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Balıkesir, Marmara — Marmara · 4 active ferry routes
Marmara Port is the main transportation hub of Marmara Island, famous for its marble quarries. Çınarlı village and the island's natural beauties are worth exploring.
Marmara Port is the main gateway to Marmara Island, Turkey's second-largest island, renowned worldwide since antiquity for its marble quarries. Located in the center of the Marmara district in Balıkesir province, this port is one of the most critical maritime transport nodes in the South Marmara region for both passenger and vehicle traffic. Historically known as "Proconnesus," the island was the departure point for marble transported by sea to build the colossal structures of the Roman and Byzantine empires. Today, Marmara Port serves as a modern transportation hub that blends this historical heritage with tourism and local life.
As the editorial team at Feribotseferleri.com.tr, we would like to emphasize that maritime transport, the most fundamental element of island life, is shaped around Marmara Port. The island's basic food supply, access to healthcare services, commercial activities, and the exponentially increasing tourism mobility during the summer months depend entirely on the operational capacity of this port. The port features the physical infrastructure to accommodate both fast ferries (sea buses) and traditional car ferries. While the number of voyages is maximized to meet the increased passenger demand during the summer months (May-September), a more optimized schedule is implemented during the winter timetable (October-April) to meet the basic needs of the islanders. Before your trip, you can visit our All Ferry Routes page to review the general transportation network.
Marmara Port is located at a latitude of 40.6236000°N and a longitude of 27.5747000°E, right in the heart of the district center on the southern coast of Marmara Island. Geographically situated in a bay relatively sheltered from the winds, it facilitates the docking and departure maneuvers of ships. The port area is intertwined with the island's administrative buildings, bazaar, coastline, and accommodation facilities. This central location ensures that passengers disembarking from the ferry can instantly access the amenities in the district center without needing any additional transportation.
The port structure includes passenger terminals where pedestrians can safely board the ships, as well as a wide maneuvering area where vehicles can board car ferries via ramps. To manage the vehicle queues that form especially during the summer season, a special storage and waiting area has been created behind the port. Marmara Port operates in an integrated manner with other ports in the region. If you wish to see all destinations across Turkey, you can check out our All Ports guide.
Marmara Port is the center of a versatile network connecting the mainland and the island. İDO, GESTAŞ, and various local cooperative ships actively use this port. Connections to Istanbul, Balıkesir (Erdek), and Tekirdağ form the backbone of the island's transportation. Tickets are issued personally at ticket offices, online platforms, or call centers.
Since Marmara Port is located on an island, the concept of "getting to Balıkesir" here involves reaching the Erdek port on the mainland and then taking a sea voyage. Planning transportation from the mainland to Marmara Island is a multi-stage process.
By Air: The closest airports to the region are Balıkesir Koca Seyit Airport (Edremit), the military/civilian airport in Bandırma (limited flights), and the Istanbul airports. Passengers landing in Edremit must travel by road first to Bandırma, then to Erdek to board the ferry. Those coming from Istanbul can directly board the sea bus from Yenikapı or Bostancı.
By Bus: There are direct bus services to the Erdek district of Balıkesir from almost everywhere in Turkey. Erdek Bus Terminal is within walking distance of Erdek Port. You can get off the bus and transfer to the Marmara Island ferry within a few minutes.
By Train: It is possible to reach Balıkesir city center or Bandırma by railway via Izmir (Blue Train). After getting off at the Bandırma Train Station, you can reach Erdek Port in 20 minutes using the Erdek minibuses departing right across from the station.
Island Transportation (Taxi and Minibus): When you disembark from the ferry at Marmara Port, you can use the village minibuses waiting at the port square to go to the other villages of the island (Çınarlı, Topağaç, Asmalı, Gündoğdu, Saraylar). Additionally, there is a 24/7 taxi stand at the port exit.
Because Marmara Port is fully integrated with the district center, the port facilities directly merge with the amenities of the district center. Basic infrastructure is available to make your waiting times comfortable.
Ticket Office and Waiting Area: The ticket sales offices of operators, primarily İDO and GESTAŞ, are lined up side by side at the port entrance. There is a small, air-conditioned indoor passenger waiting lounge. This area is ideal for sheltering from the wind during the winter months.
Parking: There are designated lanes and waiting areas for passengers with vehicles in the port square. For long-term parking, the municipal parking lot located just to the right of the port can be used. Capacity fills up quickly during the summer months.
Cafes and Restaurants: The port is surrounded by Marmara Island's famous tea gardens, bakeries, and fish restaurants. While waiting for your ferry, you can drink verjuice (koruk suyu) at the seaside tea gardens or taste fresh seafood.
Disabled Access: The port surface is flat and suitable for wheelchair use. The boarding ramps to the ships meet the standards for disabled passengers to pass comfortably, accompanied by their companions or with the help of the ship's crew. Accessible toilets are available in the port terminal building.
After stepping foot at Marmara Port, there are many spots waiting to be discovered, fascinating with their nature and history. Here are the must-see places on the island:
1. Çınarlı Village: Located about 15 minutes away from the port by minibus, Çınarlı is the tourism center of the island. It is the most vibrant spot on the island with its square shaded by century-old plane trees, historic Greek houses, and fine sandy beach. Most of the accommodation facilities are in this area.
2. Saraylar and Marble Quarries: The town of Saraylar, located in the north of the island, is home to marble quarries that have been operated since antiquity. It is possible to see marble column capitals and statues from the ancient period everywhere in the village, even in the narrow streets. The Open-Air Marble Museum is a must-visit.
3. Aba Beach: Within walking distance of the Marmara district center, Aba Beach is ideal, especially for families with children, thanks to its clean water and calm nature. It is the best alternative for those who want to swim as soon as they get off the ferry.
4. Manastır Bay: Located in the direction of Çınarlı village, this bay takes its name from a Greek monastery that used to be here. With its turquoise sea and nature where pine trees reach down to the sea, it is one of the most pristine and beautiful swimming areas on the island.
5. Asmalı Village: Located in the east of the island, Asmalı stands out with its houses that have managed to preserve their traditional texture and offer beautiful examples of wood and stone craftsmanship. It is a perfect getaway for those seeking a quiet fishing village atmosphere.
6. Mount İlyas (Nato Hill): This is the highest point of the island. It is a wonderful route to panoramically view the entire Sea of Marmara, the Kapıdağ Peninsula, and the neighboring islands, especially at sunset. It is a challenging but enjoyable trail for trekking enthusiasts.
To avoid any issues during your travels via Marmara Port, it is important to consider the general ferry rules in Turkey and the island's local dynamics. First and foremost, remember that tickets are issued personally; presenting a Turkish ID number (or passport number) is mandatory at the ticket office or for online purchases. When planning your trip, we recommend checking the current tariffs on our Ferry Prices page.
The Sea of Marmara is exposed to harsh lodos (southwesterly) winds, especially during the winter months and spring transitions. Voyage cancellations due to adverse weather conditions are a common occurrence in island transportation. Be sure to check the weather forecast a day before your trip and follow our Current Announcements page for instant notifications from operators. During the summer months, the biggest issue is the crowds. If you are crossing with a vehicle during holiday periods and weekends, it is essential to reserve your ticket online weeks in advance. Arriving at the port with a vehicle without a ticket may result in waiting in line for hours or being unable to cross to the island.