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Transport guide

Getting Around Istanbul: Complete Transport Guide (2026)

Istanbul straddles two continents — and the Bosphorus ferry is part of the experience. Metro is expanding fast but still less dense than European peers. Here’s the full picture.

Istanbulkart

Universal tap-and-go for Metro + Bus + Tram + Ferries + Funicular. 50 lira card + loaded amount. Get at any major station or kiosk.

Best for: All travel. Essential first purchase.

Metro M2 line

Connects Şişhane (near Galata) to Sanayi. Underground.

Best for: Beyoğlu + Şişli + Levent business district.

Tram T1

Surface tram from Bağcılar to Kabataş, passing through Sultanahmet. 10-minute frequency.

Best for: Sultanahmet + Grand Bazaar + Eminönü.

Funicular F1

Connects Taksim to Kabataş.

Best for: Linking Beyoğlu to ferry/tram network.

Bosphorus ferries (Şehir Hatları + IDO)

Public ferries Eminönü ↔ Kadıköy + Üsküdar etc. 27 lira each way with Istanbulkart.

Best for: Asian side + scenic transport. Iconic Istanbul experience.

Tunel (historic funicular)

1875 underground funicular Karaköy to Beyoğlu. World’s second-oldest underground.

Best for: Galata to Istiklal Caddesi.

Marmaray (cross-Bosphorus rail)

Underwater rail connecting European and Asian sides.

Best for: Direct Asian-side commuting.

Taxis + Bolt

Yellow taxis available. Insist on meter (‘taksimetre’). Bolt app for fixed pricing.

Best for: Late-night travel.

Walking

Sultanahmet, Beyoğlu, Karaköy, Kadıköy all walkable within their neighborhoods.

Best for: Within-neighborhood exploration.