You’ve probably heard the famous cliche that Istanbul is one of those rare cities that’s located on two continents: Europe and Asia. But what if you wanted to actually travel between those two continents and are wondering how to get to the Asian side of Istanbul? Then you’ve come to the right place. 🙂
We live on the Asian side of Istanbul (and love it here, btw!) and have traveled between Istanbul’s Asian and European side thousands of times — and vice versa.
If you want to travel to the Asian side of Istanbul and explore Kadıköy’s delicious food, stroll along Üsküdar’s waterfront, or simply check it out for yourself, then keep reading!
This blog post includes all 6 ways on how to get from the European side to the Asian side of Istanbul, including ferry, light rail (Marmaray), metro, car, taxi, and group tour. By the end of this post, we hope you’ll be inspired to visit Istanbul’s Asian side!
Note: We include options to both Kadıköy and Üsküdar, since they’re the most popular neighborhoods on Istanbul’s Asian side. If it’s your first time traveling to the Asian side, we recommend traveling to Kadıköy first (as there’s more to do) and then going to Üsküdar if you have extra time.
Fun Facts About Istanbul’s Asian Side
🧿 The local name for the Asian part of Istanbul is Anadolu Yakası, which translates to ‘Anatolian Side.’ This is why you might also see it being referred to as the “Anatolian side of Istanbul.”
Anatolia is the ancient name for the geographical area of Türkiye and also refers to the territory (Wikipedia does a better job of explaining it than us 😅).
🧿 More than one third of Istanbul’s population (35%) lives on the Asian side!
🧿 You don’t need a special visa to visit the Asian side of Istanbul 😉
Here’s a map of Istanbul’s Asian side to help you get acquainted:
Why visit Istanbul’s Asian Side?
Get away from the tourist crowds — Escape the business of the European side and enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere (especially in Moda!)
See how real locals live — You’ll get to experience authentic Turkish life away from the tourist hotspots. 🙂
A lovely mix of nature and city life — Enjoy a lovely blend of green parks, seaside promenades, and urban areas.
There are dozens of charming neighborhoods — Explore unique and picturesque neighborhoods like Kadıköy and Üsküdar.
Delicious local cuisine — Ah, the food! The food! Taste authentic Turkish food at local markets, restaurants, and street food.
Scenic Bosphorus views — Enjoy amazing views of the Bosphorus and the Marmara Sea from various viewpoints. We recommend the areas around Caddebostan, Moda, and Üsküdar.
Alright, now it’s time to get to the fun part — traveling to the Asian side!
Most Scenic Option: Public Ferry
Taking a ferry from Istanbul’s European side to the Asian side is, in our humble option, one of the most “bucket list” things to do in Istanbul.
The ferries have some sort of romanticized charm that’s hard to put into words. Seriously, sometimes we just grab a book, hop on a ferry, and drink tea while watching the Istanbul skyline go by… 😌 Oh right, where were we?
Taking the ferry from the European side to the Asian side is one of the cheapest and most convenient ways to travel, since it usually costs just a few liras and offers direct connections.
The most popular ferry company in Istanbul is Şehir Hatları (“City Lines”) — you’ll see their famous white-and-yellow boats sailing across the Bosphorus. You can use your IstanbulKart to pay for their ferries. 🙂
From Sultanahmet (Istanbul Old Town) to the Asian side
There are dozens of daily ferries to the Asian side of Istanbul, but the most popular route is the ferry from Eminönü to Kadıköy. Eminönü is located near the Egyptian Bazaar, while Kadıköy is the heart of the Asian side.
This route departs every 15 minutes and the actual crossing takes about 20 to 25 minutes.
📍 Here are the coordinates for the Eminönü Pier (European Side)
📍 Here are the coordinates for the Kadıköy Pier (Asian Side)
📍 Here is the timetable for the Eminönü to Kadıköy ferry (Be sure to select the correct departure on the tab above)
This Istanbul ferry route starts sailing from Eminönü (Europe) at 7:20 am (7:35 am on Sundays and holidays). The last ferry from Kadıköy (Asia) is at 1:00 am. Be sure to keep this in mind when planning your trip! (But if you get stuck, don’t worry — there are lots of great hotels on the Asian side of Istanbul :))
There is also another popular ferry route from Istanbul’s Old Town to the Asian side. The Eminönü to Üsküdar ferry also leaves from Eminönü and arrives at Üsküdar, a slightly more conservative area that’s famous for its beautiful coastline and Maiden’s Tower.
📍 Here are the coordinates for the Eminönü Pier (European Side)
📍 Here are the coordinates for the Üsküdar Pier (Asian Side)
📍 You can see the timetable for the Eminönü to Üsküdar ferry here (choose ‘Eminonu Departure’)
From Beyoglu to the Asian side
If you’re situated in the Beyoğlu neighborhood (home to the Galata Tower, Istiklal Avenue, and Taksim Square), then you’ll need to walk down to Karaköy to catch the ferry from there.
While you’re there, why not check out our Karaköy Neighborhood Guide as well? 🙂
The most popular ferry is the Karaköy – Kadıköy line:
📍 Here are the coordinates for the Karaköy Pier (European Side)
📍 Here are the coordinates for the Kadıköy Pier (Asian Side)
📍 Here is the timetable for the Karaköy to Kadıköy ferry (Be sure to select the correct departure)
There is also the Karaköy – Üsküdar route:
📍 Here are the coordinates for the Karaköy Pier (European Side)
📍 Here are the coordinates for the Üsküdar Pier (Asian Side)
📍 Here is the timetable for the Karaköy to Üsküdar ferry * Note that there are fewer departures on this route
From Beşiktaş
Staying in vibrant and cosmopolitan Şișli or Beşiktaş instead? Then you’ll be happy to hear that there are also convenient ferry routes to the Asian side. 🙂
The Beşiktaş to Kadıköy ferry departs every 30 minutes. The trip from Beşiktaş to Kadıköy takes about 25 minutes.
📍 Here are the coordinates for the Beşiktaş Pier (European Side)
📍 Here are the coordinates for the Kadıköy Pier (Asian Side)
📍 Here is the timetable for the Beşiktaş to Kadıköy ferry (Be sure to select ‘Besiktas Departure’)
There is also the Beşiktaş to Üsküdar ferry. Unlike other ferry routes, the Beşiktaş to Üsküdar ferry is operated by another company called Dentur Avrasya. Ferries depart between 6:10 in the morning until 00:45 at night, and depart every 30 minutes. You can see the timetables at this link.
Just like City Lines ferries (Şehir Hatları), you can also use your IstanbulKart to pay for the fare on Dentur.
Quickest Option: The Marmaray
If you don’t want to waste any time, then the quickest way to travel between Istanbul’s European and Asian side is via the Marmaray. The Marmaray is a commuter rail that connects Europe to Asia and spans nearly 80 kilometers in length! The Marmaray was opened in 2013 to much fanfare, as it was the first public transportation that connected Europe to Asia (other than the ferries). 🙂
The Marmaray only has one long route: the starting point is Halkalı, and the terminal station is Gebze. However, don’t worry — you won’t need to ride the entire length of the Marmaray!
To get from Europe to Asia, you’ll board the Marmaray at Sirkeci station (near Sultanahmet) and get off at the next station, Üsküdar. Voila!
If you want to visit Kadıköy instead of Üsküdar, get off at either Ayrılık Çeşmesi station or Söğütlüçeşme station (depending on where you want to go).
You’ll need an IstanbulKart to use the Marmaray, which you can buy at the little machines inside the station.
The Marmaray works from 6:00 in the morning until 23:30 at night. During weekends, it has extended service and works until about 2:00. You can check timetables on this site, but be sure to use a translator.
Each Marmaray station has one area that’s split into two platforms (sides).
If you want to travel to the Asian side, look for the direction “Gebze” (and/or “Pendik” on the screens).
If you want to travel back to Europe, look for the direction “Halkalı” (and/or “Ataköy” on the screens). These words will be printed on the floor with arrows, as well as on the electronic screens above the platform. See photo above to see how the screens look like (plus a cute cat as a bonus :)).
Another Option: Metro + Marmaray
If you live further away from the tourist sites (for example, Şişli or Taksim) but still want to visit the Asian side, you can combine the metro and Marmaray.
For example, you can get on the M2 Metro (the green line) and take it in the direction of Yenikapı station. Get off at Yenikapı (it’s the terminal station, so you can’t miss it!) and transfer to the Marmaray. Then follow the instructions above.
For a Stress-Free Experience: Guided Day Tour
If you want to travel to Istanbul’s Asian side but don’t feel comfortable navigating public transportation, no worries — we got you!
If your goal is to see the most popular Asian side tourist attractions, then the Asian Side Uskudar & Kadiköy Tour with Lunch is a great option. You’ll be picked up by your guide on the European side (Sultanahmet, Fatih, Taksim Square, Şişli, or Beşiktaş) before taking a ride on the Marmaray to the Asian side. There, your guide will take you on an 8-hour tour of Üsküdar and Kadıköy, including a visit to historical mosques, hamams, local markets, and the most popular tourist attractions on Istanbul’s Asian side. You’ll finish with a tour of the chic Moda district before hopping on a ferry back to the European side. 🙂
If you prefer to eat your way through a city, then you’ll swoon over the Taste of Two Continents Food Tour. This is one of the most popular alternative tours in Istanbul (it has a 4.9 out of 5 and more than 450 reviews!) and will take your tastebuds across two continents. You’ll begin with a delicious Turkish breakfast on the European side before taking a ferry across to the Asian side. In Kadıköy, you’ll tour a local market, enjoy 8-9 food stops (!), and learn more about the history behind some of the locals’ favorite dishes. And, of course, you’ll eat at some of the best restaurants on the Asian side of Istanbul!
Finally, if you want to escape the tourist crowds of Kadıköy and Üsküdar, this alternative tour is an excellent idea. The Full Day 2-Sides City Tour with Lunch & Boat Tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, plus a tour of Camlica Hill, Beylerbeyi Palace (except Mondays), and a boat tour to the European side (Pierre Loti Hill and Eyup Mosque). The tour is available in English, Spanish, French, or russian.
Here are some of the best Asian side of Istanbul tours:
By Car or Taxi: Via a Bridge or the Avrasya Tüneli (Eurasian Tunnel)
We put this option at the end because we don’t recommend it — neither by taxi nor by car (i.e if you decide to rent a car).
First, there’s a very high chance that you’ll get scammed if you decide to take a taxi from Istanbul’s European side to the Asian side.
When we first traveled to Istanbul many years ago (before we moved here), we took a taxi from Sultanahmet to Kadıköy. At the end of our ride, the taxi driver demanded that we pay twice the price on the meter as well as the extra tunnel fees! We learned our lesson that day and the Marmaray became our new friend. 🥲
In fact, this is a common problem for those who take a taxi between Europe to Asia (locals included!). Many taxi drivers will take the quick route and use the Eurasia Tunnel (“Avrasya Tüneli”), which connects both continents. Unfortunately, the tunnel is kind of overpriced (you can see current fares here). What’s even worse is that most taxi drivers will demand that you pay the tunnel fee to Asia and back to Europe as well!
If your taxi driver decides to take the long way (*ahem* the ‘scenic way’), you’ll need to pay for the bridge fee. There are three bridges that span the Bosphorus Strait and connect Europe to Asia: the Bosphorus Bridge (officially called the 15 July Martyrs Bridge), Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, and the new Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge. The 15 July Martyrs Bridge is the bridge closest to Istanbul’s tourist center.
In any case, taking a taxi or renting a car to travel between Europe and Asia is not worth it. The only situation where a taxi might be a viable option is if you’ve missed the last ferry or Marmaray train. 🙂
If you’re interested in reading more, one of our most popular posts is 10+ Common Istanbul Taxi Scams (And How to Avoid Them!) →
BONUS For a Unique Experience: A Bosphorus Cruise
No, we’re not talking about the touristy Bosphorus cruises with belly dancing shows and alcohol (but those exist too!) 🙂
If you want to check off “take a boat to Istanbul’s Asian side” but don’t want to spend time planning and coming up with an itinerary, why not go on the Long Bosphorus Tour? This ferry trip is organized by Şehir Hatları (the official city ferry lines) and is simple and straightforward.
You’ll board at 10:35 am in Eminönü pier, take a 2-hour trip up to Anadolu Kavagi, and have an additional 2.5 hours to explore (walk around the seaside village and hike up to Yoros Castle). Afterwards, you’ll board at 15:00 (3:00 pm) and arrive back to Eminönü at 16:40 (4:40 pm).
Click here for the timetable →
Where to go on Istanbul’s Asian Side
Now that you’ve made it to the Asian side, what do you actually do here? Not to worry — we’ve come up with a list of things to do on the Asian side of Istanbul.
Many of the following places and activities have their own blog posts! Just click on the link and you’ll be taken to that article. 🙂
🧿 Kadıköy — Without a doubt, the most popular neighborhood on Istanbul’s Asian side is Kadıköy. It’s a large and vibrant neighborhood that’s famous for its authentic food scene, lively arts and music culture, street art, and trendy yet unpretentious atmosphere.
Some of the best places to visit in Kadıköy include the Kadıköy Market (Kadıköy Çarşısı), a walking down the colorful Bahariye Caddesi, a ride on the historic tram (photo above), antique hunting on Tellalzade Sokak, and searching for cool street art.
🧿 Üsküdar — Üsküdar is famous for having one of the most beautiful waterfront areas in Istanbul — you can see the Old Town, Maiden’s Tower, and the Bosphorus at the same time! It also has a really unique museum where you can see miniature doll versions of famous sultanas (wife of sultans), as well as cute local cafes. Click to read our Üsküdar travel guide →
🧿 Kuzguncuk — Located on the Bosphorus waterfront coast of the Asian side, Kuzguncuk is known for its traditional (and colorful!) wooden houses, narrow streets, and local stores and restaurants. If you’re looking to get off the beaten track and discover the atmosphere of “Old Istanbul,” then you’ll definitely fall in love with Kuzguncuk. Click to read our Kuzguncuk travel guide →
🧿 Beylerbeyi Palace — Forget the crowds of Topkapi Palace or Dolmabahce Palace — come to Beylerbeyi instead! 😉 Beylerbeyi Palace is a gorgeous 19th-century Ottoman residence that was used as a summer residence. It’s especially famous for its intricate architecture, lush gardens, and marble details, and is a great spot for fans of history, architecture, and pretty places. 🙂 Check skip-the-line tickets for Beylerbeyi Palace here →
🧿 Caddebostan & Bağdat Caddesi — Located in the most exclusive areas of Istanbul’s Asian side, Caddebostan is a beautiful waterfront area with beaches and parks (perfect for having a picnic!). While you’re there, be sure to walk along Bağdat Caddesi, which is often likened to Rodeo Drive or Champs-Élysées — the street is filled with posh restaurants, famous brand stores, and more.
If you’re still wondering what to do on the Asian side Istanbul, no worries — we’ve written an entire blog post! Click here to read 15+ Things To Do on the Asian Side of Istanbul (From a Local!) →
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