Despite having big highways and wide main roads, the city is always in traffic thanks to more than 9 million cars moving around Istanbul on a daily basis. That is why public transportation is a smart alternative for most people, and often a faster one too. A ride that can take an hour by car during traffic hours may take only 30 minutes by public transport, if not less.
Istanbul public transport network
The public transportation network in Istanbul mainly splits into three major lines, with additional buses, minibuses, and ferries completing the system.
Metrobus
The Metrobus line is probably the most used line. It goes across Istanbul from the heart of the Asian side to the heart of the European side. The Metrobus has its own special lanes in the middle of the main highway E-5, and no other vehicles share these lanes. Because of that, it saves a lot of time for people.
Metro and Marmaray
The metro lines are spread all over the city on both the Asian and European sides. Istanbul has more than 8 active metro lines that connect many places with each other. In addition, metro lines are considered the fastest among transportation lines because they go underground. The most famous metro line in Istanbul is the Marmaray line, which transfers passengers under the Bosphorus from one side of Istanbul to the other.
Tramway
The tramway lines operate mostly in the heart of the city and go from Kabataş district to Bağcılar district. These lines are not the fastest, but they are still sufficient and save time because of the heavy traffic in central areas. They are also very practical for reaching historic areas such as Sultanahmet Square, with landmarks like the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia nearby.
Buses and minibuses
Besides the three main transportation lines, you can find thousands of buses and minibuses that go inside the alleys of neighborhoods. If your destination is near where you are staying, it can be better to use the bus or the minibus.
Ferries
Lastly, ferries transfer passengers to the Princes' Islands and to coastal stations around the Bosphorus. They are absolutely comfortable and save a lot of time since they travel across the water. For route updates and schedules, it is best to check the official ferry operator at sehirhatlari.istanbul.
Is it always better to use public transport?
Istanbul is under heavy traffic most of the time, especially from 6:30 to 10:00 AM and from 5:00 to 10:00 PM, when employees, workers, students, and many others are either leaving home or going back home. For that reason, it is better to use public transportation during rush hours. Outside those hours, using a taxi or your own car may be more convenient. Also, if your destination is far away, public transportation is usually both faster and more economical.
Is Istanbul public transport comfortable?
In general, the transportation lines in Istanbul are clean and well served. Keeping aside the Metrobus line, most transportation lines are absolutely comfortable and air-conditioned.
During rush hours, however, the Metrobus line becomes very crowded and intense. Although there are 250 buses working on the Metrobus lines, that number is not enough. Because of this, you might get squeezed into the Metrobus during peak times, so it is often better to use the metro lines when possible.
Is public transportation in Istanbul safe?
Yes. All stations are supervised by security and security systems, and in general there is no stealing on public transportation, so people usually move around freely and comfortably. Still, it is always better to pay attention to your belongings and bags.
How to pay for public transportation in Istanbul
You can use public transportation in Istanbul by buying an Istanbulkart and loading money onto it. You then pay for each entrance with this card when entering the station. The price differs from one station to another and from one transportation line to another, but in general, the original text notes that you will not pay more than 5.5 Turkish lira. As fares can change, check the official operators such as metro.istanbul for the latest information.
When you get out of the station, you may find a machine where you can put the card in order to refund some of the money. This is only available when you travel for a maximum of 10 stations.
Practical tips for visitors
- Use the metro for longer distances and to avoid road traffic.
- Use the tram for central sightseeing routes and historic districts.
- Use buses and minibuses for short neighborhood trips.
- Use ferries when crossing the Bosphorus or heading to the islands.
- Try to avoid Metrobus during rush hours if you prefer more comfort.
- Keep your Istanbulkart ready and pay attention to your personal belongings.
