How long does the İstanbul–Bandırma ferry take?

The İDO fast car ferry from İstanbul (Yenikapı) to Bandırma takes about 3 hours, with two or three sailings a day. From Bandırma there are trains to İzmir and buses to Çanakkale and other towns in western Turkey.

Is there a train from Bandırma?

Yes. Bandırma is the northern end of the railway through Balıkesir to İzmir, which makes the ferry and train a popular way to reach the Aegean coast without driving through İstanbul. There is no railway to Çanakkale; take the bus.

Does the İstanbul–Bandırma ferry carry cars?

Yes. İDO's fast car ferries on this route carry cars, although some sailings use passenger-only sea buses. Book vehicle space ahead on Friday evenings, at weekends and during Turkish public holidays, when demand is high.

Istanbul to Bandırma Ferry

İstanbul → Bandırma

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High-speed crossing: ~3 h
Frequency: Two or three sailings a day
Carries cars: Yes (on the car ferry)

İDO

Crossing times and frequency are typical ranges and vary by season and operator. Check the operator or Direct Ferries for current sailings before booking.

Crossing to southern Marmara

The İstanbul–Bandırma ferry cuts diagonally across the Sea of Marmara, linking İstanbul's European shore with Bandırma on the southern coast. Run by İDO (İstanbul Deniz Otobüsleri), the fast car ferry takes about 3 hours, with two or three sailings a day, and is a popular route for travellers heading deeper into western Turkey.

The alternative, driving or taking the bus around the Marmara coast, means fighting İstanbul traffic and a long road journey, so the ferry is often the easier choice.

Yenikapı terminal

Services depart from Yenikapı on the European side of İstanbul, connected to the metro and the Marmaray rail line. The terminal has covered waiting areas and vehicle lanes for car passengers.

Bandırma, the gateway to western Turkey

Bandırma is a working port city on the southern Marmara coast, and functions mainly as a junction rather than a destination in itself. Its main value for travellers is as a ferry-rail interchange: the railway from Bandırma runs south through Balıkesir to İzmir. There is no railway to Çanakkale.

Buses from Bandırma connect to Çanakkale (for Gallipoli and Troy), Bursa, Balıkesir and the Turkish Aegean coast.

Travelling with a car

This is a car-ferry route, although some sailings use passenger-only sea buses, and many travellers use it to avoid İstanbul's notorious traffic when heading south or west from the city. Spaces fill fast on Friday evenings and long weekends, so book ahead if you plan to bring a car.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the İstanbul–Bandırma ferry take?: The İDO fast car ferry from İstanbul (Yenikapı) to Bandırma takes about 3 hours, with two or three sailings a day. From Bandırma there are trains to İzmir and buses to Çanakkale and other towns in western Turkey.
Is there a train from Bandırma?: Yes. Bandırma is the northern end of the railway through Balıkesir to İzmir, which makes the ferry and train a popular way to reach the Aegean coast without driving through İstanbul. There is no railway to Çanakkale; take the bus.
Does the İstanbul–Bandırma ferry carry cars?: Yes. İDO's fast car ferries on this route carry cars, although some sailings use passenger-only sea buses. Book vehicle space ahead on Friday evenings, at weekends and during Turkish public holidays, when demand is high.

Book the İstanbul → Bandırma ferry

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