Getting Around Istanbul

Istanbul Public Transit Authority (IETT) Buses IETT's fleet of 2,500 buses encompasses 545 lines and tends to be extremely crowded. Buses run daily from about 6:30 AM to 11:30 PM. Each IETT trip costs TRY 2 per passenger. Tickets must be purchased at the system's numerous white kiosks, found at major stops, before boarding the bus.Tram SystemIstanbul's tram system offers three modern lines and one historic line. The modern lines include the T1 Zeytinburnu-Kabatas line, T3 Zeytinburnu-Bagcilar line and T4 Edimekapi-Sultanciftligi line. The most popular tram line is the T1, which travels along the Sea of Marmara past the Grand Bazaar to Sultanahmet, then across the Galata Bridge to Taksim Square. The 19th century historic Pera tram connects Taksim Square and Tünel Square, providing direct access to the Istiklal Caddesi pedestrian street.Trams run daily from about 6 AM to midnight. The modern tram lines cost TRY 1.50 per ride, while the historic tram costs TRY 1 per ride.The TunnelThe Tunnel underground train was originally built in 1875 to accommodate businessmen traveling between Galata and Pera. Today, the system is a fun, convenient way to travel, consisting of two stations that connect Galata with the Istiklal Caddesi and Kabatus ferry docks.The Tunnel runs daily from 6 AM to 10 PM. Fare is TRY 1 per ride.MetroThe green M2 underground Metro line serves six stations and runs through the city's modern business and residential sections. The Metro runs daily from about 6 AM to midnight. Fare is TRY 2 per ride.Light RailwayThe red M1 Light Railway Line runs from Aksaray Square in Old Istanbul to the Istanbul Atatürk International Airport. Currently serving 18 stations, the light railway is set to expand to six new stations on the European side and 16 new stations on the Asian side.The Light Railway runs daily from about 6 AM to midnight. Fare is TRY 2 per ride.Istanbul Seabuses and Fast Ferries (IDO)Istanbul Seabuses and Fast Ferries (IDO) operate 90 vessels and 86 terminals that serve over 100 million passengers every year. The primary provider of water transportation services in Istanbul, IDO vehicles include fast ferries, which carry vehicles and passengers, and inner-city seabuses, which carry passengers only, operating between Istanbul and other points of interest around the Sea of Marmara.Schedules vary based on route and time of year. Rates vary based on route as well, but regular fare starts at TRY 6 for fast ferries and TRY 4 for seabuses.Rental CarsIstanbul Atatürk International Airport is served by Airport VIP, Alamo, Avias, Avis, Avro, Decar, Euronet, Europcar, Euro Park, Hertz, Mert, Nationak, Sun, Sixt and Ulger. Car rental counters are located on the ground floor.TaxisPassengers at Istanbul Atatürk International Airport can access taxis outside each terminal. Rates start at TRY 2.50 and increase at a rate of TRY 1.20 per kilometer and Taxi rides from the airport to the city center take about 30 minutes and cost about TRY 30.Visitors to Istanbul can also get around the city via a dolmus, a privately-owned, shared taxi that seats about eight passengers. Dolmuses operate on specific routes throughout the city until midnight daily. Visitors should be aware that taxi nighttime fares are typically twice as expensive as daytime fares.