Istanbul has one of the most useful public transport networks in the eastern Mediterranean, and it is also one of the more confusing for a first visit. Rail, tram, ferry and bus rapid transit are run by different operators, yet one card covers almost all of it. This guide explains the lines visitors actually use, what they cost in 2026, how to connect from both airports, and how to reach the Princes’ Islands by ferry.
If you only read one thing: buy an Istanbulkart, use the T1 tram and ferries for sightseeing, and use the metro for longer hops.
The System at a Glance
| Mode | What it does for visitors | Lines to know |
|---|---|---|
| Metro | Fast north-south and airport links | M2, M11 (Istanbul Airport), M4 (Kadıköy and Sabiha Gökçen) |
| Tram | The old-city sightseeing spine | T1 (Kabataş to Bağcılar), T4 |
| Marmaray | Rail tunnel under the Bosphorus | Halkalı to Gebze |
| Metrobus | Bus rapid transit on the E5 highway | Beylikdüzü to Söğütlüçeşme |
| Ferry | Europe-Asia crossings, Bosphorus, islands | Kadıköy, Üsküdar, Eminönü, Kabataş |
| Funicular | Short uphill hops | F1 Kabataş-Taksim, Tünel (Karaköy-Beyoğlu) |
Metro, tram, Marmaray and funiculars generally run from around 06:00 to about midnight. Check the Metro İstanbul site for line-by-line timetables and service notices.
Metro Lines That Matter
M2 (Yenikapı - Taksim - Levent - Hacıosman). The European-side backbone. Key stops are Yenikapı (Marmaray and M1 connection), Haliç and Şişhane (for Galata and Karaköy), Taksim for İstiklal Caddesi, and Şişli and Levent for shopping and business districts. It is the line most visitors use daily.
M11 (Gayrettepe - Istanbul Airport). The airport metro. It links the main airport with the M2 at Gayrettepe. Journey time from IST to Gayrettepe is roughly 35-40 minutes. Fares are distance-based and higher than a standard ride.
M4 (Kadıköy - Sabiha Gökçen Airport). The main Asian-side line. It runs from Kadıköy through Ayrılık Çeşmesi (Marmaray interchange) and Pendik to SAW. Allow about an hour end to end.
M1 serves the western suburbs and the main intercity bus terminal (otogar), not the airport. Visitors mix this line up with the M11 more than any other.
T1 Tram: The Sightseeing Line
The T1 runs from Kabataş on the Bosphorus through Karaköy, Eminönü, Sirkeci, Sultanahmet, Çemberlitaş, Beyazıt-Kapalıçarşı and Aksaray. Highlights:
- Sultanahmet: Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Topkapı Palace are a short walk away.
- Gülhane: the quieter entrance to Gülhane Park and Topkapı.
- Beyazıt-Kapalıçarşı: for the Grand Bazaar.
- Eminönü: the Spice Bazaar and ferry piers.
- Kabataş: change to the F1 funicular up to Taksim Square.
The T1 is busy mid-morning and late afternoon. Trams come every few minutes, but crowding is real at peak times, so expect to stand and keep an eye on pockets.
Not to be confused with the red heritage tram on İstiklal Caddesi (T2), which is a short nostalgic ride rather than a transport link.
Marmaray: Under the Bosphorus
Marmaray is the commuter rail line that crosses the Bosphorus in a tunnel, linking Halkalı in the west to Gebze in the east. For visitors, the stations that matter are:
- Sirkeci: the old city, close to Eminönü and the T1.
- Yenikapı: the interchange with the M2 and the M1.
- Üsküdar: Asian-side shoreline, Maiden’s Tower views and the ferry piers.
- Ayrılık Çeşme: the interchange for the M4 to Kadıköy and Sabiha Gökçen.
The crossing between Sirkeci and Üsküdar takes only a few minutes, making it the fastest way across the strait. Marmaray fares are distance-based: the maximum is held at the turnstile and you tap out at the exit to receive any unused balance. Always tap out on exit.
Ferries: The Best Value in the City
Istanbul’s ferries are public transport, not just tourism. The main operator is Şehir Hatları, supplemented by faster commuter sea buses on some routes. You tap your Istanbulkart at the pier gate.
Eminönü - Kadıköy (about 20-25 minutes). The classic crossing, with the old-city skyline behind you. Kadıköy has the Asian side’s best food market, covered in our Kadıköy guide.
Karaköy - Kadıköy. A shorter hop from the Galata side.
Eminönü - Üsküdar. A quick crossing to the Asian shoreline, with the Maiden’s Tower visible from the water.
Kabataş - Üsküdar/Beşiktaş. Useful for the Dolmabahçe Palace area and Beşiktaş. See the Beşiktaş guide.
Bosphorus lines. Longer scenic routes run north along the strait toward Sarıyer and Anadolu Kavağı. If you prefer a commentary-led trip, a guided Bosphorus cruise is the alternative.
Ferries run from roughly 07:00 to 23:00 depending on route, with less frequent service in winter. Sit on the outer deck, and do not feed the gulls from your hand: they will take it personally.
Princes’ Islands Ferry
The Princes’ Islands (Adalar) are a car-free island group in the Sea of Marmara, a popular day trip.
- From Kabataş or Eminönü (European side): the longer route, roughly an hour to an hour and a half to Büyükada, depending on which stops the ferry makes.
- From Kadıköy or Bostancı (Asian side): the shorter route.
- Which island: Büyükada is the largest with the most to see; Heybeliada is quieter; Burgazada and Kınalıada are the smaller stops.
Ferries stop at several islands, so check the boat’s final destination before boarding. Fares are higher than a standard city ride and Istanbulkart transfer discounts may not apply. Confirm the current fare and timetable on the Şehir Hatları site. For other trips from the city, see our Istanbul day trips guide.
Metrobus
The Metrobus is a bus rapid transit line on dedicated lanes along the E5 highway, crossing the Bosphorus Bridge between Beylikdüzü in the west and Söğütlüçeşme in the east. It runs around the clock, though with reduced service overnight. It is fast but very crowded at peak times and rarely useful for sightseeing. Visitors tend to use it only for the otogar area, for Asian-side connections, or for a late-night journey when rail has stopped.
Airport Connections
Istanbul Airport (IST): take the M11 to Gayrettepe, then change to the M2. Havaist airport buses and taxis are alternatives, and Havaist is more practical after the metro shuts. The Istanbul airport transfer guide compares all options.
Sabiha Gökçen (SAW): the M4 connects to Kadıköy on the Asian side and to Marmaray at Ayrılık Çeşme. Havaist buses run to Taksim and Kadıköy. Read the Sabiha Gökçen transfer guide before a late arrival.
Fares in 2026
As of 2026, secondary sources put a standard Istanbulkart ride on metro, tram, bus, Metrobus, funicular and Marmaray at approximately ₺46, with discounted transfers within about two hours. Limited-use paper tickets cost noticeably more per ride. Airport metro lines, Marmaray over longer distances, and ferries to the islands are priced separately. Fares rise several times a year in Istanbul, so treat any figure here, including ours, as indicative and check the official tariff on the Metro İstanbul site before you load credit. Our Istanbulkart guide covers buying and topping up.
Sample Journeys
- Sultanahmet to Taksim: T1 to Kabataş, then the F1 funicular up to Taksim.
- Taksim to Kadıköy: M2 to Yenikapı, Marmaray to Ayrılık Çeşme, then M4. Or walk down to Karaköy and take the ferry.
- Eminönü to Üsküdar: ferry (scenic) or Marmaray from Sirkeci (fast).
- IST to Sultanahmet: M11, M2 to Yenikapı, then T1 or walk. Or take Havaist to Sultanahmet.
Practical Tips
- Use Google Maps or Moovit: both handle Istanbul transit well, including ferries.
- Mind the gap between lines. Interchange stations can involve long walks, so allow extra time.
- Avoid the Metrobus and the T1 at 08:00-09:30 and 17:00-19:30 if you can.
- Keep your Istanbulkart topped up. Balance checks happen at the turnstile, and you cannot board with insufficient credit.
- For tourist-heavy sightseeing days, see our 3 days in Istanbul itinerary and our Istanbul neighbourhoods guide. For minibus shared taxis, see the dolmuş guide.
Back to the Istanbul city guide.