Ferries

Overview

Ferries are an essential part of Istanbul's transport network, connecting the European and Asian sides of the city across the Bosphorus. They are operated primarily by Sehir Hatlari (City Lines), the municipal ferry company, and IDO (Istanbul Fast Ferries). For wheelchair users, ferries can be one of the most pleasant and scenic ways to cross between the two sides.

Sehir Hatlari (City Ferries)

Sehir Hatlari operates the most popular ferry routes in Istanbul. Key routes include:

• Eminonu to Kadikoy (about 20 minutes)
• Eminonu to Uskudar (about 15 minutes)
• Kabatas to Kadikoy (about 20 minutes)
• Kabatas to Uskudar (about 15 minutes)

Ferries run from approximately 6:30 AM to 11:00 PM, with departures every 10 to 20 minutes on busy routes during daytime hours.

Accessible Vessels

Sehir Hatlari has invested in accessible vessels over the past several years. Newer ferries include:

• Hydraulic ramp systems for boarding and exiting
• Wide corridors and doorless, threshold-free entrances
• Flat, non-slip deck surfaces
• Designated wheelchair spaces with indoor seating
• Accessible toilets on board

Several named vessels, including the Prof. Dr. Aykut Barka, Baris Manco, and Ahmet Hulusi Yildirim, have full wheelchair facilities. Sehir Hatlari states that guests with disabilities can travel independently on these vessels without needing a companion.

Older Vessels

Some older ferries in the fleet do not have hydraulic ramps. On these vessels, boarding involves crossing a gap between the pier and the boat deck. Staff at the ferry terminal can assist, but you may need to ask. The gap width varies depending on the tide and the vessel.

Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise

Sehir Hatlari operates a popular Bosphorus sightseeing cruise departing from Eminonu. The full cruise goes north to Anadolu Kavagi and back, taking about 6 hours round trip. A shorter 2-hour cruise is also available.

These cruises use larger vessels that are generally more accessible than commuter ferries. Check with the ticket office at Eminonu about which cruise boat has wheelchair facilities on your travel date.

IDO Fast Ferries

IDO operates faster catamaran services on longer routes, including:

• Yenikapi to Yalova (about 75 minutes)
• Yenikapi to Bursa (Guzelyali) (about 90 minutes)
• Bostanci to Yalova (about 70 minutes)

IDO vessels are modern and generally accessible, with designated wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets. Book through the IDO website or app, and note your accessibility needs when reserving.

Boarding Tips for Wheelchair Users

1. Arrive at the terminal 15 to 20 minutes before departure to allow time to speak with staff.
2. Use the Istanbulkart to pay for city ferry routes. Tap your card at the turnstile at the terminal entrance.
3. Ask terminal staff to guide you to the accessible boarding ramp. On busy routes, staff may board you before other passengers.
4. Once on board, secure your wheelchair in the designated space. Indoor seating areas on the lower deck are the most accessible.
5. When arriving at your destination, staff will typically assist with exiting via the ramp.

Payment

All Sehir Hatlari city ferries accept the Istanbulkart. A single crossing costs about 20 TL with a standard card. IDO fast ferries have separate ticketing and higher fares (check ido.com.tr for current prices). Cash is not accepted at ferry terminal turnstiles, so make sure your Istanbulkart has enough credit before arriving.