Istanbul discontinues car ferry rides over Bosphorus, introduces sea shuttle operations as a replacement.
Following the closure of the Istinye-Çubuklu car ferry line on July 31, 2025, Istanbul has introduced sea shuttle services as the new transportation solution for commuters across this route. The car ferry, which operated since 2017, was discontinued due to rising costs and changing transportation needs.
The Istinye-Cubuklu ferry line, which carried vehicles across the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul for eight years, has now been replaced by smaller passenger boats, locally referred to as "deniz dolmus" (sea shuttles). These new boats are not equipped to carry vehicles, but they are expected to maintain regular crossings between Istinye on the European side and Cubuklu on the Asian side.
In addition to the sea shuttles, commuters in Istanbul benefit from an extensive public transport network. Multiple ferry lines connect various points on the Asian and European sides, while metro lines expand connectivity across the city. Bus networks also integrate with ferry terminals to facilitate multimodal commuting. Public transport hubs like İstinye on the European side and Çubuklu on the Asian side continue to provide access points with supporting infrastructure, enabling smooth transfers for passengers using sea shuttles and other public transport options.
The municipality's efforts are aimed at providing alternative transportation options to bridge traffic. A "Park and Continue" system will be available at Cubuklu Pier, allowing drivers to leave their cars and switch to public transport. This system is specific to Cubuklu Pier and is intended to support commuters who previously used the Istinye-Cubuklu ferry line.
The original ferry line offered 46 round trips on weekdays, serving thousands of drivers. However, operating costs had grown to a point where revenue from the service no longer covered expenses. The Istanbul municipal bus service, IETT, will run additional lines to both ferry terminals to accommodate the increased demand for public transport.
The municipality's introduction of new transport connections is a step towards providing sustainable transportation alternatives across the Bosphorus. By encouraging the use of ferries and other public transit, Istanbul aims to manage traffic and promote eco-friendly commuting options.
- Despite the closure of the Istinye-Çubuklu car ferry line, Turkey's finance and transportation sectors collaborate to introduce new transportation solutions, with Sea shuttles (deniz dolmus) now plying the route that once was served by vehicles.
- As a result of the alterations in transportation, Istanbul's industry has to adapt, following the cessation of vehicle transportation across the Bosphorus Strait, leading to an increase in demand for public transport options.
- With the city's public transport network expanding, including sea shuttle services and additional IETT lines to Istinye and Çubuklu, the municipal government's aim is to curb traffic, support eco-friendly commuting, and bolster the Istanbul economy in the context of rising inflation and the value of the Lira.
