The car ferries that operate between Yenikap (on the European side of Istanbul) and Bandrma reduce the driving time between Istanbul and zmir and other major destinations on Turkey's Aegean coast by several hours; while those that operate between Yenikap or Pendik (on the Asian side of Istanbul) and Yalova significantly reduce the driving time between Istanbul and Bursa or Antalya.
The port of Istanbul is the most important one in the country. The old port on the Golden Horn serves primarily for personal navigation, while Karaköy port in Galata is used by the large cruise liners. Regular services as well as cruises from both Karaköy and Eminönü exist to several port cities in the Mediterranean Sea and Black Sea. Istanbul's main cargo port is located in the Harem district on the Asian side of the city. Istanbul also has several marinas of varying size for personal navigation, the largest of which are the Ataköy Marina on the European side and Kalam Marina on the Asian side.
Commuter ferries have been operating on the Bosphorus since 1837.