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A guide on using the Istanbul public transportation system. Getting around this gigantic city can be overwhelming for newcomers, but it’s got an excellent (and growing) system. Hopefully this info will help you navigate the city with ease.
Istanbulkart
Your key to getting around Istanbul is the Istanbulkart. This contactless smart card is accepted by all public transportation lines as well as many private lines. If you plan on using public transportation during your stay in Istanbul, the Istanbulkart will save you time as well as money on transfers. Without the card, riders pay the full fare for transfers. It’s also available digitally via the Istanbulkart app which you can download to your phone.
Furthermore, the Istanbulkart also works for HavaIST airport shuttles, Hamidiye water vending machines, Beltur and İBB Social Facilities (Sosyal Tesisler), bike rental, İsper public toilets, and iTaksi. There are plans to expand its use to more taxis and dolmuşes (shared taxis), and there are bottle and aluminum can deposit machines that give small credits as well.
You can purchase and add credit to a card at automated kiosks, many newsstands, and transport offices. Cards cost 50₺ (as of June 2023).
Where can you use your Istanbulkart? Keep reading to learn more.
Istanbul Metro System
Istanbul has a metro system that’s expanding to serve more of the city. When I moved there in October 2010, there were only two metro lines – M1 and M2. Now, there are ten lines in operation and a further five more in planning or under construction (as of June 2023). My only complaint is that the stops are further apart than in most major cities, meaning more walking in some cases.
Visitors will most likely use the M1 and M2 lines. M1 runs between Yenikapı and the old Atatürk International Airport, with stops at Aksaray, a few in the Fatih district, and the Esenler Bus Terminal. M2 runs from Yenikapı to Hacıosman, and has important stops at Taksim Square and Şişhane (for Istiklal Street), and also Vezneciler (for Beyazıt Square, Süleymaniye Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar). M11 runs from Gayrettepe (with a connection to the M2 line) to Istanbul International Airport.
Another line that will be useful to tourists is partially under construction. M7 will run from Kabataş to Mahmutbey, with important stops at Beşiktaş and Mecidiyeköy (for Cevahir Mall and a connection to the M2 line). It’s only partially open from Yıldız to Mahmutbey, and will be fully operational sometime in 2024 (as of June 2023).
Marmaray
The Marmaray is a long commuter rail line that runs from Halkalı on the European side to Gebze on the Asian side. The line includes a tunnel under the Bosporus, which is much faster than taking a ferry.
Most visitors will use the line from either Yenikapı or Sirkeci Station to Üsküdar. The line continues from Üsküdar to Ayrılık Çeşme where you can transfer to the M4 metro line to Kadıköy.
The Marmaray also connects with Söğütlüçeşme Station, where you can board TCDD high speed trains to Eskişehir, Ankara, Konya, Karaman, or Sivas (as of June 2023). In addition, Edirne will eventually connect from Halkalı (as of June 2023).
Each Marmaray station includes a refund machine. Everyone who rides initially pays full price, but shorter rides qualify for small refunds. As you exit the station, look for the machines and tap your card to see if you get some money back.
Buses on the Istanbul Public Transportation System
Istanbul has an extensive bus network. I relied on the bus more when I first moved there because the metro system wasn’t as developed. Now I only ride the bus when it’s the only way to reach my destination. This is usually to go along the Golden Horn, up the European side of the Bosporus from Beşiktaş, and up the Asian side of the Bosporus from Üsküdar. Everywhere else a visitor needs to go is pretty much covered by other more efficient methods of transportation.
Ferries on the Istanbul Public Transportation System
The ferry is my favorite way to travel in Istanbul. There’s something special about crossing the Bosporus or riding up the Golden Horn on one of the City Lines ferries (Şehir Hatları).
Thanks to the Marmaray, the ferry is no longer the fastest way to cross the Bosporus, but it’s definitely the most enjoyable. You can sit back and relax on the outdoor decks, sip on a glass of tea, and watch life go by peacefully. On a cold day, you can sit inside and have a conversation with friends or quietly look out the window.
The most important routes for visitors run from either Karaköy, Eminönü, or Beşiktaş on the European side to Kadıköy or Üsküdar on the Asian side. There are also ferries from Kadıköy, Eminönü, and Beşiktaş to the Princes’ Islands. The Istanbulkart is valid on not only City Lines but also private operators such as Dentur Avrasya and Turyol.
Trams on the Istanbul Public Transportation System
There are three modern tram lines currently running in Istanbul. Visitors will definitely use the T1 tram line, which runs from Kabataş to Bağcılar through the heart of the old city. There are a number of important stops, including Karaköy, Eminönü, Sirkeci, Gülhane, Sultanahmet, Çemberlitaş, Beyazıt Square (for the Grand Bazaar), Laleli, and Aksaray.
The T5 tram line runs along the Golden Horn from Eminönü to Alibeyköy. Important stops include Fener, Balat, Ayvansaray, and Eyüp (near the Pierre Loti cable car).
Nostalgic Trams
Two nostalgic tramways operate in Istanbul. The most popular is the historic T2 tram, which runs from Taksim Square to Şişhane along Istiklal Street. There’s one stop in between at Galatasaray Square. It’s mainly used by tourists. The other is the T3 tram, which runs on a loop through Moda in Kadıköy.
Funiculars in Istanbul
There are three funicular lines in the city. Visitors will most likely use two of the lines at one point or another. The first is the historic Tünel line (F2), which runs from Karaköy up to the Şişhane end of Istiklal Street. The other is the F1 line, which runs from Taksim Square down to Kabataş. It connects the M2 metro line with the T1 tram line.
Cable Cars in Istanbul
Two cable car lines operate in Istanbul. The most popular for visitors is the TF2 line from Eyüp up Pierre Loti Hill. The TF1 line runs from the Stone Barracks behind Taksim Square to Maçka.
Metrobüs in Istanbul
The most inhumane form of transportation in the city is the Metrobüs. It’s uncomfortable, unfriendly, and overcrowded. However, it runs 24 hours a day, which means it’s efficient if you need to cross continents in the middle of the night. The terminal station on the Asian side is Söğütlüçeşme, which is a short walk from Moda or central Kadıköy. Visitors are most likely to use stations at Zincirlikuyu or Mecidiyeköy on the European side to transfer to the M2 metro line.
Like the Marmaray, each Metrobüs station includes a refund machine. As you exit the station, look for the machines and touch your card to see if you qualify for a small refund.
Riding the Dolmuş
Most visitors to the city won’t need to ride a dolmuş, which is a shared taxi on a fixed route. I only used the dolmuş to get to and from work, and rarely for exploring the city. These yellow minivans fit eight passengers and leave when full. Sometimes, you can stop one on the street and jump in.
When the dolmuş leaves, you tell the driver where you’re going and pay the corresponding fee. You can pass the money up to the next passenger who will receive your change (if any) and pass it back to you. When you reach your stop, ask the driver to stop and he’ll let you out.
Map of the Istanbul Public Transportation System
The map below is the current Istanbul public transportation map as of June 2022. I will add an updated map as more lines open.
