How to move Around the city

WE RECOMMEND USING THE GOOGLE MAPS APP TO GET AROUND THE CITY.

The Istanbul Card (Istanbulkart) is a convenient and economical way to use public transportation in Istanbul, including buses, subways, trams, and ferries.
Depending on the type of transport, some may accept credit cards, but there may be a higher fare. You can check with the provider.

AIRPORT EXCHANGES: They are very expensive. Try to avoid or get only the money you need to reach the city. Last time the change offered was 40 tl per euro at airport, 50 tl in the city center.

1. How to Get the Istanbul Card:

• You can buy the Istanbul Card at airport kiosks, subway stations, or convenience stores (such as kiosks and small shops throughout the city).

Be careful, use the machine clearly indicating Istanbul kart and feel free to ask other people to help you. (Last time I got wrong card, but it’s not a big loss about 2 euro)

2. How to Top Up the Istanbul Card:

• You can top up your card at machines located in subway stations, ferry terminals, and many bus stops.

• Topping up is easy:

Insert your Istanbul Card into the machine.

Select your language.

Select the amount you wish to top up.

Insert cash or you can pay by your debit /credit card with contacless (the machine usually accepts TL notes).

Confirm the transaction, and the balance will be added to your card.

You can also top up at convenience stores and some kiosks.

3. Advantages of the Istanbul Card:

• Offers cheaper fares compared to buying single-use tickets.

You can use it for multiple passengers by tapping the card for each person (although this will not give you the transfer discount).

Getting there from the airport / Getting around the city
If you would like to arrange airport transfers, you can also check Booking.com.

It is recommended to use taxi apps such as BiTaksi or Uber to order a taxi. This guarantees a fair price and avoids excessive charges, which can sometimes occur if you take a taxi directly from the airport. Landing at Istanbul Airports ✈️

When you land at Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW), you’ll have several options to reach the city center, such as Kadıköy or Taksim. Here’s a detailed guide to help you plan your arrival and transportation.

General transporatation information

Here is the websites for transportations

For ferries:

– https://share.google/R29r6XlliOA7H3ECa

Metro Istanbul:

– https://share.google/xxp5Pt7JxHPHShigQ 

Istanbul Network Maps

– https://share.google/IGYzXs1y5QR9KloDU 

Metrobus line

–  https://share.google/YFWlOsZJ8oyqMybhe 

Tramlines

https://share.google/Coz4swJIeFiTCbFLZ 

In Istanbul there are many ferries that you can use istanbul card and avoid the traffic!!!

1. Ferries ( they depart every half and hour until around 22.00-23.00 )

-Kadikoy- Eminonu

-Kadıkoy -Karaköy ( where there is galata tower and it is chill cool neighboorhood )

-Kadiköy -Beşiktaş ( it is chill cool neighboorhood )

-Kadiköy- Üsküdar

-Kadiköy-Kabataş

-Üsküdar-Haliç

2. Metro bus ( it use only one line so no traffic ) to passs from asian side to european side and vice versa . It departs from Söğütlüçeşme /Kadıköy.

3. Marmaray ( B1 line) connects to M4 .

4. Metro lines

• M4 line – Kadiköy – Sabiha Gökçen Airport

• M11 line – Gayrettepe -Istanbul Airport

• M2 line – Taksim /Beyoğlu /Şişli /Yenikapı ( close to Sultanahmet/Fatih )

• M6 ( Levent- Hisarüstü )

• M8 Bostancı -Parseller

5. Tramway / Finiculer Lines

T1- Kabataş Bağcılar line

T2- Taksim tünel nostaljik line

T3-Kadıköy -Moda

T4-Eminonü-Alibeyköy

T5- Sirkeci Kazlıçeşme

F1- Taksim -Kabataş finiküler line

Airport Locations and City Areas

Istanbul Airport (IST) is located in the European part of Istanbul.

 Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) is located in the Anatolian (Asian) part of Istanbul.

 Istanbul Airport (IST) – European Side

 1. By Airport Shuttle Bus:

  Havaist buses operate 24/7 and offer convenient transportation to various parts of the city, including Taksim and Kadıköy.

  Tickets can be purchased at airport kiosks or online through the Havaist website or app. The price is around € 10.

2. By Metro:

• Metro line M11 connects Istanbul Airport to the city’s metro network.

 To reach Palm beach Hotel in Üsküdar:

 To reach your Hotel in üsküdar you need to take Metro line M11 directly from the airport. You will need to exit the airport and follow indication to reach the metro station. Once in the metro you will need to get down in Gayrettepe. You will need to walk between 5/10 minutes to exit the station and go out with the elevator. Once outside search behind the elevator the Bus Stop (named Koprulu Kavsak) and take the bus 522. NO NEED TO CROSS the road. And after 2 stop you arrive in Kisikli where you can take the metro M5 that arrives in Uskudar.

As alternative, once in Gayrettepe use google maps to reach Besiktas.

 3. By Taxi:

  Taxis are available outside the arrival terminals. The journey to Taksim, Besiktas, or Kadıköy usually takes between 45 and 60 minutes, depending on traffic.

( note: from airport it is not cheap, it can be around 50/60 euro, we suggest you to talke metro)

  It is recommended to use taxi apps like BiTaksi or Uber to order a taxi. This ensures a fair price and avoids excessive charges, which can sometimes occur if you take a taxi directly from the airport.

 Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) – Anatolia Zone

 1. By Havabus:

  Havabus shuttle buses operate between Sabiha Gökçen Airport and Taksim/Kadıköy.

 Tickets can be purchased on the shuttle bus or online. The price is around €7-8.

 2. By Metro:

  Metro line M4 connects to Kadıköy. It is the cheapest and fastest method.

 To reach Palm beach Hotel in Üsküdar:

To reach your Hotel in üsküdar you need to take Metro line M4 from directly from inside a Sabiha Gökçen airport direction to Kadıköy . You get down in Ayrılık Çesmesi stop and change to train called marmaray to direction Yenikapı. And after 1 stop you arrive in Üsküdar Marmaray station ( 2 mins by hotel ) .

 3. By Taxi:

  Taxis are readily available outside the terminals. The journey to Taksim or Kadıköy usually takes between 45 and 60 minutes, depending on traffic. You can check from bitaksi application how much the taxi will cost ( note: from airport it is not cheap , we suggest you to take metro)

  Use taxi apps like BiTaksi or Uber to order a taxi and ensure you’re charged a fair fare.