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Home > Get Around Istanbul: 2024 Guide To Istanbul Public Transportation

Get Around Istanbul: 2024 Guide To Istanbul Public Transportation

Written by our local expert Nicky

Nicky, originally from the UK, is now a local in Turkey. She moved to Marmaris, Türkiye for love 12 years ago and is now your Turkey travel planner.

Here is everything you need to know about public transport in Istanbul. Because Istanbul is a huge city, public transit is the best way to get around. I have covered all the public transport options for when you visit Istanbul. Included are trams, public buses, taxis, and ferries. 

Skip Ahead To My Advice Here!

Public Transportation In Istanbul

News flash – Istanbul is really huge. 

Literally massive.

You can’t comprehend how big Istanbul is.

You’ve never seen traffic until you’ve seen Istanbul traffic, and it’s only worsening.

Thankfully, there are a few ways to get around that, too – Istanbul has thought of everything!

So, to help you navigate Türkiye’s biggest city center , let’s check out how to get around with my guide on how to use public transportation in Istanbul.

First Things First: Use The Public Transport System

Istanbul is a pretty easy city to get around, thanks to an excellent network of public transport methods. The only major issue is the heavy traffic jams that plague Istanbul daily. Use public transit in Istanbul to avoid – some – not all, of the traffic.

The IstanbulKart: Istanbul Transport Card

The Istanbul Card, or IstanbulKart as you’ll see it named, is how you pay for public transport in the city – it is your key transit pass. Get one as soon as you arrive. 

This specially designed public transportation card is worth buying at the airport, as you’ll need it to get to your destination. You can purchase new Istanbul Kart cards at any of the blue or yellow machines at the airports ( Sabiha gökçen Airport or Istanbul Airport ) or from kiosks in the city where you see the IstanbulKart sign.

You will pay 70 Turkish Lira for a card (at the time of publication), which will come with no credit. This is a prepaid public transportation card, so you’ll need to load Turkish Lira onto the card.

Once you have your IstanbulKart, you simply head to a yellow and blue machine to add credit to it. These are typically situated in Metro stations, close to ferry ports, and around major bus hubs. You’ll also find many small markets that do top ups; just look for the ‘IstanbulKart’ sign and tell the server how much you want to add to your card. 

There is the possibility to pay by credit card directly on some buses, however this is hit and miss, and strictly speaking, most public transport only uses the IstanbulKart. The good news is that you can use your credit card to top up your IstanbulKart at machines. You can pay by card or cash, and it’s all very simple to use. The machine will guide you through the procedure and you can use the contactless option to add credit. 

Once you’ve done that, you’re good to go!

To use the card, scan it at the entrance on any bus route, Metro, or ferry line. You’ll be charged a flat rate fare for every journey, which at the current time is 15TL, regardless of whether you travel one stop or ten – making it the perfect way to see the city on a budget.

Check the price and details on how to get one here.

Brands we use and trust, istanbul public transportation system.

You can use several different public transport types to get around Istanbul . The system in Istanbul is very efficient and runs until late at night. 

You might think somewhere looks like it will be a short walk, but once you set off, you’ll think otherwise! While walking between certain places, remember that distances are very large, and over 15 million people live in the city.

It’s also not the best idea to hire a car and try and drive in Istanbul. The traffic, the roads, the beeping, oh, it’s enough to drive you crazy! Seriously, save yourself the stress and use public transport instead.

You’ll find hand sanitizer stations around, but it’s best to carry a small bottle in your bag or pocket and spray your hands once you get off the bus or Metro. 

| Want to use public transport in Istanbul?

🇹🇷 Istanbul is a city split across two continents, and each side of the city heaves with history and culture. Ride around the city with ease using an

The Istanbul Public Transportation Card is pre-loaded with 5, 10, or 20 rides valid on the Metro, as well as all bus numbers, metro bus lines, funicular lines, trams, or ferries in Istanbul.

As of November, a one-way journey on public transport with IstanbulKart is 15 lira. 

Taxis In Istanbul

First, let’s talk about the most difficult-to-use type of transport and one you would think would be the easiest way – taxis.

Now, you’re golden if you can get a taxi to stop and take you where you want to go. But, over the last few months, this has become much harder. Taxi drivers will not always stop on the street, so you’re best heading to a taxi rank. However, you then have to tell the driver where you want to go, and they will tell you if they wish to take you or not.

Strictly speaking, they should take anyone anywhere, but the truth is that drivers will wait for people who want to go to tourist attractions further away because they earn more money. Otherwise, they’re stuck in traffic for short journeys, earning less cash . You can understand it, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less annoying.

However, let’s assume you find a taxi to take you where you want to go.

Only ever get into yellow, marked taxis.

Ask the driver how much you can expect to pay and set your price before you get in – by law, they have to go by the meter, but you should know the cost beforehand. Knowing which way the taxi should take you is a good idea. While it shouldn’t happen, it has long been a common scam for drivers to take the scenic route to earn more money. You can ask someone at your hotel for advice, and they’ll gladly help.

Public Bus Network In Istanbul

There are two types of buses in Istanbul : regular and fast metro buses. You can also use this bus to get from the European side to the Asian side of Istanbul . However, you won’t find the metro buses in the middle of the city, i.e., Besiktas, Taksim , etc.; they’re more in the suburbs or outskirts, in places such as Yenibosna, Zeytinburnu, etc.

But, because regular bus lines in Istanbul are much easier to use and much easier to find, let’s focus on those. Buses are very easy to use in Istanbul. They say where they’re going on the front and have a list of the main stops, too.

Then, when you get on and beep your IstanbulKart, you’ll see a screen telling you where it’s going and the list of stops underneath in the direct order the bus will stop in. A voice also tells you the name of the stop.

The only issue is that buses get stuck in traffic and can be VERY busy at certain times, especially during weekends and from around 6 p.m. during the week. Despite that, they’re the cheapest and most accessible way to get around the city. Buses also run until the early hours, although check particular service times or ask the driver if you’re unsure.

Using The Metro Transportation Network In Istanbul

The Metro is, without a doubt, the fastest way to get around Istanbul. Although many people are worried about how to use it, it’s so easy. Once you’ve used it, you’ll probably wonder why you were concerned about it!

There are several lines, but the two main lines will take you where you want to go. The Metro doesn’t cover the whole city. Still, it does cover a huge chunk of it, including Fatih, Taksim , Etiler, and Levent. It also connects to the outer reaches of the city, including the central long-distance bus station, Esenler, and some of the big shopping malls , such as Cevahir.

Look for the red, blue , and white M signs; those are Metro stations. Head down the steps and scan your IstanbulKart to get through the gates. Then, follow the arrows to the particular Metro you need. You’ll see a massive map on the wall, and if you do get stuck, ask one of the security staff, who will point you in the right direction.

Again, the Metro can get very busy on weekends and from around 5–6 p.m. You should expect to stand rather than sit—finding a seat on the Metro is akin to gold dust.

The Metro lines run from 6:15 a.m., and the majority work until midnight.

Check the price here.

Marmaray – europe to asia.

The Marmaray is a Metro service that takes you from the European to the Asian side . In this case, you’ll head to Sirkeci, close to Sultanahmet , and use the service exactly the same way as the regular Metro services. However, you’ll head under the Bosphorus this time and come out to the other side in Kadikoy. Just reverse the advice and head back in the opposite direction.

The last service leaves at midnight.

Istanbul Ferries Public Transport Network

Another way to get back from Europe to Asia is to head to the ferry docks and catch a ferry. It’s a fun way to cross the water, and be sure to buy a simit to feed the seagulls from the top deck!

Ferries run from Besiktas, Karaköy, Eminönü, Üsküdar, and Kadıköy and leave every 15-20 minutes. The last service is at 11 p.m.

You use the ferry service in the same way as any other type of public transport, by using your IstanbulKart at the gate. While ferries can get quite busy, they’re rarely super-packed. They’re a more relaxing way to cross the water, and it’s also something you should add to your experience list in Istanbul .

We recommend you book your ferries with Ferryhopper in advance here.

Tram network for transportation in istanbul.

The final option is to take the tram. Trams don’t cover the whole of the city, but if you’re looking to get from near Besiktas and over to Sultanahmet and beyond, it’s a great way to save your feet.

The tram line runs from 6 a.m. until 11 p.m. and is known as ‘tramvay.’ The line starts at Kabatas, down the hill (a very steep one) from Taksim, close to Besiktas, and goes as far as Bagcilar. There are 31 stops along the way, and you use the service exactly the same way as the Metro. Again, trams can become quite busy during rush hour, although they’re never all that quiet.

Public Transportation Lines In Istanbul To Touristy Areas

Your Istanbul city card will take you to all the best destinations the city offers, such as Princes Islands , Dolmabahçe Palace, Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, The Blue Mosque, Galata Tower, and more!

As you can see, the public transportation network in Istanbul provides easy access to all major sites and meets the needs of tourists like us. When you consider how huge Istanbul is and how many people live and travel there, you quickly see why public transportation is such a popular choice.

Tips For Using Public Transport In Istanbul

Here are a few last things to finish off my guide to public transportation throughout the entire city.

1. Use An Istanbulkart

Purchase an Istanbulkart, a reusable transit pass that can be used on buses, trams, Metro, ferries, and funiculars. It’s cheaper and more convenient than buying single-use tokens. You can purchase and top-up the card at machines and kiosks at major transit stops.

2. Avoid Rush Hour

Istanbul’s public transport can get extremely crowded during rush hour (7–9 a.m. and 5–8 p.m. on weekdays). If possible, plan your travel outside these times for a more comfortable journey.

3. Take Ferry Rides

Don’t miss out on using the ferries. Not only are they a practical way to cross the Bosphorus, but they also offer stunning views of Istanbul from the water. The ferries are part of the public transport system, so you can use your Istanbulkart.

4. Use The Tramway For Tourists

The T1 tram line is particularly useful for tourists. It connects major attractions like Sultanahmet (Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia), the Grand Bazaar, and the Spice Bazaar with more modern parts of the city, like Beyoğlu.

5. Metrobus Is Great For Long Distances

The Metrobus system has its own dedicated lane and can be a fast way to travel long distances, especially when crossing from Europe to Asia or vice versa. It operates 24/7, but be prepared for crowding during peak times.

6. Mind The Metro Closure Times

Most metro lines in Istanbul stop running around midnight and start again at around 6 a.m. Plan accordingly if you’re out late.

7. Learn Basic Turkish Phrases

Knowing a few basic phrases in Turkish can be helpful, especially in less touristy areas where English might not be widely spoken.

8. Keep Track Of Your Stops

Especially on buses and mini-busses (dolmuş), it’s good practice to keep an eye on your location using a GPS-enabled device or app. Not all vehicles announce stops, and knowing when to get off can be tricky.

9. Be Prepared for Traffic

Istanbul is notorious for its traffic jams. Even public transport, especially buses, can get delayed. Always allow extra time for your journeys, particularly if you have a flight to catch or a reservation.

10. Don’t Mess Around When Your Stop Arrives

The Metro and the tram, in particular, don’t hang around very long once they arrive at a stop. They work on a timer, so once the doors open, get off as quickly as you can. The same goes for getting on. Otherwise, once the doors are closed, you’re either going to the next stop or waiting for the next train/tram to arrive. 

• The Do’s And Don’ts To Visiting Turkey
• Guide To Istanbul Airports
• A Day Trip To Camlica Hill In Istanbul
• Best Places To Visit In Turkey For Every Type Of Traveler
• How To Get From Istanbul To Cappadocia
• Best Nightlife In Istanbul
• Best Food Tours In Istanbul
• Day Trips To Take From Istanbul
• Greek Island Day Trip From Southern Turkey
• Best Beaches To Visit In Turkey
• Ephesus, UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Gardens & Parks In Istanbul To Escape The Noise
• Best Islands In Turkey To Visit This Summer
• Things To Do In Cappadocia 
• How To Haggle In Turkey

Comments (5)

Your site has been so helpful for my plans. Kudos for all your tips.

When I was in Istanbul the last time, June 2023, I was hoping that I could buy an Instanbul cart at IST airport with a credit card. No such luck. And I had only some larger TRY bills since I had gotten some TRY from an airport ATM. Eventually I was on my way.

However, in preparing for the trip, I had read that the Istanbul metropolitan transit agency was about to implement the acceptance of contactless credit cards for fare payment, much like London, Sofia, Belgrade, and De Lijn in Belgium. That hadn’t gone into effect as of when I was in Turkey then. Has it started yet?

Yes it has started, I was there last month and used it that way. It is not 100% done as yet though.

Great Article. Thanks. How do I reach Sultanahmet area from Yavuzsultanselim? If I use tram T2 from Fener will I have to change to T1 at Eminonu to reach Sultanahmet? Is there any shorter and faster route, instead? After that, I know the route to Kabatas, Taksim through F1 Funicular, returning back for our Bosphorus dinner cruise which will end at 23.30.My worry is that trams stop at 12.00 am. So, can we make it on time using same route T1 and T5 ? Is there any faster way to reach our hotel? Is it safe at that time of the night? Second using E-pass, in the evening, we will be dropped at Miniataturk Park from where we would like to go for Dervish performance at Alemdar, Hoka Rustem Sk no 6,Fatih.How do I reach there? After performance ends at 20.30,how do I reach my hotel in Yavuzsultanselim ? Third, . How do we go from Yavuz sultan selim to see Sapphire Observation Deck? If we have to use the M2 line, what is levent and levent 4? From Map, I can see M2 line to Levent but which is nearest metro from Yavuzsultanselim? Also,how should we go to Spice Bazaar for shopping from there?

Thanks in advance, guys.

A good app to know about public transport in Istanbul is Istanbulkart. This official app provides comprehensive information on public transportation in the city.

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Tips and Insight for Getting Around in Istanbul, Turkey

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Istanbul is the largest city in the world in terms of its urban area at 24,000 square kilometers, so it’s no wonder that navigating this city can be intimidating. Luckily after spending a day or two getting around in Istanbul, you’re sure to figure it out. Still, I’ll share everything you need to know to prep for navigating this beautiful city.

We’ll cover all forms of transportation including which ones you’ll actually likely use, how much it costs, the hours for each mode of transport, and everything else you need to know before you trip to Istanbul.

Main Forms of Transportation

You’ll find several ways to get around Istanbul including:

For most travelers to Istanbul, you’ll likely only need a couple of these to truly get around as I’d bet you’re staying within the more popular areas with attractions. The ones we frequented most were the tram and taxis, and I’ll share when to use each one.

Istanbul Airport Transportation

The first order of business anytime you arrive in a new destination is navigating from the airport to your lodging, aka the most stressful part of traveling in my opinion. But, how do you get there?

Which airports are in Istanbul?

First thing to note is that there are two airports in Istanbul, so it’s important to know which one you’ll be flying into and out of.

The most common and larger of the two is Istanbul Airport (IST) on the European side. The other, smaller airport is Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) on the Asian side of Istanbul.

Unfortunately, both are at least a 35-minute drive from the city center, but often it can take much longer due to traffic.

To get from the airports to the city center, you can either take a taxi or the Havaist bus . More on taxis in a moment because I have a lot to say!

Havaist Bus

As for the Havaist bus, there are a few lines that go to different places throughout Istanbul. Double check which you need to get closest to your lodging. Prices range from 50 to 85 TL depending on the route and it’s cash only .

Some popular routes from IST airport are HViST-16 that goes to Taksim Square and HViST-12 that goes to Beyazit Meydani. From either place, you can walk to Tram Line 1 to get even closer to your destination.

From SAW airport, you’ll want the Taksim or Kadikoy lines and similarly you can take Tram Line 1 from Taksim or a ferry (as part of the public transport) to get from Kadikoy to wherever you need to go.

To find the Havaist bus station in the IST airport, you’ll follow signs toward ground transportation and will start to see bright purple and yellow Havaist signs. From Arrivals, you’ll see a labeled Havaist elevator that goes down to the level with the buses!

Follow ground transport signs in SAW to find the Havaist buses.

Taxis in Istanbul

Taxis can be a bit daunting because taxi scams are quite common in Istanbul. In fact, as an avid trip researcher, I did my damndest to prepare for taking taxis in Istanbul and still had trouble landing a single reliable ride. Happy to share what I learned and what to expect.

Some tips I utilized to prevent scams was to call a taxi from an authorized app including BiTaksi or Uber. This was the surefire way to ensure you called a legit taxi.

Unfortunately, it may have backfired on me because every taxi ride I went on where I used an app, they either canceled the ride in the app or had me cancel because “the app charges them money.” Ultimately, this felt like a big red flag because I lost the security of the app in terms of the price and route.

However, I still got where I needed to go without any major problems (like being taken in circles to drive up the fare) and paid a max of 850 TL for the journey between the city center and airport.

It was tricky to find the taxi driver at times in the IST airport because they would park wherever was convenient for them. I made sure to let them confirm my name before assuming they were there for me and refused to follow anyone claiming to be a taxi driver.

Personally, because I was traveling with my husband, I didn’t feel as unsafe as I know I would have should I have been traveling alone. If this worries you, opt for the bus!

Some taxi tips:

• Confirm the price before leaving even if you’re using an app.
• Make sure the meter is running and if not, confirm the price before leaving.
• Don’t be alarmed if your driver talks on the phone (it happened in every ride I took).
• Open your route on Google Maps so you can be sure you’re going where you need.
• Have cash for the fare ~ 900 TL in case the card reader doesn’t work or the app ride is canceled.
• You likely want the small yellow taxis (these are cheapest), but there are also big black taxis for more.

@periodicadventures Uber calls the same taxis so it works too! #istanbultips #istanbulturkey #istanbul🇹🇷 #istanbultrip #istanbultravel #istanbultraveltips #istanbultaxi #taxiscamsistanbul ♬ Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!(Edit) – Scotty & Wilcox

I found that when I had my hotel arrange my return taxi for me, I had better luck securing a reasonable price without a hitch. I typically paid 200 TL less when I went through my hotel. They’ll ask if you want a yellow or black taxi – yellows are small, seat 4 people, and are more inexpensive than the larger black taxi vans.

In my research, it said that tips are appreciated, but a large amount isn’t necessary. The interwebs recommended rounding up to the nearest 10 TL, but I usually did that plus an additional 10 TL. The American tipping custom dies hard.

Finally, while you can call taxis to get around the city center, I found it to be unnecessary and honestly an unnecessary risk to be scammed. Public transportation is extensive, easy to use, and inexpensive.

Istanbul Public Transportation Map

Before we dive into the details of public transportation, here’s a handy map. I recommend downloading this to refer to as you ride.

Istanbul Public Transportation

One of the most common ways to get around, especially by travelers to the area, is by tram. The tram lines are above ground and travel on the European side of Istanbul exclusively including over the Golden Horn (the water that splits off the Bosphorus Straight and separates the European side of Istanbul).

There are five tram lines, where line 1 is the most frequented by tourists. This is because most main attractions fall on that line including the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, Archeology Museum, and more!

Trams run from 6 am to midnight daily and come every 5 – 10 minutes. Fares are 15 TL per person each way.

These are underground subways that travel over all of Istanbul. They are more commonly used by locals as they go to places that most tourists don’t need to get to.

In fact, the guide on my food tour in Istanbul said that it’s best to avoid the Metro because of how unbearably crowded it is. He recounted a time when it was so crowded and hot that he fainted but because it was so packed that he didn’t even fall down.

Anyway, it’s there if you need it, but you may not.

The Metro operates from 6 am to midnight daily and comes every 6 – 12 minutes. Fares are 15 TL per person each way.

As part of the public transportation system, you can easily take ferries across the water all over Istanbul.

It can be a little more tricky to take a ferry just because they obviously can’t operate on as quick of a schedule as the Metro, for instance.

Instead, when you are ready to take the ferry, you’ll approach the station and there will be illuminated signs indicating when the next departure time is. Once you scan your Istanbulkart, you’ll wait until about 10 minutes before departure when they start letting everyone on board.

In fact, you can pretty easily make imminent departure times if your card is loaded and ready to scan. For example, when we took the ferry from Kadikoy to Eminonu, we walked on with 2 minutes until departure time.

Ferries typically take about 30 minutes to travel from Europe to Asia or vice versa (and really all over the place!). There are squat toilet restrooms on board as well as a small concessions stand with coffee, tea, and snacks.

I highly recommend enjoying the views, especially in lieu of a Bosphorus cruise if you’re on a budget!

Ferries begin running around 6:30 am and stop running around 10:30 pm.

Prices vary by route as some can be quite a bit longer than others or are less frequent. Expect to pay around 15-20 TL per person each way. Check here for more details !

Aside from airport transfer, I really don’t think you’ll need to use the buses. The tram lines, Metro, and ferry take you everywhere you’re going to need to go.

But, they are there if you do need them. Fares are the same at 15 TL per person each way. Most routes operate from 6 am to midnight but the most common major lines are 24 hours.

Related read >> How to spend 3 fantastic days in Istanbul

I love a good funicular…they’re just fun . There’s only three in Istanbul and they’re all on the Karakoy/European side because that is the more hilly side.

Chances are you’ll only take F1 or F2, which travels between Taksim – Kabatas and Beyoglu – Karakoy, respectively.

The first is helpful if you are wanting to get to Taksim Square from the tramline because you can transfer to the funicular to get from Kabatas station to Taksim via funicular.

The second route is helpful to get to Istiklal Street, a vibrant shopping street with fantastic restaurants!

Like other public transport on this list, the hours are from 6 am to midnight daily and fares are also 15 TL per person each way.

Historic Tram

One final mode to chat about is the historic tramway, T2, that travels along Istiklal Street. These are beautiful tram cars that travel on the open air tracks along the street.

They are reminiscent of San Francisco or New Orleans ’ street cars.

Hours are 6 am to midnight daily, with 15 TL fares accepted via Istanbulkart.

Istanbul Transport Card: Istanbulkart

To get around in Istanbul using public transportation, you need an Istanbulkart, a magnetic card that can be used for 5 people.

It costs 70 TL for the base card and can be loaded with however much you need to get around. I recommend having at least 60 TL per day per person.

A point of confusion for me ahead of the trip was how multiple people shared a card. So, let me help!

Between up to five people, you only need one Istanbulkart. However, there needs to be enough fare for each person to swipe the card in. When you enter a station, you’ll swipe the card then hand it off to the next person who will then swipe it. Therefore, each swipe takes the fare out meaning you need enough fare loaded on the card for each person.

As an example, tram rides are 15 TL each way so if my husband and I were traveling from Karakoy to Sultanahmet and back, we’d need a total of 60 TL loaded on the card. 30 TL for both of us on the way there and another 30 TL for the way back.

It’s easy to load your Istanbulkart with money, but there are scams to look out for. First, only purchase an Istanbulkart from the yellow machines at each station (they’re at every one even if they seem like they’re hiding). Don’t buy them off anyone claiming to be selling them.

Be sure you’re the only one handling your card. Our local tour guide told us the only other people qualified to help you are actually kids with badges stationed around public transport hubs as they’re volunteers! Otherwise, don’t give your card to anyone.

Even though we knew what we were doing, we obviously look like tourists, so people would come up to us while we were at the machines and try to grab the card and “load it for us.” No thank you. If that happens, I recommend a firm NO or walking away for a few and coming back.

Lastly, you can download an Istanbulkart app and load it there. However, it has pretty poor reviews, so I’d personally opt for the physical over the digital card.

Public Transportation Safety Tips

Despite the scams with taxis and at the stations, we had no problems at all on public transportation. Obviously, don’t leave your belongings unattended and keep your valuables stowed safely to prevent pickpocketing.

I’m a big fan of these locking and cut-resistant bags by PacSafe !

Helpful Transportation Apps

Google maps.

Can you really go anywhere without Google Maps? I think not. But really, Google Maps has one of the best maps because you can download it offline. This is something I do every single time I travel abroad.

Search “Istanbul” then scroll the right until you see the download button.

Now as you travel throughout the city, even if your service comes and goes, your map will always be there.

And as another solo travel tip, when you navigate using Google Maps, you can have the app read out the navigation through your headphones so you don’t need to be looking down at your phone getting distracted from your surroundings. I’ve used this tip in big cities like Paris , too!

I already mentioned this one, but this app is used to call taxis. The driver may cancel the ride or ask you to cancel it in the app, so just be sure you settle the price regardless beforehand.

Similar to BiTaksi, Uber in Istanbul is plentiful but you’ll actually be calling cabs from the app, not someone’s personal vehicle.

This is just a favorite travel app of mine for all transportation. It will consider all forms of transportation to help you get from point A to B and will even connect you with ticketing services.

I like CityMapper for even more detailed public transportation views. It does a better job than Google Maps in covering more than just the main modes of transport, which in Istanbul is helpful considering there are also funiculars, historical tramways, and ferries.

In fact, in writing this post, I discovered that my husband and I could have avoided a 20 minute walk down some steep hills if we had just taken the funicular…but it never showed us that route on Google Maps. I can’t help but wonder if CityMapper would have.

Visiting Istanbul? Check out these other resources:

• Ultimate 3 day Istanbul itinerary
• The BEST food tours of Istanbul
• Which neighborhoods and hotels to stay in in Istanbul
• How to spend 1 day in Istanbul
• Turkey travel guide
• A wonderful 5-star stay in Istanbul’s Old City
• Istanbul Airport layover guide

My Travel Essentials

• Travel Insurance  – Going on an international trip? Don’t forget travel and medical insurance with SafetyWing .
• Travel Card  – If you’re new to travel hacking, fear not! My favorite card for beginners gives you $750 in rewards when you spend $4,000 in the first 3 months, plus lounge access, 10x points on hotel bookings, and free TSA pre-check!
• Get Your Guide  – Check out Get Your Guide for a one-stop-shop for booking travel activities.
• Booking.com  – This is my favorite hotel search aggregator, specifically for reading reviews. On Booking.com , the reviews can be searched for keywords like WiFi, breakfast, pool, amenities, etc.! So helpful!
• Anti-pickpocket bag – Worried about having your valuables swiped? PacSafe makes the best travel bags with zippers and straps that lock and with mesh steel enforced fabric.
• Give the Gift of Travel  – This is the perfect gift for travelers in your life! Tinggly allows you to gift experiences around the world, perfect for birthdays, weddings, or anniversaries.
• Staycation Idea  – Check out Resort Pass , which gives you day passes to resorts so you can use their pool, spa, and fitness center, a great staycation idea!

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Recent PhD graduate and hyper-planner of Periodic Adventures. I share detailed travel itineraries and guides that you can use to plan your trips -- complete with practical tips, estimated costs, navigation info, and everything else you need to spend more time traveling, and less time worrying.

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Istanbul   Travel Guide

Courtesy of Leonardo Patrizi | Getty Images

Getting Around Istanbul

The best ways to get around Istanbul are the buses and trams, which conveniently cover the touristy areas. But remember, buses don't have maps inside and drivers do not announce stops, so you'll need to remain vigilant and watch where you are going. The metro is also a reliable and cheap means of getting around; however, stops are farther apart and not as well-positioned for seeing the sights. When visiting Sultanahmet and Eminönü, walking between the area's attractions  is doable, but you'll need to rely on another mode of transportation to reach other neighborhoods. Driving is strongly discouraged because of heavy traffic and since road signs are in Turkish and accidents are fairly common. Ferries are also available to get to the Princes' Islands and between the European and Asian sides.

Explore More of Istanbul

Things To Do

Best Hotels

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