Flights to Istanbul

There are a multitude of options for getting around Istanbul, as you might expect of a large city that spans a waterway. It’s probably a good idea to avoid driving in the city; only rent a car if you are travelling further and require one. Traffic is very busy, and drivers here can be manic. Road signs are in Turkish, so unless you have an understanding of the language, leave the driving to the locals. Fortunately, there are many other choices for transport. For several modes, including ferries, trams, the metro, funicular or buses, you can purchase an Istanbulkart and save nearly 50% on the standard ticket price. They are available at ticket offices near transport stops and cost ₺10.00 TRY. You must load sufficient credit for travel.

Public Transportation

Each of these following transit options can be accessed with your Istanbulkart. Istanbul’s small but efficient metro system has 4 lines, including one that travels under the Bosporus. The Metrobus system offers 7 lines, a couple of which cross bridges from the European to the Asian side and back. They travel on dedicated bus lanes so are less affected by traffic jams. City buses are plentiful and cheap but can be crowded and prone to delay. Red and green buses require an Istanbulkart to ride, while the blue buses take cash. Trams and trolleys are also available, and travel between some of Istanbul’s best sights and attractions. There are also funiculars at several locations. These cabled rail lines are a unique mode of transport, often used for passage of steep inclines and sometimes travelling in tunnels. City operated ferries also travel between the European and Asian sides of Istanbul. These slow ferries along with each of the above services can be accessed with your Istanbulkart, and fares are ₺2.60 TRY, as opposed to the usual ₺5, with additional transfers within a 2-hour journey window: ₺1.85 for the first transfer, ₺1.40 for the second, and ₺0.90 for all subsequent transfers. They can also be used to pay for fares for more than 1 traveler (1 swipe per person per ride).

Taxis

Taxis are readily available, and drivers are likely to approach you on the street, soliciting business. Your best bet is to have your concierge arrange for a taxi, unless you can communicate in Turkish. Taxi fares start at ₺3.35 TRY and rides up to 1.5 miles cost a fixed sum of ₺8.75 TRY. Bridge crossings of the Bosporus strait will also include tolls.

Dolmuş

Dolmuş are mini-van buses that travel on regular routes throughout the city. They carry around 10 people and don’t leave until they are full. They offer a good option for night transport that is much cheaper than a taxi. Prices are fixed, and usually around ₺2.25 TRY.

Fast ferries and sea taxis

Several companies offer fast ferry and sea taxi services to cross the Bosporus and get to various parts of Istanbul. These are more expensive than the city-operated ferries, but are an attraction themselves, and maybe worth the outlay if you consider them a sightseeing option.