Tool 05 — Transport

Bosphorus & Ferry Route Planner

Cost-optimised crossings, island-hops and full tours.

What this solves

Istanbul has at least four overlapping boat services (Şehir Hatları, İDO, private motorboats, tourist cruise boats) and the cheapest one for any given journey is rarely obvious. Many tourists also take the "Full Bosphorus Tour" boat — a 6-hour, one-way tourist cruise — without realising there's a commuter ferry on the same route for €3. This planner tells you which one to book.

Plan a journey

Trip type

Passengers

Option	Operator	Time	Cost (per pax)	Sub-total	Notes

Limitations

İDO prices are class-based; standard economy is what we list. Business class on tourist ferries is 2–3× the price.
İstanbulkart cannot be used for most İDO intercity ferries — only the commuter "vapur" routes accept it.
Tourist Bosphorus cruise boats (the famous 6-hour one) cost 4–6× a commuter ferry but include English commentary; the table lists the cheapest option.

FAQ

Can I take a dolmuş boat?

Yes — small private motorboats run from Eminönü and Kabataş to Üsküdar and Beşiktaş for ~₺100–150/person. They depart when full. Faster than the ferry for short crossings.

How early should I arrive at the pier?

15 minutes for commuter vapur, 30 minutes for İDO intercity. The big ferries to Yalova or Bursa need more time.

Which Princes' Island is best?

Büyükada is biggest and busiest; Heybelhasd is more low-key. Burgaz has nice restaurants. All are reachable from the same İDO pier in Kabataş.