Istanbul Transportation Map & Guide for Tourists and Locals

Istanbul Transportation Map

Istanbul, a magnificent city that spans two continents, has one of the most dynamic public transportation systems in the world. Whether you're a tourist or a resident, understanding the Istanbul transportation map is essential for navigating efficiently and enjoying everything this sprawling city has to offer.

Overview of Istanbul’s Public Transport System

The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality operates a vast and integrated transit network including metro lines, buses, trams, funiculars, ferries, and more. Over 10 million daily riders use this system to move between more than 39 districts on both the European and Asian sides.

Key Modes of Transport in Istanbul

Metro System

Istanbul’s metro is clean, modern, and constantly expanding. Major lines include:

🔗 Official Metro Map: Metro İstanbul – Network Map

Tram Lines

T1: Kabataş – Bağcılar: Popular for sightseeing (Sultanahmet, Grand Bazaar)

T3: Kadıköy – Moda: Vintage nostalgic tram

T4: Topkapı – Mescid-i Selam: Serves densely populated areas

T5: Eminönü – Alibeyköy: Scenic Golden Horn line

Ferries

Istanbul's ferry system provides stunning views of the Bosphorus and a unique commuting experience.

Major piers: Eminönü, Karaköy, Kadıköy, Üsküdar, Beşiktaş

Ferries run between Europe and Asia regularly, especially during peak hours

🔗 Timetables and Routes: Şehir Hatları Ferries

Buses and Metrobus

IETT runs over 700 routes covering the entire city.

Metrobus operates on a separate bus-only lane from Beylikdüzü to Söğütlüçeşme.

24-hour operations on some lines

Funiculars and Cable Cars

F1: Taksim – Kabataş

Tünel (F2): Karaköy – Beyoğlu (One of the oldest in the world)

TF1/TF2: Cable car lines over hills and parks

Using the Istanbulkart

The Istanbulkart is a universal contactless travel card usable across all transit modes.

Purchase from kiosks, metro stations, and convenience stores

Recharge via machines or mobile apps

Offers discounted transfers

🔗 Learn More About Istanbulkart

Istanbul Transportation Map Resources

Official Maps (PDF & Online Tools)

Metro İstanbul Map (PDF)

IETT Interactive Route Map

Google Maps Public Transport View

Recommended Apps

Metro İstanbul: Real-time schedules and updates

Trafi: Best for route planning and service alerts

Moovit: User-friendly interface with live directions

Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors

Avoid peak times: 07:00–09:00 and 17:00–19:00.

Download maps and apps before arrival.

Be alert during transfers, especially in large hubs.

Respect public transport etiquette—give up priority seats.

Tourist Routes and Points of Interest

Accessibility in Istanbul Transport

Elevators, escalators, and accessible paths in most metro stations

Buses with low-floor boarding and special seats

Tactile walkways for the visually impaired

Night Travel and 24/7 Services

Select Metrobus lines and ferry routes run until late or 24/7

Night buses marked with HAT numbers

Fare System and Cost Structure

Public Transport Etiquette

Offer seats to elderly or pregnant riders

Use headphones when playing media

Don’t block doors or stand in the aisles unnecessarily

Future of Istanbul Transportation

Projects underway include:

New metro extensions (Bakırköy–Kirazlı, Mahmutbey–Bahçeşehir)

Fully integrated mobile ticketing systems

Expansion of green electric vehicle fleets