One of the most budget-friendly ways to experience the beauty of the Bosphorus is by using Istanbul’s public ferry system. At under $10 per ride, it’s an affordable way to enjoy stunning views of the city’s skyline, bridges, and historic landmarks. These ferries are operated by official government lines and offer a fantastic glimpse of Istanbul from the water without breaking the bank.

Public Ferry Lines as a Bosphorus Cruise

For a low-cost Bosphorus cruise, consider using regular public ferry lines with your Istanbulkart. While these ferries are used primarily for transportation and can be crowded, they provide an authentic and economical way to explore the strait. Here are some interesting routes:

• Eminönü – Rumeli Kavagi Line
• Ortaköy – Beşiktaş – Eminönü Line
• Anadolu Kavagi – Üsküdar Line
• Cengelkoy – Kabatas Line
• Bogaz Line (Eminonu – Anadolu Kavagi, the longest one)

Official Bosphorus Cruises

Another money-saving option is to take an official Bosphorus cruise. Unlike touristy cruises, these trips do not include entertainment, food, or guides. There are three types of official cruises:

Short Bosphorus Cruise

Runs once a day at 14:40 from Eminönü and twice on Holidays. This 2-hour tour travels from Eminönü to Ortaköy and back, passing notable landmarks such as Dolmabahçe Palace and the Bosphorus Bridge. Fare is 260 TL per person. Free for children aged 0-6 years old.

Note that this is not a round trip; the tour ends in Ortaköy.

* Goes only on Holidays/Summer (20 June – 9 September).

Full Bosphorus Tour

This 6-hour round trip covers the entire Bosphorus, from the Golden Horn to the Black Sea. You’ll see sights like Dolmabahçe Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, and Rumeli Fortress, and have time to explore Anadolu Kavagi. The tour starts at 10:35, with a stop at Anadolu Kavagi at 12:25, where you can explore and enjoy local restaurants before 15:00. Afterward, the ferry returns to Eminönü following the same route.

You can get on or off at any stop along the way. Fare is 480 TL per person. Free for children aged 0-6 years old.

Moonlight Cruise (Only in Summer: 20 June – 9 September)

Available only in summer, this evening cruise offers a different view of the cityscape.

This special cruise operates only on Saturdays and costs 560 TL per person. It offers a 7.5-hour round trip, departing from Bostancı and traveling through Kadıköy and Eminönü before heading to Anadolu Kavagi for a 2.5-hour stop. The cruise then returns to Bostancı by 01:00. It’s a full-length Bosphorus experience, perfect for a leisurely evening out. Children under 6 years old can join for free.

Tip: Bring some simits (Turkish bagels) to feed the seagulls and enjoy tea or juice on the ferry for a complete experience.

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