Üsküdar Ferry Port

1. About Üsküdar Pier

Connecting the Asian and European continents of Istanbul, Üsküdar Pier is one of the oldest and busiest maritime transportation hubs, holding a deep-rooted place in the city's maritime history. Situated on the Anatolian side of the Bosphorus, this historic pier has been the heart of intercontinental journeys, trade, and daily life for centuries. Today, operated by Şehir Hatları, the pier serves as one of the most critical nodes in modern Istanbul's integrated public transportation network. In this guide prepared by Feribotseferleri.com.tr, you can find all the information ranging from the facilities offered at the pier to the voyage details.

In accordance with the ferry and passenger boat operation rules across Turkey, passenger safety and operational standards are kept at the highest level at Üsküdar Pier. The general maritime procedures adopted by major operators such as Şehir Hatları, İDO, BUDO, GESTAŞ, and İZDENİZ are also valid here. While voyages are supported with additional trips during the summer timetable period between May and September when passenger density increases; during the winter timetable period between October and April, voyage frequencies can be rearranged and reduced according to seasonal conditions. Ticketing is personal and can be obtained from the ticket offices at the pier, ticket machines (Biletmatik), or digital platforms. This terminal, where tens of thousands of passengers pass through every day, is not only a transportation point but also a cultural symbol of Istanbul identified with the sounds of seagulls and the smell of simit.

2. Location and General Features

Üsküdar Pier is located directly on the coastline of Üsküdar Square, at the coordinates 41.0247000°N latitude and 29.0153000°E longitude. The pier's location is one of the most strategic points of the Bosphorus. When you look towards the sea from the pier, the historical skyline of the European side, the Historical Peninsula, Galata Tower, and the shores of Beşiktaş stretch out right across from you. On your left, the Maiden's Tower, the legendary symbol of Istanbul, rises in the middle of the sea with all its elegance.

When you turn to the land side of the pier, you are greeted by the historical Mihrimah Sultan Mosque, one of the masterworks of Mimar Sinan. This unique location turns the pier not only into a transit center but also into an attraction center in itself for local and foreign tourists. With its expanded pedestrian areas, the adjacent coastal road, and integrated transportation terminals, Üsküdar Square has a lively and dynamic structure at all hours of the day. If you want to review other pier alternatives in the region, you can visit our All Piers page.

3. Which Lines Serve Here?

Üsküdar Pier hosts the most preferred routes, especially for crossings to the European side. These voyages organized by Şehir Hatları fit intercontinental transportation into minutes. The main lines departing from and arriving at the pier are listed below:

• Departing Lines: Üsküdar - Eminönü (Şehir Hatları)
• Arriving Lines: Eminönü - Üsküdar (Şehir Hatları)

This route operates as an uninterrupted ring from the early hours of the morning until midnight. Voyage frequencies are increased especially during commuting hours (between 07:30 - 09:30 and 17:00 - 19:30). To get detailed information about different routes and alternative paths, you can review our All Ferry Lines page and plan your journey in advance.

4. Transportation in Istanbul

The biggest advantage of Üsküdar Pier is its flawless integration with all other public transportation systems in Istanbul. It is extremely practical to reach all corners of the city from the pier.

Train and Metro Connections: Right across from the pier, underground, is the Marmaray Üsküdar Station. Thanks to Marmaray, you can reach Sirkeci, Yenikapı, Kazlıçeşme, and Halkalı on the European side; and Ayrılık Çeşmesi, Bostancı, Pendik, and Gebze on the Anatolian side uninterruptedly within minutes. In addition, the starting stop of the M5 Üsküdar - Çekmeköy metro line is also located in the square opposite the pier. With this line, you can quickly travel to Altunizade, Ümraniye, Dudullu, and Çekmeköy regions.

Buses and Minibuses: IETT bus platforms are located in the large area behind the pier. From here, direct bus services are organized to almost every district on the Anatolian side of Istanbul, such as Kadıköy, Beykoz, Çamlıca, Ataşehir, and Şile. In addition, yellow shared taxis (dolmuş) and blue minibuses are waiting ready in the square for short-distance transportation.

Airport Transportation: To go to Sabiha Gökçen Airport, you can take the M5 metro to Altunizade and transfer to the airport buses from there, or take Marmaray to Ayrılık Çeşmesi and use the M4 metro. For Istanbul Airport, you can take Marmaray to Yenikapı or towards Kağıthane and choose Havaist buses or the airport metro.

Taxi: At the exit of the pier, right next to the Marmaray station, there are official taxi stands providing 24-hour service.

5. Port Facilities

Modernized while preserving its historical architecture, Üsküdar Pier has the basic equipment to make passengers' short waits comfortable. At the entrance of the pier building, there are Istanbulkart top-up machines (Biletmatik) and ticket offices where transactions can be made with cash/credit cards. To learn the current crossing fees, you can check our Ferry Prices page.

Indoors, there are spacious and heated/cooled passenger waiting lounges designed to protect against adverse weather conditions. Seating groups, digital voyage information screens, and announcement systems are active in the waiting areas. Inside and immediately around the pier, there are small kiosks and Beltur establishments where you can get tea, coffee, and snacks.

In terms of accessibility, the pier has a completely barrier-free design. Suitable ramps for wheelchair users, tactile paving applications (yellow lines) for the visually impaired, and widened special turnstiles are in service. After passing the turnstiles, the ferry boarding piers are also equipped with movable ramps suitable for tide levels.

6. Places to See in Istanbul

When you step onto Üsküdar Pier, you are in the center of one of Istanbul's most deep-rooted historical districts. The main places you can reach with a short walk or by vehicle from the pier are:

• Mihrimah Sultan Mosque: Located right across from the pier, it is a 16th-century masterpiece built by Mimar Sinan for the daughter of Suleiman the Magnificent.
• Maiden's Tower (Kız Kulesi): Accessible by a short boat ride from the Salacak coast, it is the iconic structure of Istanbul. It has recently been restored and opened to visitors as a museum.
• Salacak Coast: Stretching from the pier towards Harem, it is the best walking route to watch the view of the Historical Peninsula.
• Kuzguncuk: Located 5 minutes away by bus from the pier; it is a neighborhood of tolerance where historical bay-windowed houses, a church, a synagogue, and mosques stand side by side.
• Yeni Valide Mosque: Located just behind the square, it is one of the elegant examples of 18th-century Ottoman architecture.
• Çamlıca Hill: It is one of the highest points where you can watch Istanbul from a bird's-eye view. It attracts attention with its surrounding parks and the newly built Grand Çamlıca Mosque.
• Nevmekan Sahil: Located to the north of the pier, created by transforming the old marriage office, it is a famous cultural and resting place with its magnificent dome and huge library.

7. Üsküdar Pier Travel Tips

When using Üsküdar Pier, it will be useful to pay attention to some details that will make your journey smoother. First of all, the currents and winds of the Bosphorus are famous. Especially in winter and spring, when severe Lodos (southwesterly wind) or dense fog is observed, voyages may be temporarily suspended for the safety of life and property in accordance with general maritime rules. In such adverse weather conditions, it is highly recommended to check our Current Announcements page before setting off.

Using Istanbulkart is the most practical method for ticketing transactions. However, queues may form at the ticket offices or ticket machines during morning commuting hours. Therefore, topping up your card balance in advance via online applications or using online ticket/QR code systems will save you time. While waiting for the ferry, throwing simit to the seagulls in the outer pier area is a traditional Istanbul ritual; you might want to keep an extra simit with you.

8. Frequently Asked Questions

Which side can be reached from Üsküdar Pier?
From Üsküdar Pier, voyages are mainly organized to the European side; to centers such as Eminönü, Beşiktaş, Ortaköy, and Kabataş.

How to get from Marmaray to Üsküdar Pier?
When you get off at the Marmaray Üsküdar station and follow the "Meydan / Sahil" (Square / Coast) exit signs to the surface, you will arrive directly opposite the pier.

Until what time do the ferry services continue at night?
Şehir Hatları's Üsküdar-Eminönü and Üsküdar-Beşiktaş lines generally serve until midnight (00:00 - 01:00). The night service application on weekends can extend the hours.

Is there an elevator or ramp for disabled passengers at the pier?
Yes, the pier building, turnstiles, and ferry boarding areas are equipped with ramps and flat surfaces suitable for wheelchair use.

Are ferry services canceled in bad weather?
Yes, in cases of severe storms, Lodos, or dense fog that reduces visibility, voyages can be canceled for safety purposes by the decision of the Port Authority.