Things to Do · Practical
Getting Around the Islands
No cars, no phaetons, restricted e-bikes — here's exactly how you get around the islands today, from walking to the Adabüs.
Key facts
- Private cars
- None
- Phaetons
- Retired in 2020
- Now runs
- Adabüs (e-bus) · Ada Taksi (e-taxi)
- Private e-vehicles
- Restricted since 2021
- You get around by
- Walking · bike · Adabüs
- Pay with
- İstanbulkart / Adakart
One question trips up almost every first-time visitor: how do you actually get around the Princes' Islands? Here's the clear answer.
No cars — and no more horse carriages
The islands have no private combustion cars. For generations the famous horse-drawn phaetons (faytonlar) filled that role — until they were retired in 2020 after a glanders outbreak killed dozens of horses and years of animal-welfare pressure came to a head; the city bought out the roughly 270 carriages. It was the end of an era, and the reason the islands are quieter (and kinder) than they once were.
What replaced them: Adabüs & Ada Taksi
The municipality bought a fleet of about 60 electric vehicles to fill the gap. Today you'll ride the "Adabüs" — fixed-route electric minibuses that loop the islands — and the "Ada Taksi," driver-operated electric taxis, plus small electric mini-cars. You pay by İstanbulkart or the discounted local Adakart. Fares are inflation-volatile (an Adabüs hop was around ₺100 in 2026) — check on the day; ignore old web pages quoting a few lira.
E-bikes & scooters — the rules
Since October 2021, privately-owned battery e-vehicles (e-bikes, e-mopeds and the like) have been restricted on Büyükada, Heybeliada and Kınalıada — a measure to curb accidents and illegal parking, with exceptions for permanent residents. There's no self-drive tourist e-vehicle rental; enforcement shifts year to year, so check locally.
So how do I get around?
- On foot — the islands are small and most sights near the harbour are walkable.
- By bicycle — the classic choice; rent a pedal bike near the pier. Bike rental →
- Adabüs electric buses — handy for the hills and longer hops.
For Aya Yorgi, note that no vehicle reaches the summit — the final approach is a steep walk for everyone.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
No private cars. The islands are car-free; you get around on foot, by bicycle, or on the municipal electric buses (Adabüs) and taxis (Ada Taksi).
They were retired in 2020 after a disease outbreak among the horses and years of animal-welfare campaigning; the city bought out the carriages and replaced them with electric vehicles.
The Adabüs is the islands' fleet of fixed-route electric minibuses that replaced the phaetons. You pay with an İstanbulkart or the local Adakart. Ada Taksi electric taxis also operate.
Privately-owned battery e-vehicles have been restricted since 2021, and there's no reliable self-drive e-vehicle rental for tourists. Pedal bikes, walking and the Adabüs are the ways to get around.
On foot — no vehicle, not even the electric buses, goes to the summit. From Luna Park square it's about a 1 km steep climb (20–45 minutes).
Ready for the islands?
Book a guided day trip with a boat cruise, free time on Büyükada and lunch.