How to Get Around Istanbul Without Using Taxis
Getting around Istanbul is much easier than you think. Most people who live in Istanbul prefer public transportation instead of using taxis, or we simply walk. Honestly, a lot of the time we reach our destination much faster this way.
In this article, I’ll explain how you can get around Istanbul without using taxis. On top of that, you’ll have an experience where you can truly live and feel the city.
And you’ll spend much less money.
You Need to Get an Istanbulkart, My Friend
If you’re going to use public transportation in Istanbul, the first thing you need to do is get an Istanbulkart. It’s used on the metro, tram, metrobus, buses, ferries, even cable cars—basically every type of transport you can think of.
Here’s the important part: I’m not talking about the single-use tickets sold at metro entrances. You need a rechargeable card. You can buy it from vending machines at metro stations, kiosks, or at the airport.
If you want to find nearby places to get one, just search “Istanbulkart” on your map app.
Public Transportation Prices (2026)
Public transportation in Istanbul is actually very cheap.
As I mentioned, you need to get an Istanbulkart first. The current price of the card is 80 TL (just for the card itself), and then you load balance onto it.
When you transfer between vehicles in Istanbul, the 2nd and 3rd transfers cost less. There’s also something I always forget.
After getting off, I forget to tap my card to get my refund.
For example, let’s say you get on the metrobus and get off after 3 stops. When you get off, before reaching the stairs or on the bridge, you’ll see machines. When you tap your card on those machines, they give you back the remaining balance.
That’s exactly what I mean by getting your “change” back.
So using the card gives you a serious advantage.
Metro, Tram and Metrobus
In Istanbul, the most comfortable way to get around is usually by metro, tram, and the metrobus, which runs on its own dedicated road.
I usually prefer the metrobus when I’m going to Kadıköy. However, there’s one thing I need to warn you about: during morning commute hours and evening rush hours, the stops get extremely crowded, and traveling becomes very difficult.
If you want to check the metrobus line and route, you can find it here: IETT Metrobus
Tram
You can reach places like Sultanahmet, Eminönü, Kapalıçarşı, and Karaköy by tram.
In these areas, apart from taxis and trams, it’s also possible to walk almost everywhere. So I recommend checking the walking distance on maps before you go.
In this old part of Istanbul, you’ll come across many beautiful spots where you can take photos.
Metro
You can use the metro in areas like Taksim, Şişli, and Levent.
I’m leaving the link here for the official Istanbul municipality website where you can check tram, metro, and cable car lines: IETT Tram-Metro-Metrobus
Ferry
There are two things in Istanbul that fascinate me.
One is watching the Bosphorus while crossing the bridge by metrobus or taxi.
The other amazing thing is taking a ferry.
A ferry ride offers different views and emotions at every hour of the day.
My friend, if you want to say “I’ve truly explored Istanbul,” you should definitely take a ferry.
Especially these routes are very popular:
- Eminönü → Kadıköy
- Karaköy → Kadıköy
- Beşiktaş → Üsküdar
When you use these routes, an amazing Bosphorus view will be waiting for you.
But if you’re reading Ceyhun’s article, it means you’ll also find recommendations you won’t see elsewhere.
Going to the Princes’ Islands by ferry is something you usually won’t see mentioned. But many locals like me really enjoy visiting Büyükada and Heybeliada for a day trip.
It’s possible to reach the islands with about a 30-minute ferry ride.
“How Do I Get There?” App
I’m going to recommend you a great tool that you won’t easily find elsewhere.
Do you want to go from one place to another in Istanbul but don’t know how?
Then you should visit this website prepared by the Istanbul municipality:
On this site, you enter where you want to go from and to, and it gives you four options:
- shortest time
- least walking
- fewest transfers
- metro-focused
Based on these, it shows you exactly how to get there, which lines to use, and their locations on the map. It even shows the price of the trip.
I gave you the website directly, but you can also download the app to your phone for easier use.
This is definitely an app you should have on your phone when traveling in Istanbul.
For Those Who Want to Explore on Foot
Some of you might ask, “Ceyhun, you say walk—but where exactly should we walk?”
You’re right. You leave your hotel, but where do you go?
I recommend Spor Istanbul.
On this platform, you can find running, walking, cycling, and even swimming routes in Istanbul.
Instead of walking randomly, you’ll have well-planned routes where you can enjoy great tours.
Now that you’ve got your walking routes too, I’ll see you in another guide.
You can ask any questions you have or anything you’re curious about Turkey by sending me an email or writing in the comments.
Have a great trip ✌️
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