Istanbul is Turkey's largest city and cultural capital, straddling two continents across the Bosphorus Strait. Once the capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires, it's a city of stunning mosques, grand bazaars, and vibrant neighborhoods blending East and West.
Istanbul has one of the world's most extensive and affordable public transport networks. The Istanbulkart contactless smart card (approximately $0.50 per journey) works on all modes: metro, tram, bus, ferry, funicular, and cable car. The T1 tram is essential for Sultanahmet sightseeing. The M2 metro links Taksim to the airports. Ferries across the Bosphorus are both practical and scenic. Rideshare apps BiTaksi and Uber supplement the system for areas less well-served. During peak hours (7-9am and 5-8pm), ferries and metro are much faster than taxis stuck in legendary Istanbul traffic.
Transport at a glance
Transportation details
Full breakdown of how to get around.
Istanbul has one of the most extensive and affordable public transport networks of any major city. The system includes metro, light rail, tram, bus, funicular, ferry, and cable car. The Istanbulkart contactless smart card works across all modes and provides discounted fares. Navigation apps like Google Maps and Moovit work well for route planning.
Airports
Istanbul Airport (IST)
From centre: 35-40 km from Sultanahmet
Options:
Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW)
From centre: 45-50 km from Sultanahmet
Options:
Transport tips
Travel smarter, not harder.
Buy an Istanbulkart on arrival at Istanbul Airport (IST) metro station or any major metro station
Load at least $10 credit on the Istanbulkart — it covers all modes at $0.50 per journey
The T1 tram runs directly through Sultanahmet to Eminonu and Kabatas — the most important tourist line
Use the F1 funicular (Kabatas-Taksim) to avoid the steep uphill walk from the tram to Taksim Square
Ferries are the best way to cross the Bosphorus — scenic, affordable (Istanbulkart accepted), and often faster than road
Google Maps and Moovit both work well for Istanbul transit planning
The public Bosphorus ferry (Bogazici Hatti) from Eminonu is the best cheap cruise — same price as a regular ferry
Download the BiTaksi app before arrival for reliable app-based taxis
Avoid taxis during peak hours (7-9am, 5-8pm weekdays) — Istanbul traffic is severe
The M11 metro now connects Istanbul Airport directly to the city center (to Gayrettepe for M2 transfer)