Istanbul to the Princes' Islands

By the Viamo editorial team · Editor Terje Moy · Last updated July 2026 · 4 min read

Planning this trip? Currency converter · Jet-lag calculator · Trip budget · Compare routes

The Princes' Islands sit in the Sea of Marmara a short ferry ride from central Istanbul, and their biggest draw is simple: no cars. Horse-drawn carriages once did the job of getting around; these days it's mostly bicycles and small electric vehicles, all set against pine forest, Ottoman-era wooden mansions and sea views that feel a world away from the city's traffic. Getting there is a straightforward public ferry ride, and it's an easy half-day or full-day trip from the centre.

The public ferry (Şehir Hatları)

Şehir Hatları, Istanbul's municipal ferry operator, runs scheduled services to the islands from Kabataş, on the European side near the tram line, with some sailings also from Eminönü. The islands are served in sequence — typically Kınalıada, Burgazada, Heybeliada and then Büyükada, the largest and most visited — so the exact journey time depends on which island you're headed for and how many stops the boat makes along the way; reckon on roughly 1 to 1.5 hours to reach Büyükada. It's an unhurried, scenic crossing past the Bosphorus shoreline and other city ferries, and worth treating as part of the day out rather than just transport.

Faster private ferries

Private operators, including Turyol and Dentur Avrasya, run faster catamaran services to the islands from similar departure points, cutting the journey down to around 35–45 minutes. These cost a bit more than the public ferry but are worth considering if you're short on time or making a return trip in a single afternoon.

Paying with Istanbulkart

The Istanbulkart, Istanbul's rechargeable transport card, works on Şehir Hatları's public ferries just as it does on the trams, metro and buses, making it by far the simplest way to pay — tap on at the terminal turnstile before boarding. Private fast-ferry operators generally sell their own tickets separately rather than accepting the card. See our Istanbulkart guide if you haven't already got one, and our Istanbul ferries guide for the wider network of Bosphorus crossings beyond just the islands.

Getting around once you're there

Private cars have long been banned on the islands, and in recent years the traditional horse-drawn fayton carriages have been largely phased out too, following animal-welfare concerns, and replaced by small electric shuttle buses and golf-cart-style vehicles on the larger islands. The most popular way to get around, especially on Büyükada and Heybeliada, is by bicycle, which can be hired cheaply near the ferry pier — the islands are hilly towards their pine-forested interiors but flat and easy along the coastal roads, and cycling past the old wooden mansions is one of the trip's highlights. Walking is entirely feasible too, particularly on the smaller islands like Kınalıada and Burgazada.

Which island should you visit?

Büyükada is the largest and busiest, with the most restaurants, a hilltop monastery reachable on foot or by bike, and the widest range of things to do — a sensible first choice. Heybeliada is quieter and greener, popular for its pine forest walks. Burgazada and Kınalıada are smaller and more residential, better suited to those wanting a peaceful few hours away from crowds rather than a full day of sightseeing.

Best time to go

Summer weekends bring large crowds of Istanbul residents escaping the heat, and ferries and bike rental queues can be busy in the middle of the day; travelling on a weekday, or catching an early boat, makes for a noticeably calmer visit. The islands are also pleasant, if quieter, outside the summer months, with the coastal walks and forest paths arguably at their best in spring and autumn.

Which should you choose?

The public Şehir Hatları ferry is the cheapest and most atmospheric option, and works well with an Istanbulkart you're likely already carrying. A private fast ferry suits a tighter schedule or a same-day return with less time on the water. Wherever you're staying, see our Istanbul airports to the city guide to get into town first, our Istanbul public transport guide for the wider network, and our Turkey overland guide if you're continuing beyond the city. Self-driving elsewhere in the country? See driving in Turkey — though note a car is no use at all once you reach the islands themselves.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get from Istanbul to the Princes' Islands?

The Şehir Hatları public ferry from Kabataş or Eminönü takes roughly 1 to 1.5 hours to Büyükada; faster private catamarans from the same area take around 35–45 minutes.

Can I use my Istanbulkart on the ferry to the islands?

Yes, on the public Şehir Hatları ferries. Private fast-ferry operators generally sell their own separate tickets rather than accepting the card.

Are cars allowed on the Princes' Islands?

No, private cars are banned. Bicycles, walking and small electric shuttle vehicles have largely replaced the traditional horse-drawn carriages for getting around.

Which Princes' Island should I visit first?

Büyükada, the largest, has the most to see and do and is the usual first choice; Heybeliada is a quieter, greener alternative if you'd rather avoid the busiest crowds.