Bosphorus cruise: public ferry or private boat?

Updated on October 1, 2026

The Bosphorus, the strait that separates Europe from Asia, is best seen from the water. Along its shores you pass the palaces of Dolmabahçe and [Beylerbeyi](/fr/attractions/palais-de-beylerbeyi), Ortaköy Mosque, the fortress of [Rumeli Hisarı](/fr/attractions/forteresse-rumeli-hisari) and the yalı, wooden mansions right at the water's edge. You have three options: the cruises run by Şehir Hatları, the municipal ferry company, the regular ferries paid with an Istanbulkart, or a private boat. The public cruise remains the simplest and cheapest way to see the whole strait.

Highlights

The long cruise to Anadolu Kavağı

The Şehir Hatları Uzun Boğaz Turu leaves from Eminönü and sails up the Bosphorus, calling at Beşiktaş, Üsküdar, Kanlıca, Sarıyer and Rumeli Kavağı. The last stop, Anadolu Kavağı, is a fishing village on the Asian shore below the ruins of Yoros Castle, near the entrance to the Black Sea. Allow about 6 hours for the round trip, including the stopover.

The short cruise

The Kısa Boğaz Turu lasts about 2 hours, as a round trip from Eminönü. It is the right choice if you are short of time: you see [Dolmabahçe Palace](/fr/attractions/palais-de-dolmabahce) and [Ortaköy Mosque](/fr/attractions/mosquee-d-ortakoy).

Regular ferries with an Istanbulkart

Şehir Hatları's regular lines cross the strait, for example between Eminönü and Üsküdar or between Beşiktaş and Kadıköy, for the price of a single public transport fare. You do not sail up the whole Bosphorus, but the crossing offers fine views of the old city. Details in our article on [getting around Istanbul](/fr/articles/transports-istanbul).

Private boats

Private companies run shorter guided tours from Eminönü and Kabataş, often non-stop, as well as sunset or dinner cruises and yachts for hire with crew. Prices are not regulated: compare several offers and get the total price, the duration and what is included confirmed in writing before boarding. See also our article on [scams in Istanbul](/fr/articles/arnaques-securite-istanbul).

Infos pratiques

Tips

Şehir Hatları fares for foreign passengers (prices checked in October 2026): 640 TL return for the long cruise, 340 TL for the short cruise; free for children under 6. The "yerli" fare, half the price, is reserved for local passengers. These amounts have not changed since 2025 and may rise at any time; the time of the single daily winter departure may also change: check fares and times on the Şehir Hatları website or app before you go. For the long cruise, arrive early to get a seat on the open deck. At Anadolu Kavağı, the stopover of more than two hours leaves time for lunch at one of the fish restaurants by the harbour.

How to get there

The Şehir Hatları cruises leave from the Eminönü pier (Fatih), next to the Eminönü stop on tram line T1. Private boats mainly leave from Eminönü and Kabataş, the terminus of tram line T1 and of the F1 funicular from Taksim.