About TurYol
A private boat owners' cooperative named TurYol operates frequent cross-Bosphorus and Bosphorus cruise routes in Istanbul, starting from ferry docks at both ends of the Galata Bridge, on the west (Golden Horn) side of the bridge.
Taking the TurYol Ferry
TurYol boats depart more frequently than traditionalŞehir Hatları Bosphorus cruise ferries. The 1.5-hour TurYol cruise is much cheaper than the traditional ferries and brings you right back to the Galata Bridge.
On the TurYol homepage, select the Bosphorus tab, then click List to see the current voyage schedule.
TurYol's boats are more modern than the traditional ferries, and TurYol captains say "We stay close to the shore so you can see things better."
Some people prefer the Şehir Hatları ferries because of their history. Both types of boats and cruises are good—it depends what you want.
To take a TurYol cruise, go to Eminönü, make your way to the west (inland) side of the Galata Bridge on the south shore of the Golden Horn, and look for the cluster of TurYol boats, as well as the ticket booth shown in the photo on the right side of this page (although in winter, when cruise service depends on good weather, tickets may be sold in the larger building to the left.) More...
You can also start your TurYol Bosphorus cruise from Kadıköy on the Asian shore of the Bosphorus.
Eminönü İskelesi means "Eminönü Dock."
Boğaz ve Adalar means "Bosphorus & Islands."
TurYol also operates very frequent commuter ferries from both of its Golden Horn/Galata Bridge docks to the Asian-shore destinations of Üsküdar, Kadıköy, and in summer to the Princes Islands (Adalar).
Look also at the Dentur Avrasya Bosphorus cruises. More...
—by Tom Brosnahan
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