Karakoy Pier

Karaköy Pier is a significant maritime transportation hub located in the Beyoğlu district of Istanbul, just east of the Golden Horn and adjacent to the Galata Bridge. The coastal strip where the pier is located also serves as a social gathering place for Istanbul residents. Many people can be seen fishing, enjoying fish sandwiches, visiting restaurants, or sitting along the shore with tea or coffee, admiring the sea and the scenic view. Looking directly across from Karaköy Pier, one can see Sarayburnu, with Topkapı Palace visible above it. Turning slightly westward reveals Süleymaniye Mosque, followed by Zeyrek welcoming us with its historic charm.

Where Can You Take a Ferry from Karaköy Pier? 

Karaköy Pier provides sea transport to various parts of Istanbul, with primary ferry routes to:

• 🛥️ Beşiktaş
• 🛥️ Üsküdar
• 🛥️ Kadıköy
• 🛥️ Eyüpsultan
• 🛥️ Eminönü
• 🛥️ Bostancı
• 
  

Karaköy - Beşiktaş Ferry Timetable

• 📍 Departures from Karaköy: 07:40, 08:40, 09:40, 10:40, 11:40, 12:40, 17:40, 18:40, 19:40
• 📍 Departures from Beşiktaş: 07:50, 08:50, 09:50, 10:50, 11:50, 12:50, 17:50, 18:50, 19:50

Karaköy - Üsküdar Ferry Timetable

• 📍 Departures from Karaköy: 06:45, 07:30, 08:15, 09:00, 10:30, 11:15, 12:00, 13:30, 15:10, 15:55, 16:40, 17:25, 18:25, 19:15, 21:00, 22:30
• 📍 Departures from Üsküdar: 06:10, 07:00, 07:15, 07:45, 08:30, 09:15, 09:45, 10:40, 12:10, 14:40, 17:10, 18:55, 19:45, 20:25, 23:00

Karaköy - Kadıköy Ferry Timetable

• 📍 Departures from Karaköy: 07:25, 08:20, 09:25, 10:25, 11:25, 12:25, 13:25, 14:25, 15:25, 16:25, 17:35, 18:35, 20:35, 21:35
• 📍 Departures from Kadıköy: 06:35, 07:35, 08:35, 09:35, 10:35, 11:35, 12:35, 13:35, 14:35, 15:35, 16:35, 17:35, 18:35, 19:35, 20:35, 21:35

Karaköy - Eyüpsultan Ferry Timetable

• 📍 Departures from Karaköy: 07:45, 08:45, 09:45, 10:45, 11:45, 12:45, 17:50, 18:50, 19:55
• 📍 Departures from Eyüpsultan: 07:15, 08:15, 09:15, 10:15, 11:15, 12:15, 17:20, 18:20, 19:25

Karaköy - Bostancı Ferry Timetable

• 📍 Departures from Karaköy: 08:00, 08:55, 12:00, 15:00, 17:30, 18:10, 19:20, 20:35
• 📍 Departures from Bostancı: 06:50, 07:55, 08:50, 09:45, 13:35, 16:05, 18:35, 19:30

History of Karaköy Pier

Karaköy Pier was originally built in 1959 to replace an old pier on the Galata Bridge. Since then, it has been renewed three times. The first pier was destroyed in a storm on January 16, 1959, and was rebuilt 160 meters east of the bridge later that year, primarily serving ships to Kadıköy. On March 1, 1966, a collision between two Soviet-flagged ships near Maiden’s Tower spilled 1,850 tons of oil into the Bosphorus, causing a fire that heavily damaged both Karaköy Pier and the MS Kadıköy ship.

Following repairs, the pier remained in service until 1984, when it was replaced with a more modern floating pier. However, this new pier sank in 2008 due to a strong southwest storm. Subsequently, a smaller pier connected to a barge onshore was put into service, which remains operational today.

Current State of Karaköy Pier

After the 2008 incident, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality constructed a new floating pier at Tuzla Shipyard. Covering an area of 2,236 square meters, the new pier measures 81 meters in length, 27.6 meters in width, and 3.5 meters in height. Towed to Karaköy from Haliç Shipyard in 2018, the pier was fully installed and opened to service on May 29, 2018.

Karaköy Pier Fire

On March 1, 1966, a collision between two Soviet-flagged ships, M/T Lutsk and M/T Kranski Oktyabr, near Dolmabahçe resulted in 1,850 tons of oil spilling into the sea, igniting a massive fire. This fire caused severe damage to Karaköy Pier, the MS Kadıköy ferry, the Italian passenger ship St. George, shops under the Kadıköy Pier, and Karaköy Bridge. One person on the Kadıköy ferry lost their life.

Karaköy Pier and Istanbul Bookstore

On the upper floor of Karaköy Pier, there is a branch of Istanbul Bookstore. Open from 08:00 to 22:30, visitors can read books with a sea view and participate in various activities. Throughout its history, Karaköy Pier has undergone numerous renovations and restorations, transforming into a modern and comfortable facility. It remains a key location for sea transportation in Istanbul, serving both local and international visitors.