Istanbul: Round-Trip Ferry Tickets to the Princes’ Islands

Büyükada gives you a sharp change of pace from central Istanbul. After the ferry leaves Eminönü, the city slips behind you and you spend the day on an island where quiet streets, old villas, sea views, and horse-free calm replace traffic and city noise. The crossing can take close to two hours because the boat stops at other islands first, so treat the ferry ride as part of the outing, not just transport.

I like the easy Eminönü departure, directly across from the Spice Bazaar, and the freedom to shape your own day. You can walk, rent a bike, visit St. George Church, see Trotsky’s former villa, swim, or simply eat by the harbor. The main drawback is the fixed return schedule, along with basic ferry toilets and no Wi-Fi.

Key points to know before you go

• The ferry leaves from Eminönü TURYOL Port, beside the inner side of the Galata Bridge and across from the Spice Bazaar.
• The crossing may take nearly two hours, since the boat stops at other Princes’ Islands before Büyükada.
• Büyükada is self-guided, with an optional English, French, German, Russian, Italian, or Spanish audio guide on your phone.
• You have several hours on the island, with return ferries from 3 PM onward, depending on the day.
• The best sights are spread around the island, so plan your walking route or consider renting a bike.
• Bring headphones, water, Turkish lira, and a charged phone, since onboard snacks and drinks cost more and Wi-Fi is not available.

Starting beside the Spice Bazaar

The meeting point is easy to find if you are already visiting the Egyptian Spice Bazaar. The TURYOL ferry port sits across from the bazaar, on the inner side of the Galata Bridge. Eminönü Station on the T1 tram line puts you close to the departure point.

You use your ticket on your smartphone, and a separate entrance helps keep the boarding process fairly simple. Still, give yourself time to locate the correct TURYOL counter and boat. Eminönü is a busy transport hub, and several boats use the waterfront.

The English-speaking host or greeter can help at the port. Staff at the ticket counter have also been praised for being friendly and practical, including helping with a later ferry when a passenger missed the boat after getting separated from a companion. That kind of flexibility is useful, but you should not count on a late change during a crowded sailing.

The listed departure times are:

• Monday to Friday: 10:40 AM, 11:40 AM, and 12:40 PM
• Saturday and Sunday: 10:40 AM, 11:40 AM, 12:40 PM, and 1:40 PM

The schedule gives you a choice between a longer island day and a later, shorter visit. I would choose the earliest sailing if you want time for St. George Church, a bike ride, lunch, and a beach. The later departures work better if you mainly want a ferry ride and a walk around the harbor area.

The Marmara crossing takes patience

The ferry ride is pleasant, but it is not especially quick. One-way travel can take almost two hours, and the boat stops at other Princes’ Islands before reaching Büyükada. That detail matters because the trip is often imagined as a short hop from Istanbul.

Use the crossing as a scenic part of your day. You can watch Istanbul recede, see the water open around the boat, and get a sense of how far the islands sit from the city. If you are prone to boredom on long rides, bring something to read and download any audio content you need before boarding.

The ferry has snacks and drinks for sale, but prices onboard can be two or three times higher when paid in US dollars. Bring two bottles of water and some Turkish lira if you want to buy something from the cabin crew. There is no Wi-Fi, so do not plan on relying on the boat for internet access.

The ferry is generally clean and tidy, but the toilets are a weak point. Several comments specifically note the lack of a Western-style toilet and poor facilities. This is not a luxury cruise. It is basic public ferry transport, and you should use a restroom before boarding when possible.

Arriving on Büyükada, the Big Island

Büyükada means Big Island, and it is the best-known stop in the Princes’ Islands group. In Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman times, the islands were used for exile and monastic life. Today, only four of the nine islands are open to public settlement.

The first pleasure is simply walking from the harbor into the center. The pace changes quickly. The island is known for its quiet streets and old villas, giving you a break from Istanbul’s traffic and dense city blocks.

Take time to look at the buildings rather than rushing toward a single sight. The island’s old character is part of the appeal, and the visit works best when you allow room for unplanned turns, a coffee stop, or a slow walk along the waterfront.

Merkez Eczanesi, a pharmacy dating from 1870, is one of the small details that helps you picture an earlier Büyükada. It is not a large attraction requiring much time, but it fits neatly into a walking route through the center.

Choosing between walking and cycling

You can explore Büyükada on foot, by bicycle, or with a longer walk around the island. The streets lined with grand old villas are one of the strongest reasons to visit, and cycling lets you cover more ground during a limited day.

A bike is useful if you want to see several parts of the island without spending most of your time walking. You will need to arrange the rental yourself, since it is not included in the ferry ticket. Ask about the route and timing before setting off, especially if you have a return ferry to catch.

Walking suits you better if you want to stop often for photographs, cafés, and historic buildings. It also gives you more control on uphill sections. The route to St. George Church reaches the island’s tallest hill, so save energy if that is on your plan.

You can make the day as active or as relaxed as you like. That freedom is the central value of this ticket. You are not tied to a guide’s pace or a group itinerary, but you also need to manage your own time.

Trotsky’s villa and the island’s exile past

At Hamlaci Street 4, you can see the ruins of the villa where Leon Trotsky lived in exile from 1929 to 1933. During that period, he wrote his autobiography and three volumes of The History of the Russian Revolution.

The remains are not a grand museum visit. Think of them as a historical stop along your island route. The site adds political history to a day that otherwise centers on villas, food, churches, and sea views.

If you have a strong interest in Trotsky, plan your route carefully and keep your expectations realistic. The attraction is the setting and the connection to his exile, not a fully presented exhibition.

Climbing to St. George Church

The Greek Orthodox St. George Church sits on the top of Büyükada’s highest hill. Reaching it requires an uphill walk, but the reward is a wide view over Istanbul, the Marmara Sea, and nearby islands.

This is the island’s most worthwhile active outing if you want scenery with your history. Wear comfortable shoes and leave enough time for the climb, the church visit, and the return to the harbor. The hill can turn a casual walk into a tiring one, especially after cycling or a full day in the sun.

The church is also a good reason to take the earliest ferry. A late arrival may leave you choosing between the hill and the rest of the island. With a full day, you can make the climb at an unhurried pace and still have time for lunch or the beach.

The former Greek Orphanage and other stops

Büyükada is home to the former Greek Orphanage, described as Europe’s largest wooden house and the world’s second-largest wooden house. It is an unusual sight and adds another layer to the island’s architectural story.

You can also visit the Island Museum, which offers useful information about Büyükada and the surrounding islands. It is easy to overlook because it is not part of the main harbor routine, but it can help make sense of the places you have seen.

Do not expect every stop to operate like a major Istanbul museum. Some sights are best appreciated from the outside or as part of a walking route. The island rewards curiosity more than a checklist.

Lunch, coffee, and the beach

The harbor area has many restaurants where you can stop for lunch. You will also find cafés, shopping, and places for coffee. This is a practical spot to pause because it keeps you near the ferry departure area and gives you a clear sense of how much time remains.

Food and drinks are not included in the ticket. That is helpful in one way because you choose your own meal, but you need to budget for it separately. Carrying water is wise, especially if you plan to walk uphill or cycle.

For swimming and sunbathing, choose a public beach, known as Halk Plaji, or a beach club. The ticket does not include beach access, so check the terms at the place you choose. A beach stop can make the island feel like a full summer day, but it will reduce the time available for the church, museum, and longer walks.

Keeping the return ferry in view

Return ferries from Büyükada leave at:

• Monday to Friday: 3 PM, 4 PM, and 5 PM
• Saturday and Sunday: 3 PM, 4 PM, 5 PM, and 6 PM

The boat returns to Eminönü, the same place where you started. Keep your departure time in mind from the moment you arrive. The island is easy to enjoy slowly, but the fixed ferry schedule means a pleasant detour can become a stressful dash.

For a weekday visit, the 5 PM boat gives you the longest listed stay. On weekends, the 6 PM sailing provides another hour, but you should still confirm the schedule for your date. Do not assume that every departure operates every day.

A simple plan works well: arrive on the earliest practical boat, walk through the center, visit one or two major sights, stop for lunch, then choose either a beach break or a bike ride. Save some time to return to the harbor without rushing.

Is the $11 ticket good value?

At $11 per person, the ticket is good value if you want independent access to Büyükada and prefer not to arrange separate ferry tickets at the port. The price covers the round trip, and the smartphone ticket is convenient.

The calculation changes if your only goal is the cheapest possible ferry ride. Some ticket buyers found that purchasing directly at the port could cost less than buying online. The online option may still be useful if you value advance planning, a separate entrance, and the ability to reserve now and pay later.

You are paying for transport, not a guided tour. Food, drinks, bike rental, beach access, and hotel transfers are extra. The optional audio guide adds context in English, French, German, Russian, Italian, or Spanish, but you need your own charged phone and headphones.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. That makes the booking less risky when your Istanbul plans are still changing.

Who will enjoy this island day?

I recommend this trip if you want a slower day outside central Istanbul and enjoy making your own plans. It suits people who like historic buildings, ferry rides, sea views, cafés, light hiking, and the freedom to skip anything that does not interest them.

It is also a good choice for a mixed group. One person can browse shops and eat by the harbor while another takes a longer walk or visits St. George Church. The main requirement is agreeing on a return ferry and keeping track of time.

This is less suitable if you want a short, tightly scheduled excursion or a fully guided historical tour. The crossing is long, the ferry has basic toilets, and the island’s sights are spread out. You need patience and a little planning to get the most from the day.

Should you book it?

Book this ferry ticket if your idea of a good Istanbul break includes open water, old island villas, a quiet walk, and several hours to explore without a tour group. The strongest parts are the easy Eminönü meeting point, the flexible island day, the hilltop views, and the chance to combine history with lunch, cycling, or swimming.

Buy at the port instead if finding the lowest fare matters more than reserving ahead. Either way, take water, headphones, Turkish lira, and a charged phone. Choose an early departure, note the return times, and treat the long crossing as part of the experience. Büyükada is worth the trip, but only if you give it enough time.

FAQ

Where does the ferry leave from?

It leaves from the Eminönü TURYOL Port, directly across from the Spice Bazaar on the inner side of the Galata Bridge. You can reach the area via Eminönü Station on the T1 tram line.

Where does the ferry return?

The ferry returns to the same Eminönü TURYOL Port where you began.

How long is the activity valid?

The ticket is valid for one day. Check the available departure times when booking.

What are the weekday departure times from Eminönü?

From Monday to Friday, departures are at 10:40 AM, 11:40 AM, and 12:40 PM.

What are the weekend departure times from Eminönü?

On Saturdays and Sundays, departures are at 10:40 AM, 11:40 AM, 12:40 PM, and 1:40 PM.

What time can I return from Büyükada?

On weekdays, return ferries leave at 3 PM, 4 PM, and 5 PM. On Saturdays and Sundays, departures are at 3 PM, 4 PM, 5 PM, and 6 PM.

Is a guide included?

An English-speaking host or greeter is available at the meeting point, and an optional audio guide is offered in English, French, German, Russian, Italian, and Spanish. The ticket itself includes only the round-trip ferry ride.