Princes’ Islands Istanbul: Ferry Guide, Best Islands, Beaches & Pro Tips

The Princes’ Islands are Adalar’s peaceful escape from Istanbul—pine-scented hills, wooden mansions, swimming coves, and a slower pace just across the Sea of Marmara. Most visitors come for a day trip: hop on a ferry, choose an island vibe, walk/bike along the coast, then return at sunset.

Below is a practical, fact-checked guide: which island to pick, how to get there by ferry, airport connections, ticket logic, and common mistakes.

✅ Quick overview: which island should you choose?

Official tourism sources typically highlight four main islands for visitors: Büyükada, Heybeliada, Burgazada, and Kınalıada.
(There are nine islands in the archipelago overall, but not all are typical “tourist day-trip” stops.)

Princes’ Islands highlights: what to do once you arrive

📍 The “classic day-trip” plan (works for any island)

✅ 1) Walk the waterfront (first 30–60 min): orient yourself, find cafés, check beach shuttles/rentals.
✅ 2) Pick one main activity: viewpoint hike or beach time or bike loop.
✅ 3) Eat away from the first row: waterfront = convenient but often pricier.
✅ 4) Return early if it’s a weekend: ferries back can get crowded.

🏖️ Beaches: what to expect

• Many islands have beach clubs and bathing platforms (wood/concrete decks over water), plus a mix of sandy and rocky spots.
• On peak summer weekends, beach clubs can fill up—arrive earlier if swimming is your priority.

How to get there: ferries to the Princes’ Islands (the only realistic way)

🚢 The main operator and lines

The primary public ferries are run by Şehir Hatları, with multiple “Adalar (Princes’ Islands) Lines.”

Key public routes include:

• Kabataş ↔ Islands
• Islands ↔ Beşiktaş
• Bostancı ↔ Islands circuit
• Maltepe ↔ Islands
• Tuzla / Pendik ↔ Islands
• Büyükada ↔ Sedef Island

📍 Which pier should you depart from?

Choose based on where you’re staying:

European side piers (easy for Old City / Beyoğlu):

• Kabataş
• Eminönü
• Beşiktaş

Asian side piers (easy for Kadıköy / Marmaray-side hotels):

• Kadıköy
• Bostancı
• Maltepe
• Pendik
• Tuzla

⏱️ Operating times (practical reality)

• Schedules vary by weekday vs Sunday/holidays and by season.
• Some services have a night tariff window (00:30–05:30) where pricing rules change (often higher).
  Tip: before you leave your hotel, check the same-day timetable page for your departure pier.

✈️ Airport Connections: getting to the ferry piers from IST or SAW

✈️ From Istanbul Airport (IST)

Option A (rail + funicular, very reliable for Kabataş):

1. Take the airport metro into the city (IST has metro access and official guidance lists the airport metro stations/connection info).
2. Connect to Metro Istanbul M2 toward Taksim (M2 runs roughly 06:00–00:00 per official line info).
3. Take F1 funicular from Taksim → Kabataş (officially integrated with M2 and the Kabataş tram/wharf connections).
4. Walk straight to the Kabataş pier and board the islands ferry.

Option B (airport bus/shuttle to central hubs):

• IST’s official transportation page includes airport bus options and route details.
• For Havaist-style shuttles, use the operator’s official route/schedule lookup before you commit.
  From Taksim you can still do F1 → Kabataş.

✅ Best for first-timers: aim for Kabataş (simple transfer + lots of sailings).
⚠️ Avoid tight connections: if you land late afternoon on a summer weekend, add buffer time.

✈️ From Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW)

Option A (metro straight from the airport):

1. Use the airport’s metro access page: SAW confirms connection to the M4 metro line.
2. Ride M4 toward the city and get off at Bostancı or Kadıköy (both are on the official M4 station list).
3. Take the ferry to the islands from your chosen pier.

✅ Best SAW strategy: Bostancı is often very practical for islands access, especially if you want to avoid crossing to the European side.

Tickets, prices & cards (what you need to know)

💳 Paying for ferries

Public ferries list İstanbulkart-based pricing on official tariff pages.
Fares can change, so treat any number below as “current as of the tariff page,” not a lifetime promise.

💰 Example fare (useful as a reference point)

On the official tariff list, Bostancı → Princes’ Islands is shown with a full-fare figure (and discounted categories listed separately).

🌙 Night pricing

Both the timetable page and the tariff notes mention a night tariff window (00:30–05:30) and that certain lines apply higher pricing in that window.

✅ Practical tip: if you’re returning very late, check the night rule before you board.

Getting around on the islands: walking, bikes, and electric vehicles

One big reason the Princes’ Islands feel calm is that the district is treated as a protected area with stricter local transport controls. An official Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality directive for Adalar transport/logistics describes restrictions and rules for individual electric vehicles, including limits and permitting.

Key points visitors should know:

• Walking is the default (and often the best). ✅
• Bicycles are common (rentals exist on the main islands). 🚲
• Electric vehicles/scooters: rules can be strict; the directive notes that only defined/approved electric vehicles are allowed and references limits like 20 km/h and permit controls.
• Don’t assume you can bring/use any e-scooter everywhere. ⚠️ If you rent, follow local rules and stay off pedestrianized areas.

Tips & common mistakes (save time, money, and nerves)

✅ Go early (especially weekends): morning ferries are calmer; return queues grow late afternoon.
✅ Choose the right departure pier: crossing the city just to “start from a famous pier” can waste 60–90 minutes.
✅ Don’t over-plan 4 islands in one day: pick one main island + optional short hop (like Kınalıada quick swim) if ferries line up.
⚠️ Avoid “random tour boats” if you only need transport: public ferries are straightforward and scheduled.
⚠️ Bring a light jacket: even in summer, it can be windy on deck.
✅ Cash + card: some small spots prefer cash; beach clubs vary.

FAQ

Is one day enough for the Princes’ Islands?

Yes—one full day is perfect for a first visit (especially Büyükada). If you want beaches + hikes + a second island, consider two days.

Which island is best for a first-time visitor?

Büyükada has the most “everything in one place” (routes, viewpoints, beaches, dining).

Which island is best if I want a quiet vibe?

Heybeliada and Burgazada usually feel calmer than Büyükada.

Can I visit in winter?

Yes, but it becomes a “walk + café” day rather than a beach day. Ferry schedules can be less frequent—check timetables first.

Are there official ferries from both sides of Istanbul?

Yes—Şehir Hatları lists multiple lines from both European and Asian side piers.

Are electric scooters/bikes allowed everywhere?

Not necessarily. Official documents describe permits and restrictions (including speed limits and where vehicles can be used).

Conclusion

The Princes’ Islands are one of the easiest “big win” day trips from Istanbul: simple ferry access, slower streets, sea air, and an atmosphere that feels miles away from the city—even though you’re still in it. Pick the right pier, check the timetable for your exact day, and plan one island well instead of rushing four. You’ll have a better time (and better photos) every single time.