Ferries · Getting There
The Princes' Islands from Istanbul's Airports
Landing at Istanbul (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen (SAW)? Here's how to reach the island ferries from each airport.
Key facts
- Airports
- IST (European) · SAW (Asian)
- Best piers
- Bostancı / Kadıköy (Asian)
- To Büyükada
- ~30–40 min from Bostancı
- Fare
- ~₺135 İstanbulkart, per crossing
- Reality
- A cross-city trip first
From Sabiha Gökçen (SAW)
SAW is on the Asian side, closer to the islands. Take a bus or the metro toward Kadıköy/Bostancı, then the island ferry from Bostancı (the fastest crossing, ~30–40 min to Büyükada). A taxi or transfer straight to Bostancı pier is the simplest.
From Istanbul Airport (IST)
IST is on the far European side, so it's a longer haul: the M11 metro and connections into the city, then either a European pier (Kabataş/Eminönü) or cross to Bostancı via Marmaray for the quicker boat. Realistically this is a half-day of travel — most visitors settle into their hotel first and do the islands on a separate day.
Simplest option
Pre-book a private airport transfer to your hotel, then head to the islands fresh the next day. Full ferry guide →
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) — it's on the Asian side, near the Bostancı and Kadıköy piers that give the fastest crossing.
IST is on the far European side; take the M11 metro into the city, then a ferry from Kabataş/Eminönü, or cross to Bostancı via Marmaray for a faster boat. It's a long trip — most people go via their hotel.
Usually no — it's a cross-city journey plus a 1–1.5 hour ferry. Settle into your hotel first and visit the islands on a separate, early-start day.
Around ₺135 one way with an İstanbulkart (2026), per crossing, once you reach a pier.
Ready for the islands?
Book a guided day trip with a boat cruise, free time on Büyükada and lunch.