Your guide to reaching Buyukada from Eminonu, Kadikoy, and Bostanci. Download our digital travel guide app for real-time ferry schedules and local transit.
How to Get to Buyukada from Istanbul? 2026 Ferry Schedules and Adabus Guide
Transportation to Buyukada from Istanbul is provided by passenger ferries and boats operated by Sehir Hatlari, Mavi Marmara, Dentur, and Prenstur. Departures are available from Eminonu, Kabatas, Besiktas, Kadikoy, Bostanci, Maltepe, and Kartal piers. The average travel time varies between 30 and 90 minutes depending on the departure point. The Istanbulkart is valid on all public transit options.
Buyukada, the largest and most popular of the Princes' Islands, is the perfect getaway for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Istanbul. The historic pier, the scent of pine forests, and the sounds of seagulls greeting you as you step onto the island signal a unique experience. However, planning your transportation correctly directly impacts the quality of your trip. Here is your ultimate Buyukada transportation guide.
Getting to Buyukada from the European Side
For those staying on the European Side of Istanbul, the most popular departure points are the Eminonu, Kabatas, and Besiktas piers.
Eminonu and Kabatas: A nostalgic journey with the traditional Sehir Hatlari ferries takes about 90 minutes. Since this route usually stops at Kadikoy and the other islands (Kinaliada, Burgazada, Heybeliada), you can enjoy a highly scenic cruise on the Marmara Sea.
Besiktas: It is possible to reach Buyukada faster from Besiktas using Dentur express boats.
Getting to Buyukada from the Asian Side
Because the Asian Side is geographically much closer to Buyukada, transportation options are more diverse and trips are significantly shorter.
Bostanci: This is one of the main transit hubs for the islands. You can reach Buyukada in about 30-40 minutes using either Sehir Hatlari ferries or Mavi Marmara boats.
Kadikoy: This is the next stop for Sehir Hatlari ferries departing from Eminonu. The journey takes approximately 1 hour.
Kartal and Maltepe: With Prenstur boats departing from Kartal, you can arrive at the Buyukada pier in just 25-30 minutes.
Local Transportation on the Island: The Electric Vehicle Era
As part of an eco-friendly tourism policy, the use of gasoline or diesel-powered vehicles is strictly prohibited on Buyukada. The horse-drawn carriages used in the past have been completely replaced by modern, quiet, and eco-friendly electric vehicles.
Adabus (Electric Buses): Operated by IETT (Istanbul's public transit authority), these vehicles serve on routes such as BA-1 (Center - Tepekoy - Kadiyoran), BA-2 (Center - Maden), and BA-3 (Grand Tour). You can easily pay your fare using an Istanbulkart.
Adamini (Electric Taxis): For a more private and faster transportation option, you can choose the Adamini vehicles waiting at various points on the island.
Bicycles: If you want to explore the island at your own pace, you can easily rent a bicycle from numerous shops in the town center.
Simplify Your Trip with Our Digital App! Ferry schedules can change instantly due to weather conditions or public holidays. To avoid waiting for hours at the pier, missing your ferry, and to track Adabus stops live on the map, download the Buyukada Digital Travel Guide mobile app right now. Navigate Buyukada like a local with offline map support and real-time transit notifications!