🚲 Büyükada Bikes & Electric Carts – How to Explore the Island (2025)

• Rental locations
• Prices – bikes & carts
• Suggested routes
• How to get there (ferries)
• Safety & rules
• Practical tips
• Useful links
• FAQ

• 🚲 Right at the port:
  As soon as you step off the ferry at Büyükada Port you’ll see several bike and cart rental shops along the main street.
• 🏙️ Central square & side streets:
  More rental offices line the streets around the main square and promenade.
• 📍 Google Maps – Büyükada Port »

Most shops clearly display price boards at the entrance. Always ask about hourly vs daily rates, deposits and what’s included (helmets, locks, child seats) before you sign anything.

• 🚲 Bikes:
  Commonly around 100–150 TRY per hour, with discounts when you rent for half day (3–4 hours) or full day.
• 🚐 Electric carts:
  Often priced per island tour, roughly 300–500 TRY per tour, usually fitting 4–6 people depending on cart size.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family & group deals:
  Some offices offer family bundles, longer rental packages or guided routes at a fixed price.

Prices change with season and demand. Ask if there is a card payment option, and confirm whether the rate includes insurance, helmets, and a guide/driver for electric carts.

• 🌊 Seaside promenade loop
  Start from the port, follow the road along the waterfront for relaxed sea views, cafés and easy photo stops.
• 🌲 Forest & viewpoints route
  Head slightly uphill into the pine forest areas for shade, lookouts and quieter backstreets away from the crowds.
• ⛪ Aya Yorgi Hill add-on
  For stronger riders, add the climb towards Aya Yorgi Monastery for panoramic views. You can cycle part of the way and walk the steepest section.

Ask rental shops or cart drivers for a suggested circuit that matches your fitness level and how much time you have before your return ferry.

• ⛴️ Departure piers:
  Ferries run from Kabataş, Eminönü (European side), plus Kadıköy and Bostancı (Asian side).
• ⏱️ Duration:
  Usually 1–1.5 hours depending on pier and whether you take a fast or regular ferry.
• 📅 Schedules:
  Timetables change by season and day of week – always check official operators before you travel.
• 🚕 Getting to the pier:
  Within Istanbul, use BiTaksi (Istanbul taxi app) » or Uber in Turkey 2025 » to reach the ferry terminal.

For a full overview of ferries, beaches and viewpoints, see our main guide: Büyükada Island – Princes’ Islands guide »

• 🛑 No private cars:
  Büyükada is officially car-free, but you still share roads with service vehicles, carts and other cyclists – ride carefully.
• 🪖 Helmets:
  Ask specifically for helmets for adults and kids, especially on hilly sections.
• ⛰️ Check brakes & gears:
  Always test brakes, gears and lights before leaving the rental shop – there are steep slopes in some parts of the island.
• 📜 Electric carts & licences:
  Most carts operate as guided tours with a driver. If self-drive is offered, ask about age limits, licence and ID requirements.

Keep speed low around crowded areas and curves, and avoid using headphones so you can hear traffic and other riders.

• ⏰ Start early:
  Take a morning ferry to enjoy cooler weather, quieter paths and more time to explore.
• 🧴 Sun protection:
  Bring water, sunscreen, hat and sunglasses – summer sun can be strong, especially on open coastal stretches.
• 💳 Cash & card:
  Many rentals accept cards, but having some cash in TRY helps with smaller shops and cafés.
• 📷 Plan photo stops:
  Pause at sea viewpoints and forest clearings instead of stopping sharply on narrow roads.

• ⛴️ Princes’ Islands day trips (tours):
  GetYourGuide – Princes’ Islands day trip »
• ⭐ Visitor reviews:
  Tripadvisor – Büyükada »
• 🏝️ Main island guide:
  Büyükada Island – ferries, beaches & things to do »