Public transportation in Istanbul has improved for the better over the past few years. A lot of people still take taxis to commute between the various points of interest, but it’s often not the best choice. In this article I’ll point out the benefits of using public transportation, when (not) to use it, and how to pay for it. You will be amazed.
Public Transportation as the Smart Alternative
It’s an understatement to say that Istanbul traffic is a problem. Roads are always heavily used, and gridlocks are common from 07:00 till 10:30 in the morning, and again starting 16:00 until late in the evening. This makes public transportation a nice alternative.
When to Use Public Transportation or Take a Taxi?
- physical condition — By default, using public transportation requires you to walk a bit more. Some run underground, so be prepared to take stairs although most such stops have moving staircases. Decide according to your physical condition.
- fares — The fare to take public transportation is about 2,60 TL per person per ride with an Istanbul Kart. So, let’s take the following example. The cab fare to get from Sultanahmet to Taksim is 15 TL, regardless of the amount of people in the cab and without getting stuck in traffic. From Sultanahmet to Taksim by public transportation requires you to first take the tramway, followed by a funicular. The trip for one person costs about 5 TL thanks to the transfer discount. So, the latter is a great idea when traveling alone, as a couple or even as a party of three. Yes, even three people during rush hour because you’ll win time and money since the taxi meter also adds small amounts when standing still in traffic.
- time of the day — Most lines operate between 06:00 and 24:00 (see details below), so outside of these hours you must rely on a taxi which is safer at that time of day anyway.
Is Public Transportation in Istanbul Safe?
Yes. Metro, tram, and funicular lines in the city center are well maintained and constantly supervised by security personnel. The only thing you should watch out for is pickpockets.
Is It Comfortable?
Yes, except buses. Metro, tram, funicular and train vehicles are relatively new and air conditioned. Turks tend to leave their seat for pregnant women and senior citizens. There are also designated areas for prams and people using a wheelchair. Istanbul is making efforts to improve accessibility to platforms and vehicles for handicapped people. Major stops are equipped with elevators, but there’s still a lot of work to be done. Avoid rush hour to skip very crowded vehicles.
How to Pay for Public Transportation?
There are basically two ways to pay for the fare: either you get a token (jeton) from the sales booth or vending machines (jetonmatik), or you use the Istanbul Card (Istanbul Kart) — an electronic boarding pass. If you use a token you’ll pay 5 TL per ride, with an Istanbul Card you only pay 2,60 TL per ride, and get discounts for every transfer you make. So I strongly suggest you to get an Istanbul Kart. Children until the age of six travel free of charge.
Details About Common Public Transportation Lines for Tourists
I have two more articles to help you out using public transportation in Istanbul. The first one lists all essential Istanbul metro, tram and funicular lines for tourists, together with the most important stops and operating hours. The second article is basically a printable Istanbul tourist transportation map.
Dunja Sarajlic says
Dear all,
We are traveling to Istanbul next week and stay in Holiday Inn Istanbul City, Topkapi, Turgut Ozal Millet Cd. 189. During our stay in Istanbul we will have an appoitment with friends near Bayramoglu Doner, Ruzgarlibahce, Cumhuriyet Cd. 2, 34805 Beykoz.
Would you be so kind to direct me how to reach our friend directly (direct line without changing buses or trams) from our hotel via public transport?
I found some possible route via Google maps and you can find it attached, so I would love if you can check it out and tell me if that is correct?
Thank you in advance
Erlend says
Hi Dunja,
I’m afraid there is no direct line. You can’t attach things here, but Google maps is usually pretty accurate for directions. If you want, double check with the hotel staff, but no matter what transportation combination you choose, expect at least a 90 minute commute.
Good luck.
Hind says
Hi
Your site is very interesting and informing.
How can I go from Avcilar to Taksim? Are there public transportation?
Thank you.
Erlend says
Hi Hind,
You could take the metrobus (the one that drives in the middle of the highway) to Mecediyeköy, and there take the metro to Taksim.
Hope this helps.
P. Daly says
Bonjour. J’ai beaucoup apprécié vos conseils et suggestions. Nous arriverons à new airport le 22 septembre vers 17 h. Est il possible de prendre un taxi pour aller à Habibler pour prendre le tram ce qui éviterait le fort trafic. D’avance merci pour votre réponse
Erlend says
Hi,
You could do that, of course. But unless your hotel is really close to the tram line stops, I wouldn’t do that. Also, don’t forget the tram can get very crowded between 17:00 and 19:00, especially unpleasant if you are carrying (a lot of) luggage.
Have a nice trip.
mongy says
I enjoyed every bit of your site and information are so helpful and helped me a lot to make the proper reservations.
can’t wait to visit Istanbul next week.
you’re so great and I am so grateful to find your site.
thank you so much,
Mongy
Erlend says
Hi Mongy,
Thanks a lot for your kind words, and it was my pleasure. Experiences like your make running and constantly updating the website worthwhile.
Have a nice holiday!
nagaraj says
very useful tips for those travelling to Turkey. I have taken a local istanbul tour of 50 Euros for Haji Sophia, Blue mosque etc. Is this better or should we go on our own. Please suggest.
Erlend says
Hi,
This is a very difficult question. Some people like lots of information (even not found in books) and go for a guide, some want just what they can read up about, and others just want to see the monuments and absorb the atmosphere. And even those who prefer a guide … guides can change and can have good and bad days, too. I’m afraid it’s a personal thing 🙂
Have a nice time.
Milad says
Thank for your self-contained and in-detail information, It would be really helpful
Lerato Majara says
I really liked what i read as i intend to visit Turkey in May. It really helped a lot
Erlend says
Hi Lerato,
Thanks a lot for the nice compliment 🙂
Have a nice stay.