Princes’ Islands Tickets & Tours
Princes’ Islands offer a peaceful retreat from the energy of the city, inviting visitors to explore their beauty and rich past. Ideal for those looking for a quiet escape in Istanbul, the islands are perfect for wandering along calm streets, admiring elegant old mansions, and breathing in the cool sea air that carries echoes of a more graceful time.
Top Pick
Princes’ Islands Tour with Lunch
€22.50 per person
Buyukada & Heybeliada Princes' Islands Ferry Ticket with Audio Guide
From €25.00
€24.00 per person
Buyukada Island Roundtrip Boat Ticket with Audio Guide
€12.00 per person
Kinaliada Island Audio Guide
€10.00 per person
Burgazada Island Audio Guide
€10.00 per person
Heybeliada Island Roundtrip Boat Ticket with Audio Guide
€12.00 per person
Istanbul Tourist Pass: Skip-the-Line Entry to 120+Activities
€99.00 per person
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Dolmabahce Palace & Harem Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket with Audio Guide
From €46.00
€40.00 per person
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Topkapi Palace Hosted Fast-Track Entry Ticket and Audio Guide
From €60.00
€56.00 per person
Likely to Sell out
Hagia Sophia Guided Tour with Skip-the-Ticket-Line Entry
From €34.00
€30.00 per person
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Basilica Cistern Guided Tour with Skip-the-Ticket-Line Entry
From €52.00
€39.50 per person
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Galata Tower Hosted Entry with Audio Guide
From €35.00
€32.50 per person
From happy customers
I recently took the ferry to Princes’ Islands, and it was truly one of the best experiences. The place has a magical calm that makes you forget the busy city.
Riding through quiet streets with colorful houses felt like something from a storybook. The slow pace made it even better.
So relaxing and fresh air everywhere. No cars, just bikes and walking. Felt like stepping back in time.
Visiting Princes’ Islands was an unforgettable experience. The atmosphere is truly unique.
A Tranquil Journey to the Princes’ Islands
The Princes’ Islands, a peaceful getaway from the energy of Istanbul, combine natural beauty with a deep sense of history. Scattered across nine islands in the Sea of Marmara, they greet visitors with quiet, car-free streets, graceful wooden mansions, and the charm of horse-drawn carriages. Whether cycling along the shore, relaxing on hidden beaches, or enjoying sweeping views from scenic spots, each island offers its own character and story. With frequent ferries and a variety of guided tours, it’s easy to plan a visit that suits your pace and interests.
Quick Information
(Varies by season & route)
Plan your visit to Princes’ Islands
- Islands access: Open year-round, 24 hours a day, with no entrance gates or closing times.
- Ferry schedules: Ferries run from about 7:00AM to 11:00PM (depends on season and route).
- Closed: The islands themselves are never closed, but individual attractions or museums may have different closing days.
- Note: Ferry schedules change by season and port. Check times before visiting, especially for the last return ferry.
Recommended duration: Full day (4–8 hours); 2–3 hours is enough for a quick tour of one island.
Best time to visit: Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October). Weekday mornings (Tues/Wed) offer the most peaceful experience.
Detailed Princes’ Islands ferry timings >Main departure points: Kabataş, Kadıköy, and Bostancı, Istanbul.
The Princes’ Islands are in the Sea of Marmara, about an hour from the city by ferry. The largest, Büyükada, is the most popular destination.
How to Get There:
- By ferry: Regular ferries depart from Kabataş, Kadıköy, and Bostancı piers. Use Istanbulkart or contactless payment.
- By metro/tram/bus: Take public transport to any of these piers and transfer to a ferry.
- Direct sea buses: Operate in peak season from additional piers (like Yenikapı).
Arrivals & Main Piers:
- Büyükada Pier: Main arrival and departure hub, lively promenade area.
- Heybeliada Pier: Center of activity on the second largest island.
- Burgazada & Kınalıada Piers: Quieter, scenic entrances to smaller islands.
No admission gates or tickets are required to enter the islands. Fare is paid for the ferry only.
Things You'll Find:
- Bicycle & E-vehicle Rental: Available at all main piers.
- Restrooms: Public and private options near ferry piers and main streets.
- Seaside Cafés & Restaurants: Plenty of options, especially on Büyükada and Heybeliada.
- Beaches & Swimming Platforms: Designated areas, especially on Büyükada and Burgazada.
- Souvenir Shops & Bakeries: Find island specialties and fresh baked goods.
- Accessibility: Central zones and ferries are generally accessible; some hilly streets may be difficult for wheelchairs.
Make the Most of Your Visit:
- Ferry wait times: Can be long during weekends, get in line early or buy online e-tickets.
- No cars: Walk, rent a bicycle, or take electric minibuses.
- Sun protection: Bring sunscreen, hat, and bottled water in summer.
- Comfortable shoes: Expect plenty of walking and some cobblestones.
- Bring swimwear & towel: If you plan to visit a beach.
- Return time: Don't miss the last ferry, check daily schedules.
Dining Options:
- Seaside seafood restaurants: Especially popular on piers with fresh fish menus.
- Cozy cafés: Serving Turkish breakfast, desserts, and pastries.
- Ice cream & bakery shops: Special island treats, "ada dondurması" (island ice cream).
- Picnics: Grab snacks from local markets for a picnic in the parks or by the coast.
Where to Stay:
Consider a night in the island atmosphere. Lodging fills up fast in high season. Reserve early!
- Büyükada: Most hotels and guesthouses; historic mansion hotels and boutique stays.
- Heybeliada: Quieter, scenic pensions, small hotels, family-run inns.
- Burgazada & Kınalıada: Smaller options, ideal for budget-friendly, local stays.
Things to know before visiting Princes’ Islands
- Ferries operate year-round from Kabataş, Kadıköy, and Bostancı, with journeys taking about 1 to 1.5 hours. Always check schedules in advance, especially for the last return times.
- No motorized vehicles are allowed for visitors. Explore on foot, rent a bicycle, or use electric minibuses and taxis for getting around the islands.
- The main islands to visit are Büyükada, Heybeliada, Burgazada, and Kınalıada, each offering unique scenery and experiences.
- The best months to visit are April to June and September to October for mild weather and fewer crowds. Weekdays are calmer, while weekends and holidays attract more visitors.
- Plan for a full-day trip to enjoy swimming, cycling, sightseeing, and dining. Arriving early ensures a more relaxed experience.
- Fares are paid via Istanbulkart or contactless bank cards, with prices around 80 TL per ride as of August 2025.
- Central areas and ferries are generally wheelchair accessible, though steep hills and cobblestone streets may be challenging in some spots.
- Highlights include Victorian mansions, Aya Yorgi Church, the Museum of the Princes’ Islands, pine forests, local markets, and beaches.
- Bring comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and water, especially in summer months.
- Seafood restaurants, waterfront cafés, and local bakeries are plentiful near the piers.
- Designated beaches are available on most islands, so bring swimwear and towels if you plan to swim.
- The islands are family-friendly, with safe pedestrian areas and attractions for children.
- Heritage sites reflect a mix of Byzantine, Ottoman, Greek, and Armenian influences.
- No ID is required. Just purchase your ferry ticket. Booking online in advance is recommended during weekends or holidays to avoid queues.