Sprawling over more than 2000 sq miles and heaving with upwards of 15 million residents, Istanbul is massive – and often mired in traffic. However, this megacity is also crisscrossed by a large array of reasonably well-integrated transport options.
Even better news for visitors is that most major sights, historic neighborhoods, and other key attractions are located within a relatively compact central area of the city. You can cover it with a combination of walking and rides on the tram, metro, or ferry, all of which are straightforward to use.
Explore Neighborhoods on the Tram
Of Istanbul’s four modern tram lines, the one most useful to visitors is the T1, which starts near the Kabataş ferry terminal and runs across the Galata Bridge and past the sights of Sultanahmet. Additionally, there’s a tram (T5) alongside the Golden Horn that stops in the colorful neighborhoods of Fener, Balat, and Eyüp, as well as a tram (T3) that winds through the Kadıköy district on Istanbul’s Asian side.
Two funicular lines, one between Karaköy and Tünel Square and the other between Kabataş and Taksim Square, connect the T1 tram with the pedestrianized shopping and entertainment area around İstiklal Caddesi, saving a steep uphill hike. From the Eyüp stop of the T1, a cable car goes up to the popular Pierre Loti café and viewing area.
Move Quickly Across the City on the Metro and Marmaray
Istanbul’s ever-expanding metro lines extend for more than 80 miles, connecting new parts of the city as it grows. Most visitors probably won’t need to use any lines other than the M2 between Hacıosman and Yenikapı, which traverses business and shopping districts around Levent, Taksim Square, and Şişhane in Beyoğlu, and crosses the Golden Horn. The Marmaray, a separate underground rail system, connects with the metro at Yenikapı and passes under the Bosphorus to the Asian side.
Enjoy Incredible Views from the Ferry
The stunning views make a ride on one of Istanbul’s ferries a tourist attraction in itself. Boats regularly cross the Bosphorus between Eminönü, Karaköy, Kabataş, and Beşiktaş on the European side and Kadıköy and Üsküdar on the Asian side. Ferries also run approximately hourly along the Golden Horn, every couple of hours to the Princes’ Islands, and more occasionally up and down the Bosphorus.
Hang Out with the Locals on a Dolmuş or Minibus
True to its name, which means “filled” in Turkish, this type of shared transport only sets off once it is full of passengers. In Istanbul, a dolmuş is typically a yellow van with a few rows of seats that travels between two destinations. They can be handy for getting from Taksim Square to Beşiktaş or over to Kadıköy once the ferries stop running late at night.
Minibuses usually ply longer routes, operating on a set schedule. Both types of vehicles generally display a sign in the front window indicating their destination. Minibuses pick up and drop off at designated stops, while dolmuş passengers inform the driver where they want to disembark. Importantly, a dolmuş driver only accepts cash for fare. If you’re on a dolmuş, don’t be surprised if the people sitting behind you hand you a few Turkish lira – you’re expected to pass it up to the driver and return any change.
The Bus is a Cheap (but Slow) Way to Travel Beyond the City
A web of bus lines covers the city, making it somewhat challenging for visitors to determine which one goes where they need. A tunnel under Taksim Square and a parking lot in Eminönü near the ferry docks are two of the main bus hubs. Additionally, buses are subject to Istanbul’s notorious traffic. Six metrobus lines operate in their own highway lanes but primarily serve residential and business areas further from the city center.
Be Careful Where You Hail a Taxi
Istanbul’s taxi drivers are often known for trying to pad fares and refusing to pick up passengers, especially foreign visitors. Consequently, it’s best to get a cab from a stand or hotel or by using an app like Uber or BiTaksi. Cab drivers have vociferously objected to Uber; therefore, it often operates using regular yellow or turquoise taxis.
Driving in Istanbul Isn’t Worth the Drama
Given Istanbul’s heavy traffic, aggressive drivers, and perpetual construction, you’re better off not using a car to navigate the city. If you do need a vehicle for excursions beyond the city, most major international rental agencies have offices around Taksim Square.
Bike Rides are Better Away from the Road
Bicycles are rarely used as daily transportation in Istanbul. Given the lack of bike lanes and driver awareness of cyclists, it’s not advised as a method for getting around. However, there are pleasant locations for recreational rides, particularly alongside the Bosphorus and on the Marmara shoreline on both the European and Asian sides of the city. The municipal bike rental system, ISBIKE, has stations along these coasts. The Princes’ Islands are also a popular destination for cycling, and Marti brand electric scooters are increasingly common.
How to Use the Istanbulkart (Istanbul Card)
A refillable Istanbulkart is usable on all forms of public transport, providing a 30% discount on fares and the convenience of not needing to buy single tickets, making it worthwhile to procure one. These cards are sold from yellow and blue vending machines at many (but not all) metro and tram stops – look for the “Biletmatik” sign. One card costs 50TL, excluding any credit. You can add credit using the same machines.
Tip for using Istanbulkart: You can also use your Istanbulkart credit to pay the 1TL fee to use many city-run public toilets.
Accessible Transportation in Istanbul
Istanbul presents challenges for travelers with disabilities. The metro, tram, and ferry lines are generally accessible, but travelers might encounter unexpected steps, gaps, or out-of-service elevators. Transferring between transport methods is not always seamless; some buses are crowded, though certain lines do have lifts and space for a wheelchair. Moreover, the city’s uneven pavement, dense crowds, poorly signed construction, and street vendors can make navigation tricky for everyone.
This article was first published on October 27, 2021, and updated on April 15, 2023.
