Saraylar - Erdek Ferry Route (Return)
Operating between Saraylar Pier on Marmara Island and Erdek Port, this route is the primary RO-RO connection for direct return trips from the island's northern pier to the Southern Marmara region. The journey takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes (90 minutes). The operator is Marmara RoRo Kooperatifi.
This direction is heavily used by truck drivers transporting freight from the Saraylar marble quarries to the markets in Bursa, Balıkesir, and İzmir. It is also the fastest return route for summer vacationers heading back to Bursa and İzmir.
Journey Details
- Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes (90 minutes)
- Type: Mixed (passenger + vehicle + RO-RO freight)
- Operator: Marmara RoRo Kooperatifi
- Frequency: 3-4 daily sailings in summer, 1-2 daily in winter
Estimated Ticket Price Range
- Passenger: 130-220 TL
- Car: 600-950 TL
- Motorcycle: 220-350 TL
- Caravan: 1,300-2,300 TL
- AdaKart Discount: 10-25%
Arrival Connections in Erdek
- Bursa: 2 hours (D-565)
- Balıkesir: 1 hour 15 minutes
- İzmir: 3.5 hours (E-87)
- Bandırma: 30 minutes
- Edincik Thermal Springs: 15 minutes
Marble Freight Traffic
The crossing from the Saraylar marble quarries to Erdek Port is a crucial channel for Turkey's marble exports. Marble trucks disembarking at Erdek are distributed to the ports of Bursa, Balıkesir, and İzmir via the D-565 highway, from where the marble is exported to global markets. This route experiences heavy truck and trailer traffic.
AdaKart Marble Industry Tariff
Marmara RoRo Kooperatifi offers special corporate AdaKart accounts for drivers in the marble industry. Benefits include additional discounts for 8+ monthly crossings, bulk invoicing, and monthly reporting. It is a highly practical tool for the logistics departments of marble companies.
Seasonal Considerations
Summer season: Marble freight is consistently heavy; additionally, Sunday return vacationers take up significant space.
Winter season: Risk of cancellation during Lodos (southwesterly wind) warnings. The marble industry should have alternative plans ready (such as the 105-minute Marmara - Erdek route or traveling by road).
Alternative Routes
- Marmara - Erdek (105 mins) — an alternative from the island's main pier instead of Saraylar
- Badalan - Erdek (75 mins) — the new southern pier
- By road to Bursa via the Saraylar - Tekirdağ route
Vessel Comfort and Voyage
During the short 1.5-hour crossing, passengers can enjoy an air-conditioned lounge, a spacious open deck, and a kiosk serving tea, coffee, and quick snacks. The views of the Kapıdağ Peninsula and Erdek bays are spectacular throughout the journey.
RO-RO and Marble Freight Notes
- Marble freight priority: Marble trucks are given boarding priority on departures from Saraylar.
- Tonnage control: Overloaded trucks may face additional fees or be refused boarding.
- Documentation: Freight documents (waybill/invoice) must be presented at the ticket booth.
- Erdek arrival: It takes just 5 minutes to reach the D-565 main road from the port exit.