Tavşanlı Pier → Eskihisar PierFerry Schedule 2026 — Current Departure Times and Prices

Tavşanlı - Eskihisar Negmar Ferry (Return)

For drivers returning from the Aegean, Mediterranean, Bursa, and Yalova towards Istanbul and Kocaeli, crossing the Gulf of Izmit is one of the most critical points of the journey. The Tavşanlı - Eskihisar line is an excellent solution for those who want to travel restfully and avoid traffic on their way home after weekend getaways, summer holidays, or business trips. As Turkey's busiest car ferry route, this line was taken over from İDO in 2020 and is now operated by Negmar Denizcilik ("Negmar Narlı Feribotları"). Setting out with the slogan "As if carrying our own family...", the company offers passengers a safe and comfortable crossing of the Gulf of Izmit with top-tier service quality. This short journey on a Negmar ferry gives drivers a chance to take a deep breath after long hours behind the wheel.

Crossing Duration and Frequency

The distance between Tavşanlı (Yalova) and Eskihisar (Gebze, Kocaeli) is approximately 7 nautical miles, averaging 13 kilometers. The Negmar ferry fleet covers this distance in just 25 minutes. Car ferry departures from Tavşanlı Pier operate 24/7 without interruption. On standard days, ferries depart every 20 minutes, providing an average of 72 crossings per day. However, due to the fill-and-go system, especially during holiday returns and peak hours, ships depart as soon as they are full, minimizing wait times. Thanks to this reservation-free system, you can board the first available ferry upon arriving at the pier and quickly complete your return journey on the Eskihisar Tavşanlı route.

Fares (Same Direction Tariff)

Negmar Denizcilik offers both a budget-friendly and practical option for crossing the Gulf of Izmit. According to the current tariff dated 02.01.2026, one-way crossing fees from Tavşanlı to Eskihisar are as follows: 725 TL for cars, 1,365 TL for buses, 60 TL for foot passengers, and 20 TL for students. Compared to the highway alternative, the Osmangazi Bridge, using the Negmar ferry is highly economical. In addition to a higher toll, crossing the bridge requires driving over 50 extra kilometers. This increases both vehicle fuel consumption and driver fatigue. By choosing the ferry, you can save on fuel and tolls while relaxing and sipping your tea during the 25-minute journey. In case of any uncertainties regarding prices, current tariffs, and campaigns, please confirm with Negmar customer service at 444 99 88.

Peak Hours and Traffic Management

The Tavşanlı - Eskihisar route experiences significant traffic, especially on Sunday evenings, the last days of public holidays, and festive return periods. Hundreds of thousands of vehicles returning to Istanbul from popular holiday and hometown routes like Bursa, Balıkesir, Izmir, and Antalya converge at Tavşanlı Pier. Negmar Denizcilik expertly manages this congestion during peak periods by increasing departure frequency and operating 4 high-capacity ro-ro car ferries at full capacity. The Aziziye vessel in the fleet is 100.6 meters long and 18 meters wide, with a capacity of 139 cars, 29 trucks, or 19 trailers. The Bahariye vessel is 97 meters long and can accommodate 95 cars, 38 trucks, or 21 trailers. The Muradiye vessel, at 91.3 meters long, carries 90 cars, 40 trucks, or 24 trailers; while the Hamidiye vessel, 90 meters long, serves with a capacity of 90 cars, 29 trucks, or 19 trailers. By transporting hundreds of cars, trucks, trailers, buses, and motorcycles simultaneously, vehicle queues at the pier are quickly cleared.

Boarding Process at Tavşanlı Pier

Tavşanlı Pier is equipped with modern infrastructure systems to ensure passengers complete the ferry boarding process as quickly and smoothly as possible. Thanks to the HGS (Fast Transit System) integration at the pier entrance, you can pass through the automatic toll booths without getting out of your vehicle or waiting in a cash payment line. Passengers using the mobile ticket app are also quickly admitted to the waiting area by scanning a QR code. The spacious parking and waiting areas at the pier ensure that vehicles line up in an orderly manner. The amenities offered while waiting or on board are quite extensive. Passengers can relax in the indoor passenger lounges and purchase hot and cold beverages or snacks from the cafeteria. Massage chairs are available for those who want to relieve travel stress. Additionally, providing EV charging station facilities at the pier or within the ship concept for electric vehicle owners demonstrates the importance given to modern travel needs. On the pet-friendly Negmar ferries, you can travel safely with your furry friends in accordance with the rules.

Strategic Location for Yalova-Bursa Vacationers

For vacationers returning from Yalova's Termal and Çınarcık districts, as well as Bursa's tourist areas like Mudanya, Gemlik, and Uludağ, Tavşanlı Pier is the most logical route. Access from the center of Yalova to Tavşanlı by road is extremely short. If you want to shake off the weekend fatigue and take a break before entering Istanbul's chaotic traffic, crossing by car ferry from Tavşanlı serves as a perfect bridge. Especially during the summer months, the heavy traffic coming from the direction of Çınarcık and Armutlu is easily absorbed at Tavşanlı thanks to Negmar's large-capacity ships. This route is a vital lifeline not only for cars but also for truck and trailer drivers in the logistics sector, offering a place to spend mandatory rest periods while reducing costs.

Ease of Transportation Upon Arrival in Eskihisar

After a pleasant and comfortable 25-minute sea journey, your ferry docks at Eskihisar Pier in the Gebze district of Kocaeli. The biggest advantage of Eskihisar Pier is its direct and fast connection to main arteries. Vehicles disembarking from the ferry can connect to the O-4 (Anatolian Motorway) and D-100 highway in just a few minutes. These connections provide a seamless transition to the Anatolian Side of Istanbul (towards Tuzla, Pendik, Kartal, Kadıköy), Sabiha Gökçen Airport, or the European Side via the Northern Marmara Motorway. Choosing the Negmar ferry on your return journey instead of driving around the Gulf of Izmit or getting stuck in bridge traffic will save you from both wasted time and extra costs. For any questions, feedback, and current schedule status, please confirm with Negmar customer service at 444 99 88.

For all car ferry routes, operators, prices, and schedules in Turkey, you can review the Car Ferry Master Guide 2026.