The ferry ride between Istanbul and the Princes’ Islands is an adventure in itself, offering passengers jaw-dropping views of the Bosphorus Strait and back across the city.
(Photo: Travelgroup / Courtesy GetYourGuide)
With a journey time of around 1.5 hours between Istanbul and the cluster of 9 islands in the Sea of Marmara known for their pedestrianised streets and horse-drawn carriages, large numbers of visitors to the Turkish capital include this excursion in their itinerary. If you’re staying in Istanbul and would like to visit the Princes’ Islands, we’ve compared some of the best ferry options that run between the two below.
Dentur Avrasya Ferry
The fastest ferry option is with Dentur Avrasya, who run four departures per day from Istanbul to Princes’ Islands, with the first leaving at 9.45am and the last at 11.45am. Ferries depart from Kabatas ferry station, and passengers are welcomed at the departure pier by a Marine Officer who will help you aboard, hand you a cruise plan, and run you through some of the main sights to look out for during the crossing. Ferries arrive at one of the most beautiful of the 9 islands, Büyükada, or ‘Big Island’. Passengers who have bought a return ticket can catch a ferry back to Istanbul at 3.30pm. From $10.82 per person.
Şehir Hatları Ferry
Istanbul’s largest and oldest ferry operator, Şehir Hatları run ferries from three city locations to Princes’ Islands on its Adalar Lines ferries, with regular departures throughout the day. The waterside departure points can be found in the Istanbul districts of Besiktas, Bostancı and Kadıköy. The regular ferries are slower than the above option and can take up to 100 minutes, but they are cheaper and make more runs back and forth. From $1.77 per person.
Princes’ Islands Tour with Lunch and Transfers
If you have the time, you can also combine a trip across the water between Istanbul and Princes’ Island with a full-day guided tour. Starting with a hotel pick-up in Istanbul, you’ll be taken to the port to begin your adventure with a relaxing sailboat ride across the Marmara Sea. On arrival on Büyükada, you’ll take a stroll around the island’s charming old buildings, mansions, and villas that are home to local residents before hitting the sandy bays to swim and unwind, or take a walk to the serene pine forest. Later, you’ll enjoy lunch on the boat before sailing on to your second stop on Kınalıada island. In the afternoon, you’ll return to Istanbul port, with 30 minutes of free time before being transferred back to your hotel. From $13 per person.