Get Around Istanbul: Guide To Istanbul Public Transportation

Here is everything you need to know about public transport in Istanbul. Because Istanbul is a huge city, public transit is the best way to get around. I have covered all public transport options for your visit to Istanbul. Included are trams, public buses, taxis, and ferries. 

Public Transportation In Istanbul

News flash – Istanbul is really huge. 

Literally massive.

You can’t comprehend how big Istanbul is.

You’ve never seen traffic until you’ve seen Istanbul traffic, and it’s only worsening.

Thankfully, there are a few ways to get around that, too – Istanbul has thought of everything!

So, to help you navigate Türkiye’s biggest city center, let’s check out how to get around with my guide on how to use public transportation in Istanbul.

First Things First: Use The Public Transport System

Istanbul is pretty easy to get around, thanks to an excellent public transport network. The only major issue is the daily traffic jams that plague Istanbul. Use public transit in Istanbul to avoid some, not all, of the traffic.

The IstanbulKart: Istanbul Transport Card

The Istanbul Card, or IstanbulKart as you’ll see it named, is how you pay for public transport in the city – it is your key transit pass. Get one as soon as you arrive. 

This specially designed public transportation card is worth buying at the airport, since you’ll need it to reach your destination. You can purchase new Istanbul Kart cards at any of the blue or yellow machines at the airports (Sabiha Gökçen Airport or Istanbul Airport) or at kiosks in the city where you see the IstanbulKart sign.

You pay 165 TL (one-time fee) for the Istanbulkart itself (at the time of publication), which will come with no credit.

This is a prepaid public transportation card, so you’ll need to load Turkish Lira onto the card.

Once you have your IstanbulKart, head to a yellow-and-blue machine to add credit. These are typically located in Metro stations, near ferry ports, and around major bus hubs. You’ll also find many small markets that offer top-ups; look for the ‘IstanbulKart’ sign and tell the server how much you want to add to your card. 

Some buses accept credit card payments; however, this is hit-and-miss, and, strictly speaking, most public transport only uses the IstanbulKart. The good news is that you can use your credit card to top up your IstanbulKart at machines. You can pay by card or cash, and it’s all straightforward to use. The machine will guide you through the procedure, and you can use the contactless option to add credit. 

Onceyou’vee done that, you’re good to go!

To use the card,

Scan it at the entrance of buses, Metro, and trams — you’ll Metroarged 35 TL per ride with Istanbulkart (at the time of publication). Metrobüs, Marmaray, and many ferry routes cost more, depending on distance/route. Making it a great way to see the city on a budget.

Istanbul Public Transportation System

You can use several types of public transport to get around Istanbul. The system in Istanbul is very efficient and runs until late at night. 

You might think somewhere looks like it will be a short walk, but once you set off, you’ll think otherwise! While walking between certain places, remember that distances are vast, and over 15 million people live in the city.

It’s also not the best idea to hire a car and try to drive in Istanbul. The traffic, the roads, the beeping, oh, it’s enough to drive you crazy! Seriously, save yourself the stress and use public transport instead.

Want to use public transport in Istanbul?

 Istanbul is a city split across two continents, and each side heaves with history and culture. Ride around the city with ease using an

The Istanbulkart is a stored-value card — you load money, and the fare is deducted per ride; multi-ride tickets are separate, limited-use passes if offered.

As of now, a one-way journey on public transport with IstanbulKart is 35 lira (at the time of publication).

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Taxis In Istanbul

First, let’s talk about the most difficult-to-use type of transport and one you would think would be the easiest way – taxis.

Now, you’re golden if you can get a taxi to stop and take you where you want to go. But, over the last few months, this has become much harder. Taxi drivers will not always stop on the street, soit’se bestto headg to a taxi rank. However, you then have to tell the driver where you want to go, and they will tell you whether they will take you.

Strictly speaking, they should take anyone anywhere, but in practice, drivers wait for people who want to go to tourist attractions farther away because they earn more. Otherwise, they’re stuck in traffic for short journeys, earning less cash.

You can understand it, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less annoying.

However, let’s assume you find a taxi to take you where you want to go.

Only ever get into yellow, marked taxis.

Ask the driver for an estimated fare first, but note that taxis in Istanbul must use the meter by law rather than a set price.

By law, they have to go by the meter, but you should know the cost beforehand. Knowing which way the taxi should take you is a good idea.

While it shouldn’t happen, it has long been a common scam for drivers to take the scenic route to earn more money. You can ask someone at your hotel for advice, and they’ll gladly help.

Public Bus Network In Istanbul

There are two types of buses in Istanbul: regular and fast metro buses. You can also use this bus to get from the European side to the Asian side of Istanbul. However, you won’t find metro buses in the middle of the city, e.g., Besiktas or Taksim; they’re more in the suburbs or outskirts, e.g., Yenibosna or Zeytinburnu.

But because regular bus lines in Istanbul are much easier to use and find, let’s focus on those. Buses are easy to use in Istanbul. They say where they’re going on the front and list the main stops, too.

Then, when you get on and beep your IstanbulKart, you’ll see a screen showing where it’s going, with the list of stops underneath in the order the bus will stop. A voice also announces the stop name.

The only issue is that buses get stuck in traffic and can be VERY busy at certain times, especially during weekends and from around 6 p.m. during the week. Despite that, they’re the cheapest and most accessible way to get around the city. Buses also run until the early hours, though check the specific service times or ask the driver if you’re unsure.

Using The Metro Transportation Network In Istanbul

The Metro is, without a doubt, the fastest way to get around Istanbul. Although many people are worried about how to use it, it’s so easy. Once you’ve used it, you’ll probably wonder why you were concerned!

There are several lines, but the two main lines will take you where you want to go. The Metro doesn’t cover the whMetroity. Still, it covers a massive chunk of it, including Taksim, Etiler, and Levent, with connections to Fatih via other lines.

It also connects to the city’s outer reaches, including the central long-distance bus station, Esenler, and some major shopping malls, such as Cevahir.

Look for the red, blue, and white M signs; those are Metro stations. Head down the steps and scan your IstanbulKart to get through the gates. Then, follow the arrows to the particular Metro you need. You’ll see a Metrossive map on the wall, and if you do get stuck, ask one of the security staff, who will point you in the right direction.

Again, the Metro can get very busy onMetroends and from around 5–6 p.m. You should expect to stand rather than sit—finding a seat on the Metro is akin to gold dust. Metro lines run from 6:15 a.m. until around midnight, with some lines running later on certain nights.

Marmaray – Europe To Asia

The Marmaray is a Metro service that connects the European and Asian sides. In this case, you’ll head to Sirkeci, near Sultanahmet, and use the service the same way as you would with regular Metro services.

However, you’ll head under the Bosphorus this time and come out to the other side in Kadikoy. Just reverse the advice and head back in the opposite direction.

The last service leaves at midnight.

Istanbul Ferries Public Transport Network

Another way to get back from Europe to Asia is to head to the ferry docks and catch a ferry. It’s a fun way to cross the water, and be sure to buy a simit to feed the seagulls from the top deck!

Ferries run regularly, but fares vary (often around 38 TL or higher, depending on the route), and schedules/frequency depend on the specific ferry line.

You use the ferry service in the same way as any other type of public transport, by using your IstanbulKart at the gate. While ferries can get quite busy, they’re rarely super-packed. They’re a more relaxing way to cross the water, and you should also add them to your Istanbul experience list.

Tram Network For Transportation In Istanbul

The final option is to take the tram. Trams don’t cover the whole of the city, but if you’re looking to get from near Besiktas and over to Sultanahmet and beyond, it’s a great way to save your feet.

The tram line runs from 6 a.m. until 11 p.m. and is known as ‘tramvay.’ The line starts at Kabatas, down the hill (a very steep one) from Taksim, close to Besiktas, and goes as far as Bagcilar. There are about 30 stops along the way, and you use the service the same way you use the Metro. Again, trams can beMetroquite busy during rush hour, although they’re never all that quiet.

Public Transportation Lines In Istanbul To Touristy Areas

Your Istanbul city card will take you to all the best destinations the city has to offer, such as the Princes’ Islands, the Dolmabahçe Palace, the Topkapi Palace, the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Galata Tower, and more!

As you can see, Istanbul’s public transportation network provides easy access to all major sites and meets the needs of tourists like us. When you consider how huge Istanbul is and how many people live and travel there, you quickly see why public transportation is such a popular choice.

Tips For Using Public Transport In Istanbul

Here are a few last things to finish off my guide to public transportation throughout the entire city.

1. Use An Istanbulkart

Purchase an Istanbulkart, a reusable transit pass that can be used on buses, trams, Metro, ferries, and funicuMetro It’s cheaper and more convenient than buying single-use tokens. You can purchase and top up the card at machines and kiosks at major transit stops.

2. Avoid Rush Hour

Istanbul’s public transport can get extremely crowded during rush hour (7–9 a.m. and 5–8 p.m. on weekdays). If possible, plan your travel outside these times to make your journey more comfortable.

3. Take Ferry Rides

Don’t miss out on using the ferries. Not only are they a practical way to cross the Bosphorus, but they also offer stunning views of Istanbul from the water. The ferries are part of the public transport system so that you can use your Istanbulkart.

4. Use The Tramway For Tourists

The T1 tram line is handy for tourists. It connects major attractions such as Sultanahmet (Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia), the Grand Bazaar, and the Spice Bazaar with more modern parts of the city, such as Beyoğlu.

5. Metrobus Is Great For Long Distances

The Metrobus system has its own dedicated lane and can be a fast way to travel long distances, especially when crossing from Europe to Asia or vice versa. It operates 24/7, but be prepared for crowding during peak times.

6. Mind The Metro Closure Times

Most metro lines in Istanbul stop running around midnight and resume around 6 a.m. Plan accordingly if you’re out late.

7. Learn Basic Turkish Phrases

Knowing a few basic Turkish phrases can be helpful, especially in less touristy areas where English might not be widely spoken.

8. Keep Track Of Your Stops

Especially on buses and mini-buses (dolmuş), it’s good practice to keep an eye on your location using a GPS-enabled device or app. Not all vehicles announce stops, and knowing when to get off can be tricky.

9. Be Prepared for Traffic

Istanbul is notorious for its traffic jams. Even public transport, especially buses, can get delayed. Always allow extra time for your journeys, particularly if you have a flight to catch or a reservation.

10. Don’t Mess Around When Your Stop Arrives

The Metro and the tram, in particular, don’t hang around very long once they arrive at a stop. They work on a timer, so once the doors open, get out as quickly as you can. The same goes for getting on. Otherwise, once the doors are closed, you’re either going to the next stop or waiting for the next train/tram to arrive.