Transportation

Getting around Istanbul may seem overwhelming at first, but once you get familiar with the city’s extensive public transport system and local habits, it becomes much easier. Here’s a complete guide to help expats navigate Istanbul with confidence.

1. Istanbulkart: Your Key to the City

The Istanbulkart is a contactless smart card used for almost all public transportation in the city. It works on:

• Metro

• Trams

• Buses

• Ferries

• Metrobüs (BRT)

• Funiculars

• Cable cars

You can buy an Istanbulkart at major transport hubs (like metro stations, ferry ports) or kiosks. You can top it up at machines or via the mobile app İstanbulkart Mobil (available in English).

💡 Tip: Always tap your card when boarding, even on free transfer lines. You’ll receive discounts for transfers within 2 hours.

2. Metro & Tram

• Metro: Fast and efficient for avoiding traffic. Key lines include:

  • M1A: Yenikapı – Atatürk Airport

  • M2: Yenikapı – Hacıosman (passes through Taksim and Şişli)

  • M4: Kadıköy – Tavşantepe (Asian side)

• Trams: Great for sightseeing and short distances.

  • T1: Bağcılar – Kabataş (passes through Sultanahmet, Eminönü, Karaköy)

  • T5: Alibeyköy – Cibali (new line along the Golden Horn)

💡 Tip: Metro and tram stations are clean, safe, and have announcements in Turkish and English.

3. Metrobüs (BRT Line)

The Metrobüs is a dedicated bus line that runs along the E-5 highway with its own lanes, avoiding traffic. It connects the European and Asian sides via the 15 July Martyrs Bridge, running 24/7.

• Best for long-distance east–west travel

• Can be crowded during rush hour

4. Ferries & Sea Transport

Ferries are one of the most scenic ways to cross between the European and Asian sides.

• Popular routes: Kadıköy ↔ Eminönü, Üsküdar ↔ Beşiktaş, Karaköy ↔ Kadıköy

• Operated by Şehir Hatları, Turyol, and Dentur Avrasya

• You can use Istanbulkart on all municipal ferries

💡 Tip: Sunset Bosphorus ferry rides are popular among both locals and expats.

5. Buses & Minibuses

• Public buses cover nearly every neighbourhood but may get stuck in traffic.

• Routes and schedules are available on the Moovit or IETT apps.

• Minibuses (Dolmuş) are shared taxis with fixed routes. Payment is usually cash.

6. Taxis & Ride-Hailing

• BiTaksi and iTaksi are the most reliable taxi apps in Istanbul.

• Taxis are metered; ask for the meter to be turned on at the start of the trip.

• Uber works in Istanbul but connects you with yellow cabs.

💡 Tip: Avoid hailing taxis near tourist hotspots without an app—prices can be inflated.

7. Driving in Istanbul

• Driving is possible, but traffic and parking can be challenging.

• You can use your foreign driving licence for up to 6 months.

• After that, you must obtain a Turkish licence through conversion or testing.

8. Airport Transport

Istanbul has two major airports:

• IST (Istanbul Airport) on the European side

• SAW (Sabiha Gökçen) on the Asian side

Transportation options include:

• Havaist airport buses (use Istanbulkart)

• Metro (M11 line to IST is now operational)

• Taxis and private transfers

9. Mobile Apps to Use

Here are the most useful apps for getting around Istanbul:

• Moovit: Public transport directions in English

• BiTaksi / iTaksi: Reliable taxi apps

• İstanbulkart Mobil: Balance & top-up

• Google Maps: Works well for metro, tram, and ferry directions

Final Tip:

Public transport in Istanbul is safe, affordable, and well-connected. Once you have your Istanbulkart and get used to the system, you’ll find it easy to move around—even in a megacity of 16 million people.