Like other mega-cities, Istanbul has many different modes of public transportation. We had fun trying as many as we could. I’m sure we would have (eventually) found our way, but it was nice to have the help of our seasoned guides in Istanbul, Erdinç and Fatih.
The transit system was extensive. I could make sense of the rapid transit map, but the ferry route map was mind-boggling.
Taking public transit was easy - we just tapped our credit cards at the turnstiles. And it was affordable - about $1 per ride plus a small credit card fee. (There was also a smart card called Istanbulkart that could be loaded with funds, with no fees.)
Here are all the different types of public transit that we tried! I have liberally borrowed photos because I either didn’t like my own or forgot to take my own.
Istanbul Tram (T1 Line)
We rode the T1 with our guide Erdinç from our hotel in Eminönü to Sultanahmet. It stops by most of the popular tourist spots in the Old City, and goes across the Galata Bridge.
Photo by Ciprian Onea on Facebook
Golden Horn Tram (T5 Line)
This new (2019) tram line ran along the Golden Horn. We rode the T5 with Erdinç from Eminönü to Eyüp and Balat. It was an easy, scenic ride on a beautiful day.
Photo by Julian Ryf on bahnbuilder.de
Nostalgia Tramway (T2 Line)
These vintage electric cars from the 1910s and 1920s ran the full (one mile) length of Istiklal Avenue. We didn’t ride the T2 because it was faster to walk.
My photo
Eyüp Gondola
We rode this cable car with Erdinç from the Golden Horn to the hilltop observation deck. The wait in line was worth it for the gorgeous views and tea at the iconic Pierre Loti Café.
Photo by Mister No on Wikipedia
Tünel (F2 Line)
This historic funicular ran every 5 minutes on the steep slope between the Galata Bridge and Istiklal Avenue. We rode it many times. Still useful, after 150+ years! Only the London Underground is older.
My photo
Metro (M2 Line)
With Fatih, we rode SIX escalators deep underground to catch the M2 from Şişhane to Şişli Mecidiyeköy. The train was brand new, though the glitchy digital map strip made us think we were lost.
My photo
Metrobüs
This special bus traveled AGAINST TRAFFIC in the center of Istanbul’s very busy Main Highway. We rode with Fatih from Mecidiyeköy across the Golden Horn Bridge to Edirnekapı.
Photo by Ata Batuhan Kolcu in turkiyetoday.com
Maçka Gondola
After a fantastic lunch with Fatih, we rode this cable car from Maçka to Taşkışla (near Taksim Square). It was cool to see Democracy Park and Beşiktaş Stadium from above.
My photo
Ferry
We rode the ferry on the Bosphorus during the golden hour before sunset. There were many waterfront palaces and grand houses. It was a pre-wedding family adventure, which made it extra fun!
Photo in public domain
Ferry
Our food tour involved taking the ferry between Karaköy (European side) and Kadiköy (Asian side). It was a modern “sea bus,” but we couldn't really see its sleek styling in the rain.
Photo from sehirhatlari.istanbul
