İstanbul is home to a complex transportation system that allows locals and visitors to move around the city efficiently. In this blogpost, we will take a closer look at the transportation options available in İstanbul.
The Istanbul kart (transport card)
Source: traveltheworldclub
In order to use all public transportation in İstanbul (boats, subways, buses, tramways, funiculars), you will need the magnetic card, Istanbul Kart. You can find it in the small kiosks near all metro stations, piers, and also bus stations. It costs 40 TL, you will then add credit. Keep in mind that most trips cost approximately 14-15 TL each way. If you buy a card with a limited number of trips, you can do it directly in front of the turnstiles. The prices are 20 TL for one way, 30 TL for two ways, 50 TL for three ways, 60 TL for five ways, and 110 TL for ten ways.
Modern Tramway
On the European side, there are two lines in service, the T1 line from Kabataş allows easy access to Sultanahmet and the T4 line that goes North – West of the city. It runs from 6 am to 11 pm. The tramway in Istanbul is very clean and has air-conditioned.
The T1 line will allow you to reach the main attractions of the city. We recommend you using it as it is really cheap and fast and definitely the easiest way to get to the old town. The main stops of T1 are:
Kabataş — Dolmabahçe Palace, Taksim connection with the funicular (F1) to go to the pier to the Princes’ Islands and Kadıköy.
Tophane — Museum of Modern Art in Istanbul.
Karaköy —Connection Tünel funicular, (T) which will drop you on Istiklal Street.
Eminönü — Spice Market.
Sirkeci — Train station and connection to the Marmaray.
Sultanahmet — Topkapı Palace, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, Archaeology Museum.
Beyazit — Grand Bazaar.
Source: railturkey
THE FUNICULAR
Karaköy’s funicular
Karaköy-Tünel (T): It allows you to go quickly down Istiklal Street and you will avoid climbing the slopes to get in neighborhoods like Galata. Once in Tünel, you can use the historical tram (NT) to go to Taksim Square. It runs from 7 am to 9 pm.
Taksim-Kabataş (F1): It allows you to go from Taksim Square to Kabataş. From here, you can take the tramway (T1) to get to the old town, and the boat to the Princes’ Islands from Kadıköy. To go to the old town, another option is to take the M2 metro directly to the Golden Horn (Haliç stop) from Taksim.
Source: turkeyhomes
THE METRO (SUBWAY)
Yenikapi-Hacıosman (M2): It is the longest metro line in Istanbul and the one you will use the most. This is the one you need the most during your stay. Since the beginning of the year, it has been lengthened, it is now possible for example to get to the old city from Taksim Square and more. This is especially useful for businessmen residing in the district of Levent, or for travelers who have chosen to reside in more Turkish and less touristy areas like Nisantasi. Taksim Square is now only 2 stop Eminönü district where the spice market is located. The main stops of the M2 are:
Yenikapı — This station is intended to be the hub of transport in Istanbul. You can already use the Marmaray from Yenikapı (the metro passing under the Bosphorus ) to reach Üsküdar on the Asian side.
Haliç — This is the most useful station for tourists wishing to reach the old town or for those wishing to go from the old town to other areas that seem less accessible. You will be near the spice market and Eminönü tram station (T1).
Şişhane — Located at the bottom of İstiklal Street, it will allow you to reach the Tünel funicular located right next to the station, as well as the Galata district.
Taksim — Located in Taksim Square, the station can be reached quickly by foot from the districts such as Cihangir, Beyoğlu or Çukurcuma. You can also use the funicular (F1) to get to Kabataş where you’ll take the ferry for Asia and the Princes’ Islands, and the tram (T1) to get to the old town.
Osmanbey — Located just minutes from the upscale Nisantaşı district. Very nice area with many bars and restaurants as well as luxury shops and many Turkish designers.
Levent — This is the business district of Istanbul. There is also close to the metro two major shopping malls: Kanyon and Metrocity.
İTÜ Ayazağa — Located near the chic shopping gallery İstinye Park (you need a little walk or take a taxi or a minibus). This gallery is a paradise for all lovers of fashion and luxury, you will find all the most luxurious brands.
– Marmaray: After long years of work, the European side and the Asian side are now connected by the metro which passes under the Bosphorus. It allows you to go to the Asian shores from Yenikapı or Sirkeci. Two stops from the Asian side are Üsküdar and Ayrılık Çesmesi. You can use the M4 to get to the Kadıköy district.
Metrobus
Metrobuses, which cover most of the transportation in Istanbul, are served by a metrobus line consisting of 44 stops in total. This line starts from Istanbul Beylikdüzü and extends to Söğütlüçeşme.
Metrobus lines consist of 6 lines in total, and you have the opportunity to get on and off these lines as much as you want per day. Metrobus lines have diversified into Avcılar-Zincirlikuyu, Avcılar-Söğütlüçeşme, Beylikdüzü-Zincirlikuyu, Beylikdüzü-Cevizlibağ, Beylikdüzü-Söğütlüçeşme, Zincirlikuyu-Söğütlüçeşme.
In Metrobus, you pay money per stop. However, since it may not be clear how many stops you will take while taking the Metrobus, all the stops are paid for as if you were going to end the journey. For this reason, you can get your refund by getting your card closer to the money-back kiosks after getting off at the Metrobus stops.
The Metrobus can get very crowded during peak hours, so be prepared to stand for the duration of your trip. If you can stand from the beginning to the end of the metrobus, you can be a real Istanbulite. But I wouldn't recommend you to try this because the metrobuses are usually very crowded and you might even have to compete for a seat. Also, it can take 1.5 to 2 hours from the first stop to the last stop and you may not feel your feet when you get off :)
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