Port Overview

Istanbul is a major port city in Turkey, as well as the country’s most populous and its historic, cultural and economic center. The city covers a total area of approx 1539 km2 (594 mi2) and has population around 15,5 million.

Historically known as Byzantium and Constantinople, Istanbul is a transcontinental city (located in both Europe and Asia) and straddling Bosphorus Strait between Black Sea and Marmara Sea (Eastern Mediterranean).

The city’s historical and commercial downtown is on the European side, and around 1/3 of its population is on the Asian side. Istanbul Metro is one of the world’s most populous cities – ranked 7th-largest (city proper) and Europe’s largest – followed by Moscow (Russia) and London (UK). It also has one of world’s fastest-growing metro economies.

Port Istanbul, as cruise port is both homeport (departure/turnaround) and call port, visited mainly as part of Eastern Mediterranean/Aegean Sea itineraries. Most voyages start in Italy (Venice) or Greece (Piraeus-Athens).

Istanbul cruise port terminals are located near Galata Tower. Cruise ships dock at Karaköy Yolcu Salonu passenger terminal (at Beyoglu’s southern tip). The terminal is located in Karakoy (Galata), on the waterfront of Bosphorus Strait. This whole area was redeveloped into the new Galataport cruise ship terminal complex.

Istanbul cruise port terminal is right in downtown (in close proximity to major tourist attractions) and approx 20 km / 12 mi (or 25-min) away from Ataturk Airport.

Galata port Cruise Terminal has berthing capacity of 3x liners (simultaneously docked) and ~15,000 passengers.

Istanbul Galata port’s facilities feature an underground cruise terminal (world’s first) sized 29000 m2 / 312155 ft2 which has a unique access/hatch system. During ship days (with docked ships) the cruise terminal converts the port into an esplanade.

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