Bosphorus Bridge

As practical as it is symbolic, the Bosphorus Bridge rises in a brilliant arch over the Bosphorus Strait, connecting the two continents of Europe and Asia. Completed in October 1973, it links Ortakoy on the European side with Beylerbeyi on the Asian side. It is the first of two bridges over the Bosphorus, the second being the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge (Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror Bridge), which is situated further upstream.

The Bosphorus Bridge is currently the 16th largest suspension bridge in the world with a span of 1,074 m. While in the daytime it offers spectacular views of the Bosphorus and its villages, at night time brilliant neon lights illuminate it, giving it a surrealist air.

Despite its eight lanes, traffic jams are commonplace during rush hour (early mornings and evenings), as commuters make the intercontinental trip. The Metrobus line does not have its own lane on the Bridge, and so tends to be slowed down here.

The Bosphorus Bridge demands a toll only from passengers crossing to the Asian side. Payment can be made with the Automatic Crossing System (OGS) or with a ‘smart card’ type Card Crossing System (KGS).OGS requires a toll transponder in your car, and can be purchased at branches of Ziraat Bankasi. KGS is a prepaid system; cards cost TL30 and can be bought at the following banks: Halkbank, Is Bankasi, Vakifbank, Ziraat Bankasi, Garanti Bankasi and Bank Asya. Cash is not accepted.

Pedestrians are barred from the Bridge, apart from during the annual Intercontinental Eurasia Marathon which takes place in October; check our Istanbul Events section for more details.