Best Ferry Routes in Istanbul for Tourists (with Istanbulkart Guide)

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links — at no extra cost to you. As always, I only recommend products or services I truly believe in. Thank you for supporting my blog!

One of the things that made me fall in love with Istanbul are definitely the ferry rides. Imagine gliding across the Bosphorus with seagulls chasing your boat and a simit in your hand. It’s chaotic and calm at the same time.

The best part – thanks to the magical Istanbulkart you can hop on the same ferry routes locals use every day, for the price of a public transport ride (~53 – 137 TL or ~$1.50 – 4 USD).

As a tourist looking for the best ferry routes in Istanbul you can take with an Istanbulkart, here are my top picks for you and how to choose from them:

All of these are part of Istanbul’s public ferry network operated by Şehir Hatları and can be paid with an Istanbulkart — the rechargeable public transport card that works across ferries, metro, tram, and buses.

---

Quick Comparison: Best Istanbul Ferry Routes

Route	Duration	Price (one-way, with Istanbulkart)	Best For
Eminönü → Üsküdar	~10 min	~53 TL (under $1.50 USD at current rates)	Best skyline views, Europe-Asia crossing
Karaköy → Kadıköy	~20 min	~59 TL (under $1.50 USD at current rates)	Local vibe, modern & authentic Asian side cafés
Eminönü → Ortaköy	~25 min	~53 TL (under $1.50 USD at current rates)	Scenic Bosphorus, palace & mosque views
Kabataş → Princes’ Islands	75–100 min	~137 TL (around $3 USD at current rates)	Best full-day trip from Istanbul
Beşiktaş → Kadıköy	~20 min	~59 TL (under $1.50 USD at current rates)	Dolmabahçe Palace views, local feel
Eyüp → Kadıköy (Golden Horn)	~60 min	~59 TL (under $1.50 USD at current rates)	Historic neighborhoods, Fener & Balat

Dollar amounts are approximate and based on current exchange rates , while lira prices are more accurate. I recommend to always check current rates before your trip and the official public ferry operator Şehir Hatları price list for the latest fares.

The 6 Best Ferry Routes in Istanbul

1. Eminönü → Üsküdar: The Most Iconic Istanbul Ferry

Starting point: Eminönü Ferry Terminal, Fatih, European side – Hobyar, Reşadiye Cd. No:10, 34112 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

Ending point: Üsküdar Pier, Asian side – Mimar Sinan, Paşa Limanı Cd., 34672 Üsküdar/İstanbul, Türkiye

Duration: ~10 minutes

Price: one-way, with Istanbulkart ~53 TL / under $1.50 USD

Runs: Daily, approx. 06:25–22:30, every 15–20 min during the day

Schedule: check exact times here – Eminönü to Üsküdar timetable

If you only have time for one ferry, this is the one. It’s short – barely 10 minutes – but impressive.
Eminönü Ferry Terminal is your best and nearest choice if staying in the Sultanahmet (Fatih) area or if you’re there to explore the most iconic landmarks of Istanbul.

You’re crossing from Europe to Asia in a few minutes – from the Old City of Istanbul to the modern Asian side.

On your left when leaving Eminönü: the domes of Süleymaniye mosque, the Galata Tower, the historic peninsula. On your right as you arrive in Üsküdar: the elegant Mihrimah Sultan Mosque greeting you and the Maiden’s Tower sitting alone in the water.
Short, cheap and somehow feels like crossing centuries.

Tips:

• Go just before sunset for golden hour magic.
  
• Grab a simit from a street vendor before boarding – the seagull-feeding ritual is a must!
  
• Sit on the upper deck, back row, left side for the best views heading out of Eminönü.
  
• Once in Üsküdar, I recommend visiting these most photogenic spots like Çamlıca Hill & Mosque, the vintage or modern-concept cafes for a slow afternoon.
  If you prefer having a local to show you around – you can spend half a day on this tour covering the top highlights of Üsküdar and the Asian side of Istanbul.
  

---

2. Karaköy to Kadıköy: Best Route for Culture Lovers

Starting point: Karaköy Pier, Beyoğlu – Kemankeş Karamustafa Paşa, Rıhtım Cd. No:13, 34425 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye

Ending point: Kadikoy Ferry Station, Caferağa, 34710 Kadıköy/İstanbul, Türkiye

Duration: ~20 minutes

Price: one-way, with Istanbulkart, ~59 TL / under $1.50 USD

Runs: Daily, frequent departures throughout the day

Schedule: Karaköy to Kadıköy timetable

Kadıköy is my favorite neighborhood in Istanbul and this is the ferry I take to get there most often.

Starting from the European side, Karaköy Ferry Terminal (also known as Karaköy Pier) is your easiest choice if you’re staying in Beyoglu area (everything around Galata tower, Taksim square and Istiklal street), and you want to visit the Asian side.

Explore the vibrant Karaköy with some of the best street art locations and Instagrammable spots, and keep the same vibe and head up to Kadıköy.

On this route, after leaving Karaköy, you’ll pass the mouth of the Golden Horn, get a wide-open view of the Bosphorus, and then cruise into Kadıköy.

Kadıköy and especially its Moda district is a neighbourhood full of authentic local atmosphere: vintage bookstores and shops, some of the best street art locations and most photogenic Instagrammable cafes in Istanbul.

You can do this route if you’re searching for “somewhere with good coffee.” It’s calm, not super crowded, and you get that open-sea feeling even though you’re still in the city.

Tips and highlights:

• Sit on the right side on departure for the best angle on the Old Istanbul City skyline
  
• This route is mostly used by locals – it feels more relaxed than the busier tourist ferries.
  
• At the Kadıköy pier you’ll be welcomed by street musicians and seagulls
  

Want to explore Kadıköy properly? I recommend this Kadıköy food tour as one of the better ways to spend special moments on the Asian side.

---

3. Eminönü – Beşiktaş – Ortaköy: A Hidden Gem Route Along the Bosphorus

Starting point: Eminönü port, 2X9F+3JM Fatih, İstanbul

Ending point: Ortaköy port, Yıldız, 34349 Beşiktaş/Istanbul

Duration: ~25 minutes

Price: one-way, with Istanbulkart ~53 TL / under $1.50 USD

Frequency: Roughly every hour, 11:00–20:30 – check before you go

Schedule: Eminönü – Beşiktaş – Ortaköy

This one is my favorite and very underrated by tourists.
If you’re looking for a relaxed, picturesque journey with some of the best sights Istanbul has to offer, this ferry route is a must-do.

It’s perfect if you’re based in Sultanahmet and want an easy but memorable way to reach Ortaköy for its famous kumpir (stuffed baked potatoes) or to snap that classic mosque-and-bridge photo.​

The route is also the best secret for travelers who want the views of a Bosphorus cruise without the crowds or the higher price. Running daily between Eminönü, Beşiktaş, and Ortaköy, it gives you front-row seats to some of Istanbul’s most iconic waterfronts – including the Dolmabahçe Palace and the Ortaköy Mosque. It’s no coincidence these are some of the most popular Instagrammable places in Istanbul and look designed especially for postcards.​

Pro tips for the Eminönü – Beşiktaş – Ortaköy ferry route:

• Sit on the left side when departing from Eminönü for the best views of the European shoreline and palaces all the way.
  
• Bring a light jacket – the Bosphorus breeze is real even in summer
  
• Ortaköy is famous for kumpir (stuffed baked potato) – get one right away off the ferry
  
• Check the latest schedules on the Şehir Hatları website before you go, because it runs roughly once an hour you need to plan ahead. But that’s exactly what makes it feel less like a tourist ferry and more like a secret
  
• A professional photoshoot in front of the Ortaköy mosque is one of the most stunning souvenirs you can take from Istanbul – book it in advance here and the photographer will meet you right after departing at the Ortaköy Ferry Terminal
  

---

4. Kabataş to the Princes’ Islands – The Full-Day Getaway

Starting point: Kabataş Port, Ömer Avni, Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye

Ending point: Büyükada Port, Büyükada-nizam, 34970 Adalar/İstanbul, Türkiye

Duration: 75–100 minutes

Price: one-way, with Istanbulkart ~137 TL / around $3 USD

Runs: Less frequent, seasonal timetable changes apply. Always check the return schedule to not miss the last ferry back.

Schedule: Kabataş to the Princes’ Islands (Adalar)timetable

It’s a full commitment – and completely worth it.
You hop on the ferry from Kabataş if staying on the European side or Bostancı if you’re on the Asian side.

The Princes’ Islands are a little archipelago in the Sea of Marmara that looks like they got lost on the way to Greece and decided to stay. Büyükada, the largest island, has no cars – just horse-drawn carriages, bicycles, and the sound of birds. A total contrast to Istanbul’s 15-million-person chaos.
I recommend enjoying it for about a few hours to half a day on a rental bike or walking.

The ferry itself is part of the experience. It takes about 75–100 minutes, depending on the route. You’ll pass massive seaside mansions, lush forested hills, and boats that look straight out of a movie.

Tips:

• Always check the return schedule – so you don’t miss the last ferry back
  
• Take some snacks with you. The food on the ferry is touristy and meh.
  
• Wear comfortable shoes, not flip-flops – Princes’ Islands hilly, be prepared for hiking.
  
• Take the Şehir Hatları (city ferry) — it’s cheaper and less chaotic than the private lines.
  
• Staying overnight on Büyükada – I recommend it if you’re searching for a completely different experience from Istanbul: no traffic, no noise, just birds and the sea. Check out Mansion Miliá – an authentic place if you want to wake up to silence instead of traffic for a couple of days.

Want to skip the logistics? This guided Princes’ Islands day trip is the best way to explore 2 of the islands – Heybeliada and Buyukada – in 1 day!

---

5. Beşiktaş to Kadıköy – The Route with Palace Views

Starting point: Beşiktaş Ferry Terminal, Sinanpaşa, 34353 Beşiktaş/Istanbul

Ending point: Kadıköy Pier,Caferağa, 34710 Kadıköy/IStanbul

Duration: ~20 minutes

Price: one-way, with Istanbulkart~59 TL / under $1.50 USD

Runs: Daily, frequent departures throughout the day

Schedule: Beşiktaş – Kadıköy timetable

Nobody really talks about this route. Which is exactly why I love it.

This is what locals use to get from Europe to Asia without losing their minds in traffic.

This route is great for you if you’re staying in Beşiktaş, so the port is near you.
Just came from visiting Dolmabahçe Palace and need rest? The pier is a five-minute walk away. You board and the palace slides into view immediately on your left from the water. The people on this ferry are mostly locals and students — you’ll be surrounded by people commuting, reading or even napping.

Tips:

• Great for a balance of scenery and local energy.
  
• Beşiktaş pier is near breakfast spots and cool cafes.
  
• Kadıköy at the end, is a reward in itself – local markets and authentic shops, street art, cute Instagrammable cafes, tasty local or modern food – all of it.
  
• Avoid rush hour (8–9:30 AM, 5–7 PM) when people go or come back from work. Instead, go on weekends or during the day. If you do enjoy the local crowd vibe, feel free to do the opposite.
  
• Seating Strategy:
  Sit on the right side (when departing from Beşiktaş) to see the skyline of the European side – the best views of the major landmarks like Dolmabahçe Palace and its massive marble facade from the water, Galata bridge and Galata tower from a distance, Topkapı Palace, Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the whole wide panorama of the Historic Peninsula. Observe how the Bosphorus meets the Golden Horn and the Sea of Marmara.
  
  Sit on the left for the silhouette of the Asian side – the picturesque Ortaköy mosque and the Bosphorus bridge at departure, then Üsküdar shoreline,  Grand Çamlıca Mosque and  Çamlıca Tower behind it and the Maiden’s Tower in the middle of the water, featured in James Bond’s “The World is Not Enough” movie.
  
• Switch sides on the way back to see what you missed!
  
• Timing is everything: Try catching the return ferry at sunset to enjoy Istanbul’s golden sky panoramas or city lights.
  
• Cultural experience: Direction  Kadıköy, catch Fenerbahçe local fans on the way to a match if you’re a football fan (they usually take this ferry to reach the stadium). Whole boats turn into chanting crowds. It’s chaos, but in a good way.
  If you’re not into football and want to avoid crowds, just go on any other day but on a match day.
  
• Before you board: passing Dolmabahçe by water always makes people want to see it from the inside. Visit Dolmabahçe Palace before you hop on the ferry, so you have enough time (2-3 hours) to enjoy it. I recommend this in-depth guided tour, especially if you’re into history.

---

6. Golden Horn Ferry (Eyüp to Kadıköy via Karaköy, Fener, etc.) – Off-the-Beaten-Path Beauty

Starting point: Eyüp Vapur İskelesi, Merkez, Bahariye Cd., 34050 Eyüpsultan/İstanbul

Ending point: Kadıköy Pier, Caferağa, 34710 Kadıköy/IStanbul

Duration: ~60 minutes

Price: one-way, with Istanbulkart~59 TL / under $1.50 USD

Schedule: Eyupsultan – Kadikoy timetable

This one doesn’t get the love it deserves.

It zigzags down the Golden Horn, stopping at historic little neighborhoods like Fener and Balat – some of the most photogenic and Instagrammable areas, full of colors, cats, old house buildings and authentic local cafes.

Tips for the Golden Horn Ferry:

• Before you board: Eyüp Sultan Mosque is near the starting pier – visit before you board
  
• Off-the-Beaten-Pier: Some piers feel random but worth hopping off for a wander.
  
• Timing: Best done in the early morning or golden hour – to catch the perfect light on Balat’s houses.
  
• Hidden gems: Worth hopping off at Balat or Fener for a wander, then catching the next ferry. You’ll see here a side of Istanbul you won’t find on Instagram, and some of them that you will – so honestly, that’s what makes it awesome.
  
• Why Fener & Balat are my favorites (and why visiting them): these districts are true hidden gems – even though they’re UNESCO-listed, they’re part of the less known history of Istanbul, where Greek, Bulgarian, and Jewish communities used to live.
  
  The area is walkable and easy to explore on your own. However, if you don’t want to miss the whole history part, I recommend this guided and super budget-friendly half-day Fener-Balat Walking tour. The price is a no-brainer and the guide can meet you right behind the Fener ferry pier, where you hop off.

---

Which Istanbul Ferry Has the Best Views?

Best for the classic Istanbul skyline: Eminönü → Üsküdar. You get the views of the mosques and minarets, Galata Tower and the full historic peninsula in one frame – especially recommended at sunset.

Best for palace views: Eminönü → Ortaköy. Get the views of Dolmabahçe and Çırağan Palace on one side, and the Bosphorus Bridge ahead of you.

Best sunset Bosphorus ferry ride: Eminönü → Üsküdar or Karaköy → Kadıköy: they both face west at the right time of day.

Best for something completely different: The Golden Horn line – you’ll catch the views of historic neighborhoods most tourists never see from the water.

---

Ferry vs. Private Bosphorus Cruise: Which Is Worth It?

Feature	Public Ferry (Şehir Hatları)	Private / Guided Bosphorus Cruise
Cost	~53–137 TL (~$1.50–4 USD)	$35–90+ USD
Vibe	Authentic, locals use it daily	Tourist-focused, leisure-oriented
Extras	Small café (tea, simit, snacks)	Often with dinner, music or show program
Views	Often with dinner, music or a show program	Same water, slower pace
Best for	Budget travelers, culture seekers	First-timers wanting context, couples, special occasions

My honest take: if it’s your first time in Istanbul and you want someone to explain what you’re looking at, a guided cruise is worth it. For everyday exploring, the public ferry wins every time.

For a special occasion, this sunset Bosphorus cruise is definitely one of the best and highest-rated experiences in Istanbul. If you prefer a dinner with a live local show program – this is my pick for you.

---

Istanbul Ferry Prices

Current Istanbulkart ferry fares from February 2026:

• Eminönü / Karaköy → Üsküdar: ~53 TL (under $1.50 USD at current rates)
• Eminönü / Karaköy → Kadıköy: ~59 TL (under $1.50 USD at current rates)
• Eminönü → Ortaköy: ~53 TL (under $1.50 USD at current rates)
• Kabataş → Princes’ Islands: ~137 TL (around $3 USD at current rates)
• Beşiktaş → Kadıköy: ~59 TL (under $1.50 USD at current rates)
• Eyüp → Kadıköy (Golden Horn): ~59 TL (under $1.50 USD at current rates)
  
• Istanbulkart card itself: 165 TL , under $4 USD (one-time, non-refundable fee)

Fares update often, so to be sure, always check official Şehir Hatları price list before your trip.

---

How to Take a Public Ferry in Istanbul with Istanbulkart:

Istanbul’s public ferries are operated by Şehir Hatları (the official ferry operator) and Turyol (private, equally popular, you get the same Istanbulkart-prices). For you as a tourist, the experience with both will be nearly the same.

Step 1: Get your Istanbulkart. The card costs 165 TL ( under $4 USD) – that’s the non-refundable, physical card fee. Buy it at yellow Biletmatik machines in any ferry terminal or metro station. Then recharge it with at least 400–500 TL ($9-11 USD) if you’re planning several days of travel.

Step 2: Find your terminal. On the European side these are: Eminönü, Karaköy, Kabataş, Beşiktaş. The Golden Horn line starts at Eyüp (Eyüpsultan). On the Asian side: Kadıköy, Üsküdar.

Step 3: Tap and board. Tap your Istanbulkart on the yellow card reader at the pier gate. It opens. You board. That’s it – no paper tickets, no queues.

Step 4: Check the schedule. Most routes run every 15–30 minutes during the day. Ortaköy and Princes’ Islands are less frequent. Always check the Şehir Hatları website before you go.

Transfer tip: If you tap again on another transport line within 2 hours, you pay a discounted transfer fare. So ferry + tram + metro costs less than three separate full fares.

Skipping the card entirely? If you’re not ready to navigate the ferry system solo on day one, this Bosphorus cruise is a total no-brainer! It doesn’t require an Istanbulkart and it’s still great value for the money!

---

Practical Tips for Taking Istanbul Ferries

Get an Istanbulkart to save money.

Get to the upper deck. Outside seating on the top deck is where the views happen. Inside is fine but you’ll miss the whole point.

Bring a jacket – even in summer it gets windy on deck.

Avoid rush hour if you can. 8:00–9:30 AM and 5:00–7:00 PM are packed with local commuters. Midday and early evenings are ideal for sightseeing.

Buy a tea. The small café onboard sells çay(tea) in typical Turkish glass cups. It costs almost nothing. Drinking it while watching the Bosphorus slide by could be one of your perfect travel moments.

Get a simit before boarding for seagulls feeding. Street vendors sell them at every pier. Try feeding half to the seagulls – this is tradition! It can turn into a best photo memory from your Istanbul trip, but be careful – seagulls are sassy and can peck!

Don’t stress about missing one. Most major routes run every 15–30 minutes. Miss a ferry? You’ve just been gifted 20 minutes to sit at the pier with a tea.

Check schedules for Ortaköy and Princes’ Islands. These are less frequent – so the Şehir Hatları website is your friend here.

---

FAQ: Istanbul Ferry Routes for Tourists

Can tourists use Istanbul public ferries?
Yes, public ferries are open to everyone. They’re one of the cheapest and most atmospheric ways to experience the city.

Do you need an Istanbulkart to take a ferry in Istanbul?
No, you can always use a contactless bank card or buy a paper ticket at the pier. Bank cards are accepted at almost all gates, however the fare will be roughly 50% higher than the standard Istanbulkart rate. So an Istanbulkart is not required, but I recommend it to save money.

How much does an Istanbul ferry cost with Istanbulkart?
Short routes like Eminönü–Üsküdar cost around 53 TL (less than $1.50 USD). Longer routes like the Princes’ Islands cost around 137 TL (around $3 USD). Check the official price list for current fares and updates.

What is the most scenic ferry route in Istanbul?
Most travelers consider Eminönü → Üsküdar the most iconic short route. For a longer scenic journey, Eminönü → Ortaköy or Kabataş → Princes’ Islands are my best recommendations.

Are Istanbul ferries worth it for tourists?
Absolutely. For the price of public transport you get views like on private cruises. They’re also how locals actually move around the city – which makes them feel authentic in a way most tourist experiences don’t.

How often do Istanbul ferries run?
Most major routes run every 15–30 minutes during the day. Less frequent routes like Princes’ Islands and Ortaköy run every 1–2 hours.

What’s the difference between Şehir Hatları and Turyol ferries?
Şehir Hatları is the main government operator with 600 trips per day across 50 terminals. Turyol is private but equally popular and accepts Istanbulkart at the same price. Turyol terminals are usually 100–300m from Şehir Hatları piers.

What time should I take a ferry for the best views?
Just before sunset is the magic hour. Early morning is also beautiful and far less crowded. Just avoid rush hours (8:00–9:30 AM and 5:00–7:00 PM) when locals use the ferries as a main public transport for going to or back from work.

---

For me, Istanbul’s ferry routes are more than just transport – they’re part of the city’s soul. So slow down, watch the skyline slide by, and let Istanbul do its thing.

---

Planning your trip to Istanbul? More Istanbul Guides you’ll find useful:

• How to Get an Istanbulkart (and Is It Worth It?)
• Best Instagram Spots in Istanbul
• Most Instagrammable Cafes in Istanbul
• 15 Mistakes to Avoid in Istanbul
• How to Get from Istanbul Airport to the City Center