How to Navigate Istanbul's Public Transportation System

Istanbul has a very large and affordable public transportation system. It is one of the best ways to travel around the city. For the first time visitor or a regular traveller, knowing how to use buses, metros, ferries and trams will definitely be helpful. The following is a list of public transportation tips in Istanbul. It is intended to assist you on your journey.

Istanbulkart:

The most important element of the public transport system. An Istanbulkart is a must have for anyone planning to use public transport in the city. This contactless smart card is valid for the metro, trams, buses, ferries and funiculars.  

Where to buy: It can be bought from kiosks, metro and tram stations or airport vending machines.

Cost for 2025: The cost of the Istanbulkart card itself is 130 TL. There are expenses for reloading balance into the card. You need to load your balance into the card as much as you need. One pass is 27 TL. Also from ONEpass to TENpass cards are available in the vending machines. Prices are from 40 to 305 TL.

How to use: Touch the reader at the turnstile or validator before boarding the vehicle.

Metro and Tram:

Fast and reliable ways to travel Istanbul are metro and tram. It is one of the most effective ways to cover long distances without having to worry about traffic jams. The metro system has several lines that link up different districts. Tram system is the most helpful in moving around the historical areas of the city.

Useful Metro and Tram Lines:

M1 Line: This line links the airport with the center of the city. There are two lines on this line, M1A - Travelers might use this line to reach Aksaray, Yenikapı or nearby neighborhoods. M1B line is for the airport.
M2 Line: Perfect for getting to Taksim and Sisli.
T1 Tram Line: This line is useful for visiting the touristic areas of Sultanahmet and Grand Bazaar.
Marmaray: A train that crosses Bosphorus. It connects European and Asian sides of the city.

Buses and Dolmus

They are cheap transportation alternatives. There are many buses. They cover areas not covered by the metro or tram. The dolmus is a shared minivan. It travels along fixed routes. It is also available. It is more expensive than buses, but they are faster because they make fewer stops. Payment is made by cash only to the driver.

Ferries:

A beautiful and practical way to travel. Taking a ferry across the Bosphorus is great trip advice. It is a convenient way of moving from the European to the Asian side of the city. It is better to travel by ferries because of the city’s skyline view.

The main ferry terminals include:

Eminonu – For passages to Kadikoy and Uskudar
Besiktas – For the routes to the Asian side
Karakoy – For access to many neighborhoods on the coast

Funiculars and Cable Cars

They are some irregular ways of transport. Funicular and cable car systems provide a convenient way of moving to steep areas.

F1 Funicular: This funicular connects Karaköy and Taksim.
TF2 Cable Car: It connects Eyüp and Pierre Loti Hill. It gives a panoramic view of the city.

Information for Tourists Using Public Transport:

• You should not travel during peak hours (7:30 am to 9:30 am, 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm). It will help you to reduce your waiting time and the number of people in the vehicle.
• To find out the real-time schedule and route, use Google Maps or the Moovit app.
• To avoid the queue, it is better to have an Istanbulkart with you than to stand in the queue to buy a ticket or to use a single-use ticket.
• Pickpockets are a problem in big cities. Be careful when using the crowded metro and tram stations.

Other forms of transport are taxis. BiTaksi and Uber are apps for private trips. It is advisable to check whether the taxi meter is switched on to avoid overcharging.

Public transportation in Istanbul is easy to understand once you come. With Istanbul metro, ferries or trams, one gets to experience different aspects of the city. For a hassle free trip, you may consider booking a private guided tour that includes transfer to make your travel comfortable. Contact us for special tour itineraries, private transportation, and unique activities to add some excitement to your journey.