How to take a ferry to the Princes' Islands from central Istanbul (and avoid getting on the wrong boat)

Besides central-city piers, ferries to the Princes’ Islands also depart from Bostancı pier on Istanbul’s Asian side.

Turyol runs ferries from Eminönü to the Princes’ Islands. Its pier is to the left of the Galata Bridge when facing the bridge. Departures to the islands operate in the first half of the day, with return sailings later in the day; check Turyol’s website for current times and fares.

On the official ferry line website (Şehir Hatları/IDO) there is no direct Eminönü–Büyükada sailing listed — only a route with a transfer/connection is available.

The Princes' Islands ferry terminal at Eminönü is officially called Eminönü Adalar İskelesi. To find it: get off at the Eminönü tram stop (T1 line), face the Golden Horn and walk right toward the Galata Bridge, passing the underpass and the fish-sandwich (balık ekmek) boats — the terminal is just past the bridge on the right, a modern glass-fronted building. Look for the ADALAR sign above the entrance listing the islands (Kınalıada, Burgazada, Heybeliada, Büyükada). Entry is via turnstiles using an Istanbulkart.

If you plan to go to the Princes’ Islands via Kadıköy, note that the ferry may already be crowded when it reaches Kadıköy because it starts from Kabataş. For a better chance of getting a seat, board at the first stop on the route: Kabataş.

From the Beşiktaş area, you can also board a ferry to the Princes' Islands — the Beşiktaş ferry pier is nearby and serves as an alternative to Kabataş for those staying in that neighbourhood.

Ferries to the Princes' Islands (including Kınalıada) depart from Eminönü pier. Check the current schedule and frequency at the ticket booth or on the IDO/Şehir Hatları website.

From Galataport, the nearest ferry piers are in Karaköy, just next to the port. Look for Şehir Hatları or IDO ferries heading to Kadıköy or Üsküdar on the Asian side.

Watch out for similar-sounding pier names: Karaköy and Kadıköy look almost identical on signs but go to completely different parts of the city. If you board the wrong ferry from Büyükada, don't panic — ferries from Kadıköy to Karaköy run every 10 minutes.

If you want to enjoy specific scenic stretches of the Bosphorus or the islands, check the route in advance — not all ferry lines pass through the same picturesque areas. Ask at the ticket booth which departure follows your preferred route.

From the Taksim area, the nearest ferry pier is Kabataş — about 15–20 minutes on foot downhill or a few stops on tram T1. Ferries to the Princes' Islands and other destinations depart from here.