FerryConnect

Turkey

Istanbul (Kabataş) → Büyükada (Princes’ Islands)

Istanbul’s municipal ferry from Kabataş to Büyükada, largest of the car-free Princes’ Islands, calling at Kadıköy and the smaller islands of Kınalıada, Burgazada and Heybeliada on the way — the classic day trip out of the city.

⏱ 1h 10m – 1h 55m🚢 1 operator📅 About 15 sailings a day from Kabataş, every day (winter 2025–26 timetable)
Book with Şehir Hatları→

Istanbul (Kabataş) to Büyükada (Princes’ Islands) ferry at a glance

The ferry from Istanbul (Kabataş) to Büyükada (Princes’ Islands) takes 1h 10m – 1h 55m across the Sea of Marmara, operated by Şehir Hatları. It is a foot-passenger service; vehicles are not carried. Typical frequency: about 15 sailings a day from Kabataş, every day (winter 2025–26 timetable).

Crossing times and frequencies are typical figures and vary by season. Confirm the current timetable with the operator or booking partner before you travel. Route facts last reviewed 2026-09-29.

Sources: sehirhatlari.istanbul · How we verify

Return crossing: Büyükada (Princes’ Islands) to Istanbul (Kabataş)

Şehir Hatları also sails Büyükada (Princes’ Islands) to Istanbul (Kabataş), taking 1h 10m – 1h 55m. Return sailings leave Büyükada from early morning (05:45 on weekdays) until the evening; most run back to Kabataş via the other islands and Kadıköy, while some start at Bostancı.

Istanbul (Kabataş) to Büyükada (Princes’ Islands) ferry timetable & sailing pattern

Weekdays and Saturdays: about 15 departures from Kabataş between 06:45 and 23:30; a similar pattern on Sundays and holidays from 07:30

Read from the winter 2025–26 timetable (archived October 2025); Şehir Hatları changes the Adalar timetable seasonally, so check the current times before travelling.

Published departure times

  • Kabataş 06:45
  • Kabataş 09:00
  • Kabataş 12:00
  • Kabataş 14:00
  • Kabataş 16:30
  • Kabataş 19:40
  • Kabataş 21:40
  • Kabataş 23:30

Return: Return sailings leave Büyükada from early morning (05:45 on weekdays) until the evening; most run back to Kabataş via the other islands and Kadıköy, while some start at Bostancı.

Timetables change by season and date. Check exact departures for your travel date on the official timetable.

Official Şehir Hatları timetable →Check prices & book on Şehir Hatları →

Source: Şehir Hatları Kabataş–Adalar timetable page. Verified 2026-09-29.

Maritime Crossing Route Map

Interactive sea passage between Istanbul (Kabataş) and Büyükada (Princes’ Islands)

📐 12 Nautical Miles
Istanbul (Kabataş)⇄Büyükada (Princes’ Islands)
⏱ 1h 10m – 1h 55m · 📐 12 nm
© OpenFreeMap / OSM
⚓ Operator website

Ready to cross from Istanbul (Kabataş) to Büyükada (Princes’ Islands)?

Book your crossing with Şehir Hatları: live fares, availability and sailing times.

Book with Şehir Hatları→

Operators on This Route

OperatorCrossing TimeVessels
Şehir Hatları1h 10m – 1h 55mŞehir Hatları passenger ferry

Route Features

🚗

Vehicles

Foot passengers only

🚶

Foot Passengers

Walk-on passengers welcome

🐕

Pets

No pet facilities

📐

Distance

12 nautical miles

Getting There & Onward Transport

  • Most sailings call at Kadıköy, Kınalıada, Burgazada and Heybeliada before Büyükada (about 1h 45m); two evening sailings run non-stop to Heybeliada and Büyükada in about 1h 10m, and a few continue to Bostancı on the Asian shore
  • Şehir Hatları applies a double fare to night sailings between 00:30 and 05:30

Related Ferry Crossings

Also sails from Istanbul (Kabataş)Istanbul (Eminönü) → Kadıköy20m – 25m · Şehir Hatları (Istanbul City Lines)Also sails from Istanbul (Kabataş)Istanbul (Yenikapı) → Bursa (Güzelyalı)About 2h 45m – 3h 05m · İDOAlso sails from Istanbul (Kabataş)Istanbul (Beşiktaş) → Üsküdar15m – 20m · Şehir Hatları (Istanbul City Lines)Also sails from Istanbul (Kabataş)Istanbul (Yenikapı) → YalovaAbout 1h 25m · İDOAlso sails from Istanbul (Kabataş)Istanbul (Kadıköy / Yenikapı) → Bandırma3h – 3h 25m (Kadıköy–Bandırma, calling at Yenikapı) · İDOAlso sails from Istanbul (Kabataş)Istanbul (Eminönü) → Rumeli Kavağı1h 40m – 1h 55m · Şehir Hatları
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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the ferry from Istanbul (Kabataş) to Büyükada (Princes’ Islands)?
The crossing typically takes 1h 10m – 1h 55m. Actual times vary by vessel, season and sea conditions, so check the timetable for your sailing.
How often does the Istanbul (Kabataş) to Büyükada (Princes’ Islands) ferry sail?
Weekdays and Saturdays: about 15 departures from Kabataş between 06:45 and 23:30; a similar pattern on Sundays and holidays from 07:30. Read from the winter 2025–26 timetable (archived October 2025); Şehir Hatları changes the Adalar timetable seasonally, so check the current times before travelling. This is the pattern published in the Şehir Hatları Kabataş–Adalar timetable page (checked 2026-09-29); confirm exact departure times on the official timetable before you travel.
Which ferry companies sail from Istanbul (Kabataş) to Büyükada (Princes’ Islands)?
Şehir Hatları operates this route. Compare sailing times and ticket types before booking, as they often differ between operators.
Can I take my car on the Istanbul (Kabataş) to Büyükada (Princes’ Islands) ferry?
No. This is a foot-passenger service and vehicles are not carried. Use parking near the departure pier or public transport to reach it.
Can I take the Istanbul (Kabataş) to Büyükada (Princes’ Islands) ferry as a foot passenger?
Yes. Foot passengers can travel on this route. Allow time to reach the passenger terminal and check the operator’s check-in closing time.
Are dogs and pets allowed on the Istanbul (Kabataş) to Büyükada (Princes’ Islands) ferry?
This route has no dedicated pet facilities. Assistance dogs are normally carried, but confirm with the operator before travelling.
How far is Istanbul (Kabataş) from Büyükada (Princes’ Islands) by ferry?
The sea crossing is about 12 nautical miles (roughly 22 km).