Istanbul to Princes’ Islands Round-Trip Ferry Tickets

Sail directly to the Princes’ Islands with fast-track round-trip ferry tickets and explore Büyükada at your convenience.

Getting started

Begin your journey at Istanbul’s Eminönü pier, located across from the Spice Bazaar. Your ticket allows you to skip the line to board the ferry, and you can settle in for a smooth sail across the Marmara Sea.

The Princes’ Islands 

The nine Princes’ Islands are located just south of the Asian side of Istanbul. Once a place of exile for Ottoman royalty, then an aristocratic summer retreat, the islands are today known for their car-free streets and tranquil atmosphere. 

Discovering Buyukada Island

Büyükada, which means “Big Island”, is the largest and most visited island in the archipelago. Explore its car-free streets on foot or rent a bicycle or an electric scooter and discover the island at your own pace. With lush pine forests, beautiful beaches, and easily accessible hilltop viewpoints, it is a nature-lover’s paradise. For history enthusiasts, the island has historic mansions, monasteries, museums, and landmarks like St. George’s Church, a 19th-century pharmacy, and the ruins of the house where Leon Trotsky lived while in exile. 

The ferry plies multiple times a day between Istanbul and the Princes’ Islands, allowing you to stay on Büyükada as long as you want and return to the city at your convenience. 

Elevate your experience

Enhance your Büyükada visit with round-trip ferry tickets, or skip lines with fast-track ferry tickets including an audio guide. For a fuller experience, choose the guided tour of Büyükada and Heybeliada with lunch, expert English or Russian-speaking tour guide , and hotel pickup/drop-off.

Istanbul to Princes’ Islands Round-Trip Ferry Tickets

Stepping aboard a ferry bound for Büyükada promises an escape from Istanbul’s bustling streets, inviting visitors into a world of serene beauty where old-world charm and tranquil landscapes blend harmoniously. As the boat glides through the waters, you’ll be transported to an island that stands as a testament to Turkey’s rich cultural tapestry, crafted for explorers of historical landmarks, devotees of architectural marvels, and seekers of natural retreats. A fascinating fact about Büyükada is its role as one of nine Princes’ Islands, each offering unique experiences but none quite as captivating as the island where Trotsky spent his final years in exile. With multiple daily ferry sailings to choose from, this journey weaves together the essence of maritime adventure and historical exploration, creating unforgettable encounters that encourage a deeper understanding of Istanbul’s enduring legacy while recognizing the realities of navigating its vibrant yet crowded cityscape.

Marvel at Büyükada's Old Villas

Visit Büyükada during the tour's highlight segment where the island’s charm is epitomized by its sprawling old villas, each a living museum to past opulence and grandeur. Wander through narrow streets lined with these architectural wonders, their balconies draped in colorful flowers, windows gleaming under the sun like pieces of polished glass. These 19th-century buildings serve not only as residences but also as testament to the island’s affluent history when it was a favored retreat for Istanbul’s elite. Marvel at the intricate details such as ornate ironwork and ceramic tiles that speak volumes about the craftsmanship and artistic flair of their time. As you explore, imagine the stories hidden within each wall—a blend of elegance and simplicity that invites visitors into a world frozen in time.

Experience Trotski's House Ruins

Explore Trotsky’s house ruins as part of the comprehensive itinerary featuring historical landmarks intertwined with political intrigue. The site where one of history's most influential figures spent his final years is now a quiet, contemplative space surrounded by nature, offering visitors a poignant connection to the past. These crumbling walls and overgrown gardens serve as silent witnesses to significant moments in world politics, inviting you to reflect on the complexities of human ambition and ideology. The atmosphere here is both serene and somber, providing a unique backdrop for understanding the intricate tapestry of modern history.

Discover St. George’s Church

Access St. George’s Church included in the tour package enabling an exploration into religious architecture richly detailed with Gothic elements and Eastern Orthodox traditions. Nestled amidst the island's natural beauty, this church stands as a spiritual cornerstone within its community, inviting visitors to step inside for a moment of peace and reflection. The interior is adorned with intricate frescoes depicting biblical scenes, their vibrant hues telling stories centuries old. As light filters through stained glass windows casting patterns on the stone floor, it feels like stepping back in time—immersing you in a world where faith and artistry intertwine.

Visit 19th-Century Pharmacy

Experience a 19th-century pharmacy representing the tour's centerpiece where historical artifacts and pharmaceutical history converge. This preserved site offers an intimate look into medical practices of yesteryears, with glass jars filled with herbal concoctions lined up alongside antique scales and bottles displaying various remedies. The walls are adorned with vintage advertisements and prescriptions written in elegant handwriting, creating a nostalgic atmosphere that transports visitors to a bygone era where medicine was as much an art as it was science.

Explore Princes’ Islands' Natural Beauty

Discover the natural beauty of the Princes’ Islands showcasing the tour’s cultural appeal where lush landscapes and serene beaches invite relaxation. From sandy shores offering perfect spots for picnics to dense forests ripe with hiking trails, each corner of these car-free islands promises a breath of fresh air far from the city’s hustle. As you stroll along the coastline or take in panoramic views from hilltops, it feels like stepping into a postcard come alive—where tranquility reigns supreme.

Tour Highlights

• Embark on flexible round-trip ferry transfers to Büyükada
• Explore old villas and architectural heritage comprehensively
• Discover Trotsky’s house ruins offering unique historical insight
• Visit St. George’s Church for spiritual reflection beautifully
• Access 19th-century pharmacy showcasing medical history authentically
• Relax on tranquil beaches and in lush forests impressively

Sailing forth for explorers of historical heritage, embracing devotees of architectural marvels, and inviting seekers of natural retreats, this maritime journey weaves together the essence of Istanbul’s past with its serene present. Joining this excursion offers an opportunity to uncover spectacular vistas and tranquil landscapes that evoke a sense of timeless beauty like waves lapping gently against deserted shores—a soothing melody in contrast to city rhythms.