Plan & Practical
What a Day Trip Costs
A realistic per-person budget for a day on the islands — ferries, food, beaches and how to keep it cheap.
Key facts
- Budget day
- ~₺1,000–1,400 (≈ €18–25)
- Mid-range day
- ~₺2,600–3,200 (≈ €47–58)
- Free
- The islands themselves
- Biggest variables
- Beach club · seafood lunch
- Pay with
- İstanbulkart + cash
The Princes' Islands are free to enter — you only pay to get there and for what you choose to do. Here's a realistic per-person budget for a day trip (2026 figures; Turkish prices change fast).
A rough day budget
| Item | Budget day | Mid-range day |
|---|---|---|
| Ferry (return, İstanbulkart, per crossing) | ~₺270 (≈ €5) | ~₺270 (≈ €5) |
| Lunch | casual ~₺250 | seafood + meze ~₺700 |
| Getting around | walk (free) | bike ~₺350 or Adabüs hops |
| Beach club | skip / public cove | ~₺800–1,000 |
| Museum (foreigner) | skip | ~₺300 |
| Snacks (ice cream, tea, midye) | ~₺250 | ~₺300 |
| Approx. total | ~₺1,000–1,400 | ~₺2,600–3,200 |
Indicative 2026 prices — ferry fares, beach-club entry, bike rates and museum tickets are all re-hiked through the year, so confirm on the day.
How to keep it cheap
- Swim at a free public cove instead of a beach club.
- Walk or share a bike rather than taking taxis.
- Eat street food and ice cream from the bazaar, not the harbour terraces.
- Bring an İstanbulkart pre-loaded, and carry cash for small vendors.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Roughly ₺1,000–1,400 (≈ €18–25) per person on a budget, or ₺2,600–3,200 (≈ €47–58) mid-range — the difference is mostly a beach club and a seafood lunch. The islands themselves are free.
Not necessarily — the ferry is cheap and the islands are free to roam. Costs come from optional extras: beach clubs, seafood restaurants, bike rental and the museum.
Take the public ferry with an İstanbulkart, walk or share a bike, swim at a free cove, and eat street food from the bazaar — a full day for around ₺1,000–1,400.
Yes — bring cash for small vendors, snacks and some beaches; ATMs cluster near the pier and can be unreliable for foreign cards.
Ready for the islands?
Book a guided day trip with a boat cruise, free time on Büyükada and lunch.