Transportation in Istanbul
With old and new - and European and Asian - Istanbul all separated by water, some of the most exciting journeys are by boat.Most visitors spend the majority of their time on the European side of the Bosphorus, either around the historic attractions of old Istanbul, or taking advantage of the buzzing nightlife and shopping in the modern part of the city.Old Istanbul spreads across the western and central part of the city: this is where you'll find the Blue Mosque and Haghia Sophia in Sultanahmet, the Spice Market in Eminönü and Grand Bazaar in Beyazit. Head northeast across the Golden Horn (a tributary of the Bosphorus) for late-night shopping in Taksim, and bars and restaurants in buzzing Beyoglu. Sail east across the Bosphorus for the Asian side of the city and Uskudar and busy Kadikoy.
Read more about transport from and to the airport
Taxi
Istanbul's yellow taxis are cheap, comfortable and prevalent. Flag them down on the street rather than picking up a stationary cab outside hotels or tourist sites. Make sure the meter is switched on (charges are 50% extra at night) and try and avoid rush-hour clogged streets.
Boat
Handy for commuters, pleasurable for visitors and perfect on sunny days, a passenger ferry between the European and Asian side of Istanbul is cheap and has the best views. Take the leisurely cruise up the Bosphorus or simply use it as a way to get between Eminönü and Kadikoy.
Bus & Minibus
Most of the single-decker buses are now air-conditioned but can get packed and very hot in summer. The yellow dolmuç (minibus) is faster, slightly more expensive, but always guarantees a seat so better for long journeys. Pick them up from designated stops around the city, or flag them down along the route. Larger blue-and-white minibuses have fixed stops.
Metro
With relatively few stops (but new ones being dug as you read this) the Metro is super clean, efficient, and the quickest way to get from Taksim Square to the business and shopping districts of Levent. Since 2006, an underground funicular travels from Kabatas, the end of the tramway, to Taksim Square's metro station. In stark contrast, a century-old metro shuttles between Karakoy and Tunel.
Tramway
The best way to whizz through old Istanbul, the modern tramway starts in Kabatas with stops including Eminönü harbour (Egyptian Market), Sultanahmet for the Blue Mosque and Beyazit for the Grand Bazaar. For onward travel, there are also stops at Esenler for the main long-distance bus station, and Ataturk Airport. The ancient ‘Nostalgia Tram' shuttles along Istiklal Cadessi between Taksim Square and Tunel.
Rent your car
Driving into Istanbul is a feat of endurance and patience with traffic chaos, honking horns and something of an ad hoc following of driving regulations. Due to severe congestion you need to allow plenty of time to get to your destination.
Transportation Tips
Pay a small deposit for an Akbil, a transport token which can be topped up then cancelled out for any journey on public transport including bus, metro, local ferry and tram. It means cheaper fares, and saves a lot of time as tickets would otherwise have to be bought before each journey. Avoid rush hour if possible on all public transport. When you want the dolmus to stop, say inecek var to the driver. The tramway then funicular are the easiest way of travelling between Sultanahmet and Taksim, without a taxi.
