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Yalova, Merkez — Marmara · 2 active ferry routes
Tavşanlı Pier is the Yalova-side terminal of the Eskihisar car ferry line. Operating 24/7, the pier features a spacious vehicle waiting area. It is located just 10 minutes from the Yalova city center.
As one of the most critical transportation hubs in the Marmara Region, Tavşanlı Pier serves as the southern terminal of the uninterrupted maritime connection between Yalova and Kocaeli (Eskihisar). Serving as a transit point for millions of vehicles traveling from Istanbul, Kocaeli, and Sakarya toward Bursa, Balıkesir, Izmir, and the Aegean Region over the years, this pier continues to maintain its popularity and strategic importance even after the construction of the Osmangazi Bridge. The car ferry journey, which offers a 30-45 minute rest break especially for drivers on long road trips, stands out as an economical and comfortable alternative.
Operated by İDO (Istanbul Fast Ferries), Tavşanlı Pier is one of the busiest car ferry terminals in Turkey. Providing service on a 24/7 basis with a fill-and-go system (or at very frequent intervals), the pier has a massive capacity for both passenger cars and heavy vehicles (trucks, lorries, buses). To alleviate the increased traffic congestion during holiday periods, festivals, and summer months, numerous toll booths and expansive staging (waiting) areas have been built at the pier. Providing a rapid transit opportunity between the two shores not only for passengers with vehicles but also for foot passengers, Tavşanlı Pier directly contributes to the economic and touristic vitality of Yalova.
Tavşanlı Pier is located in the Tavşanlı area of the central district of Yalova province. Situated at the coordinates 40.6811000°N latitude and 29.2847000°E longitude, the pier is at an easily accessible point on the Yalova - Izmit (D-130) highway. Located approximately a 10-15 minute drive from the Yalova city center, the facility is also on the main route for vehicles heading toward Karamürsel and Gölcük.
The general physical features of the pier include wide ramps and pier doors where multiple ferries can dock and depart simultaneously. This robust infrastructure on the sea side is supported by a massive parking lot and waiting area on the land side. After passing through the ticket booths or HGS/OGS toll systems, vehicles line up to board the ferry in lanes separated by vehicle type (passenger cars, heavy vehicles, motorcycles). The vastness of the area largely prevents traffic from spilling over onto the highway, even during the high season.
Tavşanlı Pier specifically hosts reciprocal car ferry services between Eskihisar (Kocaeli) and Yalova. Operated by İDO, this line acts as a maritime bridge for those who prefer not to drive around the Gulf in the eastern Marmara Sea. You can also explore other alternative routes across Turkey on our All Ferry Lines page.
Departing Lines:
Arriving Lines:
Yalova, where Tavşanlı Pier is located, is an integrated city by land, sea, and indirectly by air due to its geographical location. Transportation from the pier to the city center or surrounding provinces is quite diverse.
By Air: There is no civilian airport within the borders of Yalova. However, the most logical option for passengers arriving by air and wishing to reach Tavşanlı Pier is Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW). From Sabiha Gökçen, it is possible to reach Tavşanlı in about 40 minutes by renting a car or taking a transfer vehicle over the Osmangazi Bridge, or by crossing to Eskihisar and taking the ferry. Alternatively, Bursa Yenişehir Airport can also be considered for those coming from the south.
Train and Metro: There is no active railway or metro network in Yalova. However, access to Marmaray and YHT (High-Speed Train) lines is possible via the Gebze Station, which is located very close to Eskihisar, the opposite shore of the ferry route. Foot passengers can board the ferry from Tavşanlı, disembark at Eskihisar, and reach the Gebze Marmaray station with a short minibus or taxi ride, allowing them to travel anywhere in Istanbul via the rail system.
Bus and Minibus: Minibuses and public buses regularly pass from the D-130 highway right in front of Tavşanlı Pier toward the Yalova city center, Çiftlikköy, Karamürsel, and Izmit. Many local transport vehicles departing from the Yalova Intercity Bus Terminal (Yalova Otogarı) stop in front of the pier.
Taxi: There are 24/7 taxi stands available at the exit and entrance of the pier. Taxis are frequently preferred for a fast and comfortable transfer to the Yalova center, the Termal district, or holiday resorts like Çınarcık.
Tavşanlı Pier is not just a transit point but also a fully equipped rest facility where passengers and drivers can meet all their basic needs.
Waiting Area and Toll Booths: There are numerous ticket booths at the pier. Additionally, smart toll booths providing fast transit with HGS and OGS minimize waiting times. There is a massive, lane-separated asphalt waiting area for vehicles. For foot passengers, indoor waiting lounges with heating and cooling are allocated.
Food & Beverage and Cafes: Cafeterias (such as Kantin) operated by BTA are located in the waiting area and onboard the ferries. Hot and cold beverages, toasts, sandwiches, bakery products, and snacks are sold here. The famous ferry toast and tea ritual is indispensable for passengers, especially during morning journeys.
Prayer Room and Restrooms: Within the pier area, there are 24-hour open, regularly cleaned men's and women's restrooms, as well as a spacious and clean prayer room (mescit) for worship needs.
Disabled Access: Tavşanlı Pier features a flat surface where passengers with disabilities can easily move around in wheelchairs. Accessible restrooms and escort support provided by the staff during ferry boarding are available.
Wi-Fi and Other Services: Free or quota-based Wi-Fi networks may be available for passengers' use in the waiting lounges and during the ferry journey. Additionally, ATMs are located around the pier.
When you step into Yalova via Tavşanlı Pier, you can explore the natural, historical, and cultural riches the city offers. Here are the main places you can visit after reaching the pier:
1. Walking Mansion (Yürüyen Köşk): One of Yalova's most important historical symbols. This elegant mansion, which Mustafa Kemal Atatürk had moved on rails to avoid cutting the branches of the adjacent grand plane tree, adds a wonderful view to the Yalova coastline.
2. Termal Hot Springs: The Termal district, the first place that comes to mind when Yalova is mentioned, is famous for its healing hot waters, historical Turkish baths, and lush nature. Used as a healing center since the Roman and Ottoman periods, this area is about 35 minutes away from the pier.
3. Karaca Arboretum: Turkey's first private arboretum (live tree museum), this area was created by Hayrettin Karaca, the founder of the TEMA Foundation. It hosts thousands of different plant and tree species brought from all over the world. It is a paradise for nature photographers.
4. Sudüşen Waterfall: Located near the Üvezpınar village in the Termal district, the waterfall flows enthusiastically through a forested valley. With its surrounding hiking trails, picnic areas, and cool air, it is flooded by nature lovers, especially in the spring and summer months.
5. Çınarcık Coast and Beaches: Çınarcık, Yalova's most vibrant district in terms of summer tourism, is known for its long coastline, clean beaches, and lively nightlife. Reachable in about 40 minutes by car from Tavşanlı Pier, Çınarcık is one of the popular holiday routes in the Marmara Region.
6. Yalova City Museum: Located in the old government house building in the city center, the museum features a rich collection reflecting Yalova's history, ethnographic structure, and Atatürk's traces in the city.
Paying attention to certain rules and tips during your ferry journeys using Tavşanlı Pier will make your trip much more pleasant and hassle-free. First of all, as with all ferries across Turkey, passenger and vehicle tickets are specific to the person/vehicle. You can purchase your tickets from the booths with cash or a credit card, or you can pass through without stopping by using the in-vehicle HGS/OGS systems. We recommend visiting our Ferry Prices page to check current toll fees and plan your budget.
There may be differences in departure frequencies between İDO's summer schedule (May-September) and winter schedule (October-April). While ships depart without waiting using the "fill-and-go" system during the summer and holiday periods, they may operate at specific intervals (e.g., every 20-30 minutes) on winter nights. Additionally, delays or cancellations may occur due to severe southwesterly winds (lodos), fog, and similar adverse weather conditions in the Marmara Sea. Before setting off, be sure to check our Current Announcements page to stay informed about possible cancellations.
If you are traveling as a foot passenger, you can get your pedestrian ticket from the booths or pass through the turnstiles using payment methods like Istanbulkart or a contactless credit card. If you are curious about maritime transport networks in other parts of Turkey, you can find detailed information on our All Piers page.
Where is Tavşanlı Pier located?
Tavşanlı Pier is located on the coastline along the Yalova-Izmit (D-130) highway in the Tavşanlı area of the central district of Yalova province.
How many minutes does the Tavşanlı - Eskihisar ferry journey take?
Depending on weather and sea conditions, the car ferry journey between Tavşanlı and Eskihisar takes an average of 30 to 45 minutes.
Are HGS or OGS valid at the pier?
Yes, there are HGS (Fast Transit System) and OGS toll booths for vehicle crossings at Tavşanlı Pier. The toll is automatically deducted from your balance based on your vehicle class.
Is Tavşanlı Pier open 24 hours?
Yes, since the Tavşanlı - Eskihisar line is one of Turkey's most critical transit points, it provides uninterrupted service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Are ferry schedules affected by the weather?
Since large and durable car ferries are generally used, voyages continue in mildly bad weather. However, in cases of very severe storms, southwesterly winds (lodos), or dense fog, services may be temporarily suspended for the safety of life and property.