How to Use Istanbul’s Public Transport Like a Pro

What is it?
The Istanbulkart is a smart card that provides access to almost all modes of public transport in the city, including trams, buses, metros, ferries, and more.

Why you need it:

• Cost-Effective: Significantly cheaper than single tickets.
• Convenience: No need to purchase individual tickets for different transport modes.
• Wide Availability: Available at kiosks, vending machines, and official Istanbulkart booths across the city.

Top-Up and Balance Check: Recharge your card at vending machines, select shops, or online. Check your balance at machines or by tapping it before boarding.

Trams & Metros
Main Lines to Note:

• T1: Connects Kabataş to Bagcılar, passing through tourist hubs like Sultanahmet and the Grand Bazaar.
• M2: Links Yenikapı to Hacıosman, passing through the bustling Taksim Square.

Buses
Extensive and reaching the nooks and crannies of the city. Key routes for tourists include:

• 110: Taksim to Sultanahmet
• 25T: Taksim to Üsküdar

Ferries
Perhaps the most scenic way to travel! Routes to consider:

• Eminönü to Kadıköy: Experience the Bosphorus in all its glory.
• Beşiktaş to the Princes’ Islands: A tranquil escape from the city hustle.

Funiculars & Cable Cars
Istanbul’s hills mean that funiculars and cable cars are more than just a novelty. Key lines include:

• Tünel (T): World’s second-oldest underground urban rail line.
• Pierre Loti Cable Car: Offers a panoramic view of the Golden Horn.

To truly travel like a pro, avoid the rush hours, typically between 7:30-9:30 am and 5:30-7:30 pm on weekdays.

Trafi: Offers real-time info on all transport modes.

Moovit: Gives step-by-step directions for your routes.

Istanbul Transport: Dedicated to Istanbul’s transport, it’s an offline map of the entire network.

Stay Alert: Pickpocketing, though not rampant, can happen, especially during rush hours.

Seats for Elderly & Pregnant Women: Designated seats should be vacated for the elderly, pregnant, and differently-abled passengers.

Queueing: Wait for passengers to disembark before boarding.

Environmentally Friendly: Reduce your carbon footprint.

Experience Local Life: Mingle with locals and see the city from a different perspective.

Avoid Traffic: Istanbul is notorious for its traffic jams. Public transport, especially trams and metros, often provide a faster alternative.

Language: Most announcements are in Turkish. However, key tourist routes have English announcements too.

Closures: Some routes, especially ferries, might have changes during bad weather.

Late-Night Travels: While some buses run 24/7, many modes have limited services post-midnight. Plan accordingly.