Getting Around Istanbul

Arriving by air, sea, or land — and moving around the city with ease

Getting around Istanbul is easier than many visitors expect.
The city offers an extensive public transport network including metro, tram, Marmaray, ferries, and Metrobus.
Planning a trip to Istanbul? Reaching the city is easier than you might think.
Whether you arrive by plane, cruise ship, or road, Istanbul is well connected
to Europe, Asia, and beyond. This guide explains how to get to Istanbul and how
to travel around the city once you’re here.

Arriving in Istanbul by Air

Istanbul Airport (IST) is the city’s main international hub, connecting Istanbul to destinations across Europe, Asia, and beyond.

Flying to Istanbul via Sabiha Gökçen

Located on the Asian side, Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) serves low-cost and regional flights with easy access to the city.

Arriving in Istanbul by Sea

Cruise ships dock at Istanbul’s central port, offering a scenic arrival with easy access to the city’s historic districts.

Reaching Istanbul by Road

Istanbul is easily accessible by road from Europe, with major border crossings connecting the city to neighboring countries.

Before traveling, make sure you are familiar with the
Visa & Entry Requirements for Turkey,
including passport validity and visa rules.

Getting Around in Istanbul

Getting around Istanbul is easier than it looks.
The city offers an extensive public transport network, including metro, trams, ferries, and buses, making it simple to move between neighborhoods.
Walking is also a great option in historic and central areas.

getting around istanbul

Public Transportation in Istanbul

Istanbul’s public transportation system is extensive, affordable, and easy to use.
From metros to ferries, the city offers multiple ways to move efficiently.

What is Istanbulkart?

Istanbulkart is the city’s official public transport card. It can be used on metros,
trams, buses, ferries, Marmaray, and Metrobus.

What’s the difference between metro, tram, and Marmaray?

Metro lines run mostly underground, trams serve central areas, and Marmaray connects
Europe and Asia through an underwater rail tunnel.

What is the Metrobus?

Metrobus is a high-capacity bus system operating on dedicated lanes, offering fast
cross-city travel without traffic delays.

Are ferries part of public transportation in Istanbul?

Yes. Ferries are an essential part of Istanbul’s transport network, especially for
traveling between Europe and Asia.

Is public transport easy for tourists?

Yes. The system is tourist-friendly, integrated with Istanbulkart, and English
signage is common at major stations.

What are the operating hours of public transport?

Most services operate from early morning until midnight, with night buses on major
routes.

Local Tip

Morning rush hours and evening after-work times are usually very crowded on public
transportation in Istanbul. For a more comfortable journey, try to travel outside
peak hours and choose quieter times of the day.