Metro lines in Istanbul — the M2 is your main line on the European side
May 4, 2026Şişli · Experience date Apr 8, 2026
The M2 line runs from Yenikapı (south) through Taksim up to Hacıosman — the backbone of European Istanbul transit. M4 is the main Asian side line from Kadıköy. M1 goes to the airport. M7 opened recently through Kabataş and connects to Mecidiyeköy. Marmaray runs under the Bosphorus connecting European and Asian sides. Lines are shown in different colors on the IETT app — download it for real-time departures and journey planning in English.
Contributor: Emma Larsson Bosphorus ferry (vapur) — the most scenic commute in the world
Apr 29, 2026Beşiktaş · Experience date Mar 24, 2026
Istanbul City Lines (Şehir Hatları) ferries connect Eminönü/Karaköy to Kadıköy, Üsküdar, Beşiktaş and Bostancı on the Asian side. Fare: 17 TRY with Istanbulkart. Journey time: Eminönü to Kadıköy 25 minutes, Eminönü to Üsküdar 20 minutes. Morning commute ferries are packed but scenic — views of Topkapı Palace, Maiden's Tower, and the Bosphorus. Check the ferry schedule at sehirhatlari.istanbul — times vary by line and season.
Contributor: James Wilson Night transport in Istanbul — what runs after midnight
Apr 29, 2026Şişli · Experience date Jan 9, 2026
Metro and tram stop around 11:30pm–midnight. Night buses (gece seferleri) run on major routes until 2–3am on weekends. Taxis and BiTaksi run 24 hours. For late nights out in Beyoğlu or Kadıköy: taxis are the only practical option after 1am. Budget 200–400 TRY for a crosstown ride. Ferries stop around 11pm. Metrobüs runs nearly 24 hours, useful for Bosphorus crossings at night.
Contributor: Amira Hassan Monthly transit pass in Istanbul — worth it for daily commuters
Apr 20, 2026Kadıköy · Experience date Dec 10, 2025
An Istanbulkart loaded with a monthly unlimited pass (aylık abonman) covers unlimited metro, tram, and bus trips. Cost: around 850–1,000 TRY/month for full network unlimited. Worth it if you take the metro more than twice daily. Students and seniors get heavy discounts. Buy the subscription at metro station kiosks or the İstanbulkart app. Ferries and some special lines may require separate fare.
Contributor: Carlos Rivera BiTaksi and Uber Turkey are both operating — BiTaksi is more reliable
Apr 10, 2026City-wide · Experience date Apr 3, 2026
Uber was banned in Turkey but relaunched via a licensed taxi partnership in 2023. BiTaksi is the dominant local app and connects you to licensed yellow taxis. Both work similarly but BiTaksi tends to have shorter wait times in residential areas. Always use apps rather than hailing a cab — you get a fixed price, GPS tracking, and receipt. Unlicensed taxis near tourist spots regularly overcharge foreigners.
Getting from Istanbul Airport (IST) to the city — metro is best
Mar 22, 2026Eminönü · Experience date Nov 29, 2025
The M11 metro line runs from Istanbul Airport directly to Gayrettepe (connects to M2) in about 35–38 minutes. Fare: 85 TRY with Istanbulkart from the airport. Taxi to Taksim area: 400–600 TRY. Havas airport bus: various routes to Taksim/Aksaray/Kadıköy for 80–120 TRY, takes longer due to traffic. For most destinations: the M11 metro is the fastest and cheapest option, running every 15 minutes.
Contributor: Amira Hassan Marmaray — fastest way between European and Asian sides
Mar 13, 2026Eminönü · Experience date Feb 22, 2026
The Marmaray commuter rail runs under the Bosphorus Strait, connecting Halkalı (European suburbs) to Gebze (Asian suburbs) via Sirkeci and Ayrılıkçeşmesi. The undersea tunnel crossing takes just 4 minutes. Main use for expats: Sirkeci (near Sultanahmet) to Üsküdar or Kadıköy. Fare: 17 TRY with Istanbulkart. Runs every 5–10 minutes during peak hours. Air-conditioned, clean, very reliable.