Turyol Schedules 2026

Turyol is a cooperative, and its history explains the shape of the business. Long before the co-op was formally founded in 1993, migrant boatmen from the Black Sea coast were rowing passengers from Hanönü — today's Karaköy — to Haydarpaşa, so travellers could reach the train onward into Anatolia. They worked five- to six-metre boats with two pairs of oars, kept going through the occupation years, sent food home from Istanbul with what they earned, and lived aboard the boats they worked.

How it grew

As Kadıköy's population expanded they added that shore too, and found themselves competing with Şirket-i Hayriye, the forerunner of the Istanbul city ferries. Wanting engines rather than oars, they hit a wall: in the 1930s Turkey had almost no boatbuilding industry. Word reached them that small service craft left behind by the Greeks could be had around İzmir, so they went and bought three — named Marmara, Karadeniz and Ege. That was the fleet's beginning.

What it operates now

Today the cooperative runs 60 passenger vessels, two passenger-and-vehicle ships, eight marine tourism vessels and four service craft, and operates 15 piers of its own — in cabotage and international waters alike. Alongside the Istanbul commuter and Bosphorus work it runs island tours, corporate charters and vessel hire.

The Greek island crossings

The international side is sold separately, covering Aliağa–Lesvos, Seferihisar–Samos, Ayvalık–Lesvos, Çeşme–Chios, Kuşadası–Samos, Fethiye–Rhodes, Bodrum–Kos and Turgutreis–Kos. Package deals to Lesvos are quoted at €140 per person for one night and €200 for two, including the crossing, and car hire can be added on Chios or Lesvos.

Visa on arrival

Turyol files visa-on-arrival applications for Turkish passengers on three islands — Chios, Lesvos and Kos — under the seasonal Greek scheme. Requirements are strict and processed ahead of travel, so check them before fixing dates rather than turning up at the quay.

Contact

Head office is on Necatibey Caddesi in Karaköy, a few streets from where the first boats tied up. International bookings run through a separate line on 0850 303 10 10.