How to Get Around Istanbul - Public Transport and Taxis in Istanbul
Last updated on: 7 May 2022
The easiest, and most affordable, way to get around Istanbul is by using the public transport system. Buses, metros, trams, funiculars and ferries, Istanbul has it all. Read here everything you need to know about using the public transport system in Istanbul!
Ah Istanbul, the city of two continents, stretched over hills and separated by the Bosphorus, an undeniably beautiful sight to see and explore. Wander through the bazaar, enjoy some kebap, or grab a Turkish coffee, this city can keep you busy for days, if not weeks. If you are planning a visit to Istanbul you most likely have a long bucket list of sights you want to see and explore in Istanbul, but now you might be wondering: how do I get there? Not to worry, getting around Istanbul is one of the least of your worries as this city has not only a well connected public transport system, but also an incredible amount of taxis available (day and night) that will take you everywhere. Wondering how to use the public transport system, or perhaps looking for some tips on taking a taxi in Istanbul? Keep on reading to find out everything you need to know about how to get around Istanbul!
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Public Transport in Istanbul: Know Before You Go
Does Istanbul Have Good Public Transport?
Istanbul has one of the best, and most affordable, public transport systems we have seen during our travels. A large amount of metros, buses, trams and ferries will get you anywhere you need to go. With the help of Google Maps you can easily plan the easiest and quickest way to get there! Metro stations and all transport options have clear signs that indicate where they are going, make it a quick and easy way to get around the city.
How Much Does Public Transport in Istanbul Cost?
Public transport in Istanbul is incredibly affordable, with a metro ride costing as little as $0.52 (April 2022), no matter how many stops on a line you take. In Istanbul you don’t pay for the amount of stops but instead for the amount of transfers instead (with the exception of the Metrobus). Prices update frequently but here are some example prices of public transport options we took during our two months in Istanbul when using the Istanbul Kart:
Ferry ride: 8 - 10 Turkish Lira ($0.54 - $0.68)
Metro ride: 7.67 Turkish Lira ($0.52)
Metro ride (1st transfer): 5.49 Turkish Lira ($0.37)
You can find the latest prices of the metro and buses in Istanbul here, we were unable to find a website that accurate information regarding the latest ferry prices.
The Istanbul Card
The Istanbul Kart is a must have when visiting Istanbul. It is a card that allows you to access all public transport simply by “tapping” and checking in. In March 2022 the Istanbul Kart was 25 Turkish Lira ($1.70) and after purchase could be topped up with any amount you like. You can purchase the Istanbul Kart at the yellow biletmatiks you find at the metro stations and other locations. There is an option to switch to English to make the process a bit easier, but it might be good to know that only cash is accepted at these machines. According to the internet it is quite a task to get a refund on the money left on your Istanbul Kart so it might be good to not put too much money on it straight away, you can always top it up later.
Public Transport in Istanbul
Metro & trams
One of the quickest ways to get around town, undeniably, is the metro. No need to wait for traffic and with most metros leaving every 8 min or so you will never have to wait long for the next one to leave. You will find a full map of the metro and tram system in Istanbul here. Simply “tap” your Istanbul card and follow the signs that will take you to the metro and before you know it you will be at your destination! The metro and tram systems unfortunately do not connect the European and Asian side of Istanbul so you will have to take the ferry or Marmaray instead.
Marmaray
If you are staying in the Sultanahmet area and are planning on visiting the Asian side of Istanbul then the Marmaray might be the quickest way to get there. The Marmaray is an underground rail system that runs every 5 to 10 minutes leaving from various stops on the European side and will take you underground to, starting at Üsküdar, the Asian side. You can find the Marmaray line and the stops on the metro map linked above (the dark grey line).
Public ferries
If you prefer to see the beautiful scenery then we highly recommend taking a public ferry instead. The public ferries are a quick and affordable way to not only enjoy the views over the Bosphorus, but also to get to your next destination. You will find ferry ports all over Istanbul that connect the European to Asian side. We could not find any map that shows all the ferry connections of Istanbul, but if you use Google Maps you will easily find which ferry is nearest to you and how often it leaves!
Bus
If there are no metros, ferries or a Marmaray available then there is one option left: the bus. Istanbul has an extensive network of buses that connect, well what it feels like, every inch of the city. You will find buses and bus stops simply everywhere. Buses are quick and easy to take as the direction to where the bus is going is indicated on the front of the bus. Inside the bus you will find a sign that indicates what the next stop will be so you will easily know when to get off! The buses do not accept cash to if you are planning on taking the bus you might want to get yourself an Istanbul Kart.
Funicular
And last on the list of public transportation modes in Istanbul is the funicular. There are two funiculars in Istanbul: one connecting Karaköy to Beyoglu, known as the Tünel funicular and one connecting Kabatas T1 tramline to Taksim. What might be interesting to know is the the first funicular, the Tünel funicular is the second oldest underground transport system in the world (after the London metro). Construction started in 1869 and the Tünel funicular has been running since 1875. You can access the funiculars with your Istanbul Kart and they are a great way of avoiding walking up the steep hills of Istanbul!
Taxis in Istanbul
If you are traveling in a larger group, or simply have a terrible public transport connection you might want to take a taxi instead. Taxis are widely available in Istanbul, within the more touristic areas you honestly won’t need more than a minute to find one! The most affordable (and most common) taxi to take in Istanbul is the yellow taxi followed by the blue taxis, and the most expensive taxi to take will be the black taxi. So if you are on a budget you’d be best off sticking to the yellow taxis! Unfortunately taxi drivers in Istanbul don’t have the best reputation and tourists being scammed in Istanbul is not uncommon. When it comes to taking taxis in Istanbul here are some tips and tricks of things we learned during our two month stay in Istanbul:
Taxi drivers will sometimes try to give a price upfront, which will almost always be higher than if you turn the meter on. Ask the driver to turn the meter on instead.
When using a taxi by meter make sure the meter starts at the switch on price (this was 9.8 Turkish Lira in April 2022 for the yellow taxis)
It might be good to know that the taxis have a minimum price, this is to avoid people taking taxis for very short distances. In April 2022 this was 28 Turkish Lira for the yellow taxis.
There is no difference between day and night prices. On the meters the word “gündüz” should appear in regular intervals. For the newer taxis the “1” should appear in the mirror.
Have small change ready to pay for your taxi to avoid the taxi driver claiming that they don’t have any change.
Not all taxis accept card, so bring cash.
Install the BiTaksi app to check what a ride should roughly cost you. We never booked a taxi with BiTaksi but simply used them to check what prices we roughly can expect for a taxi ride.
Certain roads, tunnels and bridges have tolls in Istanbul, this toll will be added to your total.
Have you taken a taxi in Istanbul before? Be sure to share your experiences with us in the comment section down below!
Istanbul Travel Tips & Essentials
ACCOMMODATION IN ISTANBUL | There is no shortage of accommodation in Istanbul. No matter if it is luxury or budget, there is something for everyone in Istanbul. We personally used AirBnB as we stayed in Istanbul for multiple months, however, for a short stay we recommend checking out Booking.com to find the perfect place for you!
HOW TO GET AROUND ISTANBUL | The easiest way to get around Istanbul is by either using public transport, or by getting a taxi. Read our extensive guide filled with prices, tips and tricks on how to get around Istanbul here.
VISA FOR TURKEY | You might need a visa to visit Turkey so before you leave check here to see if you can get an e-visa, or even to see if you are visa exempt!
ISTANBUL TRAVEL ESSENTIALS | Planning your trip to Istanbul? Be sure to put these travel essentials in your backpack!
Power Adapter - Turkey uses the type C and F plugs, so if you are coming from a country that uses any other type of plug (such as UK, USA or Canada) be sure to put a power adapter in your suitcase so you can charge your electronics during your trip to Istanbul!
Earplugs - Turkey has a predominantly Muslim population and as such the call to prayer, also known as ezan, can be heard five times a day in Istanbul. The call to prayer times change throughout the year, however, some of the call to prayers can take place during the night or around dawn. If you are staying close to a mosque and you are not used to the call of prayer you might want to pack a set of foam or silicone earplugs if you are a light sleeper.
(Head)scarf - Istanbul is filled with stunning mosques with many of them absolute must sees during your trip to Istanbul. However, each of these mosques have a conservative dress code requiring you to cover shoulders, legs and for women also their hair. A large scarf to cover your hair and possibly even shoulders as such could come in handy when sightseeing in Istanbul.
VPN - While you technically can’t put a VPN in your backpack, it truly is a must have travel essential for your cyber safety. When traveling you will often log in to tens of different wifi networks, not knowing how safe these wifi networks truly are! We personally use Surfshark VPN to make sure that our data and privacy is protected when using public Wi-Fi!
EXPLORE ISTANBUL WITH OUR TRAVEL GUIDES
And there you have it, everything you need to know about getting around Istanbul. What is your preferred way of getting around a city? Be sure to let us know is the comment section down below. Oh, and don’t forget to check out our other Istanbul travel guides:
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