How to get around Istanbul

Istanbul is a massive city with a population of well over 15 million. This might lead you to think that making your way around the city will be quite a hassle. Fortunately, getting around in Istanbul is relatively easy, thanks to its extensive and well-integrated public transport network of trains, buses and ferries. Another big advantage is that many of Istanbul’s major attractions are within close proximity to each other, making exploration easy even on foot. As there are many transport options within Istanbul, it can be hard to decide which is most useful for sightseeing. Therefore, here is our guide on how to get around in Istanbul.

IstanbulKart

The first thing you should do when you arrive in Istanbul is to purchase an IstanbulKart, or Istanbul Card. An IstanbulKart can be used to pay for rides on all public transport in Istanbul. In addition, the card offers a discount on all fares, making it a great way to save on travel expenses. A basic fare on any public transit in Istanbul will cost you 5 TL, plus an additional 1.85 TL for transfers. However, paying with an IstanbulKart will reduce your fare to 2.65 TL. You can purchase an IstanbulKart at the airport or any blue and yellow Biletmatik that displays the IstanbulKart sign. Purchasing the card costs 13 TL, after which you will need to register the card online and link it with your personal details. Once done, you can use any kiosk to load credit onto your card, then swipe the card at any gate or payment machine to pay your fare.

On Foot

Let’s start with one of the simplest ways to get around Istanbul: by walking. Fortunately, many of the major tourist attractions are within easy walking distance from each other. For example, the Hagia Sofia, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern and Topkapi Palace are all within a few minutes from each other by foot. Make sure you have comfortable shoes if you plan on doing a fair amount of walking, and remember to stay hydrated. Also, be aware of your surroundings: while much of Istanbul is safe, there is still the risk of pickpockets in busy tourist areas.

Tram

You can always hop on the Istanbul tram if your destination is a little further than you’d prefer to walk. There are four main tram lines in Istanbul. The T1 runs from Kabataş to Bağcılar and stops close to many major attractions. The T3 line runs through the Kadıköy district on the Asian side, while the T4 line runs from Topkapi to Mescid-i Selam. Finally, the T5 line runs along the Golden Horn from Alibeyköy to Cibali. It offers the most convenient way to reach the vibrant Fener and Balat districts. Trams run daily from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM.

Funicular

Istanbul has several hilly areas, and accessing places like Taksim Square on foot will mean a steep climb. Fortunately, the Istanbul funicular can save you a lot of legwork. The funicular has two lines: F1 and F2. F1, the newer of the two lines, runs between Taksim and Kabataş every five minutes. The F2 line, also known as the Tünel funicular, will take you between Karaköy and Tünel Square. This line is one of the oldest metro lines in the world, second only to London’s, and has been running continuously since 1875. A journey on the F1 line lasts 1.5 minutes, while a trip on F2 takes two minutes. Both lines operate from 6:00 AM to midnight daily.

Metro

The Istanbul underground Metro lines connect all the major districts in the city and are the fastest way to get around. The Metro has two main lines plus several smaller lines. The M1 line will take you to and from Atatürk Airport to central Istanbul, while the M2 stops at several major shopping districts. There is also another underground line called the Marmaray, which runs under the Bosphorus and connects the European and Asian sides. You can find Metro stations by looking for the red, white and blue M signs. The Metro runs from 6:15 AM to midnight daily.

Ferry

One of the most relaxing ways to get around Istanbul is by ferry. Ferries are often less crowded than other types of public transport in Istanbul, even during rush hour. Plus, you get a fantastic view of the Bosphorus and the Istanbul skyline. You can find ferry stations at Beşiktaş, Kabataş, Eminönü and Karaköy on the European side. On the Asian side is where Kadıköy and Üsküdar are located. The ferry is also an excellent way to get an affordable boat tour of Istanbul. Check the official timetable to plan your trip.

Bus

The Istanbul bus network is the most extensive transit system in the city, even more so than the Metro. They also have their own lanes, allowing them to avoid much of the heavy traffic. There are some downsides, however. For one, buses have more frequent stops, making getting to your destination much slower than by Metro or tram. Secondly, buses get very crowded, especially during rush hour. If you want to avoid being squashed in, avoid riding around 8:00 AM or 6:00 PM. Fortunately, many modern buses have screens showing you when the next stop is coming up. Buses run from 6:00 AM to midnight, with limited services in the early hours.

Taxi

You’ll probably notice a lot of taxis on the roads in Istanbul, and you might think this is the easiest way to get around. However, this is not always the case. While there are reliable taxis, some drivers will try to swindle you, either by having a broken meter or by taking the “scenic route”. To ensure that you get a reliable taxi, choose one that is yellow and has official markings. The best places to pick these up are from taxi ranks or through your hotel. Alternatively, you can use the apps BiTaksi or Uber to connect you with a registered taxi.

Car

While some may prefer the independence of renting and driving their own vehicle, we strongly recommend avoiding this travel option in Istanbul. The traffic in this city is chaotic, even outside of peak hours. In addition, there is little parking available, and most street directions are written in Turkish, making it difficult to navigate if you are unfamiliar with the language. With that said, if you are feeling extremely confident in your driving abilities or you plan on exploring outside of Istanbul, there are several international car rental agencies near Taksim Square.