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.
Compare rows ↓Buying guide
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.
Offers a straightforward transport-only option for those who prefer to explore the islands without a group.
Compare rows ↓Includes door-to-door transfers and a meal, eliminating the need to navigate Istanbul's busy ferry terminals and island restaurants.
Compare rows ↓Provides a professional guide and lunch, ensuring you see the main sights of Büyükada and Heybeliada efficiently.
Compare rows ↓Ticket module
Open a ticket type first. Seller cards stay sorted by official benchmark first, then price.
Fast partner checkout
Guided and hosted options

Fast partner checkout

Guided and hosted options

Fast partner checkout

Guided and hosted options

Fast partner checkout

Guided and hosted options
Tiqets GetYourGuide
Decision matrix
Public Şehir Hatları Ferry (Istanbulkart)
Compare rows ↓02Tiqets Standard ticket
Compare rows ↓03Tiqets Tours / guided tickets
Compare rows ↓04GetYourGuide Skip-the-line / priority access
Compare rows ↓05GetYourGuide Standard ticket
Compare rows ↓06GetYourGuide Tours / guided tickets
Compare rows ↓Insider tips
FAQ
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.