Lonely Planet İstanbul Guide

towards the Sea of Marmara, passengers are treated to fine views of Topkapı Palace, Aya Sofya and the Blue Mosque on the right and Kız Kulesi, Haydarpaşa train station and the distinctive minaret-style clock towers of Marmara University on the left. After a quick stop at Kadıköy, the ferry makes its way to the first island in the group, Kınalıada (30 minutes); then to Burgazada (15 minutes); to Heybeliada (15 minutes), the second-largest island; and to Büyükada (10 minutes), the largest island in the group. Be sure to check the websites of all companies as schedules and routes change regularly. A İstanbul Şehir Hatları Runs at least eight ferry services daily to the islands from 6.50am to 11pm (to 9pm June to mid-September) from Kabataş. These depart from the Adalar İskelesi (Adalar Ferry Dock). The most useful departure times for day-trippers are 8.40am and 10.40am (8.30am, 9.30am and 10.30am from June to mid-September). The trip costs ₺ 5.50 ( ₺ 4.40 with an İstanbulkart) to the islands and the same for each leg between the islands and for the return trip. Ferries return to İstanbul every two hours or so. Last ferries leave Büyükada at 6.15pm and 8.20pm and Heybeliada at 6.30pm and 8.35pm (9.15pm and 10.15pm from Büyükada and 9.30pm and 10.30pm from Heybeliada from June to mid-September). A İDO ( % 0850-222 4436; www.ido.com.tr) Offers two daily fast catamaran ferry services from Kabataş ( ₺ 11 jeton or ₺ 8.60 on İstanbulkart). A Dentur Avrasya Operates regular small ferries stopping at Büyükada and Heybeliada ( ₺ 6); these leave from the dock behind the gas station at Kabataş. A Turyol ( % 0212-251 4421; http://turyol.com) Operates small ferry services between three and five times per day from both Karaköy and Eminönü to Büyükada ( ₺ 6).

Getting Around