Istanbul Princes Islands Tours ticket visit photo

Istanbul ticket comparison

Istanbul Princes Islands Tours tickets 2026: official vs resellers, combo deals & insider tips

When visiting the Prince's Islands in July 2026, the main choice is between independently booked round-trip ferry tickets and third-party day trips or guided products that may add transport, lunch, an electric-car trip, or optional pickup. Compare the exact inclusions, meeting point, availability and checkout terms before booking.

3.8 · 28 reviews Honest price comparison Updated 12d ago
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All offers are in one compact list. Filter by ticket type; the official benchmark stays first, followed by partners by price.

Offers shown: 5

Day tripLowest price

Istanbul: Princes' Islands Trip from Old City Port + Pick Up

Check final refund and time-slot terms at checkout.

GetYourGuideGetYourGuide
Limited slots Refund terms at checkout
PriceTRY 7Limited
Entry ticketLowest price

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

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GetYourGuideGetYourGuide
Limited slots Refund terms at checkout
PriceTRY 10Limited
Day tripFlexible option

From Istanbul: Full-Day Princes Island Tour with Lunch

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GetYourGuideGetYourGuide
Limited slots Refund terms at checkout
PriceTRY 11Limited
Day tripFlexible option

Istanbul: Princes Islands Tour with Hotel Transfer & Lunch

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GetYourGuideGetYourGuide
Limited slots Refund terms at checkout
PriceTRY 15Limited
Day tripFlexible option

From Istanbul: Princess Islands Guided Tour

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GetYourGuideGetYourGuide
Limited slots Refund terms at checkout
PriceTRY 20Limited

Buying guide

Not sure which ticket to choose?

For the Prince's Islands, choose between the flexibility of independent ferry vouchers and the convenience of all-inclusive guided tours. Independent travelers should opt for standard ferry tickets to explore at their own pace, while those seeking a stress-free day with lunch and hotel transfers should book organized group tours.

01

Independent travelers wanting a simple, pre-booked round-trip ferry to avoid ticket-office queues

Offers a straightforward transport-only option for those who prefer to explore the islands without a group.

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02

Families or first-time visitors who want hotel pickup and a planned itinerary with lunch

Includes door-to-door transfers and a meal, eliminating the need to navigate Istanbul's busy ferry terminals and island restaurants.

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03

Travelers looking for a guided historical overview with a mid-range budget

Provides a professional guide and lunch, ensuring you see the main sights of Büyükada and Heybeliada efficiently.

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Ticket types

How the main ticket options differ

Day trip

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TRY 7

Entry ticket

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TRY 10
Best forCompare seller terms for this ticket type.
Price rangeTRY 7–TRY 20
Coverage5 offers · 0 live · 5 benchmark
UpdatedJul 7, 12:00 AM UTC
Sellers

GetYourGuide

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Before checkout

What is often not included

  • Public transport on the islands (Adabüs electric buses) is not included in ferry tickets and requires a topped-up Istanbulkart; cash is not accepted.
  • The Museum Pass Istanbul does not cover ferry fares or island transport; these must be paid separately via Istanbulkart or contactless card.
  • Top-up machines (Biletmatik) on the islands are scarce and often have long queues; ensure your Istanbulkart has at least 400 TRY per person before leaving the mainland to cover round-trip transit.
  • Guided tours that include lunch typically exclude all beverages; expect to pay premium prices for water or soda at island restaurants.
  • Access to popular swimming spots usually requires an entry fee to private beach clubs, which can range from 400 to 900 TRY per person in the 2026 summer season.
  • Bicycle rentals on Büyükada and Heybeliada are often cash-only; ensure you have Turkish Lira as many small vendors do not accept international credit cards.
  • Missing the specific return vessel listed on a guided tour or private ferry ticket usually renders the ticket void, requiring a new public ferry fare.

Insider tips

Good to know before your visit

  • Entrance

    Departure and meeting-point details vary by product. Public ferry travel and third-party tours may use different piers or meeting points, so follow the exact location and boarding instructions on the selected voucher. For guided or private products, confirm whether pickup, ferry transport, island transfers, lunch and the return journey are included before checkout.

  • Price

    Visible seller rows show round-trip ferry products at €10 on GetYourGuide and €12 on Tiqets. Listed day-trip and guided products range from €5 to €44, while a private boat option is listed at €29. These products differ in availability and stated inclusions, so compare the final checkout total and inclusions before paying; public-ferry costs are not represented in these seller rows.

  • Discounts

    For official public ferries (Şehir Hatları), children under 6 travel free without a ticket when accompanied by an adult. Reduced fares for students and seniors are strictly reserved for Turkish residents with a personalized Istanbulkart; international visitors must pay the full adult fare using an anonymous Istanbulkart (priced at 165 TL for the card itself in 2026) or a contactless credit card at the pier turnstiles. For the guided tours listed (GYG/Tiqets), 'Infant' tickets (typically ages 0-3) are usually free but must be added to your booking to account for transport capacity and lunch seating, while 'Child' rates generally apply to ages 4-11. Note that public ferries operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no seat reservations; arriving at Kabataş, Beşiktaş, or Eminönü piers at least 30 minutes before departure is essential during the June peak season.

  • Timing

    Arrive early enough for security checks, ticket scanning and wayfinding.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to print my ticket or can I use my phone?

For guided tours and private ferry vouchers, mobile tickets are standard and can be scanned at the designated pier meeting point; however, if you are using the public Şehir Hatları ferries, you must use a physical or digital Istanbulkart at the turnstiles.

What does 'skip-the-line' actually mean for a ferry tour?

These tickets allow you to bypass the physical ticket office queues at the Eminönü or Kabataş piers, which can be very long in June; however, all passengers must still pass through the mandatory security X-ray and wait in the general boarding area.

Are there security checks at the ferry terminals?

Yes, all major Istanbul piers have security checkpoints with X-ray machines for bags; during the peak summer season, it is recommended to arrive at least 20 minutes before your departure to ensure you clear security before the boat sails.

What happens if the ferry is cancelled due to bad weather?

If heavy fog or storms cause a cancellation, tour operators like Tiqets and GetYourGuide typically offer a full refund or a free reschedule; public ferry users simply wait for the next available sailing once the port authority clears the route.

Do children and seniors get a discount on the Prince's Islands ferry?

On public ferries, children under 6 typically travel for free; for guided tours, reduced rates for children are usually available but must be selected during the online booking process to ensure a seat on the vessel.

How do I get around the islands once the ferry arrives?

Horse-drawn carriages are banned; you must use the official 'Adabüs' electric buses or electric taxis. These require an Istanbulkart with sufficient balance (approx. 400 TRY per person is recommended to cover round-trip island transit and the ferry). Cash is not accepted on island transport.

What is the best way to avoid the biggest crowds on the islands?

The main bottleneck is the queue for electric buses on Büyükada; to avoid this, head immediately to the bus station upon disembarking or rent a bicycle from a shop near the pier before the rest of the ferry passengers arrive.

What if I arrive late for my scheduled tour departure?

Tour boats operate on strict schedules and usually depart exactly at the time listed on your voucher; if you miss your boat, tickets are generally non-refundable for late arrivals, so aim to be at the meeting point 30 minutes early.

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