| Option | Duration | "From" price (to be checked) | Included (per the listing) | Who it suits | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Şehir Hatları ferry (Uzun Boğaz Turu) | about 6 h return with a stop | 640 TL return for foreigners (October 2026) | Trip to Anadolu Kavağı; no commentary or meal | Small budgets, independent travellers | |
| Cruise with audio guide | about 75 min | about $8 to $10 | Cruise from Kabataş, audio guide in 25 languages | First look at the Bosphorus, little time | See |
| 2-hour guided cruise | 2 h (up to 3 h with a stop) | about $11 to $12 | Live guide in English and Russian, departs Eminönü, optional Asian-side stop | Those who want a guide | See |
| Two-continents day with lunch | a full day | about $110 to $123 | Bus and boat, Europe and Asia, lunch; entrances per the listing | A full day without planning | See |
| Private yacht | 2 to 2.5 h | to be checked (see our page) | Boat for your group, guide and snacks depending on the offer | Couples, groups, special occasions |
Prices seen in October 2026, varying by date and currency; actual duration depends on wind and marine traffic.
Public ferry: the cheapest option
The Şehir Hatları Uzun Boğaz Turu runs up the whole Bosphorus from Eminönü to Anadolu Kavağı. Winter 2026-2027 timetable on our ferry page: departure 10:35, arrival around 12:25, return at 15:00. The foreigner fare is 640 TL return in October 2026. There is no commentary: bring a guide or read the most beautiful ferry rides and our Bosphorus cruise page. Check the day's timetable before leaving.
Cruise with audio guide
About 75 minutes from Kabataş, with an audio guide in several languages covering 13 points on the route. Meet at the Dentur pier in Kabataş 15 minutes before departure; bring your passport, as checks are possible. It is the simplest option for a first trip. See the listing.
2-hour guided cruise
It leaves from Eminönü, passes under Galata Bridge, then heads up the Bosphorus with a live guide in English and Russian. An optional one-hour stop on the Asian side exists. Despite "day and night" in the title, the listing describes a daytime outing: for an evening departure, see our sunset page. Rating seen: 4.8 from 27 reviews. See the listing.
Two-continents day with lunch
The route combines a bus trip and a Bosphorus cruise to go from Europe to Asia, with lunch. Reseller notes give durations of 9 to 12 hours and different programmes (palace, cable car): read the "included" line on the listing. On similar listings, travellers mention a disappointing lunch or shopping stops. See the listing.
Private yacht and evening cruises
If you want a boat to yourselves, our page on the private yacht and boat on the Bosphorus compares the offers. To dine on board, see the dinner cruise; for evening light, the sunset cruise.
Which option to choose
- Minimum budget: the public Şehir Hatları ferry.
- First time, 75 minutes: the cruise with audio guide.
- A guide who explains: the 2-hour guided cruise.
- A full day, Europe and Asia: the two-continents day.
- A romantic evening: the private yacht or the sunset cruise; see Istanbul for couples.
- Bosphorus villages on foot: Asian shore and European shore.
Booking at the best time
Aim for midday on a weekday for fewer crowds, and late afternoon for the light. In winter there are fewer departures and the deck is cold. Timetables and weather change: see the best time to visit Istanbul.
