Electrification and hybrid propulsion
What electrification and hybrid propulsion means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The Bosphorus Boat Show - In Land is set to take place from February 20 to 27, 2027, at the Istanbul Expo Center. This premier event will gather over 200 exhibitors and 500 brands, offering a comprehensive view of the maritime industry.
Attendees can expect to see the latest innovations in boating, meet industry experts, and network with fellow maritime enthusiasts. Bosphorus Boat Show - In Land takes place in Bakırköy/Istanbul, Turkey.
Venue: Istanbul Expo Center (Istanbul Fuar Merkezi).
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: Bosphorus Boat Show - In Land runs from February 20 to 27, 2027 at Istanbul Expo Center.
- 2Scale and Focus: The event showcases over 200 companies and 500 brands in the maritime sector.
- 3Organiser: The show is organized by ED Fair Organization, with more details available on their website.
- 4Buyer Authority: Attendees include maritime professionals, boat enthusiasts, and industry stakeholders.
- 5Entry: Tickets are available online for visitors.
Why visit
Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the latest maritime products and technologies, engage with industry leaders, and enjoy special offers exclusive to the event. Attendees include maritime professionals, boat enthusiasts, and industry stakeholders. Tickets are available online for visitors.
Why exhibit
Exhibitors can enhance their brand visibility, connect with potential buyers, and gain insights into market trends. The event showcases over 200 companies and 500 brands in the maritime sector. Attendees include maritime professionals, boat enthusiasts, and industry stakeholders.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Yacht and motorboat buyers, from first-time owner-operators to families trading up into the 10-24 m cruiser and flybridge segment
Turkish and regional dealers and distributors scouting agency rights for hulls, engines and electronics
Marina operators and berth managers sourcing pontoons, mooring hardware, boat lifts and marina services
Naval architects, refit yards and interior fit-out specialists comparing propulsion, systems and joinery suppliers
Charter fleet operators evaluating day-charter, bareboat and crewed charter boats for the Aegean and Marmara season
Marine equipment buyers from Turkish coastal resorts, Bodrum, Cesme, Gocek and Istanbul marinas stocking for the spring launch
Fishing, diving and watersports retailers looking at RIBs, tenders, water toys and tackle
Sailing media, charter brokers and yacht insurers covering the new season launches in Istanbul
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Motor yacht and sport cruiser builders presenting 2027 model lines in the 8-24 m band
Sailing yacht and catamaran yards targeting Turkish charter fleets and private owners
RIB and tender manufacturers serving charter, dive, rescue and patrol buyers
Marine engine and propulsion suppliers covering outboard, sterndrive, inboard and hybrid systems
Marine electronics and navigation brands with chartplotters, autopilots, AIS and communication kit
Deck hardware, rigging, anchors, mooring and stainless fitting producers
Interior fit-out, teak decking, upholstery and galley equipment specialists
Marina equipment, pontoon, boat lift and berth system suppliers
Charter brokers, yacht management firms, marine insurers and finance providers
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Motor yachts, sport cruisers and flybridge boats in the 8-24 m range
Sailing yachts, catamarans and performance cruisers
RIBs, tenders, inflatables and rigid-hull utility boats
Outboard and inboard engines, sterndrives, pod drives and hybrid or electric propulsion
Marine electronics, navigation, AIS, radar and onboard communication
Deck hardware, rigging, anchors, windlasses and mooring equipment
Safety and rescue gear including life rafts, EPIRBs, flares and fire suppression
Interior fit-out, teak decking, upholstery, galley and climate systems
Antifouling, hull care, polishing, refit and technical maintenance services
Watersports equipment, diving gear, fishing tackle and water toys
Marina equipment, boat lifts, pontoons and berth infrastructure
Yacht charter, brokerage, insurance, finance and crew services
Marine clothing, footwear and lifestyle accessories
Location & Facilities
Venue
Halls & areas
1Istanbul Expo Center (Istanbul Fuar Merkezi, IFM)
Istanbul Expo Center (Istanbul Fuar Merkezi)
Yeşilköy Mah. Atatürk Cad., Bakırköy/Istanbul, Turkey
Facilities
Parking
Istanbul Expo Center (Istanbul Fuar Merkezi) in Bakırköy/Istanbul typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Istanbul Expo Center (Istanbul Fuar Merkezi) in Bakırköy/Istanbul typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Istanbul Expo Center (Istanbul Fuar Merkezi) for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Who runs the show
Organisers
ED Fair Organization
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Bakırköy/Istanbul, Turkey
Why it matters
On 2027-02-20 to 2027-02-27, Bosphorus Boat Show - In Land in Bakırköy/Istanbul covering Luxury yachts and boats for leisure, Marine electronics and navigation systems, Safety equipment for boating, Boat acces gives marine buyers a single calendar window to compare suppliers, validate specs on the stand, and book follow-ups before the next buying cycle - especially when your roadmap matches the published exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Connected helm and telematics
What connected helm and telematics means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Sustainable materials and refit
What sustainable materials and refit means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Experience-led watersports demand
What experience-led watersports demand means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Supply-chain regionalisation
What supply-chain regionalisation means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · TRY
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Istanbul Airport
Main international gateway and the closest airport to the Yesilkoy fairground. Metered taxi or pre-booked transfer is the practical arrival option with luggage; rail routes into the city then connect to the M1A metro line for the DTM - Istanbul Fuar Merkezi stop
approx. 20-25 km by road
to venue
35-50 min by road in normal traffic
by car
Sabiha Gokcen
Second gateway on the Asian side. The cross-city transfer crosses the Bosphorus, so only choose SAW if the fare difference is significant; allow buffer time on arrival day and avoid a tight connection to a build-up slot
approx. 65-75 km by road (Asian side to European side)
to venue
70-95 min by road, longer in weekday peak
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
JW Marriott Hotel Istanbul Marmara Sea
5-star
Marmara Sea / Istanbul Expo Center areaUSD 230–265 / night
Five-star seafront property on the Marmara coast with spa and pool, used as an upper-tier anchor for the show week. Roughly 10-15 minutes by taxi to the fairground; metro access needs a short taxi hop first.
Radisson Blu Hotel, Istanbul Ottomare
5-star
Bakirkoy / Ottomare coastal stripUSD 230–265 / night
Coastal five-star with spa and sea-view rooms on the Ottomare strip, convenient for evening restaurants along the Marmara shore. Short taxi ride to the halls; confirm whether the hotel runs a fairground shuttle during the show.
Radisson Hotel Istanbul Merter
5-star
MerterUSD 230–265 / night
Business-district five-star with spa and pool, inland from the coast. Good value for a longer stay if you accept a 15-25 minute road transfer to the fairground instead of walking distance.
Sheraton Istanbul City Center
5-star
City centreUSD 230–265 / night
City-centre five-star with pool and spa, better placed for evening dining and sightseeing than for the halls. Use the metro or a taxi for the daily commute and budget extra time on weekday mornings.
Crowne Plaza Istanbul - West by IHG
5-star
Istanbul west / Expo Center vicinityUSD 230–265 / night
Western-corridor five-star with spa and free parking, a sensible base if you are driving or carrying stand equipment to the fairground each morning.
Windsor Hotel & Convention Center
5-star
Istanbul Expo Center areaUSD 230–265 / night
Convention hotel in the fairground vicinity, popular with exhibition teams for its hall access and group rates. Room quality varies by block, so ask for a renovated room when booking for the show week.
Hilton Garden Inn Istanbul Ataturk Airport
4-star
Ataturk Airport / YesilkoyUSD 150–190 / night
Four-star airport-corridor option with pool and free cancellation, a short road transfer from the halls and close to the M1A metro alignment. Practical for mixed exhibition crews who need flexibility on dates.
Grand Palace Hotel
3-star
approx. 1.2 km from the fairgroundUSD 95–122 / night
Simple three-star listed about 1.2 km from the halls, with Wi-Fi, parking, airport shuttle and breakfast. Best suited to a budget stand team who will walk or take a short taxi to the gate each morning.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
metro
Estimated costTRY 2-8 typical single public transport journey (confirm before travel)
Best forM1A metro line, DTM - Istanbul Fuar Merkezi station, to the fairground gates
Direct rail access to the venue, which makes metro the default for badge holders staying on the Bakirkoy-Yesilkoy corridor. Top up an Istanbulkart at the station machines, allow 5-15 minutes' walk from platform to hall.
rail
Estimated costTRY typical airport or regional rail single journey (confirm before travel)
Best forMarmaray cross-Bosphorus line plus M1A connection at Yenikapi
Useful for visitors staying on the Asian side or in the historic peninsula: Marmaray to Yenikapi, then M1A toward the fairground. Total door-to-door time is often comparable to a taxi in peak traffic.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. TRY 800-1,200 metered taxi for the airport run (confirm the meter and any fixed tariff on arrival)
Best forIstanbul Airport (IST) to Istanbul Expo Center (Istanbul Fuar Merkezi)
Fastest option with luggage outside peak hours, roughly 35-50 minutes. Use the official taxi rank outside arrivals and confirm the approximate fare before setting off.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. TRY taxi/rideshare from SAW to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forSabiha Gokcen (SAW) to Istanbul Expo Center (Istanbul Fuar Merkezi)
The Asian-side airport means a Bosphorus crossing and a much longer ride, often 70-95 minutes. Only economical if your flight saving clearly outweighs the transfer fare.
airport bus
Estimated costApprox. TRY 250-400 per person for the bus leg, plus metro fare (confirm current routes and prices)
Best forAirport bus services from IST toward the city, then M1A metro to the fairground
Cheapest airport option for a solo traveller with light luggage. Routes and stops change with operator schedules, so check the current airport bus network on arrival night rather than planning a tight connection.
airport transfer
Estimated costApprox. TRY 1,200-2,000 fixed-price private transfer (confirm the quote in writing)
Best forPre-booked meet-and-greet transfer from IST or SAW to the fairground hotels
Standard choice for exhibitors arriving with sample cases or stand equipment. Book in writing with a flight number and waiting time included, and confirm whether the price covers tolls and luggage.
parking
Estimated costApprox. TRY 150-350 per day for fairground parking (confirm the current tariff at the gate)
Best forOn-site car parks at Istanbul Expo Center (Istanbul Fuar Merkezi)
The practical option for exhibitors driving in with equipment. Arrive before the doors open, as hall-side bays fill quickly on public days, and keep the ticket with your badge for exit.
walking
Estimated costNo fare - on foot
Best forBakirkoy and Yesilkoy hotels to the fairground gates
Only the closest hotels are genuinely walkable, and the pavements along the main roads are uneven in places. In February rain, plan on a short taxi or metro hop rather than a 25-minute walk.
Weather
February is Istanbul's coldest and wettest month on the European side: expect daytime highs of roughly 4-10 C, nights near 1-5 C, a cold onshore wind off the Marmara and rain on a good share of days, occasionally with sleet. The show itself is indoors, so weather mainly affects airport transfers, the walk from the DTM metro platform to your hall and evening plans along the Bakirkoy coast. Keep a waterproof outer layer and shoes with grip, allow extra time for rain-slowed traffic on the coast road, and check the forecast 48 hours out because snow events occasionally disrupt the city.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Turkey's three mobile networks, Turkcell, Vodafone Turkey and Turkcell's rival Turk Telekom, all offer prepaid tourist SIMs and eSIM plans; airport arrivals halls have operator counters and vending machines. EU roaming does not apply automatically on all tariffs, so check your home plan's Turkey zone before flying and avoid data charges on the first day. Free Wi-Fi is common in hotels and cafes, while fairground Wi-Fi should be treated as a backup only: confirm coverage and any stand-specific connection order with the organiser or venue if you plan to run live demos or video calls from the booth.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Currency and payments
The local currency is the Turkish lira (TRY). Contactless cards are accepted at hotels, the fairground and most restaurants, but keep cash for taxis, Istanbulkart top-ups and small vendors. On boat orders, agree in writing whether the invoice, deposit and balance are in TRY, EUR or USD, because lira volatility can move the effective price during a long build slot.
Language at the fair
Turkish is the working language on many local stands, while English is standard with international builders and engine brands. A short greeting goes a long way, and a printed specification sheet bypasses most translation problems when discussing engines, electronics or hull layup.
Business etiquette
Introductions are relatively formal: a handshake, exchange of cards and a few minutes of conversation before technical questions. Decisions often involve the dealer principal or yard owner rather than the stand team, so ask early who signs off and whether a follow-up meeting in Istanbul or at the yard is needed.
Tipping and daily costs
Restaurant bills commonly include a small service charge, with a further 5-10 percent tip appreciated for good service. Taxi drivers are usually given a rounded fare. Hotel and marina staff expect small tips for handling luggage or lines, so keep low-denomination notes on hand.
Food, hours and the coastal strip
Istanbul dines late: many restaurants along the Bakirkoy and Yesilkoy coast fill from 20:00 onward, and lunch service near the fairground can be busy between 12:30 and 14:00. Reserve for groups during show week and confirm whether your hotel rate includes breakfast, since early hall opening makes that the practical meal.
Ramadan timing
Ramadan is expected to begin in early February 2027, which overlaps the show window. Some restaurants shift their hours and iftar service just after sunset gets busy, while business hours at offices and yards may shorten slightly. Confirm restaurant plans with the hotel and book evening tables rather than assuming walk-in space.
Dress and February conditions
Smart-casual business dress is the norm at Istanbul trade fairs, with a jacket for meetings and comfortable shoes for hall walking. Late February is cold and wet, so a warm mid-layer under a water-resistant coat is more useful than formal outerwear, especially for the metro walk and evening coastal transfers.
Fairground district context
The Expo Center sits in the Yesilkoy-Bakirkoy area on the European side, close to the Marmara Sea, the old Ataturk airport corridor and a strip of seafood restaurants. The historic peninsula with Sultanahmet and the Grand Bazaar is a 30-45 minute metro or taxi ride away, which makes a half-day extension easy if you stay a day after the show.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: IST
Istanbul Airport (IST) is the practical arrival point for the Bakirkoy fairground and carries most of the long-haul and European capacity. Captured sample fares for a 20-24 February 2027 round trip, economy, taxes and fees included for one adult and excluding bags, ranged from about TRY 10,637 from London Heathrow and about TRY 24,779 from Dubai, up to about TRY 27,906 from Singapore, TRY 37,646 from New York JFK, TRY 44,614 from Tokyo Narita and TRY 50,502 from Sydney. These are indicative only and move with availability. February pricing tends to firm up as the show week approaches, so book long-haul seats early, check whether a Turkish or Gulf hub connection beats a direct fare from your city, and budget separately for checked bags, seat selection and airport transfers.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Istanbul Airport (IST): 35-50 min by road in normal traffic; Sabiha Gokcen (SAW): 70-95 min by road, longer in weekday peak. Allow road or rail time to Istanbul Expo Center (Istanbul Fuar Merkezi); on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Istanbul Expo Center (Istanbul Fuar Merkezi): Marmara Sea / Istanbul Expo Center area: JW Marriott Hotel Istanbul Marmara Sea; Bakirkoy / Ottomare coastal strip: Radisson Blu Hotel, Istanbul Ottomare; Merter: Radisson Hotel Istanbul Merter.
Ride-hail: Istanbul has a well-used app-based taxi scene alongside street hailing. The local BiTaksi app is the common choice, and Uber operates in the city through licensed yellow taxis rather than a separate private fleet, so the vehicle and metered fare rules are the same as a rank taxi. Expect app pickup points at the airport and at fairground gates rather than at the hall door, and confirm the driver's plate before getting in. During the 08:00-10:00 and 17:00-19:30 peaks, a metro ride on the M1A line is usually faster and cheaper than any car, especially on the coastal road toward Bakirkoy. Ride-hailing availability and app coverage can change, so check the app after landing rather than relying on it for a tight arrival slot.
Public transit: The fairground's own stop is DTM - Istanbul Fuar Merkezi on the M1A metro line, which is the backbone of show-week travel: it links the Yesilkoy halls with the Yenikapi interchange, where Marmaray cross-Bosphorus trains and the M2 metro connect the Asian side and the historic peninsula. Pay with an Istanbulkart, bought from station machines and topped up as needed; the card also covers trams, city buses, the Metrobus corridor and ferries, with a discounted transfer window between legs. Winter timetables are reliable but less frequent late at night, so check the last train before an evening event. For a cheaper but slower airport connection, take an airport bus into the city and switch to the metro, and allow extra time with luggage.
Parking: Istanbul Expo Center has on-site car parks serving the halls, which is the realistic option for exhibitors arriving with equipment, samples or a display boat on a trailer. Arrive well before the doors open, because the bays nearest the halls fill first, and keep your parking ticket with your badge for exit. Daily tariffs are set by the venue and can change between editions, so confirm the current rate and the correct gate for your hall at arrival or with the organiser before build-up. Taxis and app cars use designated drop-off zones outside the gates rather than the exhibition halls themselves, so plan a short walk with heavy cases.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: February 2027 (show week 20-27 February)
Temperature: Expect daytime temperatures of roughly 4-10 C and nights of about 1-5 C, with a cold onshore breeze off the Marmara Sea making it feel colder at the fairground gates and metro exits. Snow or sleet is possible but uncommon in the Bakirkoy coastal band, and a mild year can push daytime highs toward 12 C.
Seasonality: Late February is Istanbul's wet winter stretch, with rain on a substantial share of days and long grey spells between showers. Rain matters for transfers, the walk from the DTM metro platform to your hall and evening plans along the coast, not for the exhibition itself, since the halls are indoors. Build a buffer into airport pickups because the coastal road slows quickly in wet weather.
Packing: Pack warm layers you can remove inside heated halls: a thermal or merino base, a jumper, and a water-resistant coat with a hood for transfers. Bring comfortable waterproof shoes with grip for the metro walk and hall floors, an umbrella, and a spare pair of socks for wet days. Add a small bag for catalogues, a power bank for long show days, and a light scarf for the evening coastal wind.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at Bosphorus Boat Show - In Land usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
Day 14 - Confirm the 2027 dates, hall opening times and whether the edition runs trade-only days by checking the organiser site, then lock annual leave.
T-2
Day 13 - Register for a visitor or trade badge and save the confirmation offline; note the badge collection point and required ID.
T-3
Day 12 - Book flights into Istanbul Airport (IST) in preference to Sabiha Gokcen (SAW), which adds a long cross-city transfer.
T-4
Day 11 - Reserve a hotel in the Bakirkoy, Yesilkoy or Merter corridor within walking distance of an M1A metro stop.
T-5
Day 10 - Decide your meeting list: hull builders, engine brands, electronics, safety, and marina or charter services you actually intend to compare.
T-6
Day 9 - Email two or three exhibitors for appointments and ask whether any demo boat will be in the water for a sea trial.
T-7
Day 8 - Check passport validity and visa or e-Visa status for Turkey, and print any approval alongside your travel insurance.
T-8
Day 7 - Plan the airport transfer: taxi or pre-booked car from IST for arrival day, metro for the show days.
T-9
Day 6 - Buy or pre-load an Istanbulkart plan and check the M1A metro route to the DTM - Istanbul Fuar Merkezi station.
T-10
Day 5 - Pack warm layers, a water-resistant coat and comfortable shoes; late February in Istanbul is cold and often wet.
T-11
Day 4 - Prepare a one-page buyer brief: LOA, beam, engine preference, budget band and intended cruising area, so stand conversations move quickly.
T-12
Day 3 - Set up mobile data or an eSIM and download offline maps for Bakirkoy and the fairground.
T-13
Day 2 - Confirm meeting times, print the hall plan once published, and note the gate nearest your priority stands.
T-14
Day 1 - Travel day: keep the evening free, check the forecast for the week and re-confirm the first morning appointment.
T-15
Show day - Arrive at opening, work the priority halls first while stands are quiet, and collect specification sheets and dealer cards in one folder.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Istanbul Expo Center (Istanbul Fuar Merkezi)
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2Bosphorus Boat Show - In Land registration concourse
Istanbul Expo Center (Istanbul Fuar Merkezi)
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Istanbul Expo Center (Istanbul Fuar Merkezi)
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nightsTRY 190.00
- Per diem × 2TRY 150.00
Estimated totalTRY 340.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether Bosphorus Boat Show - In Land fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For Bosphorus Boat Show - In Land, what is your primary role on the show floor?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus and target suppliers align with the official exhibitor profile.
Best for
Buyers, engineers, and delegates sourcing Luxury yachts and boats for leisure and Marine electronics and navigation system solutions and benchmarking suppliers at Bosphorus Boat Show - In Land in Bakırköy/Istanbul.
Min. budget
$21,935.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration, hotels, and travel.
Risks
Session times and ticket tiers may change - confirm the official agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a defined lead-generation or distributor recruitment goal for this market.
Best for
Brands and manufacturers launching Luxury yachts and boats for leisure and Marine electronics and navigation system products who need qualified meetings with the event's trade audience.
Min. budget
$98,707.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, staffing, and pre-show marketing.
Risks
Booth pricing and corner premiums vary by hall - confirm with the organiser sales team.
skip
Audience, geography, or commercial goals do not justify travel and stand costs this cycle.
Best for
Teams with weak category fit, budget constraints, or overlapping commitments during the Bakırköy/Istanbul show week.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
Skipping may mean missing buyer meetings if competitors exhibit or attend the same week.
Gallery
Photos
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
When does the Bosphorus Boat Show 2027 take place?
The listed dates are 20-27 February 2027, a Saturday-to-Saturday eight-day run. Treat the dates as the planning anchor and re-check the organiser site before booking non-refundable travel.
Where in Istanbul is the show held?
The listing places the show on Istanbul's European side in Bakirkoy, with Istanbul Expo Center (Istanbul Fuar Merkezi) as the fairground referenced for halls and access. The venue has its own metro stop on the M1A line, so most visitors combine metro and a short walk. Confirm the hall and gate number on kara.bosphorusboatshow.com before you travel.
Which Istanbul airport should I fly into?
Istanbul Airport (IST) is the closer gateway, roughly 20-25 km and 35-50 minutes by road from the Yesilkoy fairground. Sabiha Gokcen (SAW) on the Asian side is roughly 65-75 km and 70-95 minutes by road, so it is only worth the transfer if the fare saving is large.
How do I get from Istanbul Airport to the fairground?
The simplest options are a metered taxi or pre-booked transfer (allow 35-50 minutes outside peak traffic) or the rail route into the city and onward on the M1A metro to the DTM - Istanbul Fuar Merkezi stop. Rail is cheaper but involves at least two changes with luggage, so most exhibitors take a transfer on arrival and use the metro during the show week.
Is there a metro station at the venue?
Yes. The M1A metro line serves the DTM - Istanbul Fuar Merkezi station at the fairground, which is why hotels along the Bakirkoy and Yesilkoy corridor are practical for the show week. Allow 5-15 minutes on foot from the platform to your hall depending on gate.
Do I need an Istanbulkart for public transport?
Yes, single-ride paper tickets are no longer the norm. Buy an Istanbulkart from the machines at metro or ferry stations and top it up as you go; one card can be used across metro, tram, bus, Metrobus and ferries, with discounts on transfers within the timed window.
Can I buy tickets at the door?
Ticket types, prices, trade-badge eligibility and on-site sales are set by the organiser and can change between editions. Check the visitor or registration page on the official site, pre-register if a badge is offered, and carry a printed or offline copy of any confirmation because mobile data at a busy gate can be slow.
Is the show trade-only or open to the public?
Boat shows in Istanbul typically mix trade days with public days, but the split for 2027 is an organiser decision. If you are visiting to buy on behalf of a dealership or marina, register as trade where that option exists so you can book meetings before the halls fill.
What is actually on display?
Expect motor yachts and sport cruisers, sailing yachts and catamarans, RIBs and tenders, outboard and inboard propulsion, marine electronics and navigation, deck hardware and rigging, safety and rescue equipment, interior fit-out and teak decking, maintenance and antifouling services, watersports and fishing gear, and marina equipment plus charter, brokerage and insurance services.
Can I arrange a sea trial during the show?
Sea trials or on-water demonstrations depend on whether an exhibiting dealer has a demo boat in the water and on weather on the day. Ask the dealer for a specific slot before you fly, rather than assuming a trial can be arranged at the stand.
Can I buy a boat or place a factory order at the show?
Boat shows are normally where dealers sign orders and take deposits, with delivery scheduled for the spring or the following model year. Payment terms, delivery dates and warranties sit in the dealer's contract, so read the specification and delivery schedule attached to any offer rather than relying on a verbal quote.
What currency is used and how should I pay?
The local currency is the Turkish lira (TRY), and cards are widely accepted at hotels, the fairground and most stands. Keep some cash for taxis, Istanbulkart top-ups and small vendors, and agree the invoicing currency (TRY, EUR or USD) in writing for any boat order.
What will the weather be like during the show week?
Late February is Istanbul's coolest, dampest stretch of the year, with daytime temperatures typically around 4-10 C, colder nights, a chilly onshore breeze and a good chance of rain on several days. Halls are indoor, so weather mainly affects airport transfers, the metro walk and evening plans.
What should I wear and pack?
Smart-casual business dress works for stand meetings, but bring warm layers, a water-resistant outer coat and comfortable waterproof shoes for the walk between the metro and the halls. An umbrella and a small bag for catalogues are worth the space.
Do I need a visa to attend from abroad?
Visa rules depend on nationality: many European, Gulf and CIS visitors travel visa-free or with an e-Visa, while other passports need a consular application. Check Turkey's official e-Visa portal for your nationality well before booking, and confirm how the trip is classified if you are attending for business meetings rather than tourism.
Is there parking at the fairground?
Istanbul Expo Center operates on-site car parks next to the halls, and parking is the practical choice for exhibitors carrying equipment. Daily rates and hall-side access are set by the venue, so confirm the current tariff and gate at arrival rather than budgeting from an old figure.
Where should I stay for the show week?
The practical band is the Bakirkoy-Yesilkoy corridor within a short taxi or metro hop of the fairground, with five-star conference hotels in Merter and along the Marmara coast and simpler three- and four-star options closer to the halls. Booking on the M1A metro line keeps transfer costs low.
What language is used at the show?
Turkish is the working language on many stands, but English is standard in the marine trade and with international exhibitors. A short Turkish greeting and a printed specification sheet help when discussing technical details with local dealers.
Glossary
- LOA (Length Overall)
- The maximum hull length measured end to end, excluding bolt-on extras such as bowsprits or outboard brackets. Berth contracts, marina fees and CE categorisation are usually quoted against LOA, so it is the first number to compare when sizing boats at the show.
- Beam
- The widest point of the hull, measured across the boat. Beam drives trailer and road-transport limits, marina berth width and how much interior volume a given LOA can deliver.
- Draft
- The depth of hull below the waterline. Shallow-draft designs open up Turkish and Aegean anchorages, while deeper keels suit offshore sailing and performance hulls.
- RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat)
- A boat with a rigid hull and inflatable tubes, combining stability and load capacity. RIBs dominate charter tender, rescue, dive and patrol use, and are a staple category in Istanbul.
- Tender
- A small boat carried or towed by a larger yacht for shore transfers, watersports and provisioning. Tender garages and crane capacity are usually specified alongside the parent yacht.
- Flybridge
- An upper deck with helm and seating above the main deck of a motor yacht. Flybridge cruisers are typically the volume sellers in the Mediterranean 12-20 m segment.
- Hardtop
- A rigid roof over the helm or cockpit instead of a fabric bimini. Hardtops extend the usable season and are often paired with side enclosures on Turkish charter boats.
- Outboard engine
- A self-contained propulsion unit mounted on the transom, including engine, gearcase and steering. Outboards dominate RIBs, tenders and smaller sport boats and are sold by horsepower band.
- Sterndrive (inboard-outboard)
- An inboard engine coupled to an external drive leg through the transom. It packages well in sport cruisers and day boats but is being displaced on some lines by pod drives and outboards.
- Bow thruster
- A transverse propeller in the bow that pushes the boat sideways for docking. It is a common retrofit and a frequent comparison point for single-engine cruisers in tight marinas.
- Berth
- A designated mooring space in a marina, usually contracted annually with water and power. Berth availability and cost shape which LOA and beam buyers can realistically run in Istanbul and the Aegean.
- Refit
- A structured programme of repair, modernisation and re-fitting of an existing yacht, covering engines, systems, interiors and topsides. Refit yards exhibit at boat shows to win winter works contracts.
- Antifouling
- The protective coating applied to the underwater hull to limit marine growth and drag. Application cycles and copper-based versus alternative chemistries are recurring maintenance topics at show stands.
- AIS (Automatic Identification System)
- A transponder system that broadcasts and receives vessel identity, position and course. AIS is standard on commercial traffic and increasingly fitted on leisure yachts for safety and marina arrival planning.
- EPIRB
- Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon, a distress device that transmits to satellite systems when activated. Life rafts and EPIRBs sit in the safety equipment category alongside flares and fire suppression.
- Yacht charter
- Renting a crewed or bareboat yacht for a defined period, normally by the week in the eastern Mediterranean. Charter operators at the show are buying boats with charter layout, cooling and low maintenance in mind.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- Bosphorus Boat Show - In Land 2027
- Bosphorus Boat Show - In Land Bakırköy/Istanbul 2027
- Bosphorus Boat Show 2027
- Bosphorus Boat Show Bakırköy/Istanbul 2027
- Bakırköy/Istanbul Turkey
- Luxury yachts and boats for leisure
- Marine electronics and navigation systems
- Safety equipment for boating
- Boat accessories and maintenance products
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.