In Istanbul the ferry is both everyday transport and the most enjoyable way to see the city. From the piers at Eminönü, Karaköy and Kabataş you can cross to Üsküdar and Kadıköy, sail out to the Princes' Islands, glide up the Golden Horn to Balat and Eyüp, or head up the Bosphorus. You pay with an Istanbulkart, and even a short hop across the water feels like a sightseeing trip.
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Why you should take a ferry
Istanbul spans two continents, and every day hundreds of thousands of people cross the water between them. The ferry is one of the fastest ways across, with no traffic to worry about, but its real appeal is the view. From the deck of a boat leaving Eminönü you can take in the domes of the Süleymaniye, the sea walls below Topkapı Palace and the Galata Tower in a single sweep.
A regular commuter crossing is the cheapest way to see the city from the sea, with no need for a pricey boat tour. For longer trips up the strait, see our Bosphorus cruise guide.
Main piers and routes
- Eminönü ↔ Üsküdar: The shortest and most classic crossing, usually 15–20 minutes. Step off in Üsküdar and the Mihrimah Sultan Mosque is right in front of you; stroll along the shore for views of the Maiden's Tower.
- Eminönü / Karaköy ↔ Kadıköy: On this 20–25 minute route, the grand Haydarpaşa Station comes into view as you approach Kadıköy. The Kadıköy market streets and Moda waterfront are within walking distance.
- Kabataş ↔ Princes' Islands: Ferries to Kınalıada, Burgazada, Heybeliada and Büyükada usually leave from Kabataş; the trip to Büyükada takes about 1.5 hours. Our Princes' Islands day-trip guide helps you plan.
- Golden Horn line: A calm route from the Karaköy and Eminönü area up the Golden Horn, calling at Fener, Balat, Hasköy and Eyüp. It is a lovely way to reach the colourful lanes of Balat and Fener or the Rahmi M. Koç Museum in Hasköy.
- Bosphorus routes: Bosphorus excursion ferries leave from Eminönü and call at waterside villages on their way up the strait. Short and long tour options vary with the season.
How to board a ferry
- Arrive a few minutes early and check the signs to make sure you are at the right pier for your destination (for example “Üsküdar” or “Kadıköy”); at Eminönü, piers for different routes sit side by side.
- Tap your Istanbulkart at the turnstile to enter the waiting hall. No card? Buy one from the machines at the pier; our Istanbulkart guide explains how.
- When the ferry docks, let passengers off first, then step carefully across the gangway.
- Gates close shortly before departure; check current timetables in the official app or on the boards at the pier.
Ferry rituals: tea, simit and seagulls
Locals have their own ferry rituals. Buying a tulip-shaped glass of tea from the attendant who walks through the cabins, paired with a sesame-crusted simit bought on the pier, is almost obligatory. Tossing pieces of simit to the seagulls that follow the boat is a long-standing habit too, and the birds are remarkably good at catching them mid-air. Gulls can be bold about snatching food from hands, so keep an eye on small children and do not overdo it.
In good weather, head for the open seating on the rear deck, where the photo views are best. The wind on the water is stronger than on land, so even on summer evenings a light layer is handy. If you are lucky, you may even spot dolphins in the Bosphorus.
When to ride
- On weekday mornings and evenings the ferries fill with commuters; for a relaxed trip, go in the middle of the day.
- Returning from Üsküdar or Kadıköy to the old city at sunset is the most beautiful way to see the skyline in golden light. For more ideas, see our sunset spots guide.
- Island ferries get very busy on summer weekends, so aim for an early morning sailing.
- Some sailings may be cancelled in strong winds or storms; check announcements before you set out.
From our hotel to the piers
From our hotel in Küçük Ayasofya there are two ways to reach Eminönü pier: take the T1 tram from Sultanahmet stop and get off a few stops later at Eminönü, or walk via Sultanahmet and Sirkeci in about 25–30 minutes. The walk from the hotel up to the tram stop takes about 8–10 minutes. For Karaköy pier, ride the tram across the Galata Bridge; for Kabataş, stay on until the end of the line.
If you are tired on the way back, take the tram from Eminönü to Sultanahmet or Çemberlitaş, then stroll downhill through the narrow lanes to the hotel.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use an Istanbulkart on the ferries?
Yes, on the city ferries and many private sea routes. Just tap your card at the turnstile at the pier entrance.
How long is the ferry from Eminönü to Üsküdar?
Usually 15–20 minutes. Sailings are frequent throughout the day; check current times in the official app.
Can I do a Bosphorus tour by public ferry?
Yes. Bosphorus excursion ferries from Eminönü call at waterside villages on their way north. Our Bosphorus cruise guide compares them with private boat tours.
Is there food and drink on board?
On most ferries, attendants walk through the cabins selling tea and a few snacks. Many passengers bring a simit bought on the pier.
