Before you go

Istanbul Transport Tips

Rush hour, late nights, step-free travel and lost cards: the practical things that make getting around easier.

Jump to: Rush hour · Night transport · Accessibility · Lost card

Rush hour

Weekday rush hours are roughly 07:00–09:30 and 17:00–20:00. The metro, Metrobüs, T1 tram and main ferries are packed, and road traffic slows to a crawl.

  • Plan airport trips outside rush hour, or take the metro instead of a taxi
  • Take the ferry: it’s often less crowded and never stuck in traffic
  • Keep bags in front of you on crowded trains and trams

Night transport

Most metro and tram lines run from about 06:00 until around midnight. [Check whether the weekend night metro is running before you publish.]

  • Night buses cover the main routes after the metro closes
  • Taxis are the easiest option late at night. Use an app so you can see the route
  • Ferries usually stop earlier than the metro, so check the last sailing if you’re staying on the Asian side

Accessibility

Newer metro lines and Marmaray have lifts and step-free access, and most trams are low-floor. The old city is hilly with cobbled streets, so plan routes with lifts in mind.

  • Look for the lift symbol at metro entrances
  • Use the F1 funicular to get up the hill from Kabataş to Taksim
  • Some older piers and ferries have steps. Ask the crew for help boarding

Lost card

An anonymous Istanbulkart works like cash: if you lose it, the balance can’t be recovered. Registered (personalised) cards can be blocked and the balance moved to a new card.

  • Keep only a few days’ worth of credit on the card
  • Take a photo of the card number on the back
  • Buy a replacement at any ticket machine

Before you fly: a quick checklist

  • Download Google Maps or Moovit and save your hotel’s location
  • Get a travel eSIM so you have data on arrival
  • Bring some Turkish lira in small notes for ticket machines
  • Plan your airport transfer if you land late at night
  • Save Turkey’s emergency number: 112

Got everything?

Make sure you know how the Istanbulkart works before you land.

Read the Istanbul Card guide