Buyukada Transportation

Buyukada and other larger islands around could be visited by ferry boats from Kabatas ferry port in Istanbul (not so far from Taxim square). Ferries run about every 2 hours, and stop in Asian side of Istanbul Kadikoy, later in 4 islands, the last one is Buyukada. The ferry trip lasts about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

This trip is also nice to have a look at Istanbul’s Sultanahmet historical suburb as well as at Istanbul from far away.

Büyükada can be reached by ferry from the piers at Kabatas, Kadiköy or Bostanci. As you approach the island you will first notice the lush vegetation and then the elegant old houses rising above the deep blue sea. As you get closer, the architecture, decoration and details on the houses will be a delight to your eyes. Houses that are over a hundred years old peek out from between bright green trees, giving you the first indication that your tour of Büyükada will be unforgettable. The elegant building on the pier gracefully reflects the island’s history. With a domed roof and a dominant position in the town centre, the building warmly greets those who step onto the island.

In Büyükada cars not allowed. Cycling is very common also horse-drawn carriage is popular.

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As you walk off the pier from the ferry, you go up the hill and on your left side will be the Horse Taxi Station. YOU will find literally dozens of them waiting for passengers.. This may have been because we arrived in September, which is almost the off season, there were enough Horse Taxi's for everyone.

Since motor vehicles are banned on the island, tourists often opt to travel by horse-drawn carriage during their visit. There are dozens parked very close to the ferry terminal, just follow your nose :)

The carriage rides are fun, but negotiate with your driver in advance before getting in. Enjoy!

One of the above postings is misleading. The taxi from the airport would cost a lot more than 20 YTL on the meter. Better to go by Metro from the airport building. Get off the Metro at Yenibosna, cross the footbridge and take the Tramway. Both Metro and Tramway will cost you about 1 YTL. You get off the Tramway at Sirkeci, and have little more than 100 metres' walk to get to the ferry for the islands (Adalar).

From Ataturk International Airport you can easily reach Buyukada within a couple of hours.
You have to take a taxi first. Local drivers are smart and if they have a meter thay may not switch it on and will ask you for a nice amount afterwards. So it is better to negotiate the rate to Sirkeci Feribotlar (Sirkeci Sea Ferry Station). This trip will cost you about 20 YTL and will take upto 40 minures.
Then you walk about 50 meters to the cashier of Sirkeci Feribotlar and buy a token for a "Feribot" (Sea Ferry) to "Adalar" (Islands). Ferries are nice, but it is advised to go to the upper deck to get some fresh air. You pay 2 YTL per person and enjoy your sea journey (1 hour 45 minutes).
Alternatively, you can take a taxi to Kabatas (30 YTL ; upto 1 hour) and then go to Buyukada by Sea Bus (5 YTL ; less than 1 hour).
Good luck!

If you are in good shape and want to see the island you can rent bicycle and ride.
The problem with the island is that you have a lot to climb but the view is so amazing that it worth it.

Buyukada is Cars-free island so if you want to see the whole island you can take the horse carriage tour.

An hour will cost you 35 YTL and the carriage can take up to 4 people so it will be cheaper for each person.