Last Updated on July 24, 2026 by Daniel Globe
Istanbul’s Bosphorus ferries are both practical public transport and one of the city’s best low-cost sightseeing experiences. You can cross between Europe and Asia, watch the skyline from an open deck, or choose a dedicated Şehir Hatları tour that travels farther up the strait.
Quick Answer
Use an Istanbulkart at the turnstile for regular Şehir Hatları ferries. Common central crossings currently cost about ₺58.52 to ₺65.21 at the full fare. Dedicated Short and Long Bosphorus Tours use separate fixed-price tickets, so check the official tariff and timetable before you travel.
Key Takeaways
- Regular public ferries connect major European and Asian districts and accept Istanbulkart.
- Public ferry fares vary by route, and some distance-priced lines offer a refund after you exit.
- Short, Long, and seasonal Moonlight Bosphorus Tours use separate fixed-price tickets.
- Üsküdar, Kadıköy, Eminönü, Karaköy, Beşiktaş, and Ortaköy are useful hubs for first-time visitors.
- Weather, technical problems, seasonal timetables, and public holidays can change departures.
Public Ferry or Bosphorus Tour: Which Should You Choose?
Choose a regular public ferry when you need transportation and want good views along the way. Choose a dedicated Bosphorus Tour when sightseeing is the main goal and you want a longer, planned route without building your own itinerary.
| Option | Best for | Payment | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public ferry | Crossing the city, flexible sightseeing, local experience | Istanbulkart at the pier gate | Frequent routes, commuter crowds, no guided commentary |
| Short Bosphorus Tour | A compact sightseeing trip | Separate fixed-price ticket | A scheduled route between Eminönü, Üsküdar, and Ortaköy |
| Long Bosphorus Tour | A full-day outing farther up the Bosphorus | Separate one-way or round-trip ticket | Several stops and a long break at Anadolu Kavağı |
How the Bosphorus Ferry System Works
Şehir Hatları operates a large network of passenger ferries across the Bosphorus, along the Golden Horn, and to the Princes’ Islands. These boats are part of Istanbul’s public transport system, so you will often ride with commuters, students, and families.
How to Board a Public Ferry
- Choose your route. Use the official timetable to confirm the departure pier, direction, and day type.
- Check the operator and destination. Large hubs may have several nearby docks serving different companies and routes.
- Top up before the gate. Add enough credit to your Istanbulkart at a vending or loading point before you reach the turnstile.
- Tap once to enter. Wait for the gate to approve your card, then follow staff directions to the boarding area.
- Use the refund machine when required. On eligible distance-priced routes, tap after leaving the ferry to collect the fare difference.
Note: The official Istanbulkart Mobile service also supports QR payment on Istanbul public transport. A physical Istanbulkart may be simpler if you do not want to set up the mobile service.
Ferry Fares and How to Pay
Public Ferry Fares with Istanbulkart
Public ferry fares depend on the route and passenger category. The examples below are full fares shown on the official tariff page when this guide was updated on July 25, 2026.
| Route | Full fare |
|---|---|
| Karaköy–Kadıköy, Eminönü–Kadıköy, or Beşiktaş–Kadıköy | ₺65.21 |
| Üsküdar–Eminönü | ₺58.52 |
| Kadıköy–Kabataş | ₺62.70 |
| Bosphorus Line category | ₺76.90 |
Check the current Şehir Hatları ferry tariff before budgeting. Fares can change, and student, social, transfer, night, and personalized-card rules may not apply to every visitor.
Distance-Based Fares, Refunds, and Night Service
Routes marked for distance-based pricing may charge a maximum amount when you enter. Tap your Istanbulkart at the refund machine after you exit to receive the difference for an eligible shorter trip. The published refund window is 120 minutes.
Do not assume every longer route has a refund. The official tariff lists exclusions, including Üsküdar–Eminönü, Kadıköy–Karaköy–Eminönü, Kadıköy–Beşiktaş, Üsküdar–Aşiyan, and Princes’ Islands services. Lines with an additional night tariff between 12:30 a.m. and 5:30 a.m. charge double the listed fare.
Sightseeing Bosphorus Tour Tickets
Şehir Hatları sightseeing tours use separate fixed-price tickets instead of the normal public-ferry tap. The official tariff listed these prices when this guide was updated:
| Tour | Local passenger | Foreign passenger |
|---|---|---|
| Short Bosphorus Tour | ₺170 | ₺340 |
| Long Bosphorus Tour, round trip | ₺320 | ₺640 |
| Moonlight Tour, summer timetable | ₺365 | ₺730 |
The tariff also lists a ₺195 local one-way fare for the Long Tour. Published child fares appear under the local-passenger column, and children under 6 ride the listed Bosphorus Tours free. Review the current Bosphorus Tours tariff before buying.
Ferry Routes and Schedules
Popular hubs include Kadıköy, Beşiktaş, Karaköy, Eminönü, Üsküdar, Kabataş, and Ortaköy. Some routes make a direct crossing, while others stop at several piers along the Bosphorus or Golden Horn.
Always use the official Şehir Hatları timetable finder on the day you travel. Weekday, weekend, holiday, summer, and winter schedules can differ.
Note: The 2026 summer timetable runs from June 29 through September 6. During that period, weekend overnight trips continue on the Kadıköy–Karaköy–Beşiktaş line, and the Short and Long Bosphorus Tours operate daily.
Useful Routes for First-Time Visitors
- Üsküdar–Eminönü: A short crossing with views toward Maiden’s Tower, the Historic Peninsula, and the Golden Horn entrance.
- Kadıköy–Beşiktaş: A direct Europe–Asia link that connects two lively waterfront districts and passes near Dolmabahçe Palace.
- Kadıköy–Karaköy–Eminönü: A practical route for Galata, the Spice Bazaar area, and Old City connections.
- Ortaköy–Beşiktaş–Eminönü: A scenic option along the European shore, but it runs less often than the busiest central crossings.
Short Bosphorus Tour
The Short Tour follows a compact sightseeing route from Eminönü through Üsküdar to Ortaköy. The current timetable shows a daily departure from Eminönü at 2:40 p.m., with an additional late-afternoon trip only on official holidays. Confirm the return details and any seasonal changes on the official Short Tour page.
Long Bosphorus Tour
The Long Tour is a full-day outing. The current schedule leaves Eminönü at 10:35 a.m., reaches Anadolu Kavağı at 12:25 p.m., pauses there until 3:00 p.m., and returns to Eminönü at 4:40 p.m. The route also calls at Beşiktaş, Üsküdar, Kanlıca, Sarıyer, and Rumeli Kavağı. Check the official Long Tour timetable before leaving for the pier.
How to Find the Right Pier
Major hubs such as Eminönü and Kadıköy have several docks close together. Each entrance may serve a different destination, direction, or ferry company. Read the large digital sign above the gate, match it to your destination, and ask pier staff before tapping if the sign is unclear.
Landmarks You May See from the Ferry
Your view depends on the route, weather, direction, and deck position. Central crossings and longer Bosphorus services may reveal:
- Historic Peninsula skyline: Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Topkapı Palace from routes near Eminönü and Kadıköy.
- Dolmabahçe and Çırağan palaces: Along the European shore near Beşiktaş and Ortaköy.
- Maiden’s Tower (Kız Kulesi): On a small islet off Üsküdar.
- Ortaköy Mosque and the 15 July Martyrs Bridge: Best seen on routes that travel north of Beşiktaş.
- Rumeli Fortress and Anadolu Hisarı: Visible on longer routes farther up the Bosphorus.
Pro Tip: Do not commit to one side of the boat for the whole trip. Ferries turn, routes curve, and landmarks appear on both shores. Start on the open deck, then change sides when it is safe and the aisle is clear.
Accessibility, Bicycles, Pets, and Family Travel
Accessibility
Accessibility varies by pier and vessel. Şehir Hatları lists several ferries with ramps, flat boarding areas, wider corridors, reserved spaces, and other features for passengers with limited mobility. Arrive early and ask staff which gate and vessel provide the easiest boarding. Review the official disabled guest information before your trip.
Bicycles and Children
Şehir Hatları says passengers can carry bicycles on its ferries without an extra bicycle fee. Its travel rules also state that children under 6 ride regular services free, apart from any special conditions shown for a specific service or ticket category.
Pets
Dogs of all sizes may travel when they wear a muzzle and remain on a leash no longer than 50 cm. Guide dogs may travel with the person they assist. Cats must stay in a purpose-made pet bag, basket, or cage. Predatory or poisonous animals, reptiles, arthropods, insects, primates, wild birds, and farm animals are not allowed.
Smoking and Safety
Smoking is prohibited on Şehir Hatları vessels, including open areas. During boarding, keep children close, keep bags out of the aisle, and follow crew directions. Decks can become slippery when wet.
Tips for the Best Ferry Experience
- Arrive early: Give yourself extra time at large piers, especially before a tour or during the evening commute.
- Carry a wind layer: The open deck can feel much colder than the street, even on a sunny day.
- Top up first: Avoid blocking the turnstile while searching for a loading machine.
- Use the outside deck carefully: It offers the best views, but hold railings on stairs and keep loose items secure.
- Check the final sailing: Late service varies by route and day, so do not assume every line runs overnight.
- Use pier facilities: Restroom and onboard refreshment availability can vary by vessel.
Warning: High winds, fog, technical problems, or local operating conditions can delay or cancel a sailing with little notice. Check the Şehir Hatları website, app, or official announcements before walking to the pier.
A normal commuter crossing can give you palace, mosque, bridge, and skyline views for the price of a public-transport ride.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Istanbul public ferries accept Istanbulkart?
Yes. Tap an Istanbulkart at the turnstile for regular Şehir Hatları services. Eligible distance-priced routes may require another tap at a refund machine after you exit. Dedicated Bosphorus Tours use separate fixed-price tickets.
Which ferry route is best for a first-time visitor?
Üsküdar–Eminönü is a simple short crossing with Old City and Maiden’s Tower views. Kadıköy–Beşiktaş is another strong choice if you want a longer direct ride between two busy waterfront districts.
Are pets allowed on Istanbul ferries?
Yes, under Şehir Hatları rules. Dogs need a muzzle and a leash no longer than 50 cm. Cats must remain in a purpose-made carrier. Guide dogs may travel with the person they assist, while several animal categories are prohibited.
Can I take a bicycle on a Şehir Hatları ferry?
Yes. Şehir Hatları states that passengers do not pay an extra fee for bicycles on its ferries. Follow crew instructions about where to stand or secure the bicycle.
Do young children ride free?
Şehir Hatları travel rules state that children under 6 ride regular ferry services free. The Bosphorus Tour tariff also lists children under 6 as free, while older children may have a separate published fare.
Will ferries operate during bad weather?
Not always. Weather and unexpected technical problems can cause delays or cancellations. Check official service updates on the day you travel, especially during high winds or heavy fog.
Can I bring food and drinks on board?
The published Şehir Hatları travel rules do not state a blanket ban on small personal food and non-alcoholic drinks. Follow posted signs and crew instructions, avoid blocking seats or aisles, and take all waste with you.
Do Istanbul ferries have restrooms?
Facilities vary by vessel, and you should not assume every boat has an available restroom. Use the pier facilities before boarding when possible, especially before a long ride.
Sources
- Şehir Hatları Ferry Line Price Tariffs — public ferry fares, refunds, transfers, and night pricing.
- Şehir Hatları Bosphorus Tours Tariff — Short, Long, Moonlight, and child tour prices.
- Şehir Hatları Timetables — current routes, piers, and departure times.
- Şehir Hatları Frequently Asked Questions — cancellation, bicycle, pet, discount, and smoking rules.
- Şehir Hatları Disabled Guests — accessible vessels and boarding features.
- Şehir Hatları Travel Rules — child fares, travel cards, and onboard conduct.
Ready to Ride?
For a quick first trip, load an Istanbulkart and take a central crossing such as Üsküdar–Eminönü or Kadıköy–Beşiktaş. For a longer sightseeing day, compare the Short and Long Bosphorus Tour schedules. Check the live timetable, confirm the correct pier, and arrive early enough to enjoy the open deck without rushing.