Buy Now

Transportation In Istanbul

Istanbul's public transportation system has advanced considerably in the past 10 years, and this has had a major impact on the quality of service and transit comfort in the city. Istanbul, like any advanced European city, has a network of multiple mass transportation modes, ranging from regular buses to metro and tram networks that cover 95 percent of Istanbul, as well as minibuses known as Minibüs or Dolmush (Dolmuş), in addition to a large number of taxis, some of which are owned by the Istanbul municipality and some of which are operated by private companies. While using a cab is undoubtedly the most comfortable choice, the cost may be rather expensive when compared to the cost of public transportation. Today's subject is how Istanbul's public system works, and in this post, we'll give you a quick overview of the pros and advantages of using public transportation in Istanbul. 

Ekim Erkan
Ekim Erkan
July 24, 2020 • 3 min
Transportation In Istanbul


Istanbul's Public Transportation Benefits 


Many people wonder and often ask, "How much does public transportation cost in Istanbul?" If you use public transportation often, you will notice that the cost of a single ticket for most modes of transportation varies from 2 to 5 TL, depending on the mode of transportation and the distance traveled, as well as when using the Istanbulkart public transit payment card. It will provide you with many benefits and savings when it comes to public transportation. (To understand more about Istanbulkart, see our article.) 


Certainly, the time it takes to travel between any two points in any crowded city in the world will be stressful and inconvenient, but in Istanbul, road engineering committees are constantly working to find the best solutions for reducing travel time, so you can have more free time in your day to do things that are beneficial to you. In Istanbul, public transit buses have their own lanes, allowing them to travel swiftly and avoid being stuck in interminable traffic jams. Furthermore, using the metro and trams guarantees a very high speed of travel in the city and covers all of the city's major transit hubs. 


Is Taking Public Transportation in Istanbul Safe? 


Certainly, it is safe; all public transportation in Istanbul is equipped with live surveillance cameras linked to the Ministry of Homeland Security and the relevant branches, which provide continuous monitoring of movement and vehicle speed, as well as quick assistance and protection for passengers in the event of accidents or problems. In Istanbul, all metro stations are well-lit and feature rigorous security and sophisticated checks that guarantee everyone's safety while not impeding circulation. In the case of a difficulty, you will discover that the police are very helpful and would gladly assist you in resolving your issue without delay. 


If you are planning a trip to Istanbul soon, we suggest looking at the map of Istanbul's metro system, which connects the city's most renowned historical sites and museums, including Taksim, Sultanahmet, Topkapi, and the Grand Bazaar.

Find more Istanbul inspiration

Istanbul In 1 Day
calendar_today Sep 3, 2021 • 6 min

Istanbul In 1 Day

Hundreds of years old palaces, churches & mosques, traditional Turkish Baths, bazaars, beautiful sights, strait that separates Europe and Asia

Best districts in Istanbul only Istanbulites know
calendar_today Nov 14, 2022 • 4 min

Best districts in Istanbul only Istanbulites know

Istanbul is a vast city, with so much to offer. Although there are so many spectacular places that almost all tourists have on their lists, you can get the most out of the city only by experiencing how life for a true Istanbulite is. Below destinations are the places only ones who have good taste […]

Galataport Istanbul
calendar_today Oct 20, 2022 • 6 min

Galataport Istanbul

Istanbul is a great destination for shopping besides its many other riches. Historically the shopping ecosystem of Istanbul has been always vibrant and colourful. The magnificent Grand Bazaar, one-of-a-kind Spice Bazaar, small street shops or huge shopping malls spread all over the city; are all parts of the great shopping culture of Istanbul.  
 
 Galataport […]

Aya Yorgi Church
calendar_today Mar 27, 2022 • 4 min

Aya Yorgi Church

Aya Yorgi Church was founded in 1751, according to Patriarchate documents. The former church, a modest two-story tiled structure with a small church, shrine, and prayer area, is known as the old church. The Aya Yorgi Church, on the other hand, is a modern structure on the hill that was constructed of face stone in […]

Get Ready to be Fascinated: Museum of Illusions
calendar_today Nov 8, 2022 • 10 min

Get Ready to be Fascinated: Museum of Illusions

The Museum of Illusions in Istanbul is a place to enter the fascinating world of illusions that will trick your confidence in your senses, and amaze you doing it. It is a fascinating museum to be confused, to have fun, and to learn about the borders of your own mind.  
 
 This amazing experience is […]

4 Best Indian restaurants in Istanbul
calendar_today Oct 14, 2022 • 3 min

4 Best Indian restaurants in Istanbul

Indian cuisine is widely loved across the globe for its rich ingredients, intoxicating aromas, and fresh blend of spices. Its historic staple diet consisting of whole-wheat flour, rice, and vegetables makes it unique and flavoursome. Travellers, especially from south Asia, are always on the lookout for quality restaurants offering Indian cuisine. If you're one of […]

A Magical Breakfast and Dining Experience in Istanbul: Le Vapeur Magique
calendar_today Oct 31, 2022 • 5 min

A Magical Breakfast and Dining Experience in Istanbul: Le Vapeur Magique

Istanbul is magnificent with its history, its one-of-a-kind geography, its vibrant life, and its position as the meeting of different cultures. There are many attractions all around the city and it is for sure that one lifetime is not enough to see all of Istanbul.  
 
 In Istanbul Tourist Pass®, we love to share […]

Top 10 Best Istanbul Street Food You Must Try
calendar_today Oct 27, 2022 • 5 min

Top 10 Best Istanbul Street Food You Must Try

Istanbul is a vibrant city with different cultures, deep history, and also with a great selection of foods! Street foods have a special place in Turkish culture but especially in Istanbul, street food is an inseparable piece of the city’s identity. Today even fine-dining restaurants in Istanbul serve street-food-inspired platters.  
 
 In this article, […]

The Michelin Star Restaurants in Istanbul
calendar_today Oct 24, 2022 • 5 min

The Michelin Star Restaurants in Istanbul

Istanbul has been the meeting point of different cultures throughout history. Because of that reason, the city has a great variety of different cuisines. In this richness, Turkish cuisine has a special place. 
 
 Turkish cuisine is not in the place it deserves in the world yet. Especially in recent years, Turkish chefs are […]

Best Events in Istanbul in Winter 2026
calendar_today Jan 5, 2026 • 5 min

Best Events in Istanbul in Winter 2026