Getting around Istanbul using the city’s public transportation system is a time- and cost-efficient option. There are various different modes of public transport available, including buses, trams, metro, ferries, and funiculars. Buses are the most typical kind of public transportation, and they are offered in almost every neighborhood of the city. In addition, there are other lines running across the city that make up the enormous metro system. In addition, ferries and funiculars are at your disposal to travel to particular regions. Many residents of Istanbul choose to rely on the city’s public transit as their primary mode of conveyance because of its low fares and widespread accessibility.
Metro system in Istanbul – Basic information
The eleven metro lines, three more subway lines are under construction, two tram lines, and two funicular lines that makeup Istanbul’s metropolitan area’s fast transport system are known collectively as the “metro.” The city of Istanbul and the countryside surrounding it are both served by the system, which contributes to a reduction in both air pollution and traffic congestion. It makes traveling to the city’s most popular tourist spots, such as Taksim Square, Sultanahmet, and the Bosphorus Bridge, quite convenient. The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality is in charge of running the metro system, and the rates are very reasonable for such a convenient mode of transportation. It is well-known for its tidiness and effectiveness, and its stations are noted for being well-maintained and furnished with contemporary conveniences. The total length of the subway is 198.66 km and it has 137 stations.
The lines of the Istanbul subway system
Line M1 A and M1 B of the Istanbul Metro is a rapid transit line that is also known as the Istanbul Light Metro. Both the maps and the route signs have it highlighted in red. It was the first rapid transit line in Istanbul and all of Turkey. The M1 is split into two different train services: the M1A and the M1B. Both services operate on the same route from Yenikap to Otogar, where the M1B splits off to Kirazl and the M1A continues on the original line to Istanbul Ataturk Airport. From Otogar, both lines continue on to Istanbul Ataturk Airport. The total length of the M1 is 26.8 kilometers, and there are 23 stations that are now in operation, 11 of which are located underground while the remaining 3 are elevated.
The M2 is a rapid transit line of the Istanbul Metro that is also referred to by its official name, the M2 Yenikap–Hacosman metro line. On the maps and the route signs, it is depicted in a light green color. In the ancient peninsula of Istanbul, the M2 runs from Hacosman in southern Saryer to Yenikap in south-central Fatih. These two stops are connected by Yenikap. Shuttle trains go between Sanayi and Seyrantepe in order to reach Nef Stadium. The M2 subway line runs for a total of 23.49 kilometers and features 16 stations, 15 of which are located underground.
The M3 is formally known as the M3 Kirazli–Kayaşehir Merkez Metro Line. The line is 17.4 kilometers long and has 13 stations. It extends the service of the M1B line that runs from Yenikap to Kayaşehir Merkez and operates between Kirazl and Baclar. Station signage, route signs, and the official map of the rapid transit network all have a light blue color that represents the M3 line.
The M4 is a rapid transit line of the Istanbul Metro that spans 33.5 kilometers and has 23 stations. Its official name is the M4 Kadkoy – Sabiha Gokcen Airport metro line. On the maps and the route signs, it is depicted in a dark pink tone. The first rapid transit line to operate on the Asian side of Istanbul, it connects Kadkoy and Sabiha Gokcen Airport. Its route is known as the Kadkoy-Sabiha Gokcen Airport Line.
The M5 Üskudar–ekmekoy line, often known as the M5 Üskudar–ekmekoy metro hatt, is a rapid transit line that is part of the Istanbul Metro System. On the maps and the route signs, it is depicted in a dark purple color. It is the first rapid transit line in Turkey that does not require drivers.
The M6 Levent – Boazici Üniversitesi/Hisarustu line of the Istanbul Metro is a light metro line that extends for 3.3 kilometers. With only four stations, this line is the one in the Istanbul Metro system that is the shortest. The exception to this is the relatively small Tunel line.
The M7 is a rapid transit line of the Istanbul Metro system located on the European side of Istanbul, Turkey. On the maps and route signs, it is depicted in a pastel pink tint. On the European side of Istanbul, this is the first rapid transit line that operates without human drivers. The length of the line is 20 kilometers or 12 miles, and there are 17 stations.
Rapid transit service is provided by the Istanbul Metro along Line M8, which is sometimes referred to by its official name, the M8 Bostanc-Parseller line. The Bostanc railway station, which is located on the southern coast of the Anatolian side, is connected by this line to Parseller, which is located in the district of Ümraniye. The total distance of the line is 14.27 kilometers, and it has 13 stations.
A rapid transit line of the Istanbul Metro system located in the European part of Istanbul, Turkey, and officially known as the M9 Atakoy-Olimpiyat line, the M9 serves the Olimpiyat and Atakoy neighborhoods. Both the maps and the route signs have it highlighted in yellow. The length of the line will be 17.4 kilometers, and it is anticipated that it will go into full service in the year 2023.
The M11 Gayrettepe–Istanbul Airport–Halkal Metro Line, also known as the Gayrettepe–Istanbul Airport–Halkal Metro Hatt in Turkish, is a line of the Istanbul Metro. Its official name is the M11 Gayrettepe–Istanbul Airport–Halkal Metro Line. Since January 2023, passengers can travel between Kathane and Istanbul Airport without any issues. This route will connect Istanbul Airport in Arnavutkoy to Levent, which is the most important commercial center in Istanbul, as well as Halkal, which is one of the most important train stations in the city.
Map of Istanbul Metro 2023 – Free Download in PDF
Click on the image and download the map of Istanbul´s underground system for 2023
Anyone who is interested in exploring and navigating the city of Istanbul will benefit greatly from obtaining a copy of the Istanbul Metro Map 2023. This up-to-date overview of Istanbul’s wide and extensive metro system is provided in a PDF file that may be downloaded for free here. Because it incorporates all of the operational lines and stops, it makes it simple to organize your journey and discover new parts of the city. In addition, the map includes information on city transfer hubs, fare zones, and areas of interest throughout the city. You won’t get lost in Istanbul if you use this map because it makes navigation simple and straightforward.
Public transport tickets in Istanbul – Best types for travelers & actual prices
One of the best ways to get a feel for Istanbul is to do so by using its public transit system. When there are several different tickets to choose from, it can be difficult to determine which one offers the most value. To assist you in determining which mode of transportation will be most convenient for you during your time in Istanbul as well as the costs associated with each option, the following table has been provided.
The Istanbulkart is the most common form of ticket used for Istanbul’s public transit system. This card allows you to reload money onto it, and it may be used to pay for Metro, tram, and ferry rides. It is also possible to use it as payment for rides on buses; however, buses use a different system, and you will have to purchase tickets directly from the driver. The Istanbulkart can be purchased for a total of 6 Turkish Lira, and it can hold a maximum of 90 Turkish Lira worth of credit.
Considering that a single fare ticket for the Metro, tram, and ferry services costs 4 Turkish Lira, it is more cost-effective to purchase single fare tickets if you only want to make a few trips using these modes of transportation. Tickets for a single ride can be purchased at the stations’ ticket offices, self-service kiosks, and automated vending machines.
If you are going to be in Istanbul for more than a couple of days, it is highly recommended that you look into purchasing an IstanbulKart Plus. With this card, you can enjoy unlimited travel on the Metro, tram, ferry, and bus services for 1, 3, 5, or 7 days, depending on which option you choose. The IstanbulKart Plus for 1 day may be purchased for 15 Turkish Lira, while the IstanbulKart Plus for 3 days can be purchased for 40 Turkish Lira.
The 3-day IstanbulKart Plus is the most beneficial choice for travelers who will only be in Istanbul for a total of three days. It is more cost-effective than buying individual tickets for each trip, and it grants you access to limitless travel for three consecutive days. It is also easy because you do not have to continually purchase tickets or add money to your Istanbulkart account.
Summary of fares for public transport in Istanbul
- The IstanbulKart may be purchased for six Turkish Lira, and it has the capacity to store credit of up to ninety Turkish Lira.
- Tickets for a single ride on the Metro, tram, or ferry cost four Turkish Lira.
- IstanbulKart Plus allows customers to travel without restrictions for 1, 3, 5, or 7 days for a cost of 15 Turkish Lira for one day and 40 Turkish Lira for three days.
Timetables & Schedules of the Istanbul Metro System
During the hours of 6:00 am and midnight, the Istanbul Metro is open for business. Around six in the morning, the first trains of the day leave the principal stations of each line, and the last trains of the day leave at eleven o’clock at night. Trains depart approximately every 3 to 5 minutes during peak hours. When non-rush hours roll around, the train only comes once every ten minutes instead of every five. Trains now only run every 10 to 15 minutes on the weekends, which is a reduction from the previous frequency of every 5 minutes.
What Are Other Options For Public Transportation In Istanbul?
It should come as no surprise that public transit is an essential component of daily life in such a massive city like Istanbul, which has a population of over 15 million people. Although the majority of people rely on the metro as the primary mode of public transportation to get around the city, there are really a lot of alternative options available to choose from. This post will provide an in-depth discussion of the various alternative modes of public transportation that are available to you in Istanbul.
The bus is the first available choice. There is a vast bus network in Istanbul that is capable of reaching any part of the city. The buses run often throughout the day, making this kind of transportation not only affordable but also dependable. It is essential that you are aware that cash is not accepted on the buses. Instead, you will need to acquire an Istanbulkart, which is a prepaid card that may be used on buses, trams, and metros in İstanbul.
The tram is yet another kind of transportation. There are two primary tram lines in Istanbul, one running north-south and the other running east-west. Trams are an excellent kind of public transportation since they are typically less crowded than bus or subway lines. The Istanbulkart is valid for travel on trams as well as buses.
The next transportation choice available is the funicular. The Tunel funicular provides access between the city’s historic area on the hill and the historically significant Taksim Square in Istanbul. This funicular train, which is the world’s second-oldest underground railway, is a convenient and enjoyable way to travel throughout the city.
At long last, there are ferry services available. Istanbul is a metropolis that spans two continents and is located on both the European and Asian sides of the Bosphorus Channel and the Sea of Marmara. As a consequence of this, there are a lot of ferries that connect the two sides of the city, in addition to those that connect the city to the neighboring towns and islands. Ferries offer a low-cost and time-efficient mode of transportation that is one of the best ways to travel about.
In conclusion, in addition to the metro, there are a variety of different options for public transit to choose from in Istanbul. There are several different modes of public transportation available in the city, ranging from buses and trams to funiculars and boats. Make sure you have an Istanbulkart before you leave for your trip, since all of these modes of transportation demand its use. This fact should be kept in mind, as it is very vital.
How To Get From Istanbul Airport (ist) To The City Center With Public Transport?
It’s true that getting from Istanbul Airport to the heart of the city can feel like an insurmountable challenge for many tourists, but it doesn’t have to. It is possible to reach the heart of the city with public transportation in a short amount of time and with little effort if one takes a few basic steps and plans ahead.
The first thing you should do is analyze the many forms of public transportation to find out which one caters most closely to your requirements. The Istanbul Airport is served by a number of different modes of public transit, including taxis, buses, and the metro. The metro, which operates continuously, is the most dependable mode of transportation and is available at all times. The metro offers the quickest commute into the heart of the city, reaching your destination in approximately forty minutes, however this might vary depending on the time of day and the number of stops. The terminal that houses the arrivals and departures areas of the airport is directly connected to the metro station, which can be found on the airport’s eastern side.
After you have selected the metro as your mode of transportation, the following step is to buy a ticket. Either the ticket vending machines that are found in the Arrivals Hall or the ticket office are both options for purchasing tickets. The price of the ticket is determined not only by the time of day but also by the number of stops that you will be making. Before boarding the train, tickets need to be checked to ensure they are valid.
After you have obtained your ticket, you will be able to board the train and travel to the central business district of the city. Along the trip, the train will stop at various different locations, including Taksim Square, Sultanahmet, and Beyazit, among other places. Keep your ticket close at hand since you never know when a ticket inspector will ask to see it while you’re traveling and you’ll need to be prepared to show it.
The final stage, which occurs once you have arrived at your location, is to get off the train and begin walking in the direction of your goal. If you are not familiar with the surrounding region, you might want to think about using a taxi service to get you to where you need to go. Taxis are readily available at each and every metro station, and the fare is often affordable.
Using public transit from Istanbul Airport to the heart of the city is an excellent, risk-free, and economically sensible method to visit the city. Your trip into the heart of the city may be a breeze with just a little bit of forethought and organization on your part.
What kind of sightseeing do you have to see if you visit Istanbul for the first time?
Istanbul is a thriving metropolis that boasts a rich past as well as a diverse cultural amalgamation. Because it is home to some of the most famous sights and attractions in the world, it is an absolute necessity for any tourist to pay a visit to this location. Ancient ruins, stunning mosques, and a thriving nightlife scene are just some of the attractions that Istanbul has to offer. The following are some of the most popular tourist destinations in Istanbul:
- The Hagia Sophia – Considered to be one of the most recognizable symbols of religious architecture in the world. It was a Christian basilica when it was first constructed in the 6th century, but it has since been converted into a museum and is now one of the most well-known sights in all of Istanbul. It is a must-see destination on account of its magnificent interior as well as its eye-catching architecture.
- The Blue Mosque – The Sultan Ahmed Mosque, popularly referred to as the Blue Mosque, is a breathtaking specimen of traditional Ottoman architecture. Awe-inspiring domes, six towering minarets, and beautiful mosaics can be seen throughout the structure. It is one of the most prominent sites in Istanbul and is a popular destination for visitors from all over the world as well as people who live in the city.
- The Grand Bazaar – One of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, the Grand Bazaar is located in Istanbul, Turkey. Because it is home to more than 4,000 businesses, it is an excellent location for shopping for mementos, jewelry, and other kinds of one-of-a-kind presents. It is also a wonderful place to try some of the fantastic street food that Istanbul has to offer.
- Topkapi Palace — The Topkapi Palace is widely regarded as one of the most significant historical landmarks in all of Istanbul. It was constructed in the 15th century, and for the next many centuries, it was the official residence of the Sultans of the Ottoman Empire. In modern times, it has been converted into a museum where treasures from the palace’s history can be viewed. These exhibits include an extraordinary collection of jewelry, ceramics, and other antiques.
- A Cruise Around the Bosphorus – A cruise along the Bosphorus is the ideal way to appreciate the wonderful splendor that Istanbul has to offer. You may get a great view of the city’s breathtaking skyline and other landmarks, like as its many bridges, islands, and majestic Ottoman houses, from the deck of a boat.
These are just some of the most popular places of interest that tourists flock to in Istanbul. There is plenty for everyone to do in Istanbul, whether your goal is to investigate its historic landmarks, take a stroll through its lively marketplaces, or simply take in the city’s breathtaking splendor.
Summary of our tour guide for Istanbul
The city of Istanbul is a hive of activity and is well-known for its breathtaking vistas, its rich cultural heritage, and its extensive network of public transportation. It is the only city in the world that can be found on both the European and Asian continents due to its location on both sides of the Bosphorus Strait. Buses, trams, metros, and ferries are all forms of public transportation in Istanbul, which makes it quite convenient to travel throughout the city. Istanbul is one of those places that every traveler should go at least once because of its wonderful cuisine, incredible architecture, and rich history.
Top 5 FAQs and answers about Istanbul public transport?
In Istanbul, what kinds of public transportation are there to choose from?
- Buses, trams, the metro, funiculars, ferries, and even a suburban rail system are all part of Istanbul’s extensive public transportation network, which also includes metro lines. The bus is the most popular form of public transportation in the city, and it operates more than one thousand routes throughout the metropolitan area. In addition, there are a lot of people using the metro, which has six lines and encompasses nearly all of the city.
What is the cost of riding the public transportation in Istanbul?
- The price of riding Istanbul’s public transportation might change significantly depending on the mode of conveyance that you select. For instance, the cost of a ride on the metro will be approximately 2.60 Turkish Lira (TL), while the typical cost of a bus ticket is approximately 2 TL. The price of a ferry ticket can range anywhere from 4 to 10 Turkish Lira depending on the route that you take and the kind of ticket that you buy. In addition, there are price reductions offered to students as well as older citizens.
Where can I find information on how to buy tickets for Istanbul’s public transportation?
- There are numerous outlets in Istanbul where one can buy a ticket for the city’s public transportation system. Purchasing tickets via the automated ticket machines that are strategically placed at each station is by far the most prevalent method. In addition, you can purchase tickets at kiosks, online, or directly from the bus drivers. In addition, there are a number of apps that can be downloaded into your mobile device that will enable you to purchase tickets.
How dependable is the public transportation system in Istanbul?
- The reliability of Istanbul’s public transportation system can be considered satisfactory on the whole. The metro and bus system operates on a consistent schedule, and the typical amount of time spent waiting for a bus or tram is not more than ten minutes. However, because of the high volume of individuals utilizing the system during peak hours, there is the potential for delays to occur.
How secure is the Istanbul metro and other public transportation?
- People have a high level of confidence in the security of Istanbul’s public transportation system. The city has made significant investments in security, and as a result, most of the stations now have both security guards and video cameras. But, just as in any other large metropolis, it is essential to maintain vigilance and be aware of your surroundings at all times.
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