Istanbul has two major tourist attractions that will take almost a full day out of your holiday: a visit to one or more of the Princes’ Islands and a boat tour on the Bosphorus. People rightfully ask me if it’s worth sacrificing one or two days of their often already short stay in Istanbul. That is a tough question to answer and is completely based on personal preferences. So let me explain what you can expect from a day trip to the Princes’ Island, and how to best go about it.
What Are the Princes’ Islands of Istanbul
The Princes’ Islands (Kızıl Adalar or just Adalar) are nine relatively small islands in the Sea of Marmara. They evolved from a place of exile during the Byzantine era, to a popular destination for tourists and Istanbulites alike to escape the hectic city life for a day. Of those nine islands, only four of them are open to the public: Büyükada, the biggest and most popular, Burgazada, Heybeliada, and Kınalıada.
Why Visit the Princes’ Islands – Features
The main feature of any of the Princes’ Islands is the sound of … silence. All fuel-driven vehicles are banned, making the islands an oasis of peace and quiet. The main transportation means are bicycles, electric buses, and electric taxis. The latter replaced the typical horse-drawn carriages in 2020. The only sounds you’ll hear are bicycle bells and footsteps.
But that’s not the only feature that makes the Princes’ Islands unique. You’ll find yourself walking or riding through narrow streets flanked by either untouched pine forests or fine, wooden Victorian cottages. How is that for a unique fin-de-siècle flashback?
Guided Princes Islands Tours
How to Get to the Princes’ Islands … and Back!
By boat, that goes without saying. But there are different ferries to choose from. There are the sea buses (fast ferries) operated by IDO, and the regular ferries operated by Şehir Hatları.
Both ferry types depart from Kabataş — easily accessible with public transportation. From Taksim you can take the F1 Kabataş-Taksim funicular or from Sultanahmet you can get on the T1 Kabataş-Bağcılar tramway.
The sea buses are the fastest option, but they operate at irregular times and focus on locals commuting to work and back. If it stops at all the islands, the trip will last for 55 minutes maximum and sets you back for 10 TL (7,80 TL with the Istanbul Kart) per person — one way.
The regular ferries are slower and can take as much as 100 minutes, but they are your best and safest option. They are cheaper (only 5 TL per person, or 3,85 TL with the Istanbul Kart) and make more runs back and forth.
Take my advice! If you plan to visit the islands, make sure you get on one of the first ferries to the islands on any given day. You’ll beat the (local) crowd to the islands — and check upon arrival when the last ferry departs back to Istanbul that day! Although some islands have nice hotels, you don’t want to miss the last ferry. Then, spend as much time as you want on (one of) the Princes’ Islands, and return to Istanbul with whichever ferry you prefer.
The ferry timetables change according to the seasons, so make sure to check the exact departure dates of the sea buses (fast ferries) or the conventional ferries. (Look for Adalar or Island)
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Katharine says
Hi, how much does it cost currently to get the ferry from İstanbul to the islands? I’ve seen widely varying prices.
Many thanks
Erlend says
With what company/ferry do you plan to go from Istanbul to the islands?
Katharine says
We went today and it was 45,23₺ per person for a single trip on the Şehir Hatları. You might want to update the prices 😄
Thanks
Erlend says
Hi,
Thanks a lot for mentioning, It’s hard to keep up with the price changes due to the inflation. I’ll update it soon.
Dd says
Hi…thanks for your informative articles.
I will be in Istanbul in Sept 2023 for a couple of days.
1. Just wondering does the Short Bosphorus Tour lead us to the Princess Islands ?
2. Or if i wanna see the Bosphorus sights + any of the Princess Islands I would have to do two different ferry rides ?
3. Could you recommend the method way to see both Bosphorus as well as at least one of the Princess Islands within a day ?
Thank you
Erlend says
Hi,
1. no
2. yes
3. Doing both of them in the same day is difficult, since a trip to and some time on one of the Princes’ Islands takes the better part of your day. If you really want to do them both in one day, I suggest you start the day early and take a ferry to let’s say Büyükada at 7 or 8 am, have breakfast and spend some time there (have a walk or bicycle ride), and head back around 15:00. Freshen up in your hotel and go for a Bosphorus dinner cruise so you can see the Bosphorus by night, with some of the monuments and the bridges nicely lit. Don’t expect grand cuisine, but it’s a pleasant experience, certainly with a party of two or more.
Maya says
Do you mean that kabataş has more frequent ferries than eminonu or karakoy? As we are planning to leave some of our luggage there before going to Adalar.
Erlend says
Yes
Maya says
Many thanks dear Erlend for your response.
Maya says
How can I get from Istanbul Airport to Adalar using public transport: havabus , ferry, and others. We are expected to get out of the airport around 13:00.
Erlend says
Hi,
I would take the Havaist to Besiktas, and there hop on the ferry to the islands. The last ferry from that dock leaves at 18:15. If for some reason you don’t make it in time, take the taxi to the Kabatas dock from where more ferries to the islands depart.
Maya says
Many thanks dear Erlend for your nice cooperation
Emma Borring says
Hi,
Im going to Istanbul for 7 days in June. Was considering spending 2-3 nights at one of the Islands. Do you think that is too much time? Is there “enough” to do? Are there beaches?
Hope you can help:)
Erlend says
Hi Emma,
The sightseeing spots on the islands are very limited, people go there for the piece and quiet, the lack of car noise, the abundance of nature, nature walks and bicycle rides. If that’s what you like, by all means.
And sure, there are a few beaches, of which Naki Bey Plajı is probably the biggest one. But don’t expect big stretches of sand. Mostly the sunbeds are on a platform, with a small stretch of sand to go into the sea. Keep in mind that the beaches are payable.
You could also consider day trips outside of Istanbul if you think you have too much time at hand. For some ideas, maybe check out the attractions of Istanbul E-pass, they have some day tris in their offer (at reduced prices).
Emma Borring says
Hi Erlend,
Thank you for the reply and kind help
Wayne says
Hi , we are arriving in istanbul on 11 may 2023 and want to stay I night in a budget hotel on the princess islands close to the water and nightlife if possible . Any recommendations ?
In addition we have 4 weeks to travel Turkey on a budget accomodation but not sure which different towns we should visit on our trip as we do not wish to dong overnight bus trips but rather stay in more towns in between..Can you assist with ideas ?
Erlend says
Hi,
There is no nightlife on the islands. It’s been a long time since I stayed in Buyukada. If you will stay only one night choose a place close to the ferry port. There you have more chances for some nightly activities. These two have rooms available on the 11th Ada Palas Buyukada and Mimoza Butik Otel Büyükada.
As for your other question regarding the trip through Turkey, I need some extra info. How old are you, are you in good physical condition, how many cities would you like to visit, do you prefer historical cities, big cities, etc. Keep in mind, I’m not a travel agency and only focus on Istanbul. I can just give you some city names, but won’t make any itineraries. Maybe it’s not a bad idea to visit a travel agency for such a tour.
Maya says
I think in staying in Buyukada for 3 nights in July. I like to stay in a hotel in the high area far away from the port seeking more peace and lovelier views. But I can not walk much upwards and downwards. I want to ask about the local bus timing and cost please.
Erlend says
Hi Maya,
If you tell me the hotel names you’re considering, I can tell you what bus routes may or may not pass.
Maya says
Villa Rifat.
And please let me know about working hours and costs for local buses and taxis.
Erlend says
Hi Maya, buses BA-4 and BA-2 have a stop 150 meter from the hotel. Operating hours are between 06:00 and midnight. Fares were 30 TL last year, but could be a bit more now. I can’t reach the website of the bus company at the moment. Outside these hours you can always use electrical taxis.
Maya says
Many thanks dear Erlend.
How much is the cost of the taxi?
Erlend says
Hi Maya, I have some new info. BA-2 only operates between 08:30 and 19:30, but BA-4 runs between 05:50 and 23:50,
The fare for the bus is 34 TL each time you hop on, regardless of the distance. Taxi fares of course do depend on the distance, and are very expensive if you’re not with a party of three. If I recall well, they start at just under 150 TL.
Maya says
Many thanks dear Erlend for your nice cooperation
Tanya Sarfaraz says
Hi
Planning to take a private yacht to Princess Island. I was told we can rent electric cars-is that so? My 70+ year old Mom will be with me and I am a bit concerned about walking conditions on the island. How do I get my Mother around the Island without exhausting her via on foot sight seeing? Would appreciate your response.
Erlend says
Hi,
I’m not sure you can actually rent an electric car, but they have electric buses that make short and long loops. You can get on and off at various stops along the way, but every time you get on you must pay 27 lira per person. Alternatively, you can take small electric taxis that seat 3 people (4 including the driver) which are a bit more expensive that the bus, but of course you can tell them where to go to.
Ammera says
Hi, what activities would you recommend to do at princes island and is it worth spending the whole day?
Any activities for children?
How would I get to the Princes Island from Galata Tower
Erlend says
Hi Ammera,
Have you read these activities you can do on the Princes’Islands?
Whether or not this is worth it is of course personal. My rule of thumb is, if this is your first time in Istanbul, and you’re there for only 3 days, you have plenty of other major sightseeing options to choose from. If you’re in the city longer and have time to spare, or you would like to experience any of the activities mentioned in the linked article, by all means. Again, it’s personal.
Mb says
Hi
I am writing my experience on this beautiful place. I traveled to the island few days back and there i took a mini electric bus, i have a baby age two, my husband and other family member. When we reach on the bus terminal they ask to pay 27tl per person that we did. When we reached on the top they didn’t give us the option to whether we want to get off from the bus or want to go back down as there were no specific fun point on top.
When we reached there they said to get off from the bus. After roaming more than hour a bus came and the driver lady told us to pay again 27 TL to go back down which seems unfair to me as they should have told us if it was a round trip charge or one person. Then due to language barrier the lady driver said “charge card up church” my husband ran up to church side which is straight height of 2 to 3km due to misguidedness. My baby after hours of wait became to exhausted and cried non stop. I could never forget that day which i was expecting to be enjoyed has ruined due to bad guidance. There was no curtesy to just drop me and my baby to the main stop as she was crying too bad for too long Terrible day.
Sadiqah says
Hi Naheed,
I’m planning to go to Princess Island early February. I’m not sure whether I should opt for the guided tour or the suggestions you provided in your post above? It’s only for a 1 day trip.
Erlend says
Well, if you plan to go to the island just to have a nice walk or bicycle ride, get some fresh air, etc. then there is no need for a guided tour. If on the other hand you want to know the history behind some of the mansions and don’t want to explore things on your own, you may consider a guided tour.
Zurayda Adams says
You can do the tour by yourself
From kadikòy it’s now 25lira one way with Istanbul card
I suppose from Eminunu it’s the same
Ray says
Hello , I want to visit princes island in November and willing to stay there for 2 days. Is it worth to sleep over there or should I return to Sultanahmet? And are there shopping malls? Are the prices more expensive or cheaper than sultanahmet area?
Thank you!
Erlend says
Hi Ray,
In November the island will be very quiet in the evening most likely. If that’s what you have in mind, by all means, stay one night on the island. There are no shopping malls on the islands. In general, there aren’t huge price differences between Sultanahmet and the islands.
Zurayda Adams says
Hotels rates range from 200 up.princess hotel now 550 BB
Marine Hotel 300BB
Pansyon/guest houses cheaper
Try Pembe Pansyon
Juliet Wild says
Hi. Im planning on coming to Istanbul in March and plan to stay for four nights and then get the ferry over to Buyukada and stay there for two nights. I know it is out of season and will be cooler but will there be much open?
I will be staying in the Faith area of Istanbul and I’m slightly confused where I get the ferry from and how I get to the port from the Faith area.
Any tips and advice would be great
Erlend says
Hi Juliet,
It will not be as busy as in summer, but of course there will still be cafes, restaurants, etc. open. Keep in mind that there are locals living there the year round, and even in winter locals from the mainland, and to a lesser extend tourists, visit it at weekends.
Fatih is a big area, but the easiest is to get on the T1 – Kabataş-Bağcılar tramway in the direction of Kabataş and get off at the Eminönü stop. You’ll see the ferry docks and sales/information booths of Şehir Hatlari. Ask where the ferries to Büyükada depart and you’re all set to go.
Reem Salman says
Hi, Im planning on visiting turkey for a week. Ill probably reach by 4th January. Is this a good time to visit Princes Island?
Erlend says
Ideal is of course when the days are long and hot. In winter the weather can be cold and rainy. Also, there aren’t as many trips back and forth to the islands as there are in summer. On the bright side, there will be far less people.
Kate says
Hello,
This past weekend I have visited the Buyukada here in Istanbul and was appalled by the conditions in which the horses are kept here. They are alarmingly thin and very obviously overworked and after walking past the carriage parking area it was clear that they are not being treated like any living creatures should – hundreds of them were standing in their own excrement one next to another in the afternoon sun still attached to the carriages they were pulling all day long. They had no water and i only saw one pair provided with some food. They were reeking of sweat and faeces. I would urge any visitor of the island to NOT USE THE CARRIAGE AS THEIR TRANSPORT, because it only supports animal cruelty. Instead you can rent a bicycle for he day or explore the islands on foot since the islands are not so big to be manageable. Please try to defend these poor animals and do not support their torture as hundreds of them die while working every year.
A Traveller says
Support the animals by paying for their services. Remember, not everyone visiting the islands is able to ride a bicycle up and down the hills. Some are elderly, some have packages, some have small children.
Sam says
Hello,
We are in Istanbul and wish to seek your opinion.
Is it advisable to visit princess island at this time. We have received mixed reaction. Sine day the season is over for princess island.
Pls advise
Thanks
Erlend says
Hi Sam,
It’s correct that it’s no longer high season for the Princes’Islands, but if the weather is nice, a trip to Büyükada can still be a nice experience and a welcome escape from the city center chaos.
Have a nice time.
naheed fahmi says
assalam alaikum
we as a group of 12 adults from uk are thinking of staying in princess island for a week and then take ferries to nearby island
question’;
would that be possible and which islands could we visit
would you recommend staying somewhere closeby but other than princess island?
which would be the best city to get to from uk in order to get there
would end of march be good weather wise?
are there any activities or special trips you could recommend
could you suggest a package with halal food and accomodation for 12
thanks
Naheed
Erlend says
Hi Naheed,
Have a you had a look at this post on the Princes’ Islands? I normally recommend people to visit the islands as a form of a daytrip (or two). Not sure the islands have enough to offer to entertain you for a whole week. Unless you like walking in nature a lot, or swimming. But the latter is impossible at the end of March. Keep in mind that March and April are months with regular showers and very cool temperatures. It only starts to heat up at the second half of May, and the sea takes even longer to heat up.
Hope this helps.
Ali Danish Malik says
Hi,
I am confused from where to take the IDO ferry as some people have mentioned that Kabatas port is closed for renovation. Please let me know from which dock does IDO Leave?
Regards,
Erlend says
Hi Ali,
Did you have a look at this post about the closed Kabataş docks? I suggest you take the conventional ferry line operated by Şehir Hatları with departure to the islands from Eminönü.
Hope this helps.
nik says
Can we go to Princes Island with first ferry in the morning and come back by afternoon? I mean like half day tour is possible there?
Erlend says
Yes, there are many ferries going back.
Moeed says
When do the last ferry or 2nd last ferry depart back to istanbul city?
Erlend says
Currently, the second to last leaves Büyükada at 20:35 and the last departs at 21:45. Both will stop at the other islands before heading to Kabataş (not Eminönü). Since timetables can change for various reasons, always make sure to inform about the most up to date schedule.