Istanbul is a vast city straddling two continents. Very few people are aware of its size when they come here for the first time. To navigate this huge metropolis with ease, understanding the public transportation system is essential. This guide will help you navigate Istanbul like a local, starting from Oldtown Sultanahmet Suites.
Istanbul Card (Istanbulkart): Your Essential Travel Companion
Before exploring the city, get an Istanbulkart - Istanbul's rechargeable transportation card. It works on all public transport including IETT buses, metrobus, trams, metro, and ferries.
Where to Get It
- Tram stations (including Sultanahmet station, 5 minutes from our hotel)
- Metro stations at "Biletmatik" vending machines
- Major ferry terminals
- Some newspaper kiosks
How to Use
- Touch card on yellow readers when entering/exiting
- Discounted fares compared to single tickets
- Transferable between family members
- Standard fare applies across all transport modes
Recharging
- At Biletmatik machines (yellow kiosks at stations)
- Some kiosks and shops
- Through mobile app
Pro Tip: Load enough credit for a week's stay to avoid frequent top-ups.
Most Common Public Transport Options
Istanbul's public transport map includes several options, each with unique advantages:
IETT Public Buses
- Operated by İstanbul Elektrik Tramvay ve Tünel İşletmeleri
- Routes cover most of the city
- Flexible coverage of local neighborhoods
- Pay with Istanbulkart
Metrobus (Rapid Bus Transit)
- Has its own separate lane along the D-100 highway
- Runs from European side to Asian side
- Not affected by normal traffic congestion
- Regular Istanbulkart fare applies
- Great for crossing between continents quickly
Tram Lines
- Operated by Metro Istanbul
- Connect famous tourist sites to urban centers
- Main lines: T1 (Bağcılar ↔ Kabataş), T4 (Topkapı ↔ Mescid-i Selam), T5 (Eminönü ↔ Alibeyköy)
- Can be affected by traffic in some areas
- Standard Istanbulkart fares apply
Metro (Train System)
- Runs both above and below ground
- Operated by Metro Istanbul
- High-speed and reliable
- Covers most of the city
- Istanbulkart or single-use tickets accepted
Ferries
- Connect Asian and European sides
- Offer Bosphorus tours
- Transport to Princes' Islands
- Most operated by Şehir Hatları A.Ş.
- Some private operators (may have separate payment)
- Public ferries accept Istanbulkart
From/To Istanbul Airport
Private Airport Transfer
We can arrange private airport transfers:
- Direct to hotel entrance
- Meet and greet service
- Fixed price, no surprises
- Available 24/7
Contact us for rates and booking.
Public Transportation Options
Option 1: HAVAIST Airport Bus + Tram
- Take HAVAIST bus to Sultanahmet (IST-20 line)
- Journey time: 45-60 minutes
- Buses run every 30 minutes
Option 2: Metro + Tram
- Take M11 metro from airport
- Transfer at Gayrettepe
- Change to T1 tram at Kabataş
- Exit at Sultanahmet stop
- Total journey: 1.5-2 hours
- More affordable option using Istanbulkart
Our Recommendation: For first-time visitors with luggage, private transfer or HAVAIST bus is more convenient.
Getting Around Sultanahmet Area
Walking
The historic peninsula is very walkable. Popular places easily accessible on foot:
- To Hagia Sophia: 15 minutes walk
- To Blue Mosque: 10 minutes walk
- To Grand Bazaar: 15 minutes walk
- To Topkapi Palace: 18 minutes walk
- To Spice Bazaar: 20 minutes walk
- To Basilica Cistern: 15 minutes walk
Tip: Wear comfortable shoes - historic cobblestones can be uneven.
T1 Tram Line (Bağcılar ↔ Kabataş)
The closest tram station is Sultanahmet (5-minute walk from our hotel).
Key Stops on T1 Tram
- Eminönü: Ferry terminal, Spice Bazaar
- Karaköy: Galata Tower area, trendy cafes
- Kabataş: Funicular to Taksim, Dolmabahçe Palace
- Cemberlitas: Grand Bazaar
- Laleli: Shopping district
Exploring Beyond Sultanahmet
Metro System
Istanbul has an extensive metro network operated by Metro Istanbul:
M2 Metro (European Side)
- Connects Taksim to Asian side via Marmaray
- Key stops: Taksim Square, Şişli, Levent (business district)
- Access via funicular from Kabataş
M1 Metro
- Connects to various parts of the city
- Shopping malls and residential areas
- Transfer point for other lines
M5 Metro (Asian Side)
- Kadıköy to Üsküdar
- Access Asian side attractions
Operating Hours
- Weekdays: 06:00 AM - 12:00 AM
- Weekends: Night Metro runs continuously from Friday morning to Sunday midnight on selected lines
Ferry Services
Ferries are not just transportation - they're an experience!
From Eminönü (Near Sultanahmet)
Bosphorus Tours:
- Short tour: 1.5 hours
- Long tour: 6 hours (to Black Sea and back)
- Best views of palaces, fortresses, and bridges
To Asian Side:
- Üsküdar: 20 minutes
- Kadıköy: 25 minutes
- Hourly departures
- Pay with Istanbulkart
To Princes' Islands:
- Summer: Frequent departures
- Winter: Reduced schedule
- Journey: 60-90 minutes
- Pay with Istanbulkart
Ferry Operating Hours: 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM (varies by route)
Buses
Istanbul has an extensive bus network operated by IETT:
Useful Routes from Sultanahmet:
- BN1: Night bus along main tourist route
- 28, 28T: To Topkapi and beyond
- 99A: Coastal route with great views
Tips:
- Use Google Maps, IETT Mobile App, or IBB Mobile App for routes
- Exact timings available at bus stop boards at major stops
- Have Istanbulkart ready
- Buses can be crowded during rush hours (8-10 AM, 5-7 PM)
Taxi and Ride-Hailing
Official Taxis
- Yellow vehicles with "TAKSI" sign on roof
- Metered service required by law
- Most drivers don't speak English
How to Use
- Always insist on using the meter (sayaç)
- Prices increase at night and on holidays
- Tip not expected but appreciated (round up)
- Ask our reception for current estimated fares to popular destinations
Ride-Hailing Apps
- BiTaksi: Most popular Turkish app
- Uber: Available but more expensive
- Bolt: Recently entered market
Advantages:
- Fixed prices shown upfront
- English interface
- Digital payment
- Driver tracking
Special Transportation Options
Marmaray Train
- Connects Europe and Asia via undersea tunnel
- Useful for reaching Asian side quickly
- Connects to metro and tram lines
- Pay with Istanbulkart
Funicular Lines
Tünel
Karaköy to Beyoğlu (historic, short)
Kabataş-Taksim
Modern, fast connection to Taksim Square
Both included with Istanbulkart.
Dolmuş (Shared Minibus)
- Fixed routes but stops anywhere along route
- Cheaper than taxis
- Pay driver directly
- Can be difficult for non-Turkish speakers
Popular Destinations by Public Transport
From Sultanahmet, you can easily reach:
- Sultanahmet (walking) - Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace, Basilica Cistern
- Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar - T1 tram or walking
- Taksim Square & Istiklal Avenue - T1 tram + funicular
- Galata Tower - T1 tram to Karaköy
- Pierre Loti Hill - Bus or taxi
- Eyüpsultan - Bus or ferry
- Kadıköy & Moda - Ferry from Eminönü
- Princes' Islands - Ferry from Eminönü or Kabataş
- Ortaköy - Bus or taxi
Transportation Tips for Tourists
Best Practices
- Always carry Istanbulkart - saves money and time
- Download apps:
- Google Maps (works well in Istanbul)
- IETT Mobile App (bus routes)
- IBB Mobile App (city services)
- Moovit (public transit)
- BiTaksi (taxi service)
- Peak hours to avoid: 8-10 AM, 5-7:30 PM
- Keep small change for emergencies
- Screenshot directions in case of no internet
Safety Tips
In Taxis
- Insist on meter usage
- Have destination written in Turkish
- Keep small bills for payment
On Public Transport
- Watch for pickpockets in crowded areas
- Keep valuables secure
- Stand back from platform edge
General
- Avoid unofficial taxis
- Use licensed services only
- Trust your instincts
Money-Saving Tips
- Buy Istanbulkart on arrival (pays for itself quickly)
- Take ferries instead of taxis when possible
- Walk during non-rush hours
- Use tram/metro for longer distances
- Avoid taxis during peak hours
Accessibility
Istanbul's transportation system is improving accessibility:
Accessible Options
- Most modern trams have low floors
- Major metro stations have elevators
- Newer ferries have accessible boarding
- Some buses have wheelchair lifts
Challenges
- Historic areas have cobblestones
- Not all stations fully accessible
- Crowds can be difficult to navigate
Note: Contact us in advance if you need accessibility information or assistance arranging suitable transportation.
Day Trip Transportation
To Princes' Islands
- Ferry from Eminönü or Kabataş
- Summer: Every 30 minutes
- Winter: Every 1-2 hours
- Reserve time for round trip
To Bursa
- Fast ferry from Yenikapı (2 hours)
- Bus from Esenler Terminal (3-4 hours)
- Great for day trips or overnight stays
To Belgrade Forest
- Metro M2 to last stop
- Then bus or taxi
- Perfect for nature lovers
Our Concierge Services
We're here to help with transportation:
- Arrange airport transfers
- Book ferry tickets for Bosphorus tours
- Call taxis for you
- Provide detailed directions
- Suggest best routes based on your itinerary
- Store luggage if you arrive early/leave late
Emergency Transportation
- Ambulance: 112
- Police: 155
- Our 24/7 reception: +90 555 562 35 97
Conclusion
Istanbul's transportation system is extensive and affordable once you get the hang of it. The Istanbulkart is your best friend, ferries offer the most scenic routes, and the tram system makes exploring the historic areas easy.
Having a reliable base like Oldtown Sultanahmet Suites in the heart of Istanbul means that you are within walking distance of most public transport hubs.
Don't hesitate to ask our reception team for:
- Current transportation prices
- Best routes for your destinations
- Help calling taxis
- Printed maps and guides
- Translations for taxi drivers
With this guide and our support, you'll navigate Istanbul like a local in no time!