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Bosphorus Cruise in Istanbul by Ship or Boat
Why a Bosphorus cruise is the best way to understand Istanbul, and how the City Lines long and short cruises from Eminönü worked in 2022.
Most first-time visitors start with the monuments of the Historic Peninsula. To understand Istanbul's beauty and strategic location, however, you need to see the city from the water on a Bosphorus cruise.
Why take a Bosphorus cruise?
For centuries, city life was limited to the Historic Peninsula and the Galata area. From the 19th century it spread along the shores of the Bosphorus. When the sultan left the traditional Topkapı Palace and settled in Dolmabahçe Palace, development along the Bosphorus accelerated. From the deck of a ship you can follow that story along both shores.
Bosphorus cruise options in Istanbul (2022)
In 2022 there were three basic options. Two departed from Eminönü and one from Kabataş, so the choice partly depends on where you stay:
- City Lines pier, Eminönü — convenient for visitors staying in the Historic Peninsula
- Turyol pier, Eminönü — also convenient from the Historic Peninsula
- Dentur pier, Kabataş — easy to reach for visitors staying in Beyoğlu
City Lines Ferry
City Lines is a state-run company serving all sea routes in Istanbul. It offered two Bosphorus tours.
Long Bosphorus Cruise
| Departure | Eminönü, 10:35 |
| Outbound crossing | 10:35 to 12:00, to Anadolu Kavağı, one of the closest points to the Black Sea |
| Break | About 3 hours at Anadolu Kavağı |
| Return | Departs 15:00, back in Eminönü at 16:30 |
During the break at Anadolu Kavağı you can walk up to Yoros Castle, built by the Genoese, or eat fish by the shore.
Short Bosphorus Cruise
The Short Bosphorus Cruise was available in summer only. The ferry left Eminönü at 14:35, passed under the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge and turned around at İstinye. The trip took 2 hours, returning to Eminönü at 16:35.
Where do Bosphorus cruises depart from?
In 2022 the City Lines and Turyol cruises left from Eminönü and the Dentur cruise from Kabataş.
What is the difference between the long and short City Lines cruises?
The long cruise went all the way to Anadolu Kavağı near the Black Sea with a break of about 3 hours. The short cruise ran only in summer, turned around at İstinye and took 2 hours.