Istanbul water (sea) transport

It is the most touristic means of transport in Istanbul. After all, ferries and ships give you the opportunity not only to move from point "A" to point "B" of Istanbul, but also to make a journey through the Bosphorus...

But, of course we can not charge off the practical value of maritime transport in Istanbul. Indeed, to some areas of the city it is easier and faster to get only by sea. One of these areas is Eyup, with the mosque where the squire of the Prophet Muhammad is buried. When Islam only originated, the Arabs besieged Constantinople and had almost stormed it. It was then when Eyup (in whose honor the area was named) died here. It is best to sail by sea to his mosque as in general to the area. You will also discover a stunning view of the Golden Horn. A very popular tourist route lies from the European part of Istanbul to the Asian by plying ferries, it helps to avoid traffic jams and enjoy the trip on the Bosphorus.

The Bosphorus Strait which at first glance seems to be a very haphazard sea means is quite a regulated waterway in fact. The ships are moving along well-specified trajectories according to the exact schedule. All this makes the Bosphorus the most safe "road" in Istanbul. And what encourages the tourists most is that a variety of ships are sailing through the strait. They have here old stylish boats, small motor boats, ferries and cruise ships... Ferries usually follow several routes connecting together all sides of the city by the sea. There are two main berths in the city. On the European side it is Eminonu Square and Karakoy, on the Asian - Kadikoy and Uskudar.

Eminonu wharf has several berths. From each of them ferries and ships sail in a particular direction specified in the schedule.

We shall specify you general directions:

Harem - here the ferries sail carrying vehicles. If you have rented a car, be sure to take advantage of such transportation during rush hours or you will get stuck on the bridge for about three hours. Ferries are departing every 20 minutes from here.

Adalar - here the ships sail to the Princes’ Islands. This is a kind of resort in Istanbul consisting of nine small islands. They denied any transport except bicycles and carts but you will have unspoiled beaches and very fresh air. And the sights, of course.

A few words about the berths labeled with numbers...

Berth No. 1 - the ships are floating to Uskudar from here.

Berth No. 2 - the direction is Kadikoy.

Berth No. 3 - cruise ships which make two-hour cruises along the Bosporus.

There are two more places where sea vessels gather in Istanbul. This is the Galata Bridge where sea buses gather in small groups (their routes are written on the board) and Halic pier where ferries are floating across the Golden Horn.

Finally, there is a special kind of sea transport which has no particular route. This is a sea taxi and you can see these ships in Bebek area named in honor of a young janissary officer. The area is located near the Bosphorus Strait and inhabited by many wealthy people. So if you want to take a taxi you’ll have to fork up.