How to Get Around in Istanbul?

Istanbul is an amazing city located at the crossroads of Asia and Europe, and its wide range of cultures and history makes it a must-visit destination. However, getting around its crowded streets and transportation hubs can be tricky. With its population of 15 million, Istanbul might seem intimidating at first, but don’t worry, we’ve got the perfect guide for you to make the city your oyster.

Istanbul is well-connected by buses, trains and a fantastic underground Metro network, so you can choose the best option for your journey. Whether you are looking for a one-day visit or a longer stay, this guide provides detailed information about all the transportation options in Istanbul.

Public Transport: Buses and Metro

The public transport in Istanbul is easy to use, safe, and well-connected. The bus network, tram network and underground Metro system are run by IETT (İstanbul Elektrik Tramvay ve Tünel İşletmesi), which means they are all connected to each other.

The regular yellow buses of Istanbul cover the entire city, and they usually follow set routes. The cost of a single journey ticket on any of these buses is two lira (one lira for children). You can buy tickets in advance and then swipe your card at the entrance to the bus or when you get off. There are also special “night buses” that operate on a limited schedule. The night buses cost five lira per ticket.

For more comfortable journeys, you can take the Metro from any station. The Metro runs from 04:30 to 01:00 and connects all key areas of Istanbul and even extends beyond the city limits. There are six different Metro lines with a total of 56 km of track. Tickets cost three lira per journey but can be cheaper if purchased in advance or if you have an IK card.

The Istanbul tram system also covers vital areas of the city, such as Taksim Square and Sultanahmet. Tickets cost two lira per journey, but as with bus tickets, discounts are available if you purchase tickets in bulk or use an IK card.

Taxi

Hailing a taxi in Istanbul is easy and convenient but, depending on traffic, the journey might be lengthy and the prices can quickly add up. There are two types of taxis in Istanbul – yellow and white cabs. Yellow cabs use the same system and pricing structure as buses, whereas white taxis are usually more spacious and allow you to negotiate the fare directly with the driver. It is customary to tip your driver at the end of the journey, around 10-15%.

It is important to note that tourists should never accept offers from drivers at the airport who offer their services without using a meter. This practice is illegal in Istanbul and the drivers will most likely charge you a high fee for the journey.

Ferries and Sea Buses

The Docks (İDO), run by Istanbul Şehir Hatları A.Ş., provides access to many destinations in Istanbul via ferries. Ferries are also a great way to see Istanbul or travel between distant points on the same day. Tickets for ferries cost between five and seven lira per person per journey and longer rides tend to be much more affordable than taxi fares. IK cards can be used to pay for tickets.

Sea buses provide another transport option to cross between two points on motorways connected to Istanbul’s Asian and European sides. Sea buses provide access to destinations such as Kadıköy, Pendik, Bostancı and Üsküdar which are located outside of İstanbul.

Tickets cost around five lira per journey and include unlimited transfers throughout the city’s public transport network (buses, trams & metro). IK cards are also accepted on sea buses.

Conclusion

Getting around Istanbul is an adventure in itself! With its wide range of transportation options – from buses and trams to ferries, taxis and sea buses – there is an efficient way to get around whatever your budget may be. Whilst we wouldn’t recommend taking a taxi when travelling short distances within the city (unless it is unavoidable due to traffic) they can be useful when travelling in pairs or groups and offer convenient door-to-door service. We always recommend purchasing an IK card when visiting Istanbul as it not only provides discounts but it also gives you access to most transportation options without having to purchase a ticket for each journey. It is cheap, easy and rapid to use, often saving an incredible amount of time – especially in crowded areas during rush hour. For more information about using public transport in Istanbul, please visit Easyistabulcard.