Bosphorus Cruise from Eminönü: Public Ferry Times, Piers and Prices
You don't need a pricey private boat to see the Bosphorus. Istanbul's public ferry company, Şehir Hatları, runs two daily sightseeing tours from Eminönü for a fraction of the price. Here are the October 2026 times and fares, what you'll see, and a few tips locals swear by.
The Long Bosphorus Tour
This is the classic: a full run up the strait to Anadolu Kavağı, the last village before the Black Sea.
| Pier | Outbound | Return |
|---|---|---|
| Eminönü | 10:35 | 16:40 |
| Beşiktaş | 10:50 | 16:25 |
| Üsküdar | 11:05 | 16:10 |
| Kanlıca | 11:35 | 15:40 |
| Sarıyer | 12:05 | 15:20 |
| Rumeli Kavağı | 12:15 | 15:10 |
| Anadolu Kavağı | 12:25 | 15:00 |
You get about two and a half hours in Anadolu Kavağı. Walk up the hill to Yoros Castle for a view of the Black Sea opening, then have fish by the pier before the boat back. Plan on six hours in total.
The Short Bosphorus Tour
One departure a day in the winter schedule: Eminönü 14:40, Üsküdar 14:55, Ortaköy 15:10. The official page does not list the return time, so ask at the ticket booth before you board.
Fares (as of October 2026)
| Tour | Foreign passenger | Turkish/local passenger |
|---|---|---|
| Long tour, return | 640 TL | 320 TL |
| Short tour | 340 TL | 170 TL |
| Moonlight tour, return | 730 TL | 365 TL |
| Children 0–6 | Free | Free |
Buy tickets at the Eminönü pier booth. The moonlight tour has a fare listed but no departures in the winter timetable.
Public ferry or private boat?
Private tour boats leave Eminönü, Kabataş and Üsküdar throughout the day. They are shorter, more frequent and run at sunset, which the winter public tours don't. Quality and prices vary widely. Before paying, ask how long the trip lasts, how far north it goes, whether drinks are included and whether there is commentary. Never pay before you see the price in writing.
If you want the full length of the strait, villages and a lunch stop, take the public long tour.
What you'll see
Heading north, Europe is on your left and Asia on your right.
- Left (Europe): Dolmabahçe Palace, Çırağan Palace, Ortaköy Mosque and the 15 July Martyrs Bridge, Bebek, Rumeli Fortress, Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, Emirgan, Sarıyer.
- Right (Asia): Maiden's Tower, Beylerbeyi Palace, Kuleli Military High School, Küçüksu Pavilion, Anadolu Fortress, Kanlıca, Anadolu Kavağı.
Tips
- Arrive 20–30 minutes early for a seat on the open deck.
- Bring a layer; it is always cooler on the water.
- Tea is sold on board.
- Staying in Kadıköy? There is no tour departure there. Take a regular ferry to Eminönü or Beşiktaş, or join at Üsküdar.
FAQ
What time does the Bosphorus cruise leave Eminönü?
The long tour at 10:35 and the short tour at 14:40, daily, in the winter schedule.
How much is the Bosphorus ferry tour for tourists?
640 TL return for the long tour and 340 TL for the short tour, as of October 2026.
How long is the long Bosphorus tour?
About six hours, including the stop in Anadolu Kavağı.
Can I catch a Bosphorus cruise at sunset?
Not on the public winter tours. Choose a private boat.