Turkey is an excellent country to explore using just public transport. Its buses and trains are particularly efficient and well-connected across the whole country.
In fact, Turkey has one of the most comprehensive inter-city and regional transportation systems I’ve come across.
Turkey is a beautiful country with so much to explore.
Many travelers to the country are likely to be visiting Turkey for one or two weeks, and fortunately, public transport in Turkey is efficient to rely on for visits of this length. The buses and trains in Turkey really open up this incredible country and give a wonderful insight into daily life. Whether you want to go from Bodrum to Pamukkale, or Denizli to Fethiye, there’s most likely an efficient route on public transport to get there.
Istanbul stretches over 5,000 km ² therefore moving is not always easy because it is one of the most congested cities in the world. Moreover, its topography makes the development of the public transportation complex (Istanbul, like Rome, was built on seven hills).
Public Transportation as the Smart Alternative
It’s an understatement to say that Istanbul traffic is a problem. Roads are always heavily used, and gridlocks are common from 07:00 till 10:30 in the morning, and again starting 16:00 until late in the evening. This makes public transportation a nice alternative.
When to Use Public Transportation or Take a Taxi?
physical condition — By default, using public transportation requires you to walk a bit more. Some run underground, so be prepared to take stairs although most such stops have moving staircases. Decide according to your physical condition.
fares — The fare to take public transportation is about 2,60 TL per person per ride with an Istanbul Kart.
So, let’s take the following example. The cab fare to get from Sultanahmet to Taksim is 15 TL,
regardless of the number of people in the cab and without getting stuck in traffic.
From Sultanahmet to Taksim by public transportation requires you to first take the tramway, followed by a funicular. The trip for one person costs about 5 TL thanks to the transfer discount.
So, the latter is a great idea when traveling alone, as a couple or even as a party of three. Yes, even three people during rush hour because you’ll win time and money since the taxi meter also adds small amounts when standing still in traffic time of the day — Most lines operate between 06:00 and 24:00 so outside of these hours you must rely on a taxi which is safer at that time of day anyway.
Is Public Transportation in Istanbul Safe?
Yes. Metro, tram, and funicular lines in the city center are well maintained and constantly supervised by security personnel. The only thing you should watch out for is pickpockets.
Is It Comfortable?
Yes, except buses. Metro, tram, funicular, and train vehicles are relatively new and air-conditioned. Turks tend to leave their seat for pregnant women and senior citizens.
There are also designated areas for prams and people using a wheelchair. Istanbul is making efforts to improve accessibility to platforms and vehicles for handicapped people. Major stops are equipped with elevators, but there’s still a lot of work to be done. Avoid rush hour to skip very crowded vehicles.