Ferries · Getting There
Büyükada & the Princes' Islands from Eminönü
Eminönü, in the heart of the old city near Sultanahmet and the Grand Bazaar, is a scenic European-side start for the islands.
Key facts
- Leave from
- Eminönü (European side)
- To Büyükada
- ~90+ min
- Operators
- Şehir Hatları · private
- Fare
- ~₺135 İstanbulkart, per crossing
- Reach the pier
- T1 tram to Eminönü
Why Eminönü
Eminönü sits at the mouth of the Golden Horn, a short walk from Sultanahmet, the Spice Bazaar and the Galata Bridge — a lovely, atmospheric place to board. The island crossing is long (about 90+ minutes to Büyükada), but the send-off past the old-city skyline is worth it.
Getting to Eminönü
Take the T1 tram to Eminönü, or walk from Sultanahmet. Ferries to the islands leave from the Eminönü piers (check the boards for the Adalar service).
On the ferry
Pay per crossing with an İstanbulkart; the boat calls at all four islands. Go early and plan an earlier return. Full ferry guide →
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
About 90 minutes or more to Büyükada — one of the longer crossings. Bostancı on the Asian side is much faster if time matters.
Yes — it's a short walk or one tram stop from Sultanahmet, right by the Spice Bazaar and Galata Bridge.
Take the T1 tram to Eminönü, or walk down from Sultanahmet; the island ferries leave from the waterfront piers there.
Around ₺135 one way with an İstanbulkart (2026), per crossing.
Ready for the islands?
Book a guided day trip with a boat cruise, free time on Büyükada and lunch.