Getting to Büyükada is easy. Getting there comfortably is not automatic. We’ve watched this play out again and again. Travelers wake up excited for a peaceful island day. They Google “Buyukada ferry”, pick the first pier they see, and assume the rest will sort itself out. Sometimes it does. Sometimes it turns into crowds, long waits, and a rushed return.
Büyükada is the largest and most visited of the Princes’ Islands, famous for its car-free streets, historic mansions, pine-scented air, and slow pace. Ferries leave daily from multiple points across Istanbul, on both the European and Asian sides. The problem isn’t access. It’s choice.
Which pier should you use. Which ferry company makes sense. How long the ride actually takes. What happens when you arrive. And when you should think twice about going at all.
According to the city ferry system, island routes are among the busiest leisure lines, especially on weekends and in summer. That popularity changes the experience if you don’t plan around it.
In our guide, we’ll explore every realistic option to reach Büyükada, explain the tradeoffs without jargon, and help you choose based on where you’re staying and how you want the day to feel. Not theory. Decisions.
Istanbeautiful Team insight:
“Büyükada is wonderful when you arrive calm. The ferry choice decides that more than the island itself.”
Getting to Büyükada at a glance
There are two main ways to reach Büyükada. Public ferries and passenger boats or motorboats.
Public ferry lines are the most common choice. Passenger boats and motorboats are faster and more direct, especially from the Asian side.
During the summer months, there’s a third option many visitors don’t know about. Some beach clubs on the islands run private shuttle boats for their reserved guests, usually departing from Bostancı or Kartal.
Travel times vary more than people expect.
- From Eminönü, the journey usually takes around 1 hour 15 minutes.
- From Kabataş, expect roughly 1 hour 30 minutes.
- From Beşiktaş, it can stretch to 1 hour 45 minutes, depending on stops.
- From Bostancı or Kartal, the ride is much shorter, typically 25 to 30 minutes.
Motorboats are slightly faster than city-line ferries. In practice, they reach the islands about 10 to 15 minutes earlier, depending on conditions and route.
This difference matters if you’re sensitive to long sea journeys. Longer crossings from the European side can feel tiring for some travelers, especially in choppy weather.
Istanbeautiful Team note:
“If seasickness is a concern, start from Bostancı or Kartal. Shorter time on the water makes a real difference.”
No Regrets Booking Advice
In simple terms. European side equals longer, more scenic crossings. Asian side equals faster, more comfortable travel.
All ferry options to Büyükada, Princes’ Islands
There are two broad ways to reach Büyükada from Istanbul. Public ferries and faster motorboats. They serve different needs, and mixing them up is where confusion starts.
Şehir Hatları: the public ferry system
Şehir Hatları operates the official Istanbul public ferries and carries most of the daily island traffic. These ferries are affordable, predictable, and integrated into Istanbul’s transport system.
You can reach Büyükada directly from Beşiktaş, Kabataş, Eminönü, Kadıköy, and Bostancı, as well as from Maltepe, Pendik, and Tuzla on the eastern side.
Travel time depends on the departure pier.
- From Eminönü, the journey takes around 100 minutes, as the ferry stops at multiple islands.
- From Kabataş, it’s usually about 75 minutes.
- From Kadıköy, expect roughly 50 minutes, making it a strong option for Asian-side stays.
- From Bostancı, trips are often shorter and more direct.
These ferries accept Istanbulkart, which keeps costs low. Schedules change by season, with more frequent services in summer. Always check sehirhatlari.istanbul for current times and prices.
Mavi Marmara: faster motorboat services
Mavi Marmara operates high-speed motorboats to Büyükada. These services are faster than public ferries and follow more direct routes.
Motorboats depart from Eminönü, Yeşilköy, Beşiktaş, Kabataş, and Bostancı. Travel time is typically 30 to 40 minutes, depending on the route.
Tickets are purchased separately and do not use Istanbulkart. These boats are useful if you’re short on time or want a quicker crossing, but seating is more limited and prices are higher.
You can see the current schedules and times at mavimarmara.net
Dentur Avrasya: comfort-focused motorboats
Dentur Avrasya runs modern motorboats with a more controlled boarding experience. They offer direct services to Büyükada from Eminönü, Beşiktaş, Kabataş, Avcılar, and Yalova.
Services from Beşiktaş, Kabataş, Eminönü, and Avcılar run daily. Yalova services usually operate on weekends.
Dentur Avrasya is often chosen by travelers who want a smoother ride and clearer schedules. Prices are higher than public ferries but comparable to other motorboats.
You can see the current schedules and times at denturavrasya.com
Prenstur: Asian-side speed option
Prenstur focuses on fast shuttle services from the Asian side. Their motorboats operate daily between Kartal, Büyükada, and Heybeliada.
The journey from Kartal to Büyükada takes approximately 25 to 30 minutes, making it one of the fastest options available. This route works well if you’re staying in eastern Asian-side districts and want to avoid crossing the city.
You can see the current schedules and times at prenstur.net
Istanbeautiful Team insight:
“Public ferries work best for relaxed days. Motorboats work best when time matters.”
Best ferry pier to reach Büyükada, Princes’ Islands
Once you understand the ferry operators, the real decision becomes simpler. Which pier should you actually use. This matters more than most people expect. Choosing the wrong pier often adds unnecessary travel time, crowds, and stress before you even board the ferry.
Staying in Sultanahmet, Old City, or nearby
If your hotel is around Sultanahmet, Eminönü is usually the closest major ferry pier. It’s walkable from the Old City and easy to reach by tram.
The tradeoff is crowd density. Eminönü is one of the busiest ferry hubs in Istanbul. Island ferries here stop at multiple islands, which makes the ride longer, but the frequency is high. If you choose Eminönü, arrive early and avoid late morning departures.
This pier works best if convenience matters more than speed.
Staying near Taksim, Galata, or along the tram line
For central European-side stays, Kabataş is often the most practical choice. It connects directly to tram, funicular, and bus lines, so transfers are straightforward.
Ferries from Kabataş reach Büyükada faster than those from Eminönü and tend to feel more organized. It’s a good balance between accessibility and efficiency.
If you’re staying near Beşiktaş, that pier can also work, but departures are usually less frequent.
Staying on the Asian side
This is where many visitors make the wrong move. If you’re staying in Kadıköy, Üsküdar, or nearby neighborhoods, crossing to the European side first is usually unnecessary.
Kadıköy ferry pier offers direct island services and calmer boarding. Travel time is reasonable and the atmosphere is more local.
Bostancı is often even better. It’s closer to the islands, which shortens the journey, and ferries here are popular with locals who know the system well.
For eastern districts, Maltepe, Pendik, or Kartal may make more sense, especially if you plan to use motorboats.
Istanbeautiful Team insight:
“The best pier is almost always the one closest to where you woke up.”
As a rule, avoid crossing the city just to board a ferry everyone else uses. Start near your accommodation.
How long it actually takes to get to Büyükada, Princes’ Islands
The actual travel time to Büyükada depends on where you board, how many stops the ferry makes, and how busy the day is.
Here’s how it plays out in real life.
Travel times by departure pier
From Eminönü, ferries usually take around 90 to 100 minutes. This is because routes from Eminönü stop at several islands before reaching Büyükada. The ride is scenic, but it’s the longest option.
From Kabataş, the trip is shorter, typically 70 to 80 minutes. Kabataş ferries still stop along the way, but fewer times. For many European-side visitors, this is the most balanced option.
From Kadıköy, expect roughly 45 to 55 minutes. Boarding is often calmer, and the ferry reaches the islands sooner. This is one reason Asian-side travelers prefer it.
From Bostancı, travel time drops further, often 35 to 45 minutes. Bostancı sits closer to the Princes’ Islands, and routes from here are more direct. If speed and simplicity matter, this pier usually wins.
Motorboats change the equation. Services operated by Mavi Marmara, Dentur Avrasya, or Prenstur can reach Büyükada in 25 to 40 minutes, depending on departure point.
These are faster, but cost more and offer less flexibility if you miss a departure.
Why published times don’t tell the full story
Crowds add time. Boarding delays add time. Weather can add time. And island traffic peaks on weekends and holidays.
We’ve seen days where a “shorter” route took longer than expected simply because boarding took thirty minutes.
Istanbeautiful Team insight:
“Total trip time starts at the pier, not when the boat moves.”
The practical takeaway is simple.
- Choose a pier close to where you stay.
- Arrive early.
- And treat travel times as ranges, not promises.
Büyükada ferry prices
This is usually the easiest part of the trip. It still trips people up.
Do ferries to Büyükada accept Istanbulkart?
Yes. All Şehir Hatları public ferries to Büyükada accept Istanbulkart. You tap in at the pier, just like you would for a tram or metro. No seat selection. No extra steps.
That’s one of the reasons public ferries remain the most popular option.
Motorboats are different. Operators like Mavi Marmara, Dentur Avrasya, and Prenstur sell tickets separately. Istanbulkart does not apply. You either buy a ticket at the pier or online, depending on the company.
How much does the ferry to Büyükada cost?
Prices vary, by distance and operator, but here’s what most visitors experience.
Public ferries to Büyükada usually cost around 115 TL, more than a standard inner-city ferry, because island routes are longer. Expect a higher fare than a Bosphorus crossing, but still very reasonable compared to private tours.
Motorboats cost more. You’re paying for speed and direct routing. The difference is noticeable, especially for families or groups, but the time saved can justify it if your schedule is tight.
Prices change periodically, so we always recommend checking official sources before you go.
For public ferries, please cross check sehirhatlari.istanbul for all routes, timetables and prices. For motorboats, each operator lists current fares on their own site.
A practical budgeting note
If you’re using Istanbulkart for the rest of your stay, keep extra balance loaded. Island fares deduct more credit than city crossings, and return trips matter. Many visitors run low on the way back.
Istanbeautiful Team insight:
“Top up your Istanbulkart before you leave the mainland. Island piers aren’t the place to realize you’re short.”
What happens when you arrive at Büyükada
The moment the ferry docks, the pace changes. Not dramatically. Subtly.
First impressions at the pier
All ferries arrive at Büyükada ferry pier, right in the center of island life. There’s no secondary terminal or long walk. You step off and you’re immediately in it.
The pier area is busy. Cafés, small markets, bike rentals, and queues form quickly, especially late morning. This surprises some visitors who expect instant calm. The quiet comes later, once you move away from the waterfront.
Here’s what usually happens next.
People pause. They look around. They ask the same questions.
Where do we go first. Do we need bikes. Is there a map.
Getting around the island
There are no private cars on Büyükada. That’s part of the appeal. Getting around is done on foot, by bicycle, or by electric island vehicles that operate on fixed routes.
Walking works well if you plan to stay near the center or along the waterfront. The island is hilly, though. Distances look short on maps and feel longer under the sun.
Bicycles are popular, but availability drops fast. Rentals cluster near the pier and sell out on busy days. If cycling matters to you, head there immediately after arrival.
Electric vehicles serve longer routes and uphill sections. They’re useful if mobility is a concern or if you want to reach quieter areas without exhausting yourself.
What surprises most visitors
The island isn’t small in experience. It opens up as you move.
Ten minutes away from the pier, noise fades. Wooden mansions appear. Pine trees replace cafés. That’s when Büyükada feels like itself.
Istanbeautiful Team insight:
“The island rewards movement. Walk past the first row of cafés and the mood shifts fast.”
A simple tip helps here. Decide your first move before you board the ferry. Bike, walk, or ride. That small decision saves time and friction on arrival.
Common mistakes visitors make
Most disappointments on Büyükada are avoidable. They usually come from small assumptions that don’t match how the island actually works.
Going on the wrong day
Weekends and public holidays change everything. Ferries are fuller. The pier is louder. Bike rentals sell out early. Cafés run at capacity.
Büyükada is still enjoyable on weekends, but it won’t feel quiet. If you’re looking for a slower, more relaxed visit, weekdays are a much better choice.
We’ve seen travelers arrive on a sunny Sunday expecting calm and leave frustrated. The island didn’t change. The timing did.
Leaving without a return plan
This is the most common mistake we see.
Visitors arrive, enjoy lunch, wander longer than expected, then head back to the pier late afternoon assuming ferries run continuously. Sometimes they do. Sometimes the next one is full.
Island return traffic peaks late afternoon and early evening. Miss one ferry and the wait stretches, especially on busy days.
Check return times when you arrive. Pick a target ferry. Treat anything later as a bonus.
Overplanning the island
Büyükada doesn’t reward tight schedules. Trying to see every corner in one visit usually leads to rushing uphill, skipping rest, and losing the sense of ease that makes the island worth visiting.
Choose one or two areas. Walk slowly. Sit somewhere without checking the time.
That’s when the island works.
Staying too close to the pier
The first area near the pier is the busiest part of Büyükada. Many visitors eat there and leave thinking they’ve seen the island.
They haven’t.
Ten minutes of walking changes the atmosphere completely. Quieter streets, historic houses, shade, and space appear quickly once you move away from the dock.
Istanbeautiful Team insight:
“If Büyükada feels crowded, walk five more minutes. It usually fixes the problem.”
Day Trip Itinerary
Here’s a suggested itinerary for a perfect day trip to Buyukada:
- Morning Ferry: Take the 9 AM ferry from Kabataş or Kadıköy.
- Cycling Tour: Rent a bike and explore the island’s landmarks, including Aya Yorgi Church.
- Lunch: Enjoy fresh seafood at one of the island’s waterfront restaurants.
- Afternoon Beach Time: Spend the afternoon relaxing at a local beach.
- Evening Ferry: Head back to Istanbul on the 6 PM ferry, enjoying sunset views along the way.
Common Traveler Questions
What is the best way to get to Büyükada from Istanbul?
For most visitors, public ferries (Şehir Hatları) offer the best balance of price, reliability, and experience. If you’re short on time, motorboats are faster but more expensive.
Which pier should I use to go to Büyükada?
That depends on where you stay. European side visitors usually choose Kabataş or Eminönü. Asian side visitors are better off with Kadıköy or Bostancı, which are often quicker and calmer.
How long does it take to get to Büyükada?
Travel time ranges from 35 minutes to 100 minutes. Bostancı is the fastest public ferry option. Eminönü is the slowest but most scenic.
What are the ferry timings to Buyukada?
Ferries to Buyukada run frequently from early morning (around 7 AM) until late evening (11 PM). The schedule can vary depending on the season, so it’s best to check the operator’s website for the most up-to-date timings.
Do Büyükada ferries accept Istanbulkart?
Yes, Şehir Hatları ferries accept Istanbulkart. Motorboats like Mavi Marmara, Dentur Avrasya, and Prenstur require separate tickets.
Is Büyükada crowded?
Yes, especially on weekends and public holidays. Weekdays are noticeably calmer and more enjoyable.
Can I do Büyükada as a half-day trip?
Yes, but leave early and plan your return ferry in advance. Otherwise, the trip feels rushed.
Are there cars on Büyükada?
No private cars are allowed. Getting around is done on foot, by bicycle, or by electric island vehicles.