Istanbul, Turkey 🇹🇷
Status: ready
Transport Authorities
Getting Around
| Mode | Operator | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| metro | Metro Istanbul | 11 lines including M1 (Sultanahmet/Grand Bazaar), M2 (Taksim/Bosphorus), M11 (IST Airport). Fastest during rush hour. |
| tram | Metro Istanbul | T1 line: Scenic route through Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Galata Tower, Sultanahmet to Kabataş. Air-conditioned, 6am-11pm. |
| bus | IETT | Over 500 routes, covers suburbs. Fare 27 TL with Istanbulkart. Use Google Maps for real-time. Slow in traffic. |
| train | TCDD/TÜRASAŞ | Marmaray: Undersea Bosphorus crossing, connects European/Asian sides. Metrobus: High-capacity buses on dedicated lanes. |
| ferry | Şehir Hatları | Bosphorus, Asian side (Kadıköy, Üsküdar). Scenic, integrated with Istanbulkart. 6:25am-10:30pm. |
| funicular | Metro Istanbul | F1: Taksim-Kabataş for tram/ferry connections. |
| other | HAVAIST | Airport shuttles from IST, 200-300 TL. |
| other | HAVABUS | Shuttles from SAW, 175-285 TL to Taksim/Kadıköy. |
| other | Various | Dolmuş shared taxis, cash payment, for deeper city areas. |
Paying for Transport
- Istanbulkart: Anonymous rechargeable card for all public transport (metro, tram, bus, ferry, funicular). Buy at machines/vendors ~70 TL initial, fares 20-27 TL/trip. No cash on buses.
Operating Hours
- Weekday: Most 6:00am-00:00, trams 6am-11pm, some night buses.
- Weekend: Similar to weekdays, reduced frequency on some lines.
- Night service: Limited night buses after midnight.
Rideshare & Taxis
- BiTaksi Available Official app for taxis, fixed rates, English interface. Uber/Bolt available but less reliable.
Airport Connections
- metro - IST Airport (M11): ~30-50 min to city center, ~50 TL with Istanbulkart
- shuttle - HAVAIST to Taksim/Sultanahmet: 45-90 min, 200-300 TL
- shuttle - SAW HAVABUS to Taksim/Kadıköy: ~60 min, 175-285 TL
- metro - SAW (M4 + Marmaray): ~50 min to Kadıköy, ~30 TL
Live Delay Info
Local Tips
Get Istanbulkart immediately at airport/machine for seamless travel. Use Citymapper/Google Maps for routes. Avoid taxis outside apps due to scams. M11/HAVAIST for IST arrival. T1 tram + M2 metro covers 90% tourist/business areas (Taksim, Sultanahmet). Validate card on entry/exit. Peak hours crowded 7-10am/5-8pm.