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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
\u0130stanbul Airport<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"Istanbul](\"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Inside-Istanbul-airport-1024x683.jpg\")
Istanbul Airport Istanbul logo<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe Havaist buses are the easiest of all public transportation from the \u0130stanbul Airport into the city. For departure\/arrival points, schedules and routes, see<\/a>. 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nSabiha Gokcen Airport<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe Havabus is a convenient transportation in \u0130stanbul, providing service from Sabiha Gokcen Airport. Havabuses depart every 30 minutes. For timetables and routes, see<\/a>. Public IETT buses and taxis also provide city wide \u0130stanbul transportation from the airport. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nThe Istanbulcard: The key to public transportation in \u0130stanbul<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"Marmaray](\"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Marmaray-station-1024x683.jpg\")
Marmaray Sirkeci station<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nYou\u2019ll find that having an \u0130stanbulcard is indispensable: it\u2019s usable on almost all \u0130stanbul public transportation such as buses, metros, trams and even some ferry lines. You can purchase an \u0130stanbulcard 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 \u0130stanbulcard is quite reasonable, and provides both time and cost savings. If you have your \u0130stanbulcard, the city awaits!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nBy land: Bus, metrobus, taxi and more.<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nMost of the public transportation in \u0130stanbul 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\u2019s discuss IETT buses and the Metrobus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nIETT buses<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe city buses are the capillaries of \u0130stanbul. With so many lines and routes, the IETT buses are the most common vehicles you will encounter in \u0130stanbul. 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<\/a>, or download the Mobiett application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nMetrobus<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"Istanbul](\"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Istanbul-metrobus-1024x683.jpg\")
Istanbul metrobus stop<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nIn \u0130stanbul, the metrobus runs mainly on dedicated bus lanes for faster travel. The line runs from Beylikd\u00fcz\u00fc, the European end of \u0130stanbul, to S\u00f6\u011f\u00fctl\u00fc\u00e7e\u015fme 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nTaxis and dolmus buses<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nTaxis are available twenty-four hours a day seven days a week in \u0130stanbul but, as in most major cities, it may be tough to find an available taxi during rush hour or on a weekend night. It\u2019s 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 \u201cdolmuses\u201d, a unique \u0130stanbul 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nBy sea: Because it\u2019s about the journey<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"Simit](\"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Ferry-tea-simit-1024x683.jpg\")
Simit and tea across city lines ferry<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe 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 \u2013 and most ferries have outdoor sections cooled by the fresh Bosphorus breezes. For fares and schedules, see<\/a> the schedules here. To be honest, we know people who ride the ferry just for fun; it\u2019s a beautiful way to see the city. As the French writer Alphonse de Lamartine said, \u201cIf one had but a single glance to give the world, one should gaze on \u0130stanbul.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nMetro: For maximum efficiency<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"Istanbul](\"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Metro-time-lapse-1024x697.jpg\")
Istanbul Metro Time Lapse<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\u0130stanbul 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 T\u00fcnel-Karak\u00f6y funicular. The tram system is above-ground and also serves the Sultanahmet area; thus, it is often preferred by visitors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Havaist buses are the easiest of all public transportation from the \u0130stanbul Airport into the city. For departure\/arrival points, schedules and routes, see<\/a>. 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Havabus is a convenient transportation in \u0130stanbul, providing service from Sabiha Gokcen Airport. Havabuses depart every 30 minutes. For timetables and routes, see<\/a>. Public IETT buses and taxis also provide city wide \u0130stanbul transportation from the airport. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019ll find that having an \u0130stanbulcard is indispensable: it\u2019s usable on almost all \u0130stanbul public transportation such as buses, metros, trams and even some ferry lines. You can purchase an \u0130stanbulcard 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 \u0130stanbulcard is quite reasonable, and provides both time and cost savings. If you have your \u0130stanbulcard, the city awaits!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n Most of the public transportation in \u0130stanbul 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\u2019s discuss IETT buses and the Metrobus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The city buses are the capillaries of \u0130stanbul. With so many lines and routes, the IETT buses are the most common vehicles you will encounter in \u0130stanbul. 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<\/a>, or download the Mobiett application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In \u0130stanbul, the metrobus runs mainly on dedicated bus lanes for faster travel. The line runs from Beylikd\u00fcz\u00fc, the European end of \u0130stanbul, to S\u00f6\u011f\u00fctl\u00fc\u00e7e\u015fme 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Taxis are available twenty-four hours a day seven days a week in \u0130stanbul but, as in most major cities, it may be tough to find an available taxi during rush hour or on a weekend night. It\u2019s 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 \u201cdolmuses\u201d, a unique \u0130stanbul 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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 \u2013 and most ferries have outdoor sections cooled by the fresh Bosphorus breezes. For fares and schedules, see<\/a> the schedules here. To be honest, we know people who ride the ferry just for fun; it\u2019s a beautiful way to see the city. As the French writer Alphonse de Lamartine said, \u201cIf one had but a single glance to give the world, one should gaze on \u0130stanbul.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n \u0130stanbul 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 T\u00fcnel-Karak\u00f6y funicular. The tram system is above-ground and also serves the Sultanahmet area; thus, it is often preferred by visitors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nSabiha Gokcen Airport<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nThe Istanbulcard: The key to public transportation in \u0130stanbul<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nBy land: Bus, metrobus, taxi and more.<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nIETT buses<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nMetrobus<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nTaxis and dolmus buses<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nBy sea: Because it\u2019s about the journey<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nMetro: For maximum efficiency<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n