Istanbul, Turkey
Mediterranean

Istanbul, Turkey

Port schedule

Istanbul, Turkey cruise ship port calendar shows all scheduled arrival and departure dates in a timetable format. The cruise calendar displays the ship’s estimated time of arrival including related information. If you want to find out more about the cruise ship itineraries such as ports, dates, and arrival/departure times just follow the ship’s link.

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Port Overview

Galataport Istanbul serves as both a homeport and transit port for numerous international cruise lines operating in the Eastern Mediterranean. Thanks to its strategic location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, the port plays a key role in regional cruise itineraries, with ships embarking, disembarking, or stopping over en route to destinations in Greece, Cyprus, Israel, and beyond. Its modern terminal facilities, proximity to Istanbul’s historic and cultural landmarks, and seamless passenger experience make it a premier hub for Mediterranean cruise travel.
 

Galataport is a state-of-the-art cruise port and mixed-use development located along the Bosphorus in Istanbul's Karaköy district. Spanning approximately 400,000 square meters, it features the world's first underground cruise ship terminal, designed to preserve the city's waterfront views while efficiently processing passengers below ground. The terminal can accommodate up to three large cruise ships. This project revitalizes a previously inaccessible 1.2-kilometer stretch of coastline, seamlessly integrating modern infrastructure with the city's rich heritage.

 

Number of Quays
The port features a 1.2-kilometer shoreline capable of accommodating multiple cruise ships.
Number of Passenger Terminals
Galataport Istanbul has a single, state-of-the-art underground cruise ship terminal spanning 29,000 square meters. This terminal can handle up to three ships and approximately 15,000 passengers daily.
Distance to City Center
Galataport is located in the Karaköy district, adjacent to Istanbul's city center. The distance to key landmarks is minimal:<br>- To Taksim Square: Approximately 2 kilometers (1.24 miles)<br>- To Sultanahmet (Historic Peninsula): Approximately 4 kilometers (2.49 miles)
Distance to Airport
The distances to Istanbul's main airports are:<br>- To Istanbul Airport (IST): Approximately 40 kilometers (24.85 miles)<br>- To Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW): Approximately 45 kilometers (27.96 miles)

Port address
Kılıçali Paşa Mahallesi, Meclis-i Mebusan Caddesi, No: 8, İç Kapı No:102, 34433, Beyoğlu, İstanbul
Port phone number
444 52 66

Istanbul, Turkey - Cruise Port Terminals

Galataport

Galataport features the world's first underground cruise terminal, spanning 29,000 square meters. This subterranean design preserves the city's scenic views and allows public access to the promenade when no ships are docked. ​

Capacity: The terminal can accommodate up to three cruise ships simultaneously, handling approximately 15,000 passengers daily. ​

 

Security Measures: A unique hatch system creates temporary customs areas during ship docking, ensuring efficient operations and unobstructed waterfront access at other times. ​

 

Facilities and Amenities:

Parking: An underground garage with a capacity for 2,400 vehicles offers convenient parking options for visitors. ​

Shopping and Dining: The development hosts over 250 retail stores and eateries, featuring both international brands and local artisans, providing a diverse shopping and culinary experience. ​

Cultural Venues: Galataport is home to the Istanbul Modern Art Museum and the Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University’s Museum of Painting and Sculpture, enriching the cultural fabric of the area. ​

 

Accessibility:
 

Proximity to Landmarks: Situated near iconic sites such as the Galata Tower, Taksim Square, and the historic Sultanahmet district, Galataport offers easy access to Istanbul's major attractions. ​

Transportation Links: The port is well-connected via Istanbul's public transportation network, including trams, buses, and ferries, facilitating convenient travel throughout the city.

Cruise Port Guide

Istanbul Cruise Port Guide

Istanbul is a captivating and historically rich cruise destination that straddles two continents, Europe and Asia, making it a unique and culturally diverse port of call. Here's a description of Istanbul as a cruise destination. As your cruise ship approaches Istanbul, you'll be greeted by a stunning panorama of the city's iconic skyline. The city is situated along the shores of the Bosphorus Strait, and the sight of majestic minarets, historic palaces, and modern skyscrapers blending seamlessly is truly remarkable.

 

Where do cruise ships dock in Istanbul?

Cruise ships arriving in Istanbul are welcomed by the state-of-the-art Galataport, situated in the vibrant district of Karaköy on the European side of this enchanting city. This strategic location offers a seamless blend of historical charm and modern allure, making it the perfect gateway to explore Istanbul's treasures.
What sets Galataport apart is its innovative approach to preserving Istanbul's heritage while ushering it into a new era. Through a visionary project, Istanbul has reclaimed 1.2 kilometers of the iconic Bosphorus waterfront, transforming it into a thriving urban space. At the heart of this transformation is the world's first underground terminal, reimagining Istanbul's historic port into a dynamic hub for gastronomy, arts, culture, shopping, and business.

Top Tourist Sites with Distance from Galataport

1.    Topkapi Palace

The Topkapi Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, served as the imperial residence of Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years. It's a sprawling complex with beautiful courtyards, lavish chambers, and a treasury filled with exquisite artifacts.
•    Distance Approximately 3.5 kilometers (2.2 miles) to the northeast.

2.    Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an architectural masterpiece that has served as both a cathedral and a mosque throughout its history. Its massive dome and stunning interior mosaics are awe-inspiring.
•    Distance: Approximately 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) to the northeast.

3.    Basilica Cistern

The Basilica Cistern, also known as the "Sunken Palace," is an underground reservoir built during the Byzantine era. It features rows of ancient columns, mystical lighting, and even has Medusa heads as its base.
•    Distance: Approximately 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles) to the northeast.

4.    Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar is one of the world's largest and oldest covered markets, offering a mesmerizing labyrinth of shops selling a wide variety of goods, from textiles and jewelry to spices and ceramics.
•    Distance: Approximately 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) to the northeast.

5.    Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque)

The Blue Mosque is an architectural marvel known for its stunning blue Iznik tiles, intricate calligraphy, and impressive six minarets. It's a place of worship and an iconic symbol of Istanbul.
•    Distance: Approximately 2.5 kilometers (1.6 miles) to the northeast.

CRUISE TERMINAL INFORMATION
The sprawling 29,000-square-meter Galataport Istanbul Cruise Terminal is a marvel of modern engineering. This architectural wonder features a groundbreaking hatch system that connects directly to the underground terminal—a pioneering concept that has never been seen before. This ingenious design facilitates a seamless customs process for passengers, ensuring their experience is both efficient and enjoyable.
Galataport Istanbul boasts the impressive capacity to host three cruise ships and accommodate up to 15,000 passengers daily. Its remarkable infrastructure is designed to welcome even the colossal oasis-class cruise ships, which are renowned as the world's largest vessels, catering to over 8,000 passengers, including crew members.
Functioning as a pivotal hub port, Galataport has sparked a surge of activity in cruise tourism across an expansive region encompassing the Mediterranean basin and the Black Sea. Its significant contribution extends beyond borders, bolstering both regional and national tourism industries and making a substantial impact on the overall economy.

PORT FACTS
Maximum ship dimensions for berth
•    Length: 980 mtr
•    Width: no limit
•    Draught: Salipazan pier: 10 mtr, Karaköy pier: 8,5 mtr
Anchorage
•    Available: yes
•    Ship tenders allowed: no
•    Tugs available: yes, service supplied by the Turkish Directorate General of Coastal Safety

Quays
•    Total number of quays: 2
•    Total length of quays: 980mtr
•    Quay depth: 13mtr
•    Passenger terminals: 1

Distances/Transportation
•    City centre: port is in the centre of the city
•    Airport: Istanbul Airport 42km
•    Free shuttle service to city: no
•    Free shuttle service within the pier: no, shuttle service within port is not neccesary

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