Perhaps the most pleasant and relaxing means of getting around Istanbul is by the innumerable water-borne craft which ply the Bosphorus between the European and Asian sides. These range from small, privately operated motor boats to a fleet of high-speed catamarans. Travelling by boat, you will avoid the traffic jams and tariffs of the Bosphorus road bridges. As well as being a relatively fast way to get around, a ride on a boat will also provide some great views of the city.

FERRIES

A constant traffic of ferries crosses the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn. Called vapur they are run by the Istanbul Sea Bus Company (IDO). The principal ferry terminus on the European side is at Eminönü . Each of the six piers here has a boarding hall, with the destination written in large black letters on the outside. The three main piers are numbered. Pier 1 serves Üsküdar; pier 2 serves Kadıköy; and pier 3, labelled "Boğaz Hattı", is for all ferries travelling up the Bosphorus, including the special cruise. The other three piers are a short distance from Eminönü proper. On the west side of the Galata Bridge is the pier for ferries up the Golden Horn (Haliç Hattı). To the east of pier 1, at Sirkeci, across the road from the station, is the departure point for car ferries to Harem. Further along from this, at Sarayhurnu, is the filial pier, labelled "Adalar", from which long-distance ferries depart. This is the pier for ferries to the Princes' Islands.
Another main terminus is Karaköy, opposite Eminönü, from which ferries run to Haydarpaşa and Kadıköy. The international dock, where cruise liners berth, is also here.
There are ferries from Eminönü to Kadıköy between 7:30am and 9pm, and from Eminönü to Üsküdar between 6am and 11:30pm, every 15 minutes (20 minutes at weekends). Other services are less frequent. If you want to explore independently using ferries, especially to hop between the villages along the Bosphorus, you will need to arm yourself with a timetable.

MOTOR BOATS

A number of privately run craft cross the Bosphorus and Golden Horn at various points, and run up the Bosphorus. These routes are also served by İDO ferries, but private motor boats are more frequent, though slightly more expensive. A conductor will come and collect your fare after the boat leaves the pier.

SEA BUSES

The modern, Swedish-built catamarans which are known as sea buses (deniz otobüsleri) are also run by İDO, a private company. Their interiors resemble aircraft cabins, with long rows of comfortable, reclining seats, piped music and air-conditioning. Sea buses are considerably faster and more comfortable than ferries, but cost two or three times as much.
The most useful routes are Eminönü to Kadıköy (half-hourly from 7:40am to 7pm Monday to Friday, and 8:15 am to 6:10pm at weekends); and Bakırköy to Bostancı (hourly between 8:15am and 10pm). In the summer, sea buses run from Kabataş and Bostancı to Büyükada on the Princes' Islands. For destinations outside Istanbul.

THE BOSPHORUS TRIP

İDO runs daily excursions up the Bosphorus . These are normal ferries on which light refreshments are served (although at considerably inflated prices) but no meals. They get crowded in the summer months, especially at weekends, so it is a good idea to arrive early to ensure that you get a deck seat with a view. You should retain your ticket during the journey, as you must show it when boarding for the return trip. You can disembark at any pier along the way, boarding the next ferry that comes along with the same ticket; but if you make a second stop you will need to buy a new ticket. İDO also offers a trip from Kadıköy in summer at weekends only.
There are several alternatives to the official Bosphorus trip. The small private boats, which leave Eminönü just after the İDO ferry sails in the summer months, only go halfway up the straits and do not stop on the way. If you decide to book a private cruise through a tour company, be sure to choose a reputable company, such as Hatsail Tourism.

BUYING BOAT TICKETS

For ferries and sea buses, you need to buy a flat-fare jeton from the booth (gişe) at the pier or alternatively from one of the unofficial street vendors who sit nearby and sell them at slightly higher prices. These jetons can be used for all local journeys. For ferries to the Princes' Islands or for the Bosphorus trip, you still need to buy a jeton which will cover the outward and return journeys, but it is more expensive than , the normal İDO fare, To enter the pier put the jeton into the slot beside the turnstile, and then wait in the boarding hall for a boat. A schedule of sailing times is on view at each pier and a copy of the timetable (tarife) can usually be bought at the ticket booth.
Or you can use akbil.