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• Bosphorus Dinner Cruise

Departure / Time

Karaköy pier - 20:30.

(BOSFOR will be available at 20:00 for boarding.

Arrival / Time

Karaköy pier - 23:30.

(Kemankes Karamustafa Pasa, Rihtim Street No:17, Beyoglu Istanbul

Whirling Dervish

Anatolian Folk Dances

Drum & Interactive Show

Oriental / Belly Dancer

Caucasian Dances

Dj Performance & Club Dance

With alcohol, without alcohol, child discount.

Free for 0-2 years old

50% discount for 3-7 years old

With a difference of 10 USD

You can have the same experience at your private table on the second floor of the ship.

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Address: Kemankeş Karamustafa Paşa Mah. Necatibey Cad. Akçe Sk. No:3, 34425 Karaköy/Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye

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Istanbul Clues

Istanbul Tour Guide

Bosphorus Cruise Price, Schedule, Map (Updated 2024)

13 May 2024 by Serhat Engül

Bosphorus cruise is one of the most entertaining activities to do in Istanbul. While touring the Bosphorus, you can realize how Istanbul acts as a bridge between Asia and Europe. Because this hybrid culture was embodied in the structures on the Bosphorus coast.

During the Bosphorus cruise, you will see the historical palaces and mosques of Istanbul as well as the most expensive mansions. Reflecting both the historical and modern face of the city, the shores of the Bosphorus promise a lot for those who love to take pictures.

Table of Contents

Best Bosphorus Cruise in Istanbul

In order to find the best Bosphorus cruise in Istanbul , you need to review the Bosphorus tours organized by Sehir Hatlari, Turyol and Dentur companies. The prices of these Bosphorus cruises are almost the same as each other. However, since each of them has different routes and times, you need to find the one that suits you best.

For example, the Sehir Hatlari ferries have a large deck, wide seats and a cafe inside. However, they only operate once or twice a day. For this reason, if you are going to combine your Bosphorus cruise with another activity, it may not be the appropriate option for you.

On the other hand, Turyol Bosphorus cruise boats are very compatible with flexible travel plans as they make tours every hour from 10:00 in the morning. Although these boats are smaller than the previous option, they still have a cafe inside.

The last option, the Dentur Bosphorus cruise , is a great option for those staying close to Taksim Square. Because Dentur’s boats depart from Kabatas. Kabatas is the last stop of Tram T1 arriving here from Istanbul Old City. The station is located right next to the Dolmabahce Palace .

If you want to make a Sunset cruise with a private yacht in Istanbul, you can make a reservation from this link . Or if you are looking for Dinner cruise options with dance shows, you can view them from this link .

Now, let’s examine each Bosphorus cruise under its own heading in the rest of the article. Thus, you can see the pros and cons of each and decide on the most suitable Bosphorus tour for you.

1. Sehir Hatlari Ferries

Sehir Hatlari ferries depart from Eminonu, the transportation hub of Istanbul Old City. Sehir Hatlari has 6-hour long and 2-hour short Bosphorus cruise options. While the 6-hour classic tour continues throughout the year, the 2-hour tour is organized only in summer.

Sehir Hatlari Long Bosphorus Cruise

Sehir Hatlari long Bosphorus cruise starts at 10:30, regardless of summer or winter, and lasts for 6 hours. The route of Sehir Hatlari ferries is longer than other Bosphorus tours. The tour starts from Historical Peninsula and continues until Anadolu Kavagi , which is the closest point on the Asian side to the Black Sea.

After leaving Eminonu, the ferry takes a 1.5-hour cruise on the Bosphorus and takes a 3-hour break after arriving at Anadolu Kavagi. (Between 12:00 and 15:00) This is a cozy town away from the crowds of Istanbul.

You can climb the Yoros Castle built by the Genoese and take beautiful pictures of the Bosphorus. The northern part of the Bosphorus is the only passage connecting the Black Sea to the open seas.

After visiting the castle, you can take a walk on the beach and enjoy the local architecture. It is also possible to have a nice lunch break at the fish restaurants by the sea.

The Sehir Hatlari ferry starts its return journey at 15:00 pm in the afternoon. The ferry follows the same route and returns to its starting point, the Old City, within 1.5 hours.

Sehir Hatlari Short Bosphorus Cruise

Sehir Hatlari has an alternative Bosphorus tour that is only held during the summer months. Sehir Hatlari short Bosphorus cruise is an activity that takes 2 hours. This excursion starts around 14:40 and returns after a 2-hour nonstop tour.

As an Istanbulite, I like the 2-hour tour of Sehir Hatlari the most. Because it covers more places compared to the 1.5 hour tours of Turyol and Dentur. Although this may seem insignificant at first glance, it allows you to see the northern shores of the Bosphorus.

I like to travel on Sehir Hatlari’s wide-deck and comfortable ferries with a decent cafe service. Also, since many Bosphorus cruises do not include the mansions in Yenikoy , the most beautiful houses on the Bosphorus cannot be seen.

The short 2-hour Bosphorus cruise can be a little difficult to fit into your travel plans, as it only takes place during the summer months and starts in the late afternoon. But if you have the time, I think this is the best.

Sehir Hatlari Bosphorus Cruise Prices 2024

Sehir Hatlari long Bosphorus Cruise price is 120 Turkish Lira. On the other hand, the ticket price of the short Bosphorus tour is 65 TL. This post was last updated on May 13, 2024. I suggest you to check the prices once again on the official website of the company .

2. Turyol Bosphorus Cruise Boats

Turyol Bosphorus cruise boats organize tours every hour starting from 10:00 in the morning. In this sense, the most practical trips are made by Turyol, located in Eminonu.

Turyol pier is located only a five-minute walk from the Spice Bazaar , the symbol of Eminonu. Turyol ticket office is right next to the Galata Bridge , adjacent to nostalgic boats selling fish sandwiches.

Turyol boats set off from Eminonu and make a 1.5-hour trip. Leaving the Old City, the ship first crosses to the Asian Side and picks up passengers from Uskudar, and then returns to the European Side and starts the cruise.

The boat sails north along the European shores of the Bosphorus and turns from the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge in the middle of the Bosphorus. Following the Asian shores on the way back, the boat gives you the chance to see the sea shores of both sides.

The best thing about Turyol tour is that it is organized every hour and makes it easy to make itinerary. Even if you’re late due to a queue at a museum, crowds at a market, or traffic, you’ll catch the next boat.

Turyol Bosphorus Cruise Price 2024

Turyol Bosphorus Cruise price is 150 Turkish Lira. This article was updated on May 13, 2024. Before joining the tour, I recommend that you check the ticket price a second time on the official website of the Turyol . When you open the page, you will be asked to choose a destination, if you choose Eminonu Port, it will be the original trip starting from the Old City.

3. Dentur Bosphorus Cruise Boats

Dentur Bosphorus Cruise is the third option. The most beautiful part of Dentur is that it is very close to Kabatas. For visitors staying in Taksim Square, transportation is very easy. From Taksim Square you can come to Kabatas via Funicular F1 line and easily reach Dentur boats.

Dentur pier is very close to Dolmabahce Palace, so you can visit the palace first. Dentur’s biggest difference from Turyol is that it departs a little further. Since the tour starts from Kabatas and not from Eminonu, it goes further than Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge and returns from Emirgan (beautiful neighborhood up the Bosphorus nearby Sabanci Museum )  The journey time is almost the same with Turyol.

Another feature of Dentur boats is that it stops in the Ottoman palaces on the shores of the Bosphorus. The boat stops at Emirgan on the European side and Kucuksu Pavillion (hunting palace of the Sultans) and Beylerbeyi Palace on the Asian side. If you want to visit these places, you can get off the boat and catch the next boat and return to the starting point of Kabatas.

Dentur Bosphorus Cruise Price 2024

Dentur Bosphorus Cruise price is 150 Turkish Lira for a 1 hour and 15 minute tour. These prices were last updated on May 13, 2024. You can check it once again at the official address of the company .

Dentur is the best Bosphorus tour in Istanbul for those who want to visit the palaces on the Asian side of Istanbul. Visits to Kucuksu Pavillion and Beylerbeyi Palace are both a cultural experience and the opportunity to eat and drink by the Bosphorus. The cafes of both museums have Bosphorus views and the food prices are reasonable.

4. Bosphorus Sunset Cruise

Bosphorus Sunset Cruise allows you to take magnificent photos in Istanbul. You can enjoy the most romantic moments of the Bosphorus on the tour that starts when the sun sets.

If you want to join a sunset cruise tour on the Bosphorus with a luxury yacht, you can make a reservation from this link . This journey might be convenient for a small family or a couple.

Bosphorus Sunset Cruise Price 2024

Bosphorus Sunset Cruise price is around 35 USD per person as of 2024. Sunset tours are relatively expensive as they are limited to a small number of people and are made with private yachts. You can check the prices and make a reservation from the link above.

5. Bosphorus Dinner Cruise

Bosphorus dinner cruise in Istanbul is a really fun activity. During this tour you can watch local dances and belly dancers. The best part of the Bosphorus dinner cruise is that you can see the palaces and other beautiful buildings on the Bosphorus with their colorful lights.

You can spend an unforgettable evening with beautiful music on the boat, local dances to entertain you and romantic scenery. If you want to join the recommended Bosphorus dinner cruise tour, you can make a reservation from this link . The tour is organized under the guarantee of GetYourGuide, an international company.

Bosphorus Dinner Cruise Price 2024

Bosphorus Dinner Cruise price is around 25 USD per person as of 2024. You can book an evening tour with dinner on the Bosphorus from the link I shared above and check the latest price. The tour I recommend is the most popular Bosphorus evening cruise in Istanbul.

Bosphorus Cruise Map for 2024

Bosphorus Cruise Map shows us the locations of Istanbul’s nostalgic ferries and tour boats. These sea transport vehicles allow us to travel between the European and Asian sides as well as take a Bosphorus cruise.

For example, piers 1, 2 and 5 on the map show tour boats making a Bosphorus cruise. Pier 1 belongs to the Turyol Boats . Pier number 2 belongs to Sehir Hatlari Ferries . Pier 5 belongs to Dentur Boats departing from Kabatas.

Pier 3 symbolizes the ferries departing from Eminonu (Old City) to Uskudar and Kadikoy on the Asian side. There are actually two separate piers here, but I thought a single figure would be enough for both.

Pier 6 symbolizes the ferries departing from Besiktas to Kadikoy and Uskudar. Piers 7 and 8 are located in Uskudar and Kadikoy, two touristic districts of the Asian Side. Ferries depart from both to Besiktas and Eminonu.

In summary, a Bosphorus cruise is among the best things to do in Istanbul . You can have this wonderful experience by choosing one of Sehir Hatlari, Turyol or Dentur companies.

You can also join special organizations such as a sunset cruise or an evening cruise with dinner. The photos you take during any activity on the Bosphorus will probably be among your best memories in Istanbul.

I would also recommend the article named Istanbul tourist map to get to know the touristic places of Istanbul. Or you can also review the Istanbul metro map article for public transportation in Istanbul.

About Serhat Engül

Hello explorer of Istanbul! This is Serhat Engul. I am a licensed TOUR GUIDE IN ISTANBUL. I offer PRIVATE HALF DAY TOUR which includes a visit to the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Basilica Cistern and the Spice Bazaar. This is a fantastic option to see some of the ICONIC LANDMARKS in the whole of Istanbul and you’ll receive plenty of background information on each location to enlighten you. You may see the details of this tour on the HOMEPAGE of the blog. I wish you a wonderful trip!

Reader Interactions

31 August 2018 at 19:24

Thanks for all your posts! They have been very useful in planning my trip. Very big help in deciding a lot of things. Complemented very well my Tripadvisor and Lonely Planet research.

31 August 2018 at 19:44

Hello Ryan, thank you very much for your kind words. This is a good motivation for us. I Hope you will have great time in Istanbul.

13 May 2021 at 09:40

We are expected to arrive in Istanbul on 27th May and stay for 8 days. I’m glad to have gone through your blogs which will help me in making our trip enjoyable. Thanks for these very informative blogs. Ciao

13 May 2021 at 12:17

Hi Salahuddin, thank you for the feedback. It makes me very happy to see that these blogs really work for people. I wish you a good holiday in Istanbul.

27 September 2021 at 19:07

I am so glad to find your blog site with so many useful information for my trip next month. A quick question – are the ferries in normal operation now (any impacts from the Covid situation)?

27 September 2021 at 19:52

Hello, thank you for the feedback about the blog. Frankly, I haven’t participated in Bosphorus tours for a long time. However, when I review Turyol’s Bosphorus tour schedules, I see that the operations continue in the same way. The website of the state-run Sehir Hatlari is currently unavailable. But as far as I know it works too.

16 October 2021 at 05:29

Hello Serhat. I am planning to visit Istanbul with my family by end of November. How can we contact you to arrange some tours. Thank you

16 October 2021 at 22:08

Hello Said. You can send me an email from the contact page . It would also be helpful if you noted the exact days of the tours. Best regards, Serhat.

15 February 2022 at 15:39

I must say you have made planning around Turkey way easier. Wonderful description.

Thanks Sofia

15 February 2022 at 21:54

Hi Sofia, thank you. It makes me happy to see such reviews. It’s good to see that the time I spend on blogs is not in vain.

14 May 2022 at 10:54

Hello, this is a very informative website. Thank you for the in depth and extremely useful information. It has really helped me plan my trip.

14 May 2022 at 11:20

Hi Zehan, thank you very much for the feedback. Have a nice trip!

23 June 2022 at 13:27

Hi, hope you are well. Please let me know if there are any sunset cruises on Sehir Hatlari or Dentur.

23 June 2022 at 16:39

Hi Zehan, no, these companies do not organize sunset cruises on the Bosphorus.

20 November 2022 at 18:29

Hi, I wanted to know if any of these three companies have thier own dinner cruise. Or is it just offered by Get Your Guide?

21 November 2022 at 19:08

Hi Shyam, as dinner cruise is a special organization, it is held on ships designed for it. For this reason, the three companies in the top titles do not have dinner tours.

There are many companies in Istanbul that offer Bosphorus cruises with dinner. The most popular among them is the company I recommend.

They offer their services through GetYourGuide. If you want, you can make a reservation via the link I have provided.

19 January 2023 at 01:31

Thank you very much for your detailed explanation of Bosphorus cruises types, I found it very useful for planning my trip.

19 January 2023 at 13:05

Dear Liubov, thank you for your feedback on my article about Bosphorus tours. I am happy to see that the article is useful for those who will visit Istanbul.

5 February 2023 at 22:19

Big Thanks for writing this great guide..

7 February 2023 at 00:11

Dear Ali, thank you for the feedback on the post. I hope you will have a nice trip in Istanbul.

23 August 2023 at 20:02

Hello Serhat, I looked at the website of Sehir Hatlari ferries but I wasn’t able to see the possibility of buying tickets in advance online. Do you know if you can make a reservation for a cruise on a particular day online? Or do you just have to go to the ticket office in person in Istanbul? Many thanks!

25 August 2023 at 21:19

Dear Gary, Sehir Hatlari is a ferry company operating within Istanbul. I am not surprised that their online service is not working because Istanbulites do not reserve tickets for these ferries in advance.

Istanbulkart or one-time tickets are valid for all ferries of Sehir Hatlari that operate on both sides of the Bosphorus. On the other hand, online tickets must be purchased for IDO ferries going from Istanbul to other cities (for example, from Istanbul to Bursa).

My advice to you would be to buy your ticket for the Bosphorus cruise of Sehir Hatlari 30 minutes before the ferry departure from the box office. There is no such thing as running out of tickets for daily Bosphorus tours.

27 February 2024 at 19:30

Hello Serhat: Excellent guide. Re Turyol Ferries Bosphorus tour: Found it difficult to confirm on their website the following : *Hourly schedule in March ? *Just turn up @ the terminal purchase tickets ? *No online purchase facility ?

Regards Mitchell Reid

29 February 2024 at 23:43

Dear Mitchell, yes Turyol’s website is a bit outdated. Since the company’s working principles are very simple, you do not need to check the hours in advance or buy tickets online.

Turyol starts its Bosphorus cruises at 10:00 in the morning and there are boats every hour from then until the evening. I don’t think there will be a problem finding a seat. Tickets can be easily purchased from the box office before each trip.

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Istanbul Clues travel guide is designed to introduce you to the history, museums, restaurants and culture of istanbul.

Private Tour Guide in Istanbul

Author of this blog, Serhat Engul, is a licensed tour guide based in Istanbul.

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You can choose the length of your voyage from the “Short Circle” and “Long Circle” options; shorter journeys are perfect for those with limited time or money. Public ferries would be a good option to get a feel for the local culture at a reasonable price while yet being surrounded by friendly locals. You can see their timetables and routes from sehirhatlari.istanbul

On the other end of the spectrum lie the  luxurious private yachts , a realm where opulence knows no bounds. These cruises redefine indulgence, offering an exclusive and intimate experience for those willing to splurge. The  private yacht option  not only guarantees privacy but also allows you to craft a bespoke journey, tailoring every nuance of the cruise to your desires, whether it’s a surprise event or a romantic escapade.

No Regrets Booking Advice

As for  middle ground ,  themed cruises  present themselves as curated experiences that offer more than just a scenic ride along the Bosphorus. The  Sunset Cruise ,  Lunch Cruise , and  Dinner Cruise with Entertainment  are  prime examples . The additional value justifies the higher price tag compared to public ferries. Cruises like these are a great way to experience a little luxury without having to pay for an exclusive yacht, thanks to the gourmet cuisine, entertaining shows, and beautiful scenery—whether it’s the setting sun or the city lights—that accompany them.

When it comes to the middle ground , themed cruises provide more than simply a beautiful journey around the Bosphorus. They sell themselves as carefully designed experiences. Dinner cruises with entertainment , lunch cruises , and sunset cruises are some examples.

When compared to public boats, the extra price is justified by the added value. These cruises are an excellent way to enjoy a little luxury without having to shell out for an exclusive yacht because they come with gourmet food, exciting shows, and stunning scenery that includes the setting sun and city lights.

You can search for Bosphorus boat tour companies that prioritize customer convenience, safety, security, and instructional narratives.

Best Bosphorus Cruise Companies in Istanbul

There is a Bosphorus cruise company in Istanbul for every type of traveler, whether they like tradition, comfort, elegance, or a tailor-made adventure. Below you can find our picks.

1. Mega Lüfer Yacht – HGR Cruise Travel Agency

An iconic landmark along the Bosphorus in Istanbul, Lüfer Boats has been setting sail since 1979 and provides tours, rentals, and once-in-a-lifetime event opportunities.

The company’s fleet of owned and chartered boats can accommodate groups ranging from small gatherings to larger celebrations, and with over 40 years of experience , it curates moments against the breathtaking backdrop of Istanbul’s seas. Lüfer Boats is more than a provider of services; it is a heritage of amazing nautical experiences, having pioneered marine tourism.

You can book below their best Bosphorus cruise

Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table

This is one of the best Bosphorus night cruises with dinner and entertainment. Also one of the most attended ones. Take in sights of the Bosphorus on board a Mega Lufer Yacht . Enjoy the city view with a 3-course meal while you listen to live music and watch stage performances at private tables. It has excellent number of over 11000 and 5/5 reviews on GetYourGuide.

• Yacht cruise with onboard Wi-Fi
• Dinner (9 types of mixed Turkish appetizers, hot starter, main course, dessert, and fruit)
• Unlimited soft drinks
• Live entertainment program
• Alcoholic drinks (if option selected), Turkish coffee and tea
• Private table
• Hotel pickup and drop-off is from Sultanahmet, Taksim, Sirkeci, Sütlüce, Kağıthane, Kabataş, Eminönü, Şişli, Aksaray, Karaköy, Levent and Beyoğlu areas.

You can easily see that this Mega Lufer Yacht sells the most and has over 10,000 five star reviews.

You can use public transport to come to the boat. The pier is located in Kabatas , about 5 minutes walking distance from Galataport and Dolmabahce Palace. If you take the F1 Funicular from Taksim, you can reach Kabatas in 5-10 minutes. You can come to Kabatas by T1 tram from Sultanahmet, Eminonu or Karakoy. Pier location Google Maps

If you choose hotel pickup, you can be picked up and dropped off from various locations, such as Sultanahmet, Taksim, Sirkeci, Sütlüce, Kağıthane, Kabataş, Eminönü, Şişli, Aksaray, Karaköy, Levent and Beyoğlu. You should wait in the hotel lobby at least 10 minutes before the scheduled pickup time. The pickup service starts between 30 to 90 minutes before the boat departure.

Free cancellation with a FULL REFUND up to 24 hours in advance

Book Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table by Getyourguide

Book Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table by Viator

2. Dentur Avrasya Boats

The Dentur Avrasya , which is known for being elegant, raises the bar for Bosphorus cruises. When you get on one of their fancy boats, you can see the whole city from the windows that surround it. With great service and attention to detail, Dentur Avrasya makes sure that every person has a magical trip.

You can book below their best Bosphorus cruises

2 hour Bosphorus & Golden Horn Cruise Daytime or Sunset

This is by Travelgroup Turizm ve Tic. A.S. . You can both witness and enjoy Bosphorus and Golden Horn together with audio guide . The two-hour bout trip takes you from Europe to the 2nd Bosphorus bridge and back along the Asian coast.

• Dolmabahce Palace, Ciragan Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, Bosphorus Bridge, Rumeli Fortress, and Beylerbeyi Palace are tour highlights .
• See Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Maiden Tower, and Galata Tower while cruising. Your English-speaking tour guide and the multilingual audio guide app on your smartphone will enhance your experience.
• Experience Istanbul’s beauty on this Bosphorus and Golden Horn cruise.

Book Bosphorus Cruise with Audio App

90 minute Bosphorus Cruise with Audio App

This is by Travelgroup Turizm ve Tic. A.S. . Again one of the most attended and best ones. You’ll also get audio guide and Bosphorus Map . With views of both continents available at the same time, this fascinating voyage takes place against the backdrop of the Orient and Occident.

• Take in the expansive views of the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace, and Galata Tower. Take pleasure in the sight of genuine municipal architecture that highlights the city’s rich cultural heritage and history and graces the shores of Europe and Asia.
• An audio guide for your smartphone is included with this 90-minute Bosphorus cruise, and it is accessible in English, French, Chinese, Spanish, German, Arabic, Polish, Turkish, Russian, and Italian.
• A Bosphorus map will improve your experience and make sure you don’t miss anything important on this fascinating tour through the center of Istanbul.

Princes’ Islands Cruise by Dentur Avrasya Boats

You’ll have about 75 minutes ferry ride to the Princes’ Island, the Buyukada. While you have a fantastic Bosphorus ride, you can admire the beautiful skyline of Istanbul at the open air deck, enjoy refreshments from the kiosk or listen to the stories about the Bosphorus from the audio guide app on your smartphone.

• Round Trip Tickets mostly Include: Round-Trip ticket to the Princes’ Island, Fast track entry on boat from the online ticket window, audio guide app for IOS and Android in 10 languages: English, French, German, Italian, Polish, Russian, Spanish, Turkish, Arabic, Chinese

You can pick one of the best ones below

• Round-Trip Ticket for Princes’ Island Ferry & Audio Guide
• Princes’ Islands Cruise w/Music, Lunch & Transfer
• Full-Day Princes Island Tour with Lunch from Istanbul

3. Turyol Boats

Turyol is another leading Bopshorus cruise and boat tours company, providing great services for their passengers.

They have fleet of 60 passenger boats, 2 vehicle ships, 8 tourist boats, and 4 service boats, and offer a wide range of comprehensive nautical experiences.They provide excellent services and guarantees their travelers to enjoy the highest levels of comfort, safety, and enjoyment on every trip.

Bosphorus Dinner Cruise: Luxury, Turkish Night Show

This is one of the best selling dinner cruises made by the official Turyol Bosfor boat . This three-hour excursion is ideal for couples, families, and friends looking for a special night in Istanbul. The package includes a Bosphorus Strait dinner cruise, a lively cultural display, and a water cruise.The boat awaits dinner cruisers at the pier. A modern, pleasant ship with indoor and outdoor seating and a bar serving drinks and food awaits you.

You’ll see the Bosphorus Bridge, Dolmabahce Palace, and Maiden’s Tower lit up as the boat leaves. The Bosphorus divides the city’s European and Asian sides. A superb dinner on board with traditional Turkish dishes is the highlight of this expedition. A sensory feast, the evening includes local wines and soft drinks.

After dinner, the “Turkish Night Show” will feature traditional music, dancing, and costumes. The show includes folk, belly, cultural, and live music. All show Turkey’s colorful culture. Dance to the music to make the interaction more enjoyable.

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• 3-hour Bosphorus cruise Dinner with vegetarian options
• Unlimited alcoholic drinks
• Turkish night show program (1.5 hours)
• Live DJ Turkish coffee and tea

Book Bosphorus Dinner Cruise: Luxury, Turkish Night Show

Bosphorus Dinner Cruise and Turkish Night Show

This is also one of the best and the most attended Bosphorus dinner cruises with entertainment. It’s made along the Bosphorus as you eat Turkish food, see Byzantine and Ottoman sites, and enjoy folk and belly dancing. It has great GetYourGuide reviews.

You’ll cruise between Europe and Asia under the Bosphorus and Fatih Sultan Mehmed bridges while dining and seeing Istanbul’s sights, including Dolmabahçe Palace. Ottoman summer palaces, Rumeli Castle, Anatolian Castle, and coastal houses are stunning.

• This cruise combines cultural events, delicious food, and magnificent vistas to provide an amazing evening on Istanbul’s seas.
• Hotel pickup and drop-off, Air-conditioned coach
• Cruise, Dinner
• Unlimited local soft drinks, Unlimited alcoholic drinks
• Live entertainment and dance performances

Book Bosphorus Dinner Cruise and Turkish Night Show

4. Boats by Bosphorus Tours Istanbul

Established in 2005, Bosphorus Tours Istanbul is a very good company. They server both domestic and international guests with their quality boats and service.

They provide Daily Bosphorus Cruises, Dining Cruises, Special Events, Private Yacht Tours, and City Tours. Especially their sunset cruises is very popular.

Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Luxury Yacht

This is one of the best and the most attended Bosphorus cruises. 2,5 hours cruise on a 25 meters luxury yacht . It is made on a luxury yacht and has a badge of excellence with over 400 5/5 stars reviews on Viator, and 335 excellent reviews and stars on GetYourGuide.

• Highlights: Complimentary drinks and canapés are provided while you sail, find out about the history of Istanbul’s landmarks from your on-board guide, a cruise for all seasons: set sail at any time of the year, weather permitting, set out from an easy-to-find waterfront meeting point near public transport
• Includes: Professional tour guide, Light snacks, Cookies, Baklava, Fresh seasonal fruits platter, Homemade lemonade in the summer months, Fresh fruit juice in the winter months, Bottled water, Tea, Coffee, Small group cruise
• Departure: Kabatas pier (see location map )

Book Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Luxury Yacht by Viator

Book Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Luxury Yacht by GetYourGuide

5. Boats by Velena Travel

For over 20 years, Velena Travel provides high quality Bosphorus sightseeing cruises to their guests. They offer top-quality experiences at affordable prices, and specialize in small group and private yacht cruises. They have a group A grade travel agency license from TURSAB.

Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on a Luxurious Yacht 

This is a great sunset cruise along the Bosphorus Strait to see both the European and Asian sides of Istanbul. 2,5 hours Sunset Cruise by Luxury Yacht . At Kabatas Pier, you can get on their luxury yacht and start your trip while enjoying traditional Turkish drinks and delicious canapés. As your guide talks about the city’s long history, you’ll be able to picture famous sites like palaces, minarets, and landmarks.

In addition to the stunning scenery, this guided tour includes free beverages like coffee, tea, handmade lemonade, and a delicious assortment of nibbles. Stop for photos at scenic locations to remember the beautiful sunset drive. Enjoy a great boat ride while taking in the breathtaking views of Istanbul’s skyline.

Book Sunset Cruise on a Luxury Yacht by Viator

Book Sunset Cruise on a Luxurious Yacht by Getyourguide

6. Boats by Stambultour Travel Agency

Stambultour Travel Agency , operates under the TURSAB and licensed by the Ministry of Tourism since 2022. They offer professional service with maximum comfort for their guests. They have expert guides.

Sunset Yacht Tour w/AudioGuide & Snacks

This is one of the best private cruises on a luxury yacht. 2 hours cruise on a 20 meters luxury yacht . You can enjoy the beauties of Istanbul on a private luxurious yacht while having your dinner or lunch served by a professional crew. The yacht accommodates up to 15 people . Good for small groups.

Their dedicated team will provide you with light snacks and seasonal fruits while you take in the sights, so transforming your cruise into a delightful gourmet experience. Includes:

• Bosphorus Strait cruise on a 20-meter luxury yacht
• Tea, water, and coffee
• Homemade mini pizza snack
• Fresh seasonal fruits, Mixed nuts
• Audio guide app in 6 languages

Book Sunset Yacht Tour w/AudioGuide & Snacks

7. Pereme Boats by Dentur Avrasya

Pereme Boats is one of the most popular ones operated by famous Denturavrasya company. They provide high quality Bosphorus tours with a unique perspective, offering an unforgettable blend of enjoyment, comfort, and safety for their guests. They also specialized in significant occasions like weddings, henna parties, graduations, corporate meetings, and Turkish nights. They have a modern fleet and a dedicated team.

8. Catamaran Mobydick

The Catamaran Mobydick is the largest catamaran in Turkey, boasting an impressive capacity of 800 persons. With a length of 40 meters and a width of 18 meters, they provide the best quality of service for its guests with the Bosphorus cruises. With its three decks, each spanning 650 square meters, Catamaran Mobydick is designed to minimize the impact of waves, providing a stable and comfortable experience.

Bosphorus Luxury Catamaran Cruise with Dinner Show

This is one of the best Bosphorus dinner cruises with entertainment. It is made along Bosphorus as you dine on Turkish meze, marvel at monuments from the Byzantine and Ottoman empires, and enjoy a full program of entertainment, such as folk and belly dancing. It has excellent number of very good reviews .

This excursion will take you on a gourmet and cultural journey, set against the magnificent backdrop of Istanbul’s cityscape. You’ll admire the renowned monuments like Dolmabahce Palace, the Bosphorus Bridge, and the Anatolian Fortress while indulging in the rich tapestry of Turkish cuisine and entertainment.

• Includes: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Private table, 3-course dinner, Unlimited alcoholic drinks or soft drinks, Turkish dance show, Live DJ
• Boat name: Majesty Mobydick Catamaran
• Their team mates will be waiting for you at the meeting point.

Book Bosphorus Luxury Catamaran Cruise with Dinner Show

9. Boats by Tour Book Turkey

Tour Book Turkey is a good company and online platform for day trips, guided tours, airport transfers, and activities. Their Bosphorus cruises also popular and provides guaranteed lowest prices.

Sunset Cruise on a Luxury Yacht 

This is one of the best Bosphorus sunset cruises made with a luxury yacht. You are able to enjoy Bosphorus during sunset, marvel at great landmarks like the Dolmabahce Palace, Rumeli Fortress, and the iconic Maiden and Galata Towers.

This guided tour will provide you a great experience with the breathtaking views of Istanbul in the company of complimentary refreshments, featuring coffee, tea, homemade lemonade, and a delightful array of tasty snacks. You’ll also enjoy photo stops to capture the enchanting moments of your sunset journey.

• Tick off top sights on both European and Asian sides of the city
• Enjoy coffee, tea, homemade lemonade, and an array of tasty snacks
• Tours include photo stops to capture souvenirs of the sunset journey
• A pleasant tour accompanied by an experienced guide
• Complimentary drinks, homemade lemonade with fresh mint, tea and coffee
• Luxury yacht decorated with passengers’ comfort in mind
• Delicious canapés and snacks served aboard
• Daily prepared fresh season fruits plate
• Coffee and/or Tea Turkish Baklava Indoors & covers (safe from rain)

Book Sunset Cruise on a Luxury Yacht

10. Sehir Hatlari (Public Ferries) – Cruise like locals

The Istanbul Public Ferries  is the most easiest, cheapest and the most pleasant way to travel up, down and across the Bosphorus. They are called Sehir Hatları in Turkish. With a fleet adorned in Ottoman elegance, the ferries weave tradition and modernity.

You’ll find ten main ferry docks to choose from and enjoy a Bosphorus tour. Ferry docks are situated in  Karakoy, Kabatas, Besiktas  and in  Eminonu  on the European side;  Uskudar  and  Kadikoy  on the Asian side.

There are total 48 piers and 22 public ferry lines along the Bosphorus. The lines are priced according to the distance travelled.

Istanbul’s Public Ferries has  two main lines  that include;  Domestic Trips  and  Bosphorus Tours . They operate every 15-20 minutes until 23:00 pm.

Wanna learn more about Istanbul Public Ferries?

How to Book a Bosphorus Cruise?

Booking a Bosphorus Cruise is quite simple. You can reserve your spot online through various tour websites , or directly purchase tickets at the Eminönü or Kabatas Piers . We recommend you buy tickets online from the trusted providers for a hassle-free experience,  especially during peak tourist seasons.

If you buy online you also will have skip-the-lines, and have chance to cancel and have a refund very easily. Below you can see the best Bosphorus cruises online tickets.

Best of Bosphorus Cruises by GetYourGuide

Best of bosphorus cruises by viator.

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Turyol Bosphorus Tour & Traditional Ferry Service, Istanbul

The Turyol Ferry Service is an alternative to the IDO city ferry service , and runs more of less along the same routes – but their ferries are more modern, with a more frequent service, and faster.

In fact, there’s a 2 hour IDO Bosphorus Tour, which only takes 1 1/2 hours on a Turyol ferry.

Turyol has may great progress with their website, and it’s now available in English.

[important] Visit the Turyol Website for more information [/important]

Read more: This embedded 360 view is from myistanbulinfo.com

Author: Roving Jay

7 thoughts on “ turyol bosphorus tour & traditional ferry service, istanbul ”.

• Pingback: IDO Public Bosphorus Tour & Traditional Ferry Service, Istanbul

Will i get to see both continents?

Absolutely! Grab a ferry and go for a quick trip over to the other side. Or take the long tour up the Bosphorus, which makes numerous stops on both continents. The short Bosphorus tour, only goes as far as the Bosphorus Bridge before turning round – it doesn’t make any mainland stops.

• Pingback: Turyol istanbul | Tervola

I would really love to travel and visit Istanbul the people and culture

Relax and enjoy your life with some vacation rewards.

Absolutely loving the Bosphorus tour vibes! Thanks for taking us along on this traditional ferry ride through Istanbul. Your insights and stunning photos make me feel like I’m right there with you. Ready to set sail on my own Turkish adventure!

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TurYol Ferryboats, Istanbul

Last Updated on May 7, 2019

A private boat owners’ cooperative named  TurYol  operates a system of ferryboats in  Istanbul  similar to that of  Dentur Avrasya ferries , connecting the busiest docks on both sides of the Bosphorus

Though the  Şehir Hatları ferries  have the more prominent “official” ferry docks, the  TurYol  docks are usually nearby.  Here’s a map of the  Eminönü docks .

For example, at the  Eminönü  ferry docks  on the  Golden Horn , the  Şehir Hatları  ferries depart from docks on the east side of  Galata Bridge , (toward the  Bosphorus ) and  TurYol  ferries depart from the west side (toward the  Golden Horn ), heading for  Üsküdar ,  Kadıköy , the  Bosphorus  and the  Princes Islands .

Here’s info on the 1-1/2-hour  TurYol Bosphorus cruise , a viable alternative to the 6-hour  traditional ferry cruise .

To take a  TurYol  ferry, go to  Eminönü , make your way to the west (inland) side of the  Galata Bridge  on the south shore of the  Golden Horn , and look for the cluster of  TurYol boats , as well as for the  terminal  and  ticket booth .  More…

You can also depart from  Kadıköy  on a  TurYol Bosphorus cruise. More…

Here’s the  TurYol website —not very easy to use.

—by  Tom Brosnahan

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15 Best Bosphorus Cruises and Boat Tours in Istanbul (2024)

Welcome to the enchanting world of Bosphorus cruises and boat tours in Istanbul, where the East and West gracefully meet on the shimmering waters of this iconic strait. Istanbul, a city that straddles two continents, boasts a rich tapestry of history, culture, and breathtaking views that can be best appreciated from the deck of a boat. In 2024, we bring you the ultimate guide to the top 15 Bosphorus cruise and boat tours in Istanbul, ensuring that your Istanbul adventure is nothing short of extraordinary.

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🚗 First Time in Istanbul? Be Prepared & Carefree!

Istanbul: Private Airport Transfer with Meet and Greet 🌟 4.4 / 5 (318 reviews)

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Istanbul: Bosphorus Cruise w/Audio Guide and Sunset Option 🌟 4.0 / 5 (1246 reviews) – Cheapest Option

Whether you’re seeking a serene daytime voyage or a captivating evening under the stars, Istanbul’s diverse range of cruise options has something to offer every traveler. Join us as we embark on a journey to explore the very best this city has to offer, from the bustling shores to the tranquil depths of the Bosphorus. Get ready to set sail and immerse yourself in the magic of Istanbul’s maritime marvels.

Our Top Picks: Unforgettable Bosphorus Boat Tours in Istanbul

Luxury bosphorus cruises in istanbul: sailing in style on private yachts.

Indulge in an exclusive experience that elevates your Bosphorus cruise to a whole new level of luxury. Private yacht cruises offer a heightened sense of privacy and opulence that’s perfect for those seeking an intimate and unforgettable journey. These yachts can be rented, allowing you to enjoy a personalized adventure with your chosen companions, whether it’s a romantic getaway, a family outing, or a celebration with friends.

Istanbul Sunset Cruise – Luxurious Yacht Cruise with Live Guide on the Bosphorus

Embark on an unforgettable journey aboard the Istanbul Sunset Cruise, a luxurious yacht experience that promises to redefine your perception of Istanbul’s beauty. This cruise, designed to capture the magic of the evening, offers a host of captivating highlights, ensuring an evening you’ll cherish forever.

• Sail in Style: Step aboard the luxurious yacht and sail into the radiant Bosphorus sunset.
• Personalized Service: Enjoy intimate service with delicious canapés, snacks, and fine wine.
• Iconic Sights: Glide past landmarks like Dolmabahce Palace and under the Bosphorus Bridge.
• Historical Insights: Learn from expert guides about Rumeli Fortress and Ottoman history.
• Perfect Photos: Capture stunning sunset shots with Dolmabahce Palace in the foreground.
• Culinary Delights: Savor canapés and wine, enhancing your Istanbul voyage.

Itinerary of the Istanbul Sunset Cruise – Luxurious Yacht Cruise with Live Guide on the Bosphorus :

The meeting point is: ”KARAKÖY SEHIR HATLARI (Karaköy Pier) > Dolmabahce Palace > Ortakoy > Bosphorus Bridge > Bebek Park > Rumeli Fortress > Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge > Kanlica Meydani > Anadolu Hisari Fort > Kucuksu Pavilion > Beylerbeyi Palace > Maiden’s Tower > Galata Tower.

Bosphorus Yacht Cruise with Asian Side Stopover – (Morning or Afternoon)

Experience the best of Istanbul on this captivating Bosphorus Yacht Cruise. Set sail from Kabataş and cruise between two continents, all while enjoying the comforts of a yacht and expert commentary from a multilingual guide.

Charming Stopover: Visit Kanlica on the Asian side, savor local flavors, and explore picturesque streets.

Iconic Sights: Pass under the Bosphorus bridges, see the Rumeli Fortress, and capture Istanbul’s changing skyline.

Insider Insights: Your guide shares stories and historical facts, enriching your understanding of Istanbul’s heritage.

Historical Significance: Learn about the Bosphorus’ evolution from a military channel to a trade route, crucial in Istanbul’s history.

• Starting Point: Kabataş > Dolmabahce Mosque > Dolmabahce Palace > Ortaköy > Bosphorus Bridge > Rumeli Hisari > Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge > Rumeli Hisari > Beylerbeyi Palace > Maiden’s Tower.
• Arrive back at: Kabataş

This 2.5-hour cruise offers a delightful exploration of Istanbul’s contrasting yet harmonious sides. With a return to Kabataş, your journey will leave you with cherished memories and a newfound appreciation for this captivating city.

Check the availability of the Bosphorus Yacht Cruise with Asian Side Stopover – (Morning or Afternoon) now:

2.5 Hours Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Luxury Yacht with Snacks

Escape the crowds and witness the enchanting Istanbul sunset from the tranquil deck of a luxury yacht. This extraordinary Bosphorus Sunset Cruise offers a unique perspective on the city’s most iconic landmarks, ensuring an unforgettable evening.

Spectacular Sunset Views: Istanbul’s charm comes alive as the sun sets, offering unparalleled city views from your luxury yacht.

Exclusive Bosphorus Experience: Glide past iconic landmarks like Dolmabahce Palace, Rumeli Fortress, and Maiden’s Tower, all transformed when seen from the water.

Delight in Turkish Treats: Enjoy traditional snacks and beverages, creating a delightful flavor combination as you watch the sunset.

Pass By Iconic Landmarks: Your journey includes the Bosphorus Bridge, KIz Kulesi (Maiden’s Tower), and Galata Tower, revealing the city’s rich history and architectural grandeur.

• Meeting Point: KARAKÖY SEHIR HATLARI (Karaköy Pier)
• Cruise Route (Passing by): Bosphorus Bridge > KIz Kulesi > Galata Tower > Dolmabahce Palace > Rumeli Fortress > Beylerbeyi Palace > Ortakoy > Anadolu Hisari Fort > Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge > Kucuksu Pavilion.

Istanbul 3 Hours Boat Cruise in Bosphorus and Golden Horn

Experience the heart of Istanbul from the serene waters of the Bosphorus and the captivating Golden Horn during this 3-hour boat cruise. This narrated tour offers a unique perspective of Istanbul’s rich history and top attractions.

Scenic Bosphorus Cruise: As you embark on this cruise, you’ll be treated to picturesque views of Istanbul’s most renowned landmarks. Pass by iconic sites such as the Galata Tower, Dolmabahce Palace, and the historic Topkapi Palace, each narrated with enriching commentary.

Cross Continents: This adventure takes you from Europe to Asia and back, allowing you to experience the unique charm of both sides of Istanbul. Enjoy free time on the Anatolian side to explore at your own pace.

Morning or Afternoon Departures: Choose between morning and afternoon departures for added flexibility, making it easier to fit this cruise into your Istanbul itinerary.

Meeting point:

• Ragıp Gümüşpala Cd. No:36 Sarıdemir, Ragıp Gümüşpala Cd. No:36, 34134 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

Cruise Route: Galata Koprusu > Istanbul Resim Ve Heykel Muzesi, Mimar Sinan Guzel Sanatlar Universitesi > Dolmabahce Mosque > Dolmabahce Palace > Ortakoy > Hidiv Kasri > Rumeli Fortress > Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge > Anadolu Hisari Fort > Kucuksu Pavilion > Askeri Muze ve Kultur Sitesi KomutanlIgI > Beylerbeyi Palace (Leather shopping stop) > KIz Kulesi > Topkapi Palace > Bosphorus Bridge > Anatolian Side (1-hour stop for photos and exploration)

This 3-hour boat cruise offers an immersive exploration of Istanbul’s historic and scenic treasures. With the opportunity to traverse continents and uncover the city’s rich heritage, it’s a journey that promises unforgettable memories of this captivating city.

Small-Group Bosphorus Yacht Cruise in Istanbul

Discover Istanbul’s breathtaking Bosphorus in style and comfort on a 2.5-hour small-group yacht cruise that offers both relaxation and enlightenment. This elegant journey allows you to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, offering a unique perspective on Istanbul’s beauty. With a maximum of 30 passengers, you’ll enjoy uninterrupted 360° views of the iconic Bosphorus Strait.

Embark on this captivating voyage between Europe and Asia along Istanbul’s enchanting Bosphorus Strait. As you sail, witness the harmonious blend of East and West, all under the guidance of a multilingual expert. Enjoy a stopover on the Asian side to explore Kanlica, a district that has defied the sands of time and boasts stunning beauty.

Meeting Point: Kabatas Iskelesi.

What’s Included:

• 2.5-Hour Bosphorus cruise on a 25-meter luxury yacht.
• Knowledgeable guide to enhance your experience.
• Enjoy a selection of light snacks, including cookies, Turkish baklava, and a fresh fruit platter.
• Stay refreshed with homemade lemonade or fresh fruit juice, tea, and coffee.
• Experience uninterrupted 360° views of the iconic Bosphorus Strait.
• Explore the charming district of Kanlica during a stopover on the Asian side.

With 18 stops along the way, this small-group Bosphorus yacht cruise promises an unforgettable experience in Istanbul.

Istanbul: Sunset or Daytime Yacht Tour with AudioGuide & Snacks

Step aboard our 20-meter yacht and embark on a unique journey to discover Istanbul from a completely different perspective as you cruise along the breathtaking Bosphorus Strait, bridging two continents. This exclusive experience welcomes groups of up to 16 people, ensuring an intimate and memorable outing.

Bosphorus Sights: From the pristine deck of our snow-white yacht, you’ll have the privilege of gazing upon a plethora of Istanbul’s iconic landmarks. Marvel at the grandeur of Dolmabahce Palace, the charm of the Old Town, and the fascinating meeting point of Europe and Asia.

A Feast for the Senses: While you soak in the mesmerizing views of the Bosphorus, our dedicated staff is at your service. Indulge in a delightful array of light snacks and savor the freshest seasonal fruits, complemented by refreshing tea, water, and coffee.

AudioGuide App: Enhance your cruise with an audio guide app that provides intriguing insights into the history and significance of the sights you’ll encounter along the way.

• Bosphorus Strait cruise on a 20-meter luxury yacht.
• Stay refreshed with complimentary tea, water, and coffee.
• Delight your taste buds with a selection of light snacks and fresh seasonal fruits.
• Immerse yourself in the rich history of Istanbul with an audio guide app.
• Gratuities for the attentive staff.
• Optional: Alcohol drinks for those seeking an extra indulgence.

Bonus: Private Luxury Yacht Rental and Tours in Istanbul

Elevate your Istanbul experience to the pinnacle of luxury with our exclusive Private Yacht Rental. This bespoke offering allows you and your select group of up to 8 individuals to embark on a personalized journey through the stunning Bosphorus Strait, ensuring an unparalleled and intimate voyage.

Luxury Private Yacht Rental in Istanbul for Two

Experience an unforgettable private Bosphorus cruise in Istanbul, where you’ll have the entire yacht to yourself. Glide along both the Asian and European shores, passing iconic landmarks like Dolmabahçe Palace, Çirağan Palace, Rumeli Fortress, and the Bosphorus Bridge. Enjoy an intimate two-hour cruise with panoramic views of Istanbul’s historic sites.

Convenient Start: Begin your adventure with a hotel pick-up in a comfortable, non-smoking van, ensuring a hassle-free experience. You’ll depart approximately 30 minutes before your trip.

Historic Highlights: Witness Istanbul’s rich history as you sail by famous landmarks, including Dolmabahce Palace, Ortakoy Mosque, and the Fatih Bridge. If the main yacht is unavailable, you’ll have the option of an equally high-quality alternative.

Flexible Scheduling: Reserve your cruise at your preferred time. We accommodate your schedule, offering you a unique experience whenever you desire.

Seamless Return: After your cruise, enjoy a convenient drop-off at your hotel or within the city center, ensuring a smooth conclusion to your adventure.

Refreshment Included: Complement your journey with complimentary coffee, tea, or soft drinks, enhancing your memorable experience on the Bosphorus.

Istanbul 2-Hour Private Bosphorus Yacht Tour

Experience a private 2-hour yacht tour along Istanbul’s enchanting Bosphorus strait. Relax on your own private deck as you and your companion soak up the sun and admire iconic sights like the Bosphorus Bridge. Your adventure begins at the pier, where you’ll board your private yacht for a scenic journey along both the European and Asian shores.

Marvel at the impressive Dolmabahce Palace, Ciragan Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, Rumeli Fortress, and Anadolu Fortress. Take in panoramic views from the spacious upper fly-bridge or unwind on the sun deck or comfortable indoor and outdoor lounges.

During your cruise, enjoy complimentary tea, coffee, or water, all available upon request. Additionally, you can indulge in alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages and cocktails from our on-board bar (purchase required).

At the conclusion of your cruise, you’ll be conveniently dropped off at the pier.

What is included:

• 2-hour private yacht rental for a Bosphorus sightseeing cruise.
• Professional crew on board to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
• Fuel for the cruise.
• Free WiFi on board.
• Pick-up and drop-off at a selected pier on the European side of Istanbul city-center.
• Complimentary tea, coffee, and water available on board.

“>Bosphorus Dinner Cruise by Catamaran with a Private Table

• Discover the Bosphorus Strait: Cruise between the European and Asian sides of Istanbul, allowing you to explore the unique beauty of the Bosphorus Strait.
• Entertainment Variety: Enjoy traditional and Latin dances, as well as a live DJ performance during your cruise, ensuring a memorable evening.
• Iconic Palaces: Admire the historic palaces that grace the Bosphorus shores, adding to the enchantment of your journey.

• The boat is ready at the pier at 08:30 pm, with appetizers awaiting you at your private table, and the option to order drinks.
• Departure from the pier occurs at 09:00 pm, and the cruise returns around 11:30 pm, resulting in an approximate tour duration of 3 hours.
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off with comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles (depending on the option).
• Turkish dances and shows, along with a DJ performance.
• Unlimited soft drinks.
• Private table.
• Photo shoot.

Meeting Point:

• Kabataş, Ömer Avni, 34427 Beyoğlu, İstanbul, Türkiye
• Bosphorus Bridge (Pass By) > Rumeli Fortress (Pass By) > Anadolu Hisari Fort (Pass By) > Kız Kulesi (Pass By) > Beylerbeyi Palace (Pass By) > Dolmabahce Palace (Pass By).

Istanbul: Bosphorus Night Dinner Cruise

Experience the enchanting Bosphorus Night Dinner Cruise as you sail along the captivating waterway that separates Europe from Asia. This memorable journey takes you under suspension bridges, past Ottoman summer palaces, splendid waterside mansions, and modern villas, all while reveling in the stunning views of Istanbul at night.

• Scenic Cruise: Commence your journey with hotel pickup, then board the cruise ship waiting in the Bosphorus Strait. As you sail between Europe and Asia, admire the views under suspension bridges and take in sights like Ottoman summer palaces, waterfront mansions, and modern villas.
• Culinary Experience: Your evening begins with a welcome cocktail followed by a delectable spread of 10 cold starters. Enjoy a fresh seasonal salad and your choice of three main course options: grilled fish, chicken steak, or meatballs, accompanied by delightful sides.
• Beverage Choices: During your meal, relish unlimited local non-alcoholic beverages. Alternatively, opt for the alcoholic drinks package (if selected), which includes local wines, beers, gin, vodka, and raki.
• Entertainment: While dining, delight in onboard entertainment featuring an Anatolian folk band, traditional Turkish musical performances, Romany dancing, and a mesmerizing belly dancing show, enhancing your cultural experience.

What’s Included in Bosphorus Night Dinner Cruises in Istanbul :

• Hotel pick-up and drop-off (from city center hotels on the European side).
• Evening cruise along the Bosphorus.
• Unlimited soft drinks during dinner.
• Unlimited alcoholic drinks during dinner (if option selected), including local wine, beers, gin, vodka, and raki.

City Bosphorus Tours with Guides and Lunch

Guided Bosphorus Strait and Black Sea Day Cruise from Istanbul with Lunch

• Dual-Continent Voyage: Embark on a full-day cruise, traversing the Bosphorus Strait that separates Asia and Europe, and sail into the Black Sea, making it a journey spanning two continents.
• Scenic Delights: Cruise along the Bosphorus Strait and feast your eyes on the mesmerizing vistas, including the exquisite Ortaköy neighborhood, the ornate Küçüksu Palace, and the historic Rumeli Fortress.
• Palatial Visits: Delight in guided tours of Küçüksu Palace, a lavish Ottoman-era hunting lodge, and discover the fascinating history of Rumeli Hisari Fortress, once used for controlling Bosphorus traffic.
• Lunch on Deck: Savor a delectable lunch onboard, featuring options like grilled chicken and Turkish meze, accompanied by refreshing beverages, as you cruise.

Please note: Küçüksu Palace is closed on Mondays and Thursdays, and Rumeli Fortress is closed on Wednesdays. On these days, your visits will be substituted by a visit to the Maiden’s Tower, a medieval island tower that starred in the James Bond movie “The World is Not Enough.”

• Rumeli Fortress (45 minutes): Begin your journey at the iconic Rumeli Fortress, dating back to the 15th century. Situated at the narrowest point of the Bosphorus, this historic stronghold played a pivotal role during the conquest of Istanbul by Mehmed II. (Please note that the fortress is closed on Mondays, and on these days, you will enjoy free time in the charming Bebek neighborhood.)
• Ortakoy (1 hour): Your next stop is Ortaköy, a picturesque district on the European shores of Istanbul. Take your time to explore its neo-baroque buildings, cobbled streets, art shops, galleries, markets, and cafes.

• Bosphorus Sightseeing: As you cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, marvel at the stunning scenery and architectural wonders that grace both the European and Asian banks. Along the way, you’ll pass by notable landmarks such as Kız Kulesi (Maiden’s Tower), Anadolu Kavagi, and the Bosphorus Bridge.
• Kucuksu Pavilion (40 minutes): Discover the historical Kucuksu Pavilion, an exquisite hunting lodge from the 19th century. Explore its opulent interior and soak in the rich history of this royal residence. (Admission ticket included.)
• Buyuk Mecidiye Cami (20 minutes): Visit the Buyuk Mecidiye Cami, also known as the Sultan Abdulmecid Mosque. This 19th-century mosque, crafted by the renowned Balyan family, showcases intricate architectural details and is a testament to Ottoman craftsmanship. (Admission ticket not required.)
• Bosphorus Bridge and Beyond: As you continue your cruise, pass beneath prominent bridges, including the Bosphorus Bridge, Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, and Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge, each connecting the European and Asian sides of Istanbul.

Please note that the specific order and duration of stops may vary depending on the day of your tour. Enjoy this scenic and informative voyage through the heart of Istanbul, exploring its historical and natural beauty.

Istanbul Lunch Cruise: Long Circle Bosphorus Cruise up to Black Sea

• Extended Bosphorus Exploration: Delight in a more extensive circuit Bosphorus lunch cruise that takes you deeper into the heart of Istanbul’s picturesque landscapes. Witness the city’s iconic minarets, grand mansions, historic mosques, and magnificent palaces that adorn its shores.
• Anadolu Kavagi Excursion: Your cruise will lead you to Anadolu Kavagi, a charming fishing village nestled at the point where the Bosphorus meets the Black Sea. Upon arrival, ascend the hill to an ancient fortress that offers breathtaking panoramic views, making it a perfect spot for capturing dramatic photographs.
• Sumptuous 2-Course Lunch: Savor a delectable 2-course lunch on board, complemented by coffee, tea, water, snacks, and fresh fruit. For those seeking alcoholic beverages, they are available for an additional charge.
• Modern and Comfortable Craft: Enjoy the cruise in comfort aboard a modern vessel equipped with air-conditioned indoor seating and outdoor space, allowing you to relish the sea breeze and unobstructed views.

Itinerary of the Istanbul Lunch Cruise: Long Circle Bosphorus Cruise up to Black Sea :

• Hotel Pick-up Service: Your journey begins with convenient pick-up service from hotels located in the Fatih and Taksim areas.
• Bosphorus Exploration: As you embark on your cruise, pass by iconic landmarks such as the Dolmabahce Palace and Dolmabahce Mosque, Bosphorus Bridge, and the scenic Bosphorus Strait. Admire the beauty of Bebek Park, Ortakoy, and the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge along the way.
• Anadolu Kavagi: Reach Anadolu Kavagi and enjoy a 45-minute walk to explore this charming village. Alternatively, you can choose to visit the historic Yoros Castle or simply relax and take in the surroundings.
• Scenic Pass-bys: Continue your journey with pass-bys of prominent attractions like Rumeli Fortress, Beylerbeyi Palace, Kucuksu Pavilion, Anadolu Hisari Fort, Galata Bridge, Galata Tower, and KIz Kulesi.
• Black Sea Coast: Cruise along the mesmerizing Turkish Black Sea Coast and marvel at its stunning vistas.
• Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge: Pass beneath the majestic Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge as you return from your captivating voyage.

Explore Istanbul’s rich heritage and natural beauty on this extended Bosphorus lunch cruise, offering a comprehensive view of this enchanting city and its surroundings.

Don’t Miss The Best Tours and Cruises in Istanbul

Şehir hatları bosphorus tours & cruises in istanbul.

Şehir Hatları, Istanbul’s official ferry company, provides a range of Bosphorus tours that promise exceptional experiences. Here are some of their most popular options. Read more…

Short Circle Istanbul Bosphorus Cruises (Kısa Boğaz Turu)

Ideal for those with limited time, this non-stop tour takes you on a quick yet authentic Bosphorus adventure. Departing twice daily during the high season (April 1st to October 31st), this cruise departs from Eminönü and heads to Istinye, allowing you to witness the beauty of Istanbul from the water in just two hours.

Tickets for this tour are priced at 65 TL (adults) and 32 TL (children under 12).

Full Istanbul Bosphorus Cruises (Uzun Boğaz Turu)

For a more extensive exploration, opt for the Full Bosphorus Tour. This comprehensive journey lasts several hours, covering the entire length of the Bosphorus, all the way to the Black Sea and back. Along the way, the ferry makes stops to let passengers on and off, including a two-hour break in Anadolu Kavağı, where you can enjoy lunch at a local fish restaurant or visit the fortress.

Tickets for this tour are priced at 120 TL (adults) and 60 TL (children under 12).

Moonlight Bosphorus Cruise by Night (Mehtap Gezi)

This enchanting tour mirrors the Full Bosphorus Tour but with a captivating twist—it takes place at night! Offering a mesmerizing view of Istanbul as the sun sets, this cruise is a truly unique experience. The ferry makes a stop in Anadolu Kavağı, where passengers have the opportunity to dine at the fish restaurants along the shore before embarking on a moonlight cruise on the Bosphorus.

Unfortunately, this tour is only available during the months of July and August. Tickets are priced at 130 TL.

Turyol and Dentur Bosphorus Tours in Istanbul

In addition to Şehir Hatları, two private companies, Turyol and Dentur, offer their own Bosphorus tours:

Turyol Bosphorus Tour

Turyol’s tours depart regularly from Eminönü during the high season, with hourly departures starting at 10:00. The tour takes approximately 90 minutes and offers a shorter, but still memorable, Bosphorus experience. Tickets for this tour are priced at 150 TL.

Dentur Bosphorus Tours and Cruises in Istanbul

Dentur operates from Kabataş and provides hourly departures from 12:45 to 17:45. Their trip lasts 1 hour and 45 minutes, offering another convenient option for exploring the Bosphorus. Tickets for this tour are priced at 150 TL.

While these private tours are slightly more expensive than Şehir Hatları, they provide flexibility and convenience with multiple departures.

Conclusion: Bosphorus Tours and Cruises in Istanbul

In conclusion, Istanbul offers a treasure trove of Bosphorus cruises to suit every traveler’s preferences in Istanbul. With Şehir Hatları providing no-nonsense Bosphorus tours, Turyol and Dentur offering flexibility and convenience, and private yacht rentals promising exclusive adventures, navigating the mesmerizing waters of the Bosphorus is an unforgettable journey. Whether you’re seeking a quick and scenic escape, a comprehensive exploration, or a luxurious private yacht cruise, Istanbul’s Bosphorus has it all, making it an iconic destination that beautifully bridges the continents of Europe and Asia. Don’t miss the opportunity to soak in the rich history, breathtaking architecture, and unparalleled beauty that grace the shores of this captivating waterway.

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Istanbul Insider

Istanbul travel guide and advice by locals.

What Bosphorus Cruise Tour to Take in Istanbul?

Last updated: September 22, 2023

A cruise on the Bosphorus is probably the most overlooked Istanbul tourist attraction. Understandable, with such an abundance of historical sightseeing spots in Istanbul and too little time to squeeze them all into your short holiday. But take my advice and set a few hours aside to take an unforgettable Bosphorus tour. Certainly if you’re in town between May and September. You won’t regret it — at least if you follow these simple guidelines.

1. Private Bosphorus Tours

Private Bosphorus cruises  are great value for your money if you do them with reputable and trustworthy companies such as Zoe Yacht. Check out my review of a private Bosphorus cruise I took.

Unfortunately, there are also a lot of less trustworthy options. I see these scenes unfold almost every day: poorly informed tourists willing to take a Bosphorus tour, walking on the docks of Eminönü in search of a Bosphorus cruise. Such companies can spot this kind of behavior from a mile away and offer them a seat on their Bosphorus cruise boat. But please, don’t get tempted by the offer these ‘hustlers’ make. Their tours are overpriced (double and more), shorter, and often on boats that can barely be called seaworthy. Moreover, there is nothing private about a boat you share with 50 to 100 or more strangers.

2. Şehir Hatları Offers the No-Nonsense Bosphorus Tours

Şehir Hatları is Istanbul’s official ferry company. It offers three great Bosphorus tours: Short Circle Bosphorus Cruise, Full Bosphorus Cruise, and the Full Bosphorus Cruise by Night. Unfortunately, the availability of these tours changes according to the season. So do keep on reading and check out the respective links for the most up-to-date departure times. Insider tip: sit outside on the left-hand side of the ship for the best views.

The Şehir Hatları Bosphorus lines sales offices are located on the left docks of Eminönü when coming off the Galata Bridge.

Scenic River Cruise Tours on the Bosphorus

2.1 short circle bosphorus cruise ( kısa boğaz turu ).

First up is the non-stop Short Circle Bosphorus tour. This one is great for people who are pressed for time but don’t want to miss a genuine Bosphorus experience. This tour is available twice a day in summer (April 1 st until October 31 st ), and once a day during the low season. The cruise takes you from Eminönü to Istinye (well past the second bridge that is), and back.

The ferry leaves the Eminönü docks at 14:40 and 15:50, arrives at Ortaköy around 15:10 and 16:20 to pick up more people, and then continues its two-hour non-stop tour. The price per person is 65 TL, 32 TL for children under 12. For the latest updates, check the official timetable .

2.2 Full Bosphorus Cruise ( Uzun Boğaz Turu )

The Full Bosphorus Tour offers a great Bosphorus experience and will take several hours in total. For a mere 120 TL, this cruise will take you from Eminönü all the way to the Black Sea, and back. Each way takes about two hours since the ferry also makes 5 short stops to let people on and off. You must get off the ferry at around 12:30 in Anadolu Kavağı , the last harbor before the Black Sea. This two-hour break gives you the opportunity to grab a (late) lunch in one of the town’s fish restaurants located on the shore and/or visit the fortress.

The ferry does one complete tour a day in summer (April 1 st until October 31 st ). You can board the ferry in Eminönü (10:35) or Beşiktaş (10:50) on the European side, and Üsküdar (11:05) on the Asian side. Do check the official schedule with the latest timetables .

On board, you can use digital guides explaining over 70 points of interest along the way, in 10 different languages (Turkish, English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Russian, Persian, and Arabic). The price for a round trip is 65 TL, 32,5 TL for children under the age of 12.

2.3 Full Bosphorus Cruise by Night ( Mehtap Gezi )

It offers the exact same tour as the regular Full Bosphorus Tour, but you get to see Istanbul at night! The ferry leaves before dusk providing great Istanbul sunset views. It again stops in Anadolu Kavağı for a bit over two hours so people can enjoy dinner in the fish restaurants at the shore. Around 22:30 the ferry departs again for a moonlight cruise on the Bosphorus — a unique experience!

Unfortunately, the Full Bosphorus Tour by Night on the Ferry is only available on Saturdays in July and August. The good news is that it only costs 130 TL. Needless to say, you better buy your tickets in time.

3. Turyol and Dentur

Turyol and Dentur are two private companies that also offer a two-hour Bosphorus tour, similar to the one by Şehir Hatları. The good news is that they have several departures a day. The bad news is that they are more expensive and a bit shoter.

The Turyol Bosphorus tour sales booth is located on the righthand docks of Eminönü when coming off the Galata Bridge, past the fish & bread sellers. During the high season, ferries depart hourly starting 10:00. Last departure time is 20:00 on weekdays, and 21:00 during the weekend. The Bosphorus tour takes about 90 minutes, and costs 150 TL.

The Dentur Bosphorus tour dock and sales booth are located in Kabataş. The ferries depart every hour with the first departure at 12:45 and the last one at 17:45. The trip takes 1h45 and costs 150TL.

Always check the respective websites for the latest schedules and prices.

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission to keep the site ad-free . I only recommend products and companies I use or have used.

Further Recommended Reading

• Why and How Should You Visit the Princes’ Islands in Istanbul?
• Is the Asian Side of Istanbul Worth Visiting
• Bebek, Istanbul’s Trendy Village along the Bosphorus

May 15, 2024 at 9:03 pm

Thank you for useful information.

I have a question: with which of these companies we could visit Maiden’s Tower (Kız Kulesi)? I mean that we would like to stop there.

Erlend says

May 18, 2024 at 9:54 am

None. You can reach the Maiden Tower with their own shuttle service (payable) from the end of Galataport.

Mahmud says

March 27, 2024 at 5:17 pm

Hi, thank you for this valuable information. I have a question, we are planning to visit 7-11 April during Eid. Are the tours still open? If I want to view sunset plus night instanbul view then which tour you suggest please? Thanks in advance 👍

March 27, 2024 at 7:13 pm

Hi, the tours will be operational, but for winter schedule still. The sunset tour offered by Sehir Hatlari will not be available as it only runs in the summer months.

January 18, 2024 at 4:55 pm

Hi! Thank you for the article. It really helps a lot! quick question, do you know different Bosphorus tours an Bosphorus lines? is it the same ferry or not? i’m planning a short tour because i only want to Ortakoy and explore a little bit more there, but unfortunately they don’t stop at the Ortakoy right? So, if it i’s the same, i wil go woth Bosphorus lines only. Thank you for your help.

January 18, 2024 at 8:37 pm

Not sure what you would like to do: – do you want to go from Eminönü to Ortaköy and explore the area while the ship continues its tour – do you want to go from Eminönü to Ortaköy, explore the area for a short time, boatrd the ship again and continue the Bosphorus tour (spoiler: no such tour exists) – do you want to go from to Ortaköy and explore the area, and go back to where you came from

Barry Lewis says

November 23, 2023 at 11:14 pm

Am I correct that the Full Bosphorus Cruise (Uzun Boğaz Turu) is NOT available during the month of March (we’ll plan to be there around March 7 to March 14).

Barry Lewis

November 24, 2023 at 5:06 pm

No, there is one. It leaves in Eminönü at 10:35 and will be back by 16:40 with a 2,5 hour stop at the furthest point. Keep in mind that it can still be very cold in March, so you’ll probably sit inside the whole time.

Nadine says

March 13, 2024 at 11:53 am

Hello wl be there in April after 12 ..would love to do the cruise ..is there a long one with several stops? Wl be staying in Taksim .can you please advise.thx

March 14, 2024 at 7:03 pm

Hi Nadine, do you mean after 12 as in after 12 April 2024 or after 12 as in any day in April but after noon?

November 1, 2023 at 1:16 pm

Very helpful information thank you. Are these tours guided, ie does a guide provide a narrative on route?

November 4, 2023 at 11:33 am

No, they are not.

October 31, 2023 at 11:08 pm

Thank you for this information. Extremely helpful. Do you know what time the short tour departs in the inter season? (2 November 2023). I have checked the schedule and cannot seem to work it out.

Thanks in advance.

November 1, 2023 at 12:32 am

They’re currently in winter mode, which means that the short tour departs daily from Eminönü at 14:40.

Waldemar Kowalski says

September 22, 2023 at 5:32 am

Thank you for the invaluable information and your detail in representing Turkey and Istanbul!

The current tariffs (according to https://www.sehirhatlari.istanbul/en/price-list/bosphorus-tours-78 ) are 120 TL round trip for the long tour, 65 for the short tour, and 130 for the moonlight tour.

We are looking forward to using a LOT of your information

September 22, 2023 at 11:30 am

Hi, thanks for sharing. I’ll adjust the price … a never-ending story I’m afraid with the current inflation.

Carl Shinoda says

January 17, 2024 at 3:11 am

Thank you for your amazing article. It’s very helpful. One thing i wish to find out is, you mentioned there is a digital guide on board the long tour which cost 65TL. Is it a device they provide with earphone set or an app to download off our phones? If neither one, what is it?

January 17, 2024 at 7:25 pm

I’m guessing it’s an app these days.

September 16, 2023 at 12:23 am

do you know if there is a Boat tour leaving from Karaköy?

September 16, 2023 at 1:39 pm

No, no Bosphorus tours from Karaköy.

September 11, 2023 at 11:28 pm

Hi. Is their a sunset cruise ( preferably non/dinner)that leaves from and returns to Kadikoy

September 11, 2023 at 11:31 pm

When do you plan to go?

Brett Jones says

July 22, 2023 at 12:46 pm

Can you tell me which pier in Kadiköy the night cruise leaves from on Saturdays? The website says it’s the ‘old’ station – but not being from Istanbul I have no idea which one that is! Thanks!

July 22, 2023 at 6:56 pm

Hi Brett, just go to the Kadiköy piers and ask there where the mehtap Bogaz turu picks up passengers. They often change, so it’s hard to tell where it is now. Just make sure you’re 20 min earlier.

June 19, 2023 at 5:32 pm

Hello, We are in Istanbul right now. Just a quick update – the Turyol 90 min. tour is now 100 liras. Thanks for the suggestions. Hoping to catch a Sehir Hatlari full tour this week.

June 19, 2023 at 10:58 pm

Thanks, enjoy!

April 5, 2023 at 5:55 pm

Are all boats and crews the same? Do they have similar amounts of guests?

April 5, 2023 at 5:58 pm

Not sure that I understand your question. I review different companies and different lines on this page. Different companies of course have different boats and crews. And the crew for the short and long tour also differ.

carolyn haywood says

March 23, 2023 at 6:49 pm

Hi we dock in instanbul from 9 till 6 on a cruise and we want to do a trip on the Bosphorus, what would you recommend? We will be there june. Thanks

March 23, 2023 at 7:04 pm

I assume you’ll be there from 9 am till 6pm?

Jenny Jiang says

March 7, 2023 at 1:21 am

Hi, thanks for your article, very helpful. I’ve booked 4 days trip to Istanbul from March 8-12 (this week!), planning to do the Full Bosphorus Tour. What is the Şehir Hatları schedule in March? Can I still take the long Bosphorus tour from Eminönü at 10:35 and be back at Eminönü at around 16:40? Will it be okay to buy a ticket on the day before departure, at this time of the year? Many thanks. Jenny

March 7, 2023 at 11:04 am

The winter schedule is still in effect in March, so the timing is correct. In March, buying a ticket on the same dayshould be ok. Have fun.

November 20, 2022 at 2:39 pm

Your articles are very helpful and I am glad I came across it.

I am travelling to Istanbul with my parents next week and was planning to do the long bosphorus tour, we are staying in Cihangir. My question is – would you still advise the tour as it is November and the weather might be not the best. And do we buy the tickets from sehir hatlari the same morning?

Thank you for helping all the vacationers to plan their Istanbul holidays.

November 20, 2022 at 6:47 pm

Personally, I wouldn’t do the long cruise in winter. Part of the charm is sitting on deck, in the sun, which is obviously not possible in winter. Moreover, the main sightseeing spots (80%) are also covered by the short tour. Yes, buy tickets from their sales booth, the same day should be ok in winter.

October 29, 2022 at 7:55 am

Hi! Does the long cruise take place in November? Are there only outdoor locations on the ship? How to get to the ferry station from Pendik? Can I buy tickets online? If not, can I buy them immediately before the trip?

October 29, 2022 at 2:30 pm

Yes, there is one trip a day in winter, leaves at 10:35 and back around 16:40 with a long break at the furthest point. Seats indoor and outdoor. Tickets from the Şehir Hatları Bosphorus Tours booth at the Eminönü docks. It’s low season, so I would expect yes, but go in time.

Melanie Putra says

October 23, 2022 at 8:50 pm

I’m researching Sehir Hatlari’s short Bosphorus tour (2 hours) for my December trip. I know it departs Eminonu at 2:40pm. I am a bit confused though when I look at Hatlari’s schedule which shows: Departure from Eminonu: 2.40pm Departure from Üsküdar: 2.55pm Arrival at Ortakoy: 3.10pm This one way trip is only half hour. 1. Does this mean the ship continues on further after Ortakoy, perhaps half hour more, only then turns around to return to Eminonu? I’m just counting the timing… If it turns around at Ortakoy and heads back to Eminonu, the whole trip would only be 1 hour, not 2… 2. If this is the case, is the scenery further up after Ortakoy worth it? Or should I disembark at Ortakoy to check out Ortakoy then catch a bus to Taksim (I plan to visit Istiklal Caddesi after the cruise). Just wondering whether Ortakoy is a better option than continuing with the cruise? I heard the traffic between Ortakoy & Kabatas is horrible though.. Maybe still better to do the 2 hours cruise then catch T1 from Eminonu to Kabatas…?

October 24, 2022 at 8:09 am

The tour takes between 90 min and w hours, so don’t get off at Ortaköy and enjoy the ride until you’re back in Eminönü. From there, as you suggested, take the T1 to Kabatas followed by the F2 to Taksim.

February 6, 2023 at 11:56 am

How to buy the ticket? I’m in Turkey currently and planned to take the short tours

February 6, 2023 at 7:05 pm

As it says in the article, on the Eminönü docks, look for the Bosphorus Tour sales booth by Şehir Hatlari.

JOHN EV says

October 14, 2023 at 5:20 am

Our family will be in Istanbul on the 1st and 2nd January. Do the short 2 hour trips take place on these days? Many thanks. John EV

October 16, 2023 at 9:59 pm

Normally yes. In case not the 1st then certainly the second.

Sai Orias says

September 28, 2022 at 1:59 pm

Thank you for the wonderful article about the cruise.

I would like to try it once I arrive at Istanbul. I will be staying at the Asian Side. My question is, when I arrive at Uskudar dock what name should I look for to book this cruise at the same amount you posted? I wanted to try riding the full cruise, also is it okay to bring food and water during the cruise?

Looking forward for my stay in Istanbul. I will be going there alone and I am excited!

September 28, 2022 at 5:45 pm

Look for the name Şehir Hatları, and if there are multiple dock pavilions, look for Bosphorus lines. Sure you can bring food and (non-alcoholic) beverages along, but keep in mind that for the full cruise you’ll stop for quite a while at the farthest point.

Nishat says

September 23, 2022 at 9:20 pm

The nonstop short bosphorous tour – Will they halt at Ortakoy for an hour or so? Or we won’t have time to get down from the ferry? I really would explore Ortakoy a bit along with the bosphorous tour.

September 24, 2022 at 9:10 am

It will briefly stop there to let people board, but that won’t even be 5 minutes. So the answer is, no, it’s non-stop.

Mary M says

September 13, 2022 at 11:40 pm

We would like a round trip ferry ride from Emenonu to Anadolu Kavagi on Tuesday, September 20. Is this route served every day? What company do I use? Where can I purchase the tickets? Same day at the pier ticket? or advance ticket? Thanks, Mary

September 14, 2022 at 8:44 am

The current schedule runs until September 18. I’ll let you know as soon as the winter schedule is published.

Mary Warpeha says

September 19, 2022 at 3:22 am

Hi. We are in Istanbul and really want to cruise. Can you send an update on the schedule for Tuesday, September 20? Much appreciated.

September 19, 2022 at 9:45 am

The new Şehir Hatları schedule came out today, and you can still take the long Bosphorus tour from Eminönü at 10:35 and be back at Eminönü at around 16:40. You can also take the short tour starting at 14:40. You can find the sales booth and dock right from the Galata Bridge when facing the Galata Tower. It says Bosphorus Lines. Enjoy!

Haruethai says

September 2, 2022 at 5:27 pm

Hi, thanks for a wonderful Istanbul article Does the Sehir Hatlari has hourly short cruises like Turyol and Dentor. Are these 3 companies equally good and are the routes the same. I have very limited time in Istanbul, if not Sehir Hatlari which of this two would you suggest me to take. Because their frequencies are more and I can plan my day better. Thanks

September 2, 2022 at 6:24 pm

As I write in the post, Sehir Hatlari only has 2 short tours, while the others have multiple. I suggest going with Sehir Hatlari if their timetable suits you, if not, Turyol because you stay in Eminönü.

August 28, 2022 at 11:49 pm

Hello Erlend, We like to take the short Bosphorus Cruise on October. What is the name of the office at the Eminou dock? Can we buy tickets inside the office on the day of the cruise? We are just afraid of all these touts outside the office and all over the docks? Thanks so much.

August 29, 2022 at 11:10 am

Assuming that you want to take the one by Şehir Hatları, it’s just called Eminönü 2 Iskelesi / Pier – Boğaz Hattı / Bosphorus Line by Şehir Hatları. Yes, you can buy the day itself. If you have the time, maybe stop by in the morning already.

July 14, 2022 at 6:07 pm

Hi Erland We have just moved to Istanbul and are living it! My daughter is visiting at the moment and we want to show her the most we can via a Bosphorous tour as she is 7 months pregnant and don’t want her trudging around for hours. Is it best to get the ferry from Eminönü?

Love your tips many thanks Colin

July 14, 2022 at 10:50 pm

Yes, unless you want a private (and rather expensive) Bosphorus tour, the Eminönü pier is your best bet. You can go with the Şehir Hatları (cheapest but only once a day) or with Turyol (every hour I guess). Enjoy.

Colin Weaver says

July 15, 2022 at 9:44 am

Many thanks, we are going to take the Eminönü ferry today.

July 26, 2022 at 9:42 pm

On Thursday we will make our way to Emenonu via the tram. Where in Emenonu is the piers/docs? Will we need to take a taxi or it’s a walking distance?

July 26, 2022 at 9:58 pm

You can’t miss. Literally, when you get off the tramway, you’ll see the docks.

July 13, 2022 at 7:13 am

Hello. We plan to travel in Europe in august 20, 2022 , and we have a 15 h layover in Instanbul.we will arrive sunday around 4pm , can we still get the Bosphorus free tour from the airport? is it still on for sundays this tour? I dont mind if its the short one or the long tour. Thank you!!

July 14, 2022 at 9:18 am

This service is called Touristanbul . Do you fly with Turkish Airlines? You can find out all the information whether you’r eligible for Touristanbul .

June 6, 2022 at 1:47 pm

Hey erlend.

It will be my birthday tomorrow and I wanted to do something special. I was at eminönu the last few days and the prices were about 60 tl but without food or anything. People outside are trying to sell the Bosporus tour with dinner for 35 Euro per person… I don’t get that sorry. Can you help me?

June 6, 2022 at 3:11 pm

Not sure what you’re not getting. Just a short tour (1,5 hours) without food on a big ferry is indeed about 60TL. If you want a longer cruise with food or a small more private vessel with less people snacks and drinks, of course you need to pay more.

Here are two popular activities you may have a look at: Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on a Luxurious Yacht and Istanbul: Bosphorus Music and Dinner Cruise w/ Private Table

May 10, 2022 at 5:15 pm

Hi Erlend, First of all – Thank you very much for these useful information! I will be in Istanbul – for the first time – for the last May weekend, arriving Wednesday afternoon and leaving Sunday noon. So, three full days and some few hours. I love boat tours and exploring places, I am thinking to take the “Full Bosphorus Cruise”. Of course I am debating if it is “worth” to spend one full day for it, out of just three days of my first time in Istanbul, or if I should just take one of the shorter cruises and have the other half day to visit other places in Istanbul. But that’s up to personal preferences, I know. Still your opinion is very welcome! 😀

But, what I am trying to figure out as well is – so, we arrive on Wednesday afternoon, I thought for Thursday we would stay and explore the city for “getting a first overview”, including Hagia Sophia, etc. and on Friday going on the Full Bosphorus Cruise. Or is there any advantage in doing the Bosphorus Cruise on Thursday? I mean, if there will be, out of your knowledge, much more people using the boat on Fridays and you would recommend the Boat cruise on Thursday? (We are staying in Sultanahmet)

Thank you very much & sunny regards, Marie

May 10, 2022 at 7:35 pm

If you’re only in Istanbul for 3 days and it’s your first visit, I would definitely go for the shorter cruise and have extra time to visit the top attractions. There is no real preference for a day, just see what day best fits in your plan and/or pick the sunniest day.

Have a nice time.

May 12, 2022 at 12:36 pm

Hi Erlend, Thank you very much! I might come back to you and ask another touristy question 😀 Oh, here comes the first one: As we arrive on a Wednesday around 3 PM (arrival at airport), what would you recommend for this evening – that doesn’t involve too much sightseeing & walking, as we will be tired probably. Drop our stuff in the hotel in Sultanahmet and make our way to the Galata Tower, to spend the evening there and for a nice view of the city for a “first impression”? Or maybe just stay in Sultanahmet. Don’t know, what makes “sense”. Thanks a million! Marie

May 12, 2022 at 6:35 pm

It will all depend a bit on traffic I guess. Let’s say out of the airport and on the road by 17:00, which is rush hour. Assume to be at hotel by 19:00. So yes, not a bad idea, and maybe have a bit nearby.

May 13, 2022 at 8:20 pm

Great, thank you so much Erlend! 🙂 All the best, Marie

Jose Monte says

April 25, 2022 at 2:22 pm

Can you please give me step by step instructions to go from our hotel at the Pullman Istanbul Hotel, Yenibosna Merkez, Mahallesi, 1. Asena Sk. No:15, 34295 Bahçelievler/İstanbul which is very neat Attaturk Airport but outside the city center to Sultanahmet or the Bosphorus Ferry tour terminal in Eminonu Pier. I would like to take public transport but I would not mind taking taxi to the nearest public transport terminal from our hotel. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

April 25, 2022 at 6:33 pm

It’s not an easy connection. If I were you I would take a taxi to the T1 tramway stop in Zeytinburnu in the direction of Eminönü or Kabatas. This tramway passes the Grand Bazaar, Sultanahmet and has a stop at the ferry docks in Eminönü.

April 26, 2022 at 8:34 am

Thank you Erlend. I googled Zeytinburnu and it looks easier and safer to catch a taxi back to our hotel at night. Does the Tram runs at midnight ?

April 27, 2022 at 6:35 pm

The operating hours were in the link I shared in the previous reply. But yes, outside operating hours, a taxi back is your best/only option. I would stay clear of buses, it’s not that comfortable and can be pretty confusing for tourists.

April 5, 2022 at 5:31 pm

Hi I’ll be going to Istanbul in June / early July hopefully, we want to go on the sunset cruise, on one of the days we’ll be visiting the Dolmabahce Palace and we were thinking off doing the sunset cruise the same day. Where is the best place to purchase the sunset cruise near Dolmabahce Palace or can we purchase before and get onto a boat near the Dolmabahce Palace?

Many thanks, Umar

April 5, 2022 at 11:00 pm

The season hasn’t started for the sunset cruise, so it’s hard to predict on what the schedule will be this year. Normally this trip is available during the months July and August. You can buy tickets upfront from the sales booth on the docks in Eminönü. Chances are you can board in Beşiktaş, but you won’t know for sure until the summer schedule is released. If not, no need to worry, only a 10 minute walk from Dolmabahçe you can take the T1 tram from Kabataş to the Eminönü .

April 8, 2022 at 1:10 am

Thank you so much for the reply so helpful. Do you know when the summer schedule is released? And where I can find it please?

April 9, 2022 at 3:58 pm

Hi Umar, I think around May. Here’s the link . Currently you see only two tours, as soon as the sunset tour is back available, it’ll appear there too.

April 11, 2022 at 1:33 pm

Thank you once again that’s very useful. Just a couple more questions before I stop bothering you lol:

1. You mentioned I can buy tickets upfront from the sales booth on the docks in Eminönü, can we buy tickets a few days before the cruise or do we have to purchase on the day? I’m just wondering if we’re passing by the docks in Eminönü then we may buy before if we can.

2. Which company do we need to book with? is it Sehir Haltari? Do they have ticket booths on the docks in Eminönü?

Thanks, Umar

April 11, 2022 at 3:45 pm

1. Yes, normally you can 2. Yes, Şehir Hatları

June 21, 2022 at 4:02 am

Is the sunset tour now available?

June 21, 2022 at 5:22 pm

Yes, it is. It leaves from Eminönü at 18:25 , but I suggest to be there earlier to make sure you have (a good) seat and buy your tickets in the morning if you can.

January 29, 2022 at 7:57 pm

Hey, thabk you so much for the article! I’ve read all the comments and have two questions left: for the long bosphorus tour you mentioned the audio guides, where can we get one? Is it on the boat itself? And secondly: you mentioned the ticket office, is it really an office or machines? Because we walked past the dock today and I could find a real office. Thank you so much

January 30, 2022 at 2:44 pm

In winter there are no long Bosphorus tours, only short ones. The audio guide you normally get on the vessel itself. It’s a real office. If you are on the docks, and look at The Galata Tower on the other side of the Golden Horn, it’s about 150 meters right from the bridge.

Have a nice stay.

Nadia Shehzad says

June 15, 2022 at 9:57 am

Is a night cruise available on June 25, 2022? If night cruise on 25 June is not available from you, which other affordable and reliable company is recommended? Please help me as there are so many scams. Just a decent evening/night cruise for a family in budget?

June 16, 2022 at 9:27 am

The one from Şehir Hatları will not be available. In order to recommmend you one, can you please specify the amount of people, private or not, vessel size, budget (in EUR or USD), and whether you want just the cruise or also want to eat something (and have a belly dance show)?

June 18, 2022 at 12:33 am

Hi Erlend We are 3 adults and 1 child (11 year) and 1 child (5 years old). We are fine with anything nice, private or not, food or without food, with or without night show. Budget would be 20-40 per head. We can do two separate types if they are within 25$/person, one day for sunset and another day for night/ music. Or a single one having sunset+a bit of night, max 40$/person.

Thank you very much

June 18, 2022 at 6:50 pm

Ok, when will you be in Istanbul? The reason I ask is because the state run ferry normally has a Bosphorus sunset cruise in summer, which may be announced soon?

June 21, 2022 at 5:29 pm

You can now take the Sehir Hatlari Sunset cruise for 52 TL per person. It leaves daily from the Eminönü pier at 18:25. Better buy your tickets upfront to make sure you have a seat.

Annisa Amelia says

August 4, 2021 at 2:07 pm

Hello hart! Thank you for the information, I wanted to ask you about the short trip of the bosphorus where can I buy the ticket ? In the locker in eminonu or I can use istanbulkart? Thanks a lot!

August 4, 2021 at 5:19 pm

It’s safer to go to the booth in Eminönü and buy the ticket upfront. It may not be too crowded this year, but better be safe than sorry.

Have a nice day.

May 18, 2021 at 11:11 pm

Hi – such a helpful blog! We are considering visiting Istanbul for New Years. Do you think any cruises will be running in the winter? Would it still be worth visiting one of the Princes’ Islands in the winter? I know winter means less crowds, but hoping things are still open, despite colder temperatures and COVID.

May 19, 2021 at 9:17 pm

Thanks a lot. As you mentioned, it all depends on the weather. For instance, last winter it was still 17 in the shade in December. On the flip side, it may freeze and even snow. Cruises still run in winter, but of course less frequently. Sitting outside because of the cold and/or precipitation may be less appealing. Visiting the islands is still a good idea, and something locals do on Sundays to escape the busy city life and get some fresh air. As for COVID, it’s hard to predict. I do know that the government just signed a deal for 90 million Pfizer vaccines, so let’s hope they can distribute them quickly.

February 22, 2020 at 11:48 pm

Hi there. I’m sure this must have been asked before. But please reply me. So the long tour starts at 10:35 and reaches ANADOLU at 12:25 And return from there to Eminonu is at 15:00 again. So between that time, are there places close by to have lunch ? Do they leave exactly at 15:00 or before time ?

February 23, 2020 at 2:33 pm

Yes, there will be restaurants at the port where you can eat, and the ferry doesn’t leave until 15:00. I suggest to play safe and be aboard minimum 10 minutes ahead of time though.

Sharwaaz Hassan says

January 28, 2020 at 12:13 am

Hope you’re well. I am so confused I really hope you can help me.

I’ll be visiting Istanbul in April Insha-Allah and I’d like to visit the Asian side as 1 activity on one day and I’d also like to take a Full Bosphorous Cruise by Night as a different activity…

Firstly, Where exactly do I get the ferry if I wanted to get from the European side to the Asian side for a day outing on the Asian side?

I’ve been told to walk down Istiklal Street and at the end of Istiklal Street I can get a ferry at Karakoy port on the European side, is this correct?

Is it also true that if i took the ferry from Karakoy on the European side, I will get off at Kadikoy port on the Asian side and this ferry ride should take about 15mins from Karakoy to Kadikoy…..

However, in saying this I’ve been told that coming back from the Asian side, I get on at Kadikoy port but it doesn’t drop you at Karakoy, if it doesn’t drop you at Karikoy on the European side then where does it drop you on the European side?

How much should a ferry ride cost on an IstanbulKart?

Secondly, I would also like to do a Full Bosphorous Cruise by Night. Where do I get the tickets for this cruise?

Do I have to book in advance or can I turn up on the day at Sehir Hatlati offices to book for that night?

Where are the Sehir Hatlati offices located?

How much will a Full Bosphorous Cruise by Night cost in Turkish Lira please and can I pay in Turkish Lira by cash?

How long does this cruise take?

Are there free transfers provided from hotel to boat and back to hotel after the Cruise?

I know that I’ve asked many questions, but I will great appreciate if you can be as detailed as possible in your reply please because I want to get this right. Feel free to explain it to me like you would explain it to a 5yr old 🤣🤣🤣

Thanking you in advance

January 28, 2020 at 9:38 am

To get to the Asian side, and assuming you’ll want to go to Kadıköy, you can take a ferry from Eminönü or Karaköy. Mind you that Karaköy is not located at the end of Istiklal Caddesi. You’ll still have to take Tünel (a funicular) to reach Karaköy. Alternatively, again from Taksim, you can take the other funicular to Kabataş and then take the tramway to Eminönü (which also passes Karaköy). Maybe have a look at this Istanbul Transportation map . The trip takes indeed about 15 min. If you take the Kadıköy-Karaköy ferry it will drop you off at Karaköy.

In April there is no full Bosphorus cruise by night organized by Şehir Hatları. But you can find many advertisements of such cruises organized by private companies on this site. Do read the details of such cruises to see if they match your expectations, and read the comments written by people who have take the cruise. It’s safe to book them online.

Hope this helps.

January 24, 2020 at 3:53 pm

Hello. Thanks for the article. Are there any multi-day cruises from Istanbul? We need a company that accepts children, in August.

January 25, 2020 at 12:31 pm

The Bosphorus Cruise as they call it is of course not a real cruise. For multi-day cruises you should contact established cruise companies. There is a nice cruise port in Istanbul. I read this year 65 cruise ships would enter Istanbul. Good luck.

January 20, 2020 at 5:07 pm

It’s a pleasure reading your article. Thank you so much for all the informations you have provided, we will be in istanbul in mid april for 4 days. We would like to take a Bosphorous cruise but we are more interested in taking a 2 to 3 hrs cruise, apart from 2.30 pm cruise is there any other cruise. We will be staying in Sultanhamet area and would prefer to start the cruise and ends at Eminomu. Are there any cruise that departs late in the evening without dinner provided that cruises for 2 to 3 hrs. We don’t prefer taking a private cruise. Thanks.

January 20, 2020 at 6:41 pm

The only non-private company providing Bosphorus tours is Şehir Hatları, with the tour you know. There are lots of different private tours (with and without) dinner. You can find them in the ads on the page. Make sure to read through the comments of others to make sure if it suits your needs. You may also want to check out Turyol , another private company.

Hop this helps.

Mohammad Iqbal says

January 17, 2020 at 5:12 am

Hi the schedule you shared for the full bhosphorus tour above in the article have one departure and one return cruise so it will start at 10:35 from first stop and reach the last stop at 12:25, then for the return, they will start at 15:00 which means we have to stay at the last stop for more then 2 hours? is there any option that we have continuous cruise like we reach at the last stop and after some time we start our journey back?

Is there only two long bhosphorous cruises for the day?

January 18, 2020 at 3:10 pm

Hi Mohammad,

Since it’s winter currently, they only operate one boat and only do one run. In summer the frequency is higher, so you can opt for an earlier return. If you want a continuous tour to the Black Sea and back, then I’m afraid that you’ll have to look for private companies and Bosphorus Tours. Keep in mind that they will be more expensive.

Milica says

December 30, 2019 at 4:16 pm

Are Şehir Hatları tours (either short or long) available during winter time? Their timetable looks the same way as this summer when I did a tour, but I was wondering if you have any closer information, as we would like to take the tour again these days.

Thank you 🙂

December 31, 2019 at 6:00 pm

It does look similar, but it has actually been updated. You’ll see that the long tour only has one trip up and down, where in summer there are a few more. So, to answer your question, yes the info is up to date.

November 28, 2019 at 11:19 am

Hi, my family and I will arrive Istanbul on the 2nd week of December, and from your post, the schedule changes seasonally. So I am worried about the schedule for Short Bosphorus Tour as we want to ride the cruise from Ortakoy. 1)Is the cruise still available during Winter season/ December? 2)How to find out their schedule for Short Bosphorus Cruise? Thank you

November 28, 2019 at 5:59 pm

Yes, the short Bosphorus tour continues during winter. Here you can find the schedule .

October 24, 2019 at 10:47 am

Hi there, great article! I have a couple of questions if you don’t mind:

What is the difference between the scenic River cruise for EUR20 and the full bosphorus for TL25? I ask this because of the substantial difference in price.

October 24, 2019 at 6:24 pm

The full Bosphorus cruise for 25 TL is a regular public transportation ferry taking you all the way to the last dock before the Black Sea, and back. It briefly stops at all the docks along the way to let people on and off. The 25 TL just lets you on the ship, no drink nor food included.

The Scenic River cruise, among many others on this page, are privately owned cruises that advertise here. Their offers MAY include equally long or shorter cruises, normally don’t have extra stops, can have daytime, sunset or night timeframes, food and drinks, entertainment on board, etc. each program is different, and so are their prices. I recommend you read the details and go over comments left by others.

Muhammad Siddiqui says

October 2, 2019 at 10:16 pm

Is this correct link for Bosphorus cruise? https://www.ido.com.tr/

do they pick up from Yotel at IST?

October 3, 2019 at 7:57 pm

Hi Muhammad,

No, that is the wrong link. Here are the links for the public Bosphorus tours and a private Bosphorus cruise which I took myself. Hotel pickup is only available on some tours, and certainly not for public tours.

September 21, 2019 at 6:50 am

HI, Thank you so much for all the help. It really helps us all. I have few questions:

1) I am coming there in first week of november. Is it usually busy during that time?

2) I will be there on Nov 1st (Friday Evening) to Nov 6th (Wednesday Morning). I know you mentioned the cruise doesn’t work on saturday! Would you recommend me taking the Sunday, Monday or Tuesday cruise?

3) I am planning on taking the full day cruise from Sehir Hatlari in Eminono, what is the small fish town called where the cruise stop for lunch? Any restaurants there you would recommend?

4) What time is the return cruise? What happens if we miss the last cruise?

5) Do you know where i should buy the tickets for princes island ferry? How much will it cost? I read online and people said the only place worth visiting on princes island is Buyukada. Or are there any other islands you recommend us going to. Any information about the princes ferry would be appreciated.

One day we are planning on doing bosporos tour, next day go to the princes island, third day visit mosque, museums and grand bazaar. We will still have one full day left, what do you recommend us to do. Something you would highly recommend someone doing when they visit istanbul. Doesn’t matter even if its 2-3hrs drive, i will rent a car and take my family.

Thank you so much for all the help with this forum.

September 23, 2019 at 8:54 am

1. It shouldn’t be too busy, it’s low season. 2. The cruises work every day, just the sunset cruise doesn’t. So you can take it any day you want. 3. It’s the very last stop, Anadolu Kavağı. Can’t really recommend one. Just don’t be overwhelmed by the waiters trying to lure you in, take your time to check them all out first, and then pick the one that pleases you most. 4. You can find the Şehir Hatları timetable for the full Bosporus cruise here . If you miss the only return ferry, the you’re left with a very expensive taxi ride back. 5. Just go to the Şehir Hatları offices on the docks of Eminönü and look for their Bosporus or Boğaz sales office. If you’re pressed for time, yes, focus on Büyükada . 6. Are Dolmabahçe Palace, Topkapi Palace and the Basilica Cistern on your list already?

September 9, 2019 at 8:27 pm

Is there any non stop cruise?

I am looking for something that takes 1 to 2 hours maximum? Could I buy the tickets at the boat port? How much it cost?

September 10, 2019 at 9:54 am

The short tour only stops twice to pick up passengers. If you really want non stop tours you’ll have to take a look at private Bosphorus tours . For the tours by Şehir Hatları you can buy tickets at the pier, for other tours you better buy online.

Peter P says

September 3, 2019 at 1:23 pm

Hello, thanks for your detailed article on the cruises and it helps a lot. My group are planning to do a short cruise, however we have a few questions:

1) We are a bit confused on the information from Sehir Hatlari’s website. Does the short cruises only depart once a day from Eminonu/ Uskudar/ Ortakoy? The Turkish version says it departs once a day, but the English website seems to be saying there would 2 departures per day.

2) We are planning to take on the short cruise from Ortakoy, would we be able to finish the cruise at Eminonu? Or we have to get off the ferry at Ortakoy if we were onboard there?

3) Would we miss anything good if we were onboard from Ortakoy for the short cruise?

Thanks so much and looking forward to hearing from you.

September 3, 2019 at 10:33 pm

1. There is only one tour a day. The top row are the departure times, the bottom row are the arrival times. 2. Yes, you can start in Ortaköy and get off at Eminönü. 3. You’ll only see the shore between those two points only once. If it fit your itinerary by boarding in Ortakoy, then I wouldn’t change it.

Sahana says

August 27, 2019 at 6:44 pm

Hi Erlend, Could you please share the google map location of the place where we can buy the tickets for Bosphorus tour. EMINONU area is pretty wide.

August 27, 2019 at 7:07 pm

Here you go: Şehir Hatları Bosphorus Cruises

Ahmad Mahairi says

August 25, 2019 at 10:23 pm

I am currently at Istanbul and I am planning to take the full cruze, I am also planning to visit Dolma bahçet saray and Rumli Hisarı at the same day. Would that be possible ? If so, shall I book the 1:30 trip or the 10:30 one? Is there a way to stop at a ferry station close to beşiktaş or Rumli Hisarı in the way back instead of waiting to get off at Eminonu?

August 26, 2019 at 8:29 am

I would first go to Dolmabahçe Palace and Rumeli Hisari, and take the cruise at 13:35 from Eminönü or at 13:50 from Beşiktaş. You’ll be at 15:25 at the last stop. Before you get off the ship, ask what time the last boat embarks so you don’t miss it. On the way back you can get off at Beşiktaş or Eminönü, that’s up to you.

Have a good time.

August 23, 2019 at 6:22 pm

I will be in Istanbul in September for 3 full days, sunday – Tuesday (flying out Wednesday morning). We really wanted to do a sunset cruise, what is the best company to use and how much are we expecting for two adults? I don’t even mind dinner with the sunset cruise.

And thank you so much for taking your time to do this, great work 🙂

August 25, 2019 at 3:09 pm

Best is obviously a private cruise , but if you’re only a party of two it might be a bit too expensive. Cheapest is the one offered by Şehir Hatları, but it only runs on Saturdays in high season. If neither are an option, I suggest you take a look at all the other Bosphorus tour suggestions , with or without dinner. Please do take the amount of stars and reviews into consideration to make a wise decision.

Mustafa says

August 13, 2019 at 12:59 am

Went on Saturday for a night cruise with Şehir Hatları but the office was closed and I was told that Şehir Hatları has only one cruise on Saturday but that’s in the morning (or maybe they said afternoon..can’t recall). So we took the BigBus tour (they share the same booth with Şehir Hatları. The cost originally was 400 TL for 4 adults but after some negotiations it went down to 350 TL. It was very good. Not crowded at all. It was close to the evening so we started with a day light and also managed to see the sunset and Istanbul in night lights. Tour was with commentary at points of interest. Food drinks onboard are expensive. Bring your own snacks.

August 13, 2019 at 8:25 am

Hi Mustafa,

It’s correct that Şehir Hatları only has the sunset cruise on a Saturday. Maybe you were too late to catch it (it’s at Eminönü at 18:25) or it already sold out earlier in the day. Glad to hear that the other cruise worked out for you.

Jaco Havenga says

August 7, 2019 at 5:06 pm

Hi, thanks for your very informative articles. Me and my wife are visiting Istanbul from Sept 8th to 13 Sept. Would you suggest booking any tours or we rather do our own thing. Its like all the operators use the reason for booking with them is to skip long queues. In terms of the Sehir Hatlari Bosphorus cruise (Full Cruise), when disembark at the last harbor for lunch is the ferry waiting or do you catch a different one back. And is this cruise cover all the important sites along the river or are there other cruises as well.

August 8, 2019 at 8:34 am

There are often long queues, but that’s most of the time to buy tickets. You can avoid that buy buying the museum pass or buy buying these skip the line guided tours. The latter also have the advantage that these are mostly guided tours. You can buy those online, you’ll find their ads on my site. And last but not least, you can buy a complete package with Istanbul Tourist Pass . I always used to go in with a book in hand, but I recently enjoyed the added value of a guide.

As for the cruise, it depends a bit on the day, but normally it’s the same ferry. Please safe, and take the 10:35 ferry to the last stop in the morning, and ask there when the return ferries depart. There is always a return ferry at 15:00, but the second one is either at 17:00 or 18:00, depending on the day.

John Fitzgerald says

July 30, 2019 at 11:01 pm

Is it reasonable to target the 1:30 departure from Eminonu with an arrival at Ataturk scheduled for 11:20? I don’t have any concept of the time needed to get through immigration and the taxi ride to the dock. Since we won’t buy the ticket until we are at the dock, the only question is whether it is reasonable to plan for that? Thanks.

July 31, 2019 at 8:42 am

First of all, you probably will not fly on Atatürk, because Atatürk Airport has been closed down a few months ago . You’ll now land at the new Istanbul Airport. Typically it takes just over one hour to get out of the airport, and depending on the means of transportation you choose and amount of traffic, it’ll take one to two hours to reach the city center. Assuming you’ll want to check in at your hotel first to at least drop your luggage, I think it’s very unlikely you’ll make it to the docks on time.

Hope this helps give you an idea.

July 14, 2019 at 10:12 pm

Hey, I went on a Bosphorus cruise tour from Ortaköy, Beşiktaş. The one that costed 25 TL and lasted around an hour. It said “ Bogaz turlari” where we took the boat from. Is there any way to find out who was working on the boat/ cruise that we were on? Meaning the ones selling snacks, tea and so on. Thank you

July 15, 2019 at 8:35 am

I’m afraid that would be very difficult.

Sorry I can’t help you for that.

July 14, 2019 at 5:30 pm

First of all your post helped alot to understand the Bosphrous Tour Thanks for that.

My question is what i am seeing in the schedule provided by Şehir Hatları that

Full Bosphorus Cruise is departing from EMINONU and we also have ticketing office located on the left docks of EMINONU. So its a win win you go to EMINONU get the ticket and enjoy the cruise. Ok.

Now the issue is for Full Bosphorus Cruise by Night we’ll take the tickets from docks of EMINONU but the cruise is departing from BOSTANCI according to ” http://en.sehirhatlari.istanbul/en/timetable/sunset-cruises-415.html ” this link. What is that??? Are you getting my point?

2) Second thing is you said ” For the tours organized by Şehir Hatları you can only buy tickets the same day. You can go in the morning to get tickets for the evening though ”

Then what if i wanna go in the morning as i am seeing the schedule for Full Bosphorus Cruise the morning cruise will depart from EMINONU at 10:35. Will i easily get the ticket if i reach at the ticket office at lets say 9:30 or 10:00 ? I mean is it really hard to get the ticket or you can easily get the ticket if you reach an hour before departing the Cruise?

July 15, 2019 at 8:33 am

The boat starts it’s trip in Bostancı, then sails to Kadiköy and picks up people there, then sails to Eminönü where you’ll get on the boat, etc.

Yes, you can buy your tickets in the morning to make sure the boat isn’t sold out by the evening.

Rumana says

June 16, 2019 at 6:16 am

Hi I am right now in Istanbul with my husband and two toddlers for a week. Can you please suggest me what we can do in Istanbul for around three days and for the remaining days we wish to explore places around Istanbul. Thank you

June 16, 2019 at 4:48 pm

Have you had a look at the articles 15 things to do in Istanbul and fun activities with kids ?

June 10, 2019 at 3:09 pm

Thank you so much, Erlend, for the details!

One more question – may I use Istanbulkart for the Long Bosphorus Cruise? Or the cost of the cruises are not included?

Thanks again!

June 11, 2019 at 1:09 pm

No, you can’t use your Istanbul Kart.

Camilo says

June 7, 2019 at 12:14 pm

I will arrive in Istanbul next Friday for in the afternoon at 6PM. I will be there until Saturday at 8 AM, as I checked, my only option to visit something typical in Istanbul is the Bosphorus Cruise by Night (Mehtap Gezi). Or do you suggest me another plan?

1. What time start the cruise at night? 2. How much is it? 3. Where I could buy the ticket? 4. How long is the cruise?

Thanks in advance for your help.

June 7, 2019 at 10:42 pm

If you land at 6 PM, I’m afraid you won’t make it in time. I suggest you have a nice dinner overlooking or by the Bosphorus.

June 6, 2019 at 6:30 pm

Hello! I have read your articles and they are very useful. tank uou for your effort and time to write them! I have a few questions on the cruises a tourist can take:

1. For long Bosphorus Cruise, I found on googlemaps more names for the docks, such as: Eminonu Pier / Eminönü İskelesi and Terminal Feribot Eminönü (Ş.Hatları; Üsküdar & Boğaz). Could you, please, help me with the correct one where I should go to buy tickets and embark?

2. I want to take a cruise on the Golden Horn, too. On Sehir Hatlari website I found a departure point from Karakoy (ferry coming from Uksudar and stopping to Eyup). On the other hand, I found info that there is a ferry going to Eyup from Eminonu Halic Iskelesi (this is the name I found on googlemaps). I don„t know if this is still available in 2019. Is it possible to help me with correct and updated info?

3. Istanbulkart. It is clear it can be used by up to 5 people. When they all use it first time, they will have a discount fare (around 2,60 TL instead of 5TL, as it is a standard ticket). At the first transfer, all of them get discounts?

Thank you in advance for your help, Dana

June 6, 2019 at 11:10 pm

1. The Şehir Hatları docks are on the right side of the Galata Bridge with your back to Eminönü and looking at the Galata Tower. It should write Boğaz Turları and the brand name, Şehir Hatları.

2. The one you found starting in Üsküdar and ending at Eyüp is the official Golden Horn line (Haliç Hattı). Keep in mind that Karaköy is only just across the bridge from Eminönü, a very enjoyable walk.

3. No, only the first one of all people on the same card will get the discount. Personally, I don’t recommend more than three people on one card.

Kedar Dixit says

June 3, 2019 at 11:39 am

Is it worth buying Istanbul tourist pass or venture on your own?

June 3, 2019 at 7:33 pm

Unless you plan to do all they offer in the time frame you picked, I think you’re better of on your own.

Helen Pourouna says

May 15, 2019 at 7:11 pm

Can you buy tickets for full boat cruise on the day of the cruise for the morning cruise. So in other words can you just turn up to ticket office and buy a ticket for the cruise

May 16, 2019 at 11:45 pm

Yes, you can.

vivien barton says

April 25, 2019 at 9:11 am

What is the exact location of your office/ticket office? I don’t want to go on a different company, how do I find your ticket counter?

April 25, 2019 at 10:33 pm

I’m not a travel agent, so I don’t have an office. I just share my Istanbul experiences and advice to help tourists make the most out of it.

April 24, 2019 at 10:08 am

How can i buy advance ticket for long bosphorus cruise or ensure that tickets are not totally sold for the day?

April 24, 2019 at 9:40 pm

For the tours organized by Şehir Hatları you can only buy tickets the same day. You can go in the morning to get tickets for the evening though.

April 21, 2019 at 3:39 pm

Hey, can you bring whatever you want to the cruise? (drinks, food, and the like) are the prices on board reasonable?

April 22, 2019 at 9:50 pm

On the public cruise boats you can bring your own drinks and some snacks. Keep in mind that alcoholic beverages may not be allowed.

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How to use Istanbul’s ferries

Istanbul’s ancient history as a city owes all to its strategic place on the water: the crux between Golden Horn, the Bosphorous, the Marmara Sea and the Black Sea, and even today there is nowhere in the city where the watercourses are not prevalent.

For a visitor to Istanbul, there is also a bewildering variety of boat trips available, many in the luxury bracket. But to get an authentic water’s-edge view of the city, you can save money and get stuck into local life by taking advantage of the city’s extensive ferry network.

In this article, we show you how to take the ferries in Istanbul, inner-city ferry lines, schedules, price information, what to do on board, and tours of the Bosphorus.

Popular ferry routes in Istanbul

It’s said that you haven’t truly been to Istanbul without having crossed from the European to the Asian (Anatolian) side by ferry.

If you want to get to Anatolia in a hurry, you could use the bus or the Marmaray tunnel , but they would not be as relaxing, picturesque, or half as fun as taking the ferry across the Bosphorus!

Major city ferry routes are:

• Eminönü – Kadıköy
• Eminönü – Üsküdar
• Beşiktaş – Kadıköy
• Karaköy – Kadıköy
• Karaköy – Üsküdar

Other routes travel into the Golden Horn (which is a dead end) or hop up the Bosphorous towards the Black Sea. Yet more will take you to the famous Princes’ Islands.

Where are the Istanbul ferry piers located?

The major piers on the European side are located in Beşiktaş, Karaköy and Eminönü.

On the Asian side of the Bosphorous the major pier locations are at Kadıköy, Üsküdar and Bostancı. Most piers on one side will have a ferry that goes to the major piers on the other side. For example, if you are in Beşiktaş or Karaköy and want to go to Kadıköy, go to the pier and take the Kadıköy ferry, and vice versa. The trip usually takes about half an hour and only costs 4 Turkish lira (less than 50c US – pay using your transport card ) to use the inner-city ferry lines. Bear in mind that the ferries may be crowded at rush hour since they are frequently used by the locals for commuting.

Where to buy a ticket for the Istanbul Ferries

In order to take the ferry, you will need an Istanbul Kart, which is the transport ticket used in Istanbul. You can get your Istanbul Kart from the yellow vending machines located in metro, metrobus and tram stations or some kiosks near metro and tram stations. Alternatively you can save time by buying one before you leave . In order to see all the public ferry lines, schedules and pricing, please visit this link .

Ferry operators in Istanbul

The ferries in Istanbul are operated by two different companies:

Şehir Hatları

This is the main government-run entity for public ferries in Istanbul. Şehir Hatları carries out 600 trips per day between 50 ferry terminals.

Turyol is a private ferry operator in Istanbul, but is just as popular as Şehir Hatları. You can also use your Istanbul Kart to take the Turyol ferries, which costs the same as the public ferries. The Turyol ferry terminals are usually located 100-300 m away from the public ferry terminals.You can find detailed information about all the ferry lines and schedules of Turyol on their website .

Bosphorus Tours

Domestic ferry tours are great if you want to meet the locals and experience daily life in Istanbul. However, if you want to a bit more comfort and leisure, often with food and drink thrown in – a private tour will be the best option for you.

In order to enjoy the beauty of Istanbul’s most famous sea channel, a Bosphorus tour will doubtless be one of the most memorable events of your Istanbul trip – not to mention your life. During the cruise, you will get to see the top landmarks of Istanbul, such as the Maiden’s Tower, the Bosphorus Bridge, Dolmabahçe Palace, and the beautiful Bosphorus mansions, which are known as ‘The Pearls of the Bosphorus’.

There are numerous companies that offer Bosphorus tours with a wide range of options, including Şehir Hatları, Turyol and private Bosphorus tour companies. We are proud to recommend the following Bosphorous tours:

• Bosphorus & Black Sea Afternoon Cruise with Lunch
• Bosphorus & Black Sea Full Day Cruise
• Bosphorus & Black Sea Half-Day Cruise
• Bosphorus Cruise & Bus Tour & Cable Car
• Bosphorus Cruise 1.5 Hours
• Bosphorus Cruise 2.5 Hours
• Bosphorus Sunset Cruise

Our locals’ tip? We recommend you take your Bosphorus tour at sunset, since the city looks stunning at that time. You can have a the most amazing time sipping your drink and watching the mesmerizing view of the Bosphorus as the sky lights up above the towers and minarets of the city, fretted with golden fire.

Warning: there are also private yacht companies that offer Bosphorus cruise tours. Sometimes they will try to stop you and give you information about their tours when you are searching for a Bosphorus tour. Unfortunately, not all tour companies offer trustworthy tours. Therefore, make sure that you pick a good company by getting detailed information about their tours, such as the number of people taking the tour, the length of the tour, what landmarks to see, etc. You could also prefer a guided tour, which will enable you to get information about the historical landmarks as you pass by them.

Tours to the Princes’ Islands

The Princes’ Islands are a short trip away from the city in the Marmara Sea. With their genteel historic history as the holiday retreats of the Byzantine and Ottoman royals, they make a calm and interesting distraction from the bustle of Istanbul.

If you want to spend a day on the islands, which we highly recommend, you will need either to use the ferries or take a tour. It usually takes an hour to get to the islands from the European side. However, if you take the ferry from Bostancı or Kadıköy piers, it only takes half an hour. On a standard pubic ferry it will cost 10 Turkish lira ($1.20) to get to the Princes’ Islands – alternatively we recommend the more luxurious:

• Take a cruise to the Princes’ Islands with lunch

What to do on board an Istanbul ferry

A fun tradition for Istanbul locals is to grab yourself a delicious simit from one of the street vendors before you board. There are two good reasons to do that. Firstly, simits are yummy hoops of joy, and the second reason is that you can break bits off to feed the seagulls that will trail the ferry for most of the voyage, which makes for many fantastic photo opportunities. If you are lucky enough, you could capture a seagull taking the simit out of your hand!

Another thing that you can do during your cruise is to head below deck to relax with a lovely hot glass of Turkish tea while enjoying the beautiful view (and listening to the seagulls)! They serve tea on board as well as lemonade, fresh orange juice and snacks. You can enjoy your tea at the front of the vessel and imagine you are a sultan in Istanbul. If you are visiting Istanbul in winter, you can stay inside and get a good window seat so you can watch the waves splashing against the window as you pass by the coasts of Istanbul. Also, it is very likely that you will hear a musician performing live music on board as you gaze out on the Bosphorus strait. Before you know it, your journey will be over!

Whether it is a Kadıköy- Eminönü cruise, a Princes’ Islands trip or a Bosphorus tour, do not leave Istanbul without having taken the ferry, as you will miss out on an absolutely unforgettable experience.

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Home » Asia » Turkey » Which Bosphorus Cruise to Take in Istanbul

Which Bosphorus Cruise to Take in Istanbul

By Author Lance Longwell

Posted on Last updated: October 9, 2022

Istanbul, Turkey sits astride the Bosphorus Strait. This is the meeting of two continents. This is the body of water that separates Europe and Asia. One of the highlights of any trip to Istanbul is taking a Bosphorus cruise tour, which provides an overview of the top sites in the city.

The Bosphorus Straits are impressive. The strait (which is commonly misunderstood to be the Bosphorus River) is actually a natural sea channel connecting the Black Sea to the north with the Sea of Marmara to the south.

The Bosphorus is 31 km (19 miles) long. It is 3420 meters (2.1 miles) wide at the widest point, and 700 meters (765 yars, or 0.4 miles) wide at the narrowest point. These are actually the narrowest straits in the world that allow for major international transportation (i.e., large container ships).

About 20 percent of the population of Istanbul (15 million people), cross the strait every single day. The Bosphorus Strait is one of the busiest shipping channels in the world. Nearly 200 long-distance vessels travel through the straits each day, and thousands of smaller vessels cross the waters every day. Travelers can also cruise from Istanbul on several smaller cruise lines to explore the Mediterranean.

There are numerous Bosphorus cruise options and you have several choices to make:

• Day time or evening? The latter could include a Bosphorus dinner cruise.
• Complete straits or just the central district closest to Istanbul?
• Public ferry or private/dedicated tour of the Bosphorus in Istanbul?
• Do you want to get off the boat and explore, or just take in the Strait of Bosphorus from the boat?

Whichever you decide, one thing is for certain – from the hotel concierge to the guy on the street, everyone will do everything in their power to get you on a Bosphorus boat tour. That’s why you need to select the right boat for you.

For most visitors, the best option will be a non-stop sailing of the central district. Most sailings leave from the Galata Bridge area in the Golden Horn area, but some will leave from Kabatas, near many of the hotels in Taksim.

The two private companies in the game are the Turyol cruise line (several different options, including short cruise and the islands) and the Dentur cruise line (focusing on the long cruise and a hop-on/hop-off Bosphorus cruise). During our visit, we bought our tickets with the Turyol cruise line. The Bosphorus cruise price is similar between the two companies.

However, the most cost effective option is the cheap Bosphorus cruise option provided by the public Istanbul ferry, which is operated by a company called Şehir Hatları (sometimes spelled Sehir Hatlari on signs). They also offer a non-stop “short Bosphorus cruise” (2 hours) that focuses on the central district.

The “long Bosphorus cruise” (6-8 hours depending on the weather) is a whole-day event that includes a three-hour stop at a fishing village. While you technically get to the Black Sea, it is a long day which includes several hours of down time. For most visitors, focus on the “short cruise” by either day or night.

No matter what option you take – the Bosphorus ferry (i.e., the Sehir Hatlari cruise) or one with a private Bosphorus waterway company – your experience will be enhanced by a good guidebook to tell you what you’re looking at. For example, our Turyol cruise had an audio narration, but it was only in Turkish. We found the self-guided narrative in the Rick Steves’ Guidebook to be extremely helpful.

Regardless of which boat you take, they all follow the same general itinerary. The boat will hug the west bank (the European side of Istanbul) going north and then will return along the east bank (the Asian side of Istanbul) going south.

Along the way, you will go past the Dolmabahce Palace, which was home to the Ottoman Empire from 1856-1922 (after they abandoned the Topkapi Palace , which can be seen from anywhere on the Bosphorus in Istanbul).

You’ll see Istanbul’s football (soccer) stadium, called Vodafone Arena, where the masses go to root for the home team (called the Beşiktaş Jimnastik Kulübü, or simply the Besiktas football club). The cruise will cross under the Bosphorhus Bridge, built in 1973 and linking Europe to Asia for the first time.

The Bosphorus cruise will continue past the Rumeli Fortress , built in 1453. This fortress, along with its mate across the strait, gave the Ottomans the ability to completely control the Bosphorus Strait and all vessels that wanted to pass. No ship could slip past these fortresses.

At the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, the cruise crosses the strait and returns south along the Asian side of the east bank. Here, homes encroach on the shore and even appear to be built one on top of the other – all competing for views of the water.

It’s hard to imagine what Istanbul would be without this majestic body of water. A Bosphorus cruise tour is arguably one of the highlights of any visit to Istanbul.

Lance Longwell is a travel writer and photographer who has published Travel Addicts since 2008, making it one of the oldest travel blogs. He is a life-long traveler, having visited all 50 of the United States by the time he graduated high school. Lance has continued his adventures by visiting 70 countries on 5 continents – all in search of the world’s perfect sausage. He’s a passionate foodie and enjoys hot springs and cultural oddities. When he’s not traveling (or writing about travel), you’ll find him photographing his hometown of Philadelphia.

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Istanbul Insider TV

Istanbul Bosphorus Tour – Timetables and Prices (UPDATED: June 2024)

Bosphorus Tour by Public Boat . Ticket Price is 150 TL. Tour duration is 90 minutes.

TURYOL Boat Company Timetable:

Bosphorus Tour Pier Location ( Eminönü ):

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Istanbul Travel Blog

An Insider's Guide to Istanbul

BOSPHORUS CRUISE Prices in Istanbul [Updated 2024]

25 May 2024 by Serhat Engul

Those who visit Istanbul for the first time, primarily visit the historical monuments around Sultanahmet. However, it is not enough to see why Istanbul is such an important place in history. It is essential to take a Bosphorus cruise in Istanbul in order to comprehend how large the city is.

The most important settlement of Istanbul during the Roman and Byzantine periods was the Historical Peninsula. Separated from the rest of Istanbul by the Bosphorus and Golden Horn, Historical Peninsula was the imperial capital of Constantinople.

The Ottomans captured the city in 1453. Historical Peninsula still remained the center of life for many years. In Galata, on the other side of the Golden Horn, there were Genoese and Venetians, the Latin trade colonies.

However, with the development of international trade in the 1800s, today’s districts such as Beyoglu and Besiktas started to grow. The Sultan moved from the traditional Topkapi Palace to the modern Dolmabahce Palace on the Bosphorus.

Many mosques, mansions and palaces were built on the shores of the Bosphorus. The best examples of baroque and neo-classical architecture that marked the last period of the Ottoman Empire are on the shores of the Bosphorus.

If you want to see the traces of this architectural transformation, you can take a Bosphorus boat tour. The best photos you will take in Istanbul will probably be the ones you will take during the Bosphorus cruise.

Table of Contents

Bosphorus Cruise Prices in Istanbul 2024

You basically have three options to join the best Bosphorus cruise in Istanbul. One of them is the official company Sehir Hatlari. The other two are Turyol and Dentur. Each company has its own pricing, schedule and route. In this article, you can find the Bosphorus cruise prices in Istanbul as updated in 2024.

Sehir Hatlari and Turyol ‘s piers are located in Eminonu neighborhood on the Old City side of Galata Bridge. This location is also next to the Spice Bazaar . For someone staying in Istanbul Old City (Beyazit, Sultanahmet, Sirkeci), it is very easy to reach Eminonu, where the tours start.

For someone staying in Taksim Square or Besiktas, it will be easy to reach Kabatas, where Dentur is located. You can reach Kabatas from Taksim Square by Funicular F1, and from Besiktas by bus or taxi. Dentur pier in Kabatas is just walking distance from Dolmabahce Palace.

For those who want a different experience, I will suggest two alternative Bosphorus tours towards the end of the article. The first one is the Bosphorus Dinner Cruise featuring local dances and Turkish cuisine and if that’s what you’re looking for, you can book this activity here .

The second is the Bosphorus Sunset Cruise , which gives you romantic moments in Istanbul when the sun goes down and if you want to enjoy the Bosphorus like this, you can make a reservation right here .

1. Sehir Hatlari Public Ferry Price 2024

Sehir Hatlari is an official company that organizes a Bosphorus cruise with public ferries. It has a fixed schedule that has not changed for many years. There are two different tour options in this category, depending on the length of the activity.

The LONG Bosphorus cruise, which is available all year round, promises a 6-hour sightseeing experience. On the other hand, there is another 2-hour program called SHORT Bosphorus cruise in summer.

Sehir Hatlari (Public Ferry) Bosphorus cruise prices are between 65 TL and 120 TL in 2024. For example, the cost of the long Bosphorus tour, which promises a 6-hour trip, is only 120 Turkish Liras. The price of the short Bosphorus tour is only 65 Turkish Liras. These prices were last updated on May 25, 2024.

Long Bosphorus Cruise by Sehir Hatlari

The long Bosphorus cruise organized by Sehir Hatlari departs from Eminonu every day at 10:35. Two and sometimes three-storey nostalgic ferries serve for the Bosphorus tour. The fact that the ferries have a very large deck and many seating places makes Sehir Hatlari stand out from its competitors. Sehir Hatlari public ferries offer the best Bosphorus tour in Istanbul in terms of comfort.

After leaving Eminonu, the Sehir Hatlari ferry goes north without stopping for 1.5 hours. Meanwhile, you can photograph the palaces, mosques and historical mansions on the European shores of the Bosphorus.

The Sehir Hatlari ferry reaches Anadolu Kavagi , the closest place to the Black Sea coast of the Bosphorus, after 1.5 hours. In this small town there is a three-hour break that starts at 12:00 and ends at 3:00 pm.

In a 3-hour break, you can go to Yoros Castle, which was built by the Genoese in the Byzantine period. The castle allows you to fit both the Bosphorus and the Black Sea views into the same frame. You can eat fresh fish at local restaurants in Anadolu Kavagi.

After the break is over, the return journey starts at 15:00. This time, the Sehir Hatlari ferry returns from the Asian shores of the Bosphorus. Thus, you will have the chance to see the structures on the other side of the Bosphorus.

At 16:30, the boat trip on the Bosphorus ends where it started. After getting off the ferry in Eminonu, you can visit the Spice Bazaar in the Old City or cross the Taksim side from Galata Bridge .

Short Bosphorus Cruise by Sehir Hatlari

The short Bosphorus cruise organized by Sehir Hatlari is only available in summer. The tour starts at 14:35 from Eminonu. Departing from the Istanbul Old City, the ferry goes to the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, the second bridge on the Bosphorus. After this point, the ferry returns to Eminonu, where it started again at the end of the 2-hour journey.

2. Turyol Bosphorus Cruise Price 2024

Turyol Bosphorus Cruise is the most practical option. Turyol‘s pier is located very close to the Spice Bazaar, the popular tourist center of Istanbul. If you cross the underpass across the Spice Bazaar, you can easily find Turyol Pier on the sea side. The ticket office box is right next to the boats selling fish sandwiches.

Turyol Bosphorus tour starts from Eminonu and stops at Uskudar to pick up more passengers on the Asian side. The cruise boat then follows the European shores of the Bosphorus and proceeds in the north direction until the bridge. The boat makes the u-turn from the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge , the second bridge on the Bosphorus, this time allows you to see the Asian shores of the Bosphorus.

The journey lasts one and a half hours and ends at Eminonu, where it started. The best thing about Turyol Bosphorus Cruise is that they depart from Eminonu every hour. So you don’t have to adjust your daily schedule for the Bosphorus cruise. You can catch one of the boats that depart every hour.

The Turyol Bosphorus cruise price is 150 TL in 2024 and the tour takes approximately 1.5 hours. Turyol boats are a bit more expensive than the public ferry considering the time of the trip. However, it provides a flexible travel opportunity due to the Bosphorus tour every hour. This was last updated on May 25, 2024.

3. Dentur Bosphorus Cruise Price 2024

Dentur Bosphorus Cruise is the third option. The most beautiful part of Dentur is that it is very close to Kabatas. For visitors staying in Taksim Square, transportation is very easy. From Taksim Square you can come to Kabatas via Funicular F1 line and easily reach Dentur boats.

Dentur pier is very close to Dolmabahce Palace, so you can visit the palace first. Dentur’s biggest difference from Turyol is that it departs a little further. Since the tour starts from Kabatas and not from Eminonu, it goes further than Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge and returns from Emirgan (beautiful neighborhood up the Bosphorus nearby Sabanci Museum)  The journey time is almost the same with Turyol.

Another feature of Dentur boats is that it stops in the Ottoman palaces on the shores of the Bosphorus. The boat stops at Emirgan on the European side and Kucuksu Pavillion (hunting palace of the Sultans) and Beylerbeyi Palace on the Asian side. If you want to visit these places, you can get off the boat and catch the next boat and return to the starting point of Kabatas.

Dentur Bosphorus cruise price is 150 Lira for 2024 and the tour takes 1 hour and 15 minutes. Dentur is the best Bosphorus cruise tour in Istanbul for those who want to visit the palaces on the Asian side of Istanbul. The ticket price was last updated on May 25, 2024.

Visits to Kucuksu Pavillion and Beylerbeyi Palace are both a cultural experience and the opportunity to eat and drink by the Bosphorus. The cafes of both museums have Bosphorus views.

4. Bosphorus Dinner Cruise Price 2024

Bosphorus dinner cruise in Istanbul is a really fun activity. During this tour you can watch local dances and belly dancers. The best part of the dinner cruise is that you can see the palaces and other beautiful buildings on the Bosphorus with their colorful lights.

Bosphorus Dinner Cruise price in Istanbul is 800 Turkish Lira (approximately 25 USD) in 2024. Prices may vary depending on season. You can book the best-selling dinner cruise on the Bosphorus from this link here . Information about ticket prices was last updated on May 25, 2024.

The activity takes approximately 4 hours and you can leave the boat at a point close to your hotel on the Bosphorus shore. Because it stops at approximately 20 different piers on the Bosphorus.

A dinner cruise on the Bosphorus is one of the most fun things to do for families in Istanbul. You can spend an unforgettable evening with beautiful music on the boat, local dances to entertain you and romantic scenery.

5. Bosphorus Sunset Cruise Price 2024

Bosphorus Sunset Cruise allows you to take magnificent photos in Istanbul. You can enjoy the most romantic moments of the Bosphorus on the tour that starts when the sun sets.

Bosphorus Sunset Cruise price in Istanbul is 1100 TL (approximately 35 USD) in 2024. Prices may vary depending on season. You can book the best-selling sunset cruise on the Bosphorus through this link here . Information about ticket prices was last updated on May 25, 2024.

The sunset cruise on the Bosphorus with a luxury yacht takes approximately 2.5 hours, and during this tour you can take the most beautiful photos that will remain as memories from your Istanbul trip.

In summary, a Bosphorus cruise is among the best things to do in Istanbul . You can have this wonderful experience by choosing one of Sehir Hatlari, Turyol or Dentur companies.

You can also join special organizations such as a sunset tour on the Bosphorus or an evening tour with dinner. The photos you take during any activity on the Bosphorus will probably be among your best memories in Istanbul.

About Serhat Engul

Hello, I'm Serhat Engul. I am a licensed tour guide living in Istanbul. I designed this blog to give general information to visitors to Istanbul. If you want to go on a private guided tour of Istanbul with me, you can check my references from the ABOUT section and write to me via the CONTACT page.

Reader Interactions

27 August 2023 at 05:39

Doesn’t the Sehir Hatlari long Bosphorous cruise make several stops going north, including Sariyer? Various blogs have suggested getting off at Sariyer for a one way cruise. Eating lunch and taking a bus back to Taksim.

27 August 2023 at 09:39

Hi David, yes Sehir Hatlari’s long Bosphorus cruise stops at several points to the north and one of them is Sariyer.

Someone who takes the Bosphorus ferry from Eminonu at 10:35 can get off the ferry at 12:05 in Sariyer. You can visit the Sadberk Hanim Museum and take a lunch break in Sariyer.

If it were me, I would go to Bebek on the way back and walk to Ortakoy from there. Do not miss the most beautiful walking route of the Bosphorus shores. Then you can easily go to Taksim Square from Ortakoy.

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Istanbul Travel Blog is designed to introduce you to the history, museums, restaurants and culture of istanbul.

Private Tour Guide in Istanbul

Author of this blog, Serhat Engul, is a licensed tour guide based in Istanbul.

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