Guide to public transport in Istanbul

Istanbul spans over 5000km² , travel is not always easy because on one hand it is one of the most congested cities in the world and also its topography makes the development of transport complex (Istanbul as Rome is built on seven hills). There is currently a major project in the city to develop public transport in Istanbul. This project is primarily to metro developments in Istanbul and connecting the two shores. The first step of this project was inaugurated in October 29, 2013, and allowed the connection between the Asian and European side via a rail tunnel under the Bosphorus.

Map of transport in Istanbul

During your stay you are advised to use public transport and especially the tram especially to get to the old town. This will allow you to move quickly and cheaply save time because Istanbul is very congested. During peak hours (between 8 and 9:30 and between 17h and 20h) it is very difficult to move.

To use all public transport in Istanbul ( boats, subways, buses, trams, funiculars ) You will need the magnetic card (Istanbul Kart) . option is in the small kiosks near all stations Metro, piers, and also bus stations. 7TL It costs,you will then load (1,95TL way). When you leave you can return it and recover the 7TL.

The modern streetcar:

In Europe two lines are in service, the line T1 from Kabataş allows easy access to Sultanahmet and the line T4 which goes north-west of the city. It runs from 6 to 23h. The tram in Istanbul is very clean and air conditioned.

T1 line takes you to the main sights of the city. , we recommend that you use it, it really is economical and fast easiest way to get to the old town.

Major stops Q1 are:

• Kabataş - Dolmabahçe Palace, Taksim connection with the funicular (F1) to go to the pier to the Princes Islands and Kadikoy.
• Tophane - Museum of modern art in Istanbul
• Karakoy - Login with Tünel funicular, (T) which will drop you down the Istiklal Street.
• Eminönü - Spice Bazaar
• Sirkeci — Gare
• Sultanahmet - Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, Archaeology Museum.
• Beyazit - Grand bazar

The funicular:

Karaköy Tunnel (T)

It will allow you to move quickly down the Istiklal Street and you will avoid climbing hills to get to neighborhoods like Galata. Once Tünel you can use the historical tram (NT) to go to Taksim Square. It runs from 7am to 21h.

Taksim-Kabata (F1)

It allows you to go from Taksim Square to Kabatas. From here you can take the tram (T1) to get to the old town and the boat to the islands to the princes, in Kadikoy. To go to the old town another option is to take the metro M2 Taksim directly to stop the Golden Horn , you will face the Spice Bazaar and Eminonu tram stop.

The historic tram  :

It looks like the tram tram of old movies, two lines are in service, the first European side ( NT) it goes down Istiklal Street from Taksim Square to Tünel.

The second (T3) Asian side from the pier goes to Kadikoy district of Moda

Metro:

Istanbul Metro

It is open from 6:15 to 0:00 , there are currently two lines on the European side. Unfortunately, these two lines are not connected yet. There is also a line on the Asian shore but it is not of great interest to you because it is not yet connected to the Sabiha Gokcen .

Ataturk Airport - Aksaray (M1)

If your hotel is located in Sultanahmet this line you will get from Ataturk Airport to Aksaray and then take the tram(T1).

Yenikapi-Hacıosman (M2)

It is the largest of Istanbul subway. This is the one you need most during your stay. Since the beginning of the year it has been expanded, it is now possible to visit the old city from Taksim Square and more. This is especially useful for business men residing in the Levent district, or for travelers who have chosen to reside in more Turkish and less touristy like Nisantasi such neighborhoods. Taksim Square is now only 2 stop the Eminönü district where the spice market.

Major stops of M2 are:

• Yenikapı   - This station is designed to be the hub of transport in Istanbul. You can already use from Yenikapı Marmaray (the metro passing under the Bosphorus) qi you will get to Uskudar on the Asian side.
• Golden Horn  - This is the most useful new station for tourists wishing to reach the Old Town or otherwise out of the old city to explore other more neighborhoods of Istanbul. You will be near the Spice Bazaar and Eminonu Tram Station (T1).
• Şişhane - Just down the street Istiklal you can get to the Tünel funicular located right next to the station, and the Galata district.
• Taksim - Located on Taksim Square can be reached quickly on foot as Cihangir Beyoglu or Cukurcuma. You can also use the funicular (F1) to go to Kabataş where you can or you will find a embacardère for Asia and the Princes Islands and the tram (T1) to get to the old town.
• Osmanbey - Located just minutes from upscale Nisantasi. lovely area full of bars and restaurants as well as luxury shops and designers
• Levent - This is the business district of Istanbul. There is also close to the subway two major shopping centers: Metrocity and Kanyon
• İTÜ Ayazağa - Located near the chic shopping gallery İstinye Park (you need a little walk or take a taxi or minibus to join). This gallery is a paradise for lovers of fashion and luxury, you will find all the most luxurious brands.

Marmaray:

After years of work the European side and the Asian side are now connected by the subway that goes under the Bosphorus. It allows you to go to the Asian shore from Yenikapı or Sirkeci.

The two judgments of the Asian side and Üsküdar are Ayrilik Cesmesi. Uskudar. Since last resort you can use the M4 to get to the Kadıköy district.

Plan Marmaray Istanbul

Buses  :

Bus different colors of Istanbul Municipality

There Istanbul 400 bus lines, the majority work until midnight, other all night . With the exception of Sultanahmet (accessible by tram) buses run throughout the city. The destination and the main judgments are posted on yellow signs on the sides of buses.

Metrobus:

These are buses that run on dedicated lanes they avoid traffic jams. Service areas (outskirts of town mostly) do not have a great interest for tourists.
View Map

Boats  :

They allow you to go from Europe to Asia , they are taken as one could take the metro in Paris, and are a great time saver because the bridges over the Bosphorus are constantly congested. Taking the ferry you really realize the immensity of the city, it is also a good way to see the city from the water at a lower price.
's main piers on the European side are Eminonu, Besiktas and Kabatas and on the Asian side Uskudar and Kadikoy .

Since Kabatas and Kadikoy you can also reach the islands to the princes for 5TL. :  A Day at the Princes Islands

If you would like a tour of the Bosphorus (see our ideas of days in Istanbul - The Bosphorus (2 days )) - we advise you to take the boat from Besiktas or Ortakoy rather than departing from Eminonu which is always full and less comfortable.

Dolmus (pronounced dolmouche)

A Dolmus Istanbul

These are shared taxis that operate 24/24. It is a fast and economical used extensively throughout Turkey conveyance. They perform a specific route, they leave when full (these are mini bus yellow 8 passengers), on the way you can get off wherever you want. The payment method is simple, once mounted state your destination to the driver who will tell you the price.

Les principales compared the Dolmus sont one Europe: Besiktas - Istanbul; a Istanbul - Bakirkoy, Yesilkoy;Sariyer - Besiktas a one Asie enter a Kadikoy Uskudar.

There are also lines connecting Europe to Asia from Besiktas and Taksim.

We hope this article will help you get around in this huge metropolis of Istanbul. If you have any questions you can ask us in the comments to the benefit of all the readers of your questions and our answers.