Budget Traveler's Public Transportation Guide
Istanbul’s extensive public transportation system is budget-friendly and efficient, connecting both European and Asian sides of this magnificent city. Here’s how to get around Istanbul affordably and confidently.
Istanbul Card (Istanbulkart): Your Key to the City
- Essential for all public transportation: ferries, trams, metro, buses, funiculars, and cable cars
- Current cost: 50 Turkish Lira for the card itself (plus top-up amount)
- Offers discounted transfers when used multiple times within a limited period
- Available at yellow machines near stations
Metro System Highlights
The metro is fast and avoids Istanbul’s notorious traffic. Key lines for tourists:
- M2 Line: Connects Old Peninsula (Yenikapı) to Şişhane/Taksim and extends to Hacıosman
- Perfect for traveling between Sultanahmet area and Taksim/Istiklal Street
- Şişhane station offers stunning city views
- Vezneciler station connects to Grand Bazaar and Süleymaniye Mosque
Tram Lines for Tourists
- T1 Line: Runs from Kabataş to Bağcılar
- Passes through Sultanahmet, Eminönü, and Karaköy
- Convenient for major tourist attractions
- T2: Nostalgic tram on Istiklal Street – highly photogenic!
- T3: Serves Kadıköy on the Asian side, including Moda neighborhood
- T5: Newer line passing through historic Balat, Fener, and Eyüpsultan
- Access to Pierre Loti Hill (Eyüp station)
Funiculars and Cable Cars
- F1 Taksim-Kabataş Funicular: Quickly connects Taksim to the T1 tram and ferry ports
- Tünel: Second oldest underground railway in the world, connects Karaköy to Galata
- Helps avoid the steep hill climb to Galata
- TF2 Cable Car: Takes you to Pierre Loti Hill for stunning Golden Horn views
Ferry Travel Between Continents
The most scenic way to travel in Istanbul:
- Main ports on European side: Eminönü, Karaköy, Kabataş, Beşiktaş
- Main ports on Asian side: Üsküdar, Kadıköy
- Two main companies: TurYol (smaller ferries) and Şehir Hatları (larger ferries)
- Şehir Hatları offers better seating and has an app available for iOS/Android
- Especially beautiful during sunset
Marmaray: Underwater Train
- Connects European and Asian sides
- From Sultanahmet: Take Marmaray from Sirkeci station to Üsküdar
- From Taksim: Take metro to Yenikapı, then transfer to Marmaray
- Look for gray refund machines before exiting stations
Useful Apps
- Metro Istanbul: Shows timetables, maps, lines, and updated ticket prices
- MOBIETT: For bus routes, closest stops, and point-to-point directions
Budget Tips
- Public transportation saves significant money compared to taxis
- Plan routes in advance to maximize transfer discounts
- Consider daily transportation passes for heavy usage days
- Use ferries instead of paid boat tours for similar views at a fraction of the cost
Istanbul’s public transportation system is comprehensive, affordable, and relatively easy to navigate. With this guide and the recommended apps, you’ll be moving around the city like a local in no time!