramps are designed with appropriate slopes and are suitable for wheelchair use. Staff members on duty provide support to passengers in need during boarding and disembarking. You can purchase necessities such as tea, coffee, simit, and newspapers from the kiosks located right at the exit of the pier building. As is the case throughout Burgazada, there is no parking lot in the pier area; transportation is entirely pedestrian or bicycle-oriented.
The moment you step out of Burgazada Pier, a route full of historical and natural beauties waiting to be discovered begins. The walkable size of the island makes visiting these locations quite enjoyable.
To make your sea voyage to Burgazada smooth and enjoyable, it is useful to consider some important rules and tips. According to general ferry rules in Turkey, if you are using the numbered-seat services of İDO or similar private operators, tickets are personalized. However, on lines such as Şehir Hatları and Mavi Marmara, passage is made through turnstiles using an Istanbulkart. Before your trip, checking the current boarding fees on our Ferry Prices page will be beneficial for your budget planning.
On the Princes' Islands line, voyage schedules vary significantly depending on the season. While the number of trips is increased during the summer schedule covering the period between May and September, trips are less frequent during the winter schedule between October and April. Therefore, be sure to plan your return time according to the current schedule. Adverse weather conditions such as Lodos and fog, which are especially effective in the Sea of Marmara during the winter and spring months, can cause voyage cancellations. Before going to the island or on your way back, do not forget to follow the instant voyage statuses on our Current Announcements page. Due to the crowds on weekends and public holidays, it is recommended to line up at the pier at least 20 minutes before the departure time to board the return ferry.
Can I go to Burgazada by car?
No, the entry of motor vehicles to Burgazada and the other Princes' Islands (except for official vehicles providing public services) is strictly prohibited. You must leave your vehicle at the pier parking lots on the mainland (Bostancı, Kadıköy, Kabataş) and cross by ferry.
Is Istanbulkart valid at Burgazada Pier?
Yes, Istanbulkart is valid on Şehir Hatları ferries and passenger boat services such as Mavi Marmara, Dentur, and Turyol. There are Biletmatik machines at the pier where you can top up your card.
Are there ferries to Burgazada in the winter months?
Yes, ferry services to Burgazada are organized 365 days a year. However, because the winter schedule (October-April) is applied, the intervals between trips are longer compared to the summer months.
Are trips canceled when the weather is bad?
Especially in adverse weather conditions such as severe Lodos, storms, and dense fog, trips may be temporarily canceled for the safety of life and property. In such cases, it is important to follow the announcements of the operators.
No active ferry services from this port.