Budget Ferry Travel in Turkey 2024
Turkish Ship & Ferry Travel
If you’re planning a trip to or around Turkey, travelling by ferry is an enjoyable travel option that you might want to consider.
Turkey has a network of city, intercity, and international ferries, and there are also many cruise ships that now visit ports at some of the country´s most iconic cities.
In this guide to ferry and ship travel in Turkey in 2024, we’ll give you all the essential information and travel tips you need, so that you can make the most of your trip.
Key Takeaways
- Travelling by ferry in Turkey is a fun way to travel, with scenic and peaceful views.
- There are several city, intercity, and international ferry routes available.
- Istanbul’s offers economical ferries with many routes. They provide picturesque views the Bosphorus, Sea of Marmaris and the Golden Horn.
- Ferry travel also offers travellers some excellent and cheap excursions from Istanbul.
- The public ferry is also an important form of transportation in Izmir and is an fantastic way of getting around the city. .
- There is a regular ferry service that connects the popular holiday resort of Bodrum to the charming coastal town of Datça.
- Ferry travel is a popular form of transport between Istanbul and Bursa. Although it may not be the fastest way to get there.
- Many of the best cruise ship companies, offer holidays that visit major landmarks in Turkey.
- There are many ferry routes connecting Turkey to the Greek Islands, both for day trips and island hopping holidays.
- Ferry travel to Northern Cyprus is a good option and often a cheaper alternative to air travel.
- There are tips on buying ferry tickets and travelling with your car on ferries.
City Ferries in Istanbul
If you’re planning a visit to Istanbul, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the city’s busy waterways by using its city ferries. In Turkish, a city ferry is referred to in Turkish as a “Vapor”. This word originally came from the French language.
Cruising along the historical waterways of the Bosphorus and Golden Horn will give you a unique and breath-taking perspective of one of the world’s most exciting cities. Taking a ferry ride is an excellent way to explore Istanbul using inexpensive public transport, and it’s a lot cheaper than taking a private Bosphorus cruise.
When travelling by ferry you will see on the skyline, many famous landmarks, such as the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. These ferries are not only for tourists, they also provide an essential transport link between Europe and Asia for the residents of Istanbul and help them get around the city.
There are several ferry terminals located on both the European and Asian sides of the city, making it easy to hop on a ferry and explore different parts of Istanbul.
The Main Ferry Stations and Routes in Istanbul are:
From | To |
Karaköy (European side) | Kadıköy (Asian side) |
Eminönü( European side) | Kadıköy (Asian side) |
Ortaköy (European side) | Eminönü (European side) |
Beşiktaş (European side) | Üsküdar (Asian side) |
Eminönü (European side) | Kabataş (European side) |
Princes´Islands Day Trips
One of the must-see attractions that you can get to by city ferries is the Princes’ Islands. This small group of islands is located in the Sea of Marmara.
There are nine small islands in total, and they are a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, as they offer a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, especially in the summer.
Buyukada and Heybeliada are the two main islands to explore. It makes a great and inexpensive day trip from Istanbul, especially in the summer months. You don´t need to book anything in advance, as ferry services run throughout the day, but the frequency varies depending on the season.
The trip takes about 1.5 hours, but it is definitely worth a visit. There are refreshments offered on board, so you can even drink a Turkish coffee as you enjoy the sea views along the way. You can catch the ferry from several ferry terminals, including Kabatas, Kadikoy, Bostancı and Besiktas. The ticket price is very reasonable, you can check the exact prices on the ferry company websites.
European side: Kabataş Eminönü Peer – Princess Islands
Asian side: Bostancı – Princess Islands
Public & Private Ferry Companies
When it comes to city ferries in Istanbul, you have the option of both private and public ferries. Public ferries are operated by the Şehir Hatları Ferry Company and offer regular schedules and affordable fares, the vessels tend to be more basic.
Private ferries, on the other hand, provide a more customised experience, often offering more comfort and amenities onboard, such as cafes with panoramic views.
Buying Your Ferry Tickets
Cash payments aren´t allowed for public ferries that are run by the main Şehir Hatları ferry company. You must pay using an Istanbulkart. For private ferry companies such as İDO and Dentur Avrasya you can still pay for your ticket using cash or bank card.
IstanbulKart
When travelling on city public ferries in Istanbul, it’s recommended to use an Istanbulkart for payment. The Istanbulkart is a contactless smart card that can be used for various methods of transportation in Istanbul, including city ferries. It is easy use, and allows you to simply tap and go without the hassle of purchasing individual tickets for each journey.
Ferry Travel from Istanbul to Bursa
The city of Bursa, was the capital of the Ottoman Empire and is a city with both stunning historical and beautiful natural landmarks. There are two ways to reach Bursa by ferry.
The Istanbul to Bursa BUDO ferry route takes you from Eminönü peer in Istanbul to the port of Mudanya which is located about 30 km from Bursa,
Alternatively, you can sail with IDO Ferries between Yenikapi Ferry Terminal in Istanbul and the port of Guzelyali, which is located close to Mudanya.
When you arrive in Guzelyali or Mudanya you need to take a public bus from there to Bursa, which can take about 30 to 40 minutes. Buses run regularly, and they are inexpensive.
Because of the bus connections and waiting times, most Turkish people prefer to take a direct buses from Istanbul when travelling to Bursa. Bus tickets are a little cheaper, and the journey is a little faster.
However, if you´re an international traveller, the trip across the Sea of Marmaris will be part of an unforgettable travel experience, with its breath-taking views of the coastline and the surrounding landscapes.
Cruise Ships to Istanbul
Istanbul is a popular port of call for many cruise ships travelling around the Eastern Mediterranean, with prestigious cruise line companies choosing stay in the city for a least two days.
The luxurious Galataport is the main port where cruise ships dock when arriving in the city. It is conveniently located and there are plenty of transportation options for getting into the city.
On board the cruise ship you will be offered a wide range of organised tours and these are a good way of seeing a large number of major sites in the city, stress free. However, they tend to be quite expensive, so if you prefer to do it independently, you should check out the budget-friendly travel guide to Istanbul.
Turkish Ports of Call for Cruise Ships & Popular Excursions
Turkey has recently become a popular destination for large cruise ships, and many of them now offer stopovers at several major cities along the Turkish coast.
On arrival in Turkey, passengers have the choice to explore the port city by themselves, go on a private tour, or take a group tour which is offered by the cruise company. As there is often a limited amount of time in each port, some excursion are difficult to do without going on an organised excursion.
For example, Ephesus and Selcuk would be possible, but not easy, to do independently on public transport. However, there would be no guarantee that you would get back to the ship before it sails.
Ports of Call | Popular Excursions |
Kusadasi | Ancient City of Ephesus |
Izmir | Ancient City of Ephesus Çesme & Alaçatı |
Çesme | Ancient City of Ephesus Çesme & Alaçatı |
City Ferry Travel in Izmir
If you’re visiting Izmir, exploring the city by ferry is a convenient and enjoyable way to get around. Izmir is home to several ferry terminals, providing easy access to various destinations along the city coastline of the city and its surrounding area.
One of the main ferry terminals in Izmir is the Alsancak Ferry Terminal, located in the heart of the city. From here, you can catch ferries to various destinations, such as Karsiyaka, Bostanli, and Karaburun.
Another important ferry terminal is the Konak Pier, which is situated in Konak Square. This terminal offers connections to other popular locations.
IzmirKart
When using city ferries in Izmir, it’s recommended to make use of the Izmirkart, a rechargeable transportation card that allows for easy payment on all public transportation, including ferries.
With the Izmirkart, you can simply tap your card before boarding the ferry, eliminating the need to purchase individual tickets for each journey
making it a hassle-free travel experience during your trip to Izmir.
Ferries from Bodrum to Datça
The ferry crossing takes just under two hours, and as you sail across the blue waters of the Aegean Sea, you’ll have the opportunity to witness stunning coastal views and possibly even dolphins swimming alongside the boat.
When you reach Datça, (which is just a small town), you can discover its beautiful beaches, the charming town centre, and its surrounding natural beauty. This ferry trip can either be a long day trip from Bodrum or part of a longer journey to Marmaris. The return journey cost about 33 Euros.
Turkey to the Greek Islands
If you want to explore the beauty of the Greek Islands or the Greek mainland from Turkey, ferry travel offers you an easy and reasonably priced option.
There are several ferry routes to Greece that are available from many towns and cities in Turkey. When planning your trip, it’s essential to know the ferry companies that operate these routes. Each route has different ticket prices and durations, depending on the distance and ferry type.
The 2024 prices have increased on some routes. Therefore, it’s recommended to check the official websites of the respective ferry companies or travel agencies for the most accurate and up-to-date
information on prices and departure times.
There are two important things to remember, that the price of a return ticket is higher than that of a day trip return ticket. These day trips and island-hopping adventures offer a fantastic way to explore the Greek islands while staying in Turkey.
Don’t miss the opportunity to have an unforgettable sea journey and make the most of your time in this beautiful part of the world. Prices start at around 30–40 euros for day trips to a nearby Greek island. On many of the ferries, there are complimentary soft drinks and snacks.
Depending on your nationality, you will need to have a valid EU visa to enter Greece, which is a member state of the European Union.
Routes from Turkey to the Greek Islands
Some popular Greek Island ferry routes from Turkish seaside resorts include:
Route & Time | Company |
Çesme to Chios 30 minutes | |
Ayvalik to Lesbos 90 minutes | Turyol |
Kusadasi to Samos 45/ 90 minutes | |
Bodrum to Kos 30 minutes | |
Turgutreis to Kalymnos, Kos, Leros | Ferry Hopper Travel Agency |
Marmaris to Rhodes 120 minutes | Yesil Marmaris Lines https://www.yesilmarmarislines.com |
Fethiye to Rhodes 110minutes | Skymarine Ferries |
Kaş to Kastellorizo 30minutes |
Ferries from Izmir to the Greek Mainland
If you want to take a ferry from Turkey to the Greek mainland, one route to consider is the one that connects Izmir to Thessaloniki. It is operated by Levanteferries .
They offer a twice weekly connection to the major Greek port of Thessaloniki, from where you can easily catch a bus to Athens. The ferry ride takes around 14 hours and offers stunning views of the Aegean Sea. If you are in Istanbul, it is cheaper and faster to get a bus to Thessaloniki, than to travel down to Izmir to catch a ferry, and then a bus for Thessalonki to Athens.
Ferries from Turkey to Cyprus
If you want to travel from Turkey to Northern Cyprus, there are two ferry routes available to help you reach your destination. The most commonly used routes are:
Route & Time | Company |
Mersin to Kyrenia/Girne, 9 hours | |
Tasucu to Kyrenia/Girne, 2h.30m | Akgunler Denizcilik |
If you’re travelling from Mersin, you have two options. You can either take a direct ferry to Kyrenia/Girne. It is quite a long journey, and the ship isn´t so comfortable, especially in the winter. There are ferries five times a week in the summer months.
The other alternative is to go to the nearby town of Tasucu. This is another departure point for ferries to Kyrenia/Girne and from this port, you can take a fast ferry in about two and a half hours.
However, getting to Tasucu by bus, can sometimes take a few hours. You need to go to Mersin bus station which is far from the city cenre, then wait for the bus and travel to Tasucu. When you arrive there you need to get from the bus stop on the main road you need to get a taxi or walk to the port.
Many people in south-eastern Turkey believe that the best way to get to Northern Cyprus is from Adana/Mersin Airport, where there are many cheap flights available
Buying Tickets
When planning your trip and buying ferry tickets in Turkey, it’s important to do your research to ensure a smooth and convenient journey.
You should consider factors such as ferry frequency, travel duration, and departure times to find the most suitable options.
Booking tickets online is a good option that lets you buy your ferry tickets in advance. Many ferry companies in Turkey offer online booking platforms on their websites, making it easy to browse available routes and schedules, select your preferred dates and times, and make your reservation.
It’s a good idea to book in advance to find the best deals and save money on your ferry tickets. You can also look out for special promotions, discounts, or packages that may be available. Try to compare different
ferry companies to help you find the most affordable options.
Finally, if you are looking for cheap ferry tickets, you should try to consider alternative routes and travel dates. Some routes may offer lower fare options or have less demand on certain days of the week. Flexibility in your travel plans can increase your chances of finding affordable options.
Enjoy Your Boat Trip!
Travelling by sea is often an exciting and relaxing experience. In my opinion a good holiday usually includes some kind of river, lake or sea trip.
In Turkey you are spoilt for choice, as there are many wonderful opportunities to travel by ferry, both in major cities, such as Istanbul and Izmir, but also in seaside resorts along the Aegean and Mediterranean coastline.
In Turkey travelling by ferry is relatively inexpensive, and offers travellers the opportunities to go on a day trips to the Greek Islands, as well as travel to the Greek mainland or Cyprus.
Recently, there has been a growing number of cruise ships that are visiting Turkey. Some excursion are possible to do independently, although sometimes due to time restriction, usually it is better to do them with on an organised tour.
I would definitely recommend visitors to Turkey to take advantage of a ferry trip during their stay in the country,