Reaching the city from the airports
If you are flying into Istanbul, public transportation from the airport to the city center is easy and affordable. There are two main airports in Istanbul.
İstanbul Airport
The Havaist buses are the easiest of all public transportation from the İstanbul Airport into the city. For departure/arrival points, schedules and routes, see. These buses mainly operate from about 04.00 until about 01.00, but you should check the schedule for your specific destination. You can also use the IETT public buses, which also travel to the main centers of the city. And of course, taxis are always at your service; blue and black taxis are available for groups or those who prefer a more comfortable journey.
Sabiha Gokcen Airport
The Havabus is a convenient transportation in İstanbul, providing service from Sabiha Gokcen Airport. Havabuses depart every 30 minutes. For timetables and routes, see. Public IETT buses and taxis also provide city wide İstanbul transportation from the airport.
The Istanbulcard: The key to public transportation in İstanbul
You’ll find that having an İstanbulcard is indispensable: it’s usable on almost all İstanbul public transportation such as buses, metros, trams and even some ferry lines. You can purchase an İstanbulcard and and top it up at almost all the major public transit stations, as well as at kiosks near these stations. You can also buy a single-use card for individual rides, but the İstanbulcard is quite reasonable, and provides both time and cost savings. If you have your İstanbulcard, the city awaits!
By land: Bus, metrobus, taxi and more.
Most of the public transportation in İstanbul is still provided by road. While ferry routes are numerous and useful, and the metro line is rapidly expanding, some places are reachable only by road. Let’s discuss IETT buses and the Metrobus.
IETT buses
The city buses are the capillaries of İstanbul. With so many lines and routes, the IETT buses are the most common vehicles you will encounter in İstanbul. The vast majority of these buses run between 6:00 and midnight; they tend to run less frequently after 22:00, but certain major lines serve 24 hours. Each bus has its origin and destination clearly marked. For more information, visit, or download the Mobiett application.
Metrobus
In İstanbul, the metrobus runs mainly on dedicated bus lanes for faster travel. The line runs from Beylikdüzü, the European end of İstanbul, to Söğütlüçeşme on the Asian side, crossing the Bosphorus Bridge. Certain metrobus stops are adjacent to metro or tram stations. If you want to experience the city at its literal fullest, take the metrobus during the morning or evening rush hour.
Taxis and dolmus buses
Taxis are available twenty-four hours a day seven days a week in İstanbul but, as in most major cities, it may be tough to find an available taxi during rush hour or on a weekend night. It’s also difficult to get a cab when it rains, and between 14.30 and 15.30, which is when the drivers change shifts. In addition to taxis, there are “dolmuses”, a unique İstanbul transportation system. They are public minibuses which have their own routes and stops. Dolmuses, like buses, have their destinations marked on the front of the vehicle; unlike buses, only cash is accepted on the dolmus.
By sea: Because it’s about the journey
The Sehir Hatlari (City Lines) Ferries connect the two sides of the city by sea. More leisurely and usually less crowded than a bus, the ferry offers the most enjoyable transportation possible in a crowded metropolis. Ferries even have kiosks, where passengers can buy tea and simits. The views are wonderful – and most ferries have outdoor sections cooled by the fresh Bosphorus breezes. For fares and schedules, see the schedules here. To be honest, we know people who ride the ferry just for fun; it’s a beautiful way to see the city. As the French writer Alphonse de Lamartine said, “If one had but a single glance to give the world, one should gaze on İstanbul.”
Metro: For maximum efficiency
İstanbul Metro transit includes trams, funiculars, cable cars, and the subway/elevated metro. This extensive, efficient system is used by millions of people every day. While most of the system is quite modern, there are quaint exceptions, such as the historical Tünel-Karaköy funicular. The tram system is above-ground and also serves the Sultanahmet area; thus, it is often preferred by visitors.
You can find more information at metro.istanbul.
