How to take a public ferry from Kabataş in Istanbul: fares, payment and timing

A municipal ferry from Kabataş is a practical option, with departures and arrivals roughly every hour. The reported fare is around TRY 151 one way per person, payable with an Istanbulkart.

For a long outing around Istanbul, a ferry may be more efficient and enjoyable than walking: a roughly 57 km water route was considered more scenic and practical than spending hours on foot across the city.

If boarding at an intermediate pier rather than the terminus, arrive early: the ferry may already be full of tourists and may not stop to take on more passengers. Regular scheduled ferries can also involve standing room and extra stops.

Consider the ferry instead of an expensive private transfer: it is a more scenic way to travel on the water, with open views and seagulls. Larger ferries from Kabataş tend to be less busy on weekdays than at weekends.