Transportation
Schedules and fares are subject to change.
Airport to City Access
Train, bus, taxi, and other options to the city center
Istanbul Airport (IST) connects to the city by metro (M11), the HAVAIST airport buses, official taxis and apps; Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) on the Asian side uses buses/metro and taxis. The metro is cheap but the airport is far from the centre, so allow time. For taxis, insist on the meter or use BiTaksi/Uber, and confirm your terminal in advance.
- Istanbul (IST)
- Metro, HAVAIST, taxi
- SAW
- Bus/metro, taxi
- Taxi
- Meter or app
- Istanbul airports are far from the centre — allow time
Public Transportation
Metro, bus, tram, and how to use them
Istanbul has an excellent network of metro, tram, bus, funicular and ferries across the Bosphorus — a scenic and cheap way to cross between Europe and Asia. Other cities like Izmir and Ankara have metros and trams. Buy a rechargeable transport card for the best fares. Ferries and trams are great for sightseeing as well as getting around.
- Istanbul
- Metro, tram, ferry
- Ferries
- Cross the Bosphorus
- Card
- Best fares
- Bosphorus ferries are scenic and a cheap way to cross
IC Cards & Travel Passes
Discount passes and rechargeable transit cards
In Istanbul the Istanbulkart is a rechargeable card used across the metro, tram, bus, funicular and Bosphorus ferries; buy and top it up at machines in stations. One card can be shared by tapping for each person on some services. Other cities have their own cards (e.g. Izmir, Ankara). Cards are far cheaper than single tickets, so get one if you will use public transport.
- Istanbul
- Istanbulkart
- Use
- Metro/tram/bus/ferry
- Value
- Cheaper than singles
- Istanbulkart covers metro, tram, bus, funicular and ferries
Car Rental & Driving
License requirements and traffic rules
Driving is on the right. A hire car is great for exploring the coast or Cappadocia at your own pace, but avoid driving in central Istanbul, where traffic is heavy and parking hard. You usually need an International Driving Permit with your licence. Roads are generally good; local driving can be assertive, and there are speed cameras and toll roads (HGS).
- Drive on
- The right
- Avoid
- Central Istanbul
- Tolls
- HGS on motorways
- A hire car suits the coast and Cappadocia, not central Istanbul
Intercity Travel
Long-distance buses, trains, and ferries
Türkiye has an excellent long-distance bus network (otobüs) linking almost every town, with comfortable coaches and frequent departures from the central bus station (otogar). High-speed trains (YHT) connect major cities such as Istanbul, Ankara and Konya. Book popular routes ahead in peak season. Buses are cheap and a good way to see the country.
- Buses
- Extensive, comfortable
- High-speed rail
- YHT (major cities)
- Book ahead
- In peak season
- YHT high-speed trains link Istanbul, Ankara and Konya
Domestic Flights
Budget airlines and booking tips
Domestic flights are a fast, affordable way to cover long distances — for example Istanbul to Cappadocia (Nevşehir/Kayseri), Antalya or Izmir. Turkish Airlines, Pegasus and AJet fly extensive domestic routes. Book early for the best fares, watch budget-airline baggage limits, and note that Istanbul has two airports (IST and SAW) so check which one your flight uses.
- Airlines
- Turkish, Pegasus, AJet
- Reach
- Cappadocia, Antalya
- Note
- IST vs SAW
- Istanbul has two airports — check which one your flight uses
Transportation Tips
Advice for safe and efficient travel
In Istanbul, get an Istanbulkart and use the metro, tram and ferries to beat traffic. Use BiTaksi or Uber for taxis to avoid overcharging. For long distances, buses are cheap and comfortable and high-speed trains are quick between major cities. Book Cappadocia balloon flights and popular transport in advance during peak season, and keep small lira notes handy.
- Istanbul
- Istanbulkart + ferries
- Taxis
- BiTaksi / Uber
- Long distance
- Bus / YHT
- Book balloon flights and peak-season transport in advance