Istanbul Metro Map
The Istanbul Metro has been growing quickly for the last couple of years. It’s been extending to the fringes of both Asian and European sides. Therefore the Istanbul Metro Map should be updated often.
Major Public Transport Lines for Istanbul Tourist Attractions
- The Tram T1 operates between the Old City and Modern Istanbul.
- Metro M1 connects the Ataturk Airport to Sultanahmet and Taksim.
- Metro M2 helps you reach Business Districts and Shopping Malls of the city
- Marmaray under-sea tunnel for passengers from Europe to Asia or vice versa
- Funicular helps you climb up to Taksim Square from Kabatas (Final tram stop)
- Ferry nostalgic boats that makes trips between Europe and Asia Sides
- Metrobus public bus with a private lane. Best to cross Bosphorus Bridge.
Introducing The Main Vehicles To Get Around Istanbul
Tram, Metro and Marmaray connections provide a smooth ride between Sultanahmet (Old City) and Taksim (Modern Istanbul) as well as the Istanbul Asian Side. It helps to avoid unpredictable Istanbul traffic.
It’s strongly recommended to use public transport all the time if possible, as Istanbul’s traffic is one of the worst in the world during the rush hours.
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Rush Hours of Istanbul Traffic
Morning 7:00 to 10:00 a.m. – Evening 6:00 to 09:00 p.m.
Better to walk than drive!
Make sure you don’t get stuck in Istanbul’s traffic.
Istanbul Public Transport Map 2019/2020
First of all, I would like to introduce you with the updated Istanbul Metro Map with latest extensions.
Istanbul Metro Map 2020
Please find the PDF versions of latest Istanbul Metro Maps at the bottom.
1. TRAM T1 Line
Tram is the light metro that goes on the ground. It’s extremely efficient and handy to commute between the Sultanahmet Old City and Beyoglu Modern Istanbul.
Major Tram Stops In Istanbul Old City
Beyazit (Grand Bazaar), Cemberlitas (Burnt Column), Sultanahmet (Blue Mosque), Gulhane (Archaeological Museum), Sirkeci (Train Station), Eminonu (Spice Bazaar)
Major Tram Stops At Modern Istanbul
Karakoy (Galata Tower), Tophane (Modern Art Museum), Findikli (Istanbul Cruise Terminal), Kabatas (Funicular Connection for Taksim Square)
More About Tram: Istanbul Tram Map T1 Line, Tickets, Timetable
Istanbul’s Tram Connects The Old City And Modern Istanbul
Istanbul T1 Tram to commute between Old City and modern Istanbul.
2. METRO: M1 and M2 Lines
Metro M1 is mostly used when coming from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to city center.
Ataturk Airport has moved to Istanbul Airport recently. The new metro line is under construction and will be finished by 2020. More information on Istanbul New Airport blog post.
Metro M2 is useful for going up to Taksim (Social center of Istanbul), Sisli (Shopping Malls), Nisantasi (Luxurious Boutiques), Levent and Maslak (Business Districts).
Istanbul’s Metro Stations
Istanbul Metro
3. MARMARAY: Under Sea Tunnel
Marmaray has been operating for the last few years. It’s an excellent vehicle to cross the Bosphorus. You may travel from European Side to Asian Side or vise versa.
In order to cross the Bosphorus (in the direction of Kadikoy or Uskudar) ferry is considered as the best vehicle for tourists. Because it provides a great view of the Bosphorus. (Duration of journey apr. 20 minutes) However if you want to go faster, Marmaray would be really helpful. (Only 8 minutes)
NEW! Marmaray Extended >>> March 2019
Marmaray line has been recently extended. It now crosses the Istanbul from one side to another. It starts from GEBZE which is literally out of Istanbul on the Eastern side and goes as far as to HALKALI, the far end of European side.
Marmaray Goes from Asia to Europe Under The Bosphorus
Marmaray Metro Stations In Istanbul
Latest Marmaray Extentions (Yellow Line)
4. FUNICULAR: Climbs Up To Taksim Square from Kabatas
This one provides a short cut from terminal tram station (Kabatas) to Taksim Square. Kabatas tram stop is located at the sea-level. Thus funicular helps you reach to Taksim area easily.
While coming from Sultanahmet by tram, you need to change the vehicle at Kabatas, to use the funicular up to Taksim Squre.
Funicular Takes You To Istiklal Street
Istiklal Avenue Istanbul
5. And the Oscar goes to… FERRY
Istanbul’s nostalgic ferries commute between Eminonu and Kadikoy or Karakoy and Kadikoy. Eminonu is near to Spice Bazaar and Sultanahmet whereas Karakoy is near to Taksim, Galata Tower, Istiklal Street. It’s possible to go to Kadikoy by ferry from both sides.
I strongly recommend you to visit the Kadikoy Fish Market to experience the local life and shopping. Here is Kadikoy Things To Do article for more information.
These nostalgic ferries are also used for Bosphorus Cruise Tours. “Sehir Hatlari” is the official company that does the long or short rides up to Bosphorus.
You may read more about Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise
Nostalgic Ferries of Istanbul
Istanbul’s Nostalgic Ferry
What Is Istanbulkart? Is It Worth To Buy?
Definitely YES! Istanbulkart helps you save a great deal of money and time. So that you do not have to deal with annoying token machines.
Istanbul Card is basically a simple boarding pass. It provides you some discount if it’s used multiple times within 2 hours.
The Istanbul Card charges 3,50 TL for the 1st ride. Whereas the regular tokens costs 7 TL.
Discounts when used for connected vehicles:
2nd time: 2,50 TL 3rd time: 1.90 TL 4th time: 1,20 TL
More tips about Where to Buy Istanbulkart?
Istanbulkart (Istanbul Card)
Istanbulkart or Istanbul Card.
Token Machine (JetonMatik) and IstanbulKart Top Up Stations
Istanbul tram stop with Jetonmatik (token machine) and Biletmatik (istanbulkart upload machine)
Kabataş – Bağcılar > Tram T1
The T1 tram line covers majority of the touristic places. Here is the Map of Tram T1.
Istanbul Tram Map 2020
Istanbul Metro Lines > M1 and M2
M1 provides a budget-friendly journey to come from Ataturk Airport (recently closed and moved to new Istanbul Airport). If you will be staying in Atakoy, Bakikoy or Topkapi hotels M2 line helps you get to Taksim Square and business districts.
- The connection between the M1 and Tram takes you to heart of the Old City.
- The connection between the M1 and M2 helps you reach Modern Istanbul.
The most popular and large shopping malls of the Istanbul also lined up along the M2 metro line. For instance: Metrocity (Levent), Cevahir (Şişli), Kanyon (Şişli) , Istinye Park (Sarıyer).
More information about Best Shopping Malls of Istanbul
Previous Map (2018) but Has High Resolution
Istanbul Metrobus to Cross the Bosphorus Bridge
Roads that lead to Bosphorus Bridge (1st bridge) is always busy. The folk travelling from Asian Side to European Side had hard times passing through the bridge with regular bus. Therefore Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality built some special lanes for the Metrobus and put comfortable busses into operation.
Metrobus travel all around Istanbul’s fringes. It provides fast journey that saves you from traffic jams in Istanbul. However, Metrobus is packed with people during rush hours!
Istanbul Metrobus Map
Istanbul Metro Map as Downloadable free PDF Files
The PDF at the top is the latest metro map with recent extensions. However the older versions might be also useful since they have better graphics. Every single map covers the old touristic areas.
4 Comments
Yousef
SERHAT
You are a real mensch. This article is very helpful, detailed, and informative. Hat off to you, sir.
Serhat Engül
Dear Yousef, thank you for the great feedback. I am happy to see that it’s been useful to you. Cheers!
MUHAMMAD ZAKIR
MUHAMMAD ZAKIR Excellent article 👌
I have been to Istanbul last year for 10 days. Fou your information very useful. Keep it up. Stay blessed, take care!
Love from Karachi, Pakistan.
Serhat Engül
Hello Muhammad, Thank you for your kind words. Feedbacks are really useful for keep it going. Love from Turkey.