Ferries · Getting There
Büyükada & the Princes' Islands from Bostancı
Bostancı, on Istanbul's Asian side, gives the fastest ferry to the Princes' Islands — the closest pier and the shortest crossing.
Key facts
- Leave from
- Bostancı (Asian side)
- To Büyükada
- ~30–40 min (fastest)
- Operators
- Şehir Hatları · private
- Fare
- ~₺135 İstanbulkart, per crossing
- Reach the pier
- Marmaray to Bostancı
Why Bostancı
Bostancı is the closest major pier to the islands, so if you're on the Asian side — or don't mind crossing to it — it's the quickest way over: roughly 30–40 minutes to Büyükada, versus 75–100 minutes from the European piers.
Getting to Bostancı
Take the Marmaray rail line to Bostancı (it runs under the Bosphorus, linking both sides), then walk to the ferry terminal. Şehir Hatları and private operators both sail from here.
On the ferry
Boats call at the islands in order (Kınalıada, Burgazada, Heybeliada, Büyükada). Pay per crossing with an İstanbulkart, sit on deck for the views, and avoid the packed last ferry back. Full ferry guide →
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Bostancı — it's the closest, about 30–40 minutes to Büyükada, noticeably quicker than the European piers.
Take the Marmaray rail line to Bostancı station, which connects both the European and Asian sides, then walk to the ferry terminal.
Around ₺135 one way with an İstanbulkart (2026), charged per crossing — you pay again for the return.
Yes — it calls at Kınalıada, Burgazada, Heybeliada and Büyükada in turn, so you can get off at any of them.
Ready for the islands?
Book a guided day trip with a boat cruise, free time on Büyükada and lunch.