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

1. The Tram T1 operates between the Old City and Modern Istanbul.
   
2. Metro M1 connects the Ataturk Airport to Sultanahmet and Taksim.
3. Metro M2 helps you reach Business Districts and Shopping Malls of the city
4. Marmaray under-sea tunnel for passengers from Europe to Asia or vice versa
5. Funicular helps you climb up to Taksim Square from Kabatas (Final tram stop)
6. Ferry nostalgic boats that makes trips between Europe and Asia Sides
7. Metrobus public bus with a private lane. Best to cross Bosphorus Bridge.

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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.

• 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!

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

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Please find the PDF versions of latest Istanbul Metro Maps at the bottom.

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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

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

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

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

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

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  2.60 TL for the 1st ride. Whereas the regular tokens costs 4 TL.

Discounts when used for connected vehicles:

2nd time: 1.85 TL 3rd time: 1.40 TL 4th time: 0,90 TL

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More tips about Where to Buy Istanbulkart?

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Istanbulkart (Istanbul Card)

Token Machine (JetonMatik) and IstanbulKart Top Up Stations

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

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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.

• Metro Map 2019 PDF V1
• Metro Map 2018 PDF V1
• Metro Map 2018 PDF V2
• Metro Map 2018 PDF V3

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Istanbul Metro Map 2020 by Serhat Engul