Public Transportation in Istanbul

Transportation in Istanbul: Navigating Turkey’s Largest City

Istanbul boasts the best, largest, and most efficient public transportation network in Turkey. This extensive system includes railways, metro lines, tramways, metrobuses, buses, ferry lines, and even funiculars. With the Istanbulkart, introduced in 2009, residents and visitors can easily access all of the city’s public transportation options.

Getting Started with Istanbulkart

The Istanbulkart allows you to travel on all public transportation services in the city, including the metrobus, Marmaray, and ferries. Notably, the metrobus and Marmaray cross both sides of the city, while other options connect you to these main lines.

Ferry and Sea Travel in Istanbul

Istanbul features a large network of ferries that connect both sides of the Bosporus Strait. Known as sea buses, these ferries operate primarily through IDO, which runs a combination of passenger and car ferries. You can travel between popular areas such as Eminönü, Kabataş, Beyoğlu, and Karaköy to various locations on the Anatolian side, including Üsküdar, Haydarpaşa, and Kadıköy.

Bus and Metrobus in Istanbul

Buses remain the cheapest and most cost-effective mode of transportation. However, they can become crowded, making it challenging to find a suitable route. Alternatively, the Metrobus, a private, fast bus service, serves hundreds of thousands daily and offers quick transit between the Asian and European sides of the city.

Istanbul Tram

The Istanbul tram network features tramway lines on the European side, which the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality established in 1992. Currently, three tramway lines operate:

  • T1 connects Kabataş to Bağcılar through 31 stations.
  • T4 links Topkapı to Mescid-i-Selam via 22 stations (with three additional planned).
  • T5 connects Eminönü to Alibeyköy through 14 stations, with two more under construction.

You can also enjoy a ride on the iconic nostalgic tram that runs from Taksim Square to Şişhane station.

Istanbul Metro

The Istanbul Metro serves as the city’s rapid transit network, known for its excellent infrastructure, efficiency, and affordability. The first line, M1, opened in 1989 and connects Yenikapı to Kirazlı in Bağcılar. The M1 line consists of 23 stations, including 11 underground, 9 at ground level, and 3 elevated, spanning a total length of 26.8 kilometers.

Over the years, more lines have opened, including:

  • M2, which first opened in 1994, now runs from Yenikapı to Hacıosman.
  • M3, which opened in 2013, connects Kirazlı to Bağcılar.
  • M4, the first rapid metro line on the Asian side, opened in 2012 and links Kadıköy to Tavşantepe.

The M5 metro line, which runs from Üsküdar to Çekmeköy, opened in 2017 and represents Turkey’s first self-driving metro line. It features protective barriers at all stations to ensure safety, with automatic doors that open only when the train stops at the platform.

The latest addition, the M7, officially known as the Kabataş–Mahmutbey metro line, spans approximately 24.5 kilometers and covers 19 stations, with plans for 12 more. Launched in October 2020, this advanced line includes free bus services connecting Nurtepe to Mecidiyeköy, enhancing access to central regions.

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