The one thing you need: Istanbulkart
The Istanbulkart is a rechargeable card that works on every form of public transport in Istanbul - metro, bus, tram, ferry, Marmaray, and the nostalgic tram. You can't use cash on buses.
How to get one:
- Buy at metro station kiosks, Migros supermarkets, or BIM stores
- Card cost:
175 TL ($3.89) - non-refundable - Load balance separately (minimum 50 TL)
- Top up at machines in metro stations, or via the Istanbulkart app (NFC on Android phones)
Tip: Skip the machines at busy stations where scammers lurk. Buy your card calmly at a supermarket or small kiosk near your apartment.
Transport prices
| Mode | Price per trip | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Metro / Tram / Bus | Standard fare, all card types | |
| Metrobus | Dedicated bus lane, cross-city | |
| Ferry | Depends on route | |
| Marmaray | Underwater tunnel, Europe-Asia | |
| Monthly Mavi Kart | Unlimited rides, personalized card only | |
| Taxi (minimum) | Opening fare | |
| Taxi (5 km ride) | Varies by traffic | |
| Taxi (airport to Kadikoy) | 40-60 min depending on traffic |
Important: Personalized Istanbulkart gives you transfer discounts (pay less on your 2nd and 3rd rides within 2 hours). Anonymous (tourist) cards don't get transfer discounts. Get a personalized card at a customer service center with your passport if staying more than a week.
How to get around
Metro
Istanbul's metro network connects most major areas. Key lines for nomads:
- M1/M2: Airport (IST) to Taksim via Aksaray
- M4: Kadikoy to the Asian side suburbs
- Marmaray: The underwater tunnel connecting Europe and Asia. Kadikoy to Sirkeci in 12 minutes.
The metro runs from about 6:00 AM to midnight. Trains every 3-5 minutes during rush hour, 8-10 minutes off-peak.
Ferries
The best way to cross the Bosphorus and the most enjoyable commute in Istanbul. Main routes:
| Route | Duration | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Kadikoy - Eminonu | 20 min | Every 15-20 min |
| Kadikoy - Karakoy | 20 min | Every 20-30 min |
| Kadikoy - Besiktas | 30 min | Every 30 min |
| Uskudar - Eminonu | 15 min | Every 15 min |
| Uskudar - Besiktas | 15 min | Every 20 min |
Ferries run from approximately 7:00 AM to 10:30 PM on weekdays, slightly reduced on weekends. Check sehirhatlari.istanbul for schedules.
Tip: The Kadikoy-Eminonu ferry is an experience in itself. Grab a tea from the onboard vendor and watch the city skyline. Many nomads consider this their favorite "commute."
Read our ferry commute guide for a nomad's take on making the crossing part of your routine.
Buses
Buses go everywhere the metro doesn't. Useful for neighborhoods without metro coverage (Cihangir, Moda, Balat). Google Maps gives accurate bus routes and real-time arrival times.
- Metrobus: A dedicated bus lane running along the main highway from west to east. Fast but crowded during rush hour. Useful for airport transfers.
- Regular buses: Frequent but can be slow in traffic. Use Google Maps for routing.
Tram
- T1 Kabatas - Bagcilar: The main tram line running through Sultanahmet (old city), across the Galata Bridge, and to Kabatas. Useful for tourists and the Sultanahmet area.
- Nostalgic tram (Istiklal): A single-line heritage tram on Istiklal Caddesi in Beyoglu. More of an attraction than transport.
Taxis
Taxis are cheap by European standards but can be frustrating. Follow these rules:
- Always use BiTaksi - Turkey's Uber equivalent. Shows estimated fare, tracks the route, and you can pay by card. Download the app.
- Never take a taxi that doesn't use the meter. If they refuse to turn it on, get out.
- Watch the meter. It should start at ~50 TL. If it starts higher, the driver switched to the night/airport rate (gece tarife). Call them out.
- Don't accept "flat rate" offers from taxi drivers at the airport or tourist areas. The meter is always cheaper.
- Tip isn't expected in taxis. Round up if you like.
Alternative: Uber works in Istanbul but redirects to local taxis (it doesn't have its own fleet). BiTaksi is more reliable.
Dolmus (shared minibus)
Small minibuses that run fixed routes, mostly in residential areas. You pay cash to the driver (wave them down on the street, say your stop to get off). Useful in some neighborhoods but not essential for most nomads.
Common routes for nomads
| From | To | Best option | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kadikoy | Taksim | Marmaray + M2 metro | 30 min |
| Kadikoy | Cihangir | Ferry to Karakoy + walk | 35 min |
| Kadikoy | Besiktas | Ferry direct | 30 min |
| Cihangir | Kadikoy | Walk to Kabatas + ferry | 35 min |
| Besiktas | Kadikoy | Ferry direct | 30 min |
| Airport (IST) | Kadikoy | Havaist bus or taxi | 60-90 min |
| Airport (IST) | Taksim | Havaist bus or M11 metro | 45-75 min |
Airport transfer
Istanbul Airport (IST) is far from the city center (about 40 km). Options:
| Option | Price | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Havaist bus | 60-90 min | Runs to Taksim, Kadikoy, and other hubs. hava.ist | |
| M11 metro | 45-75 min | New metro line to Gayrettepe, then transfer | |
| Taxi (BiTaksi) | 800-1,200 TL (~$18-27) | 40-60 min | Most comfortable, price varies by traffic |
| Private transfer | 1,200-1,800 TL (~$27-40) | 40-60 min | Pre-booked, fixed price |
Tip: The Havaist bus to Kadikoy runs every 30-60 minutes and drops you right at the Kadikoy ferry terminal. At
250 TL ($5.56), it's the best value for Asian-side nomads.
Tips
- Google Maps works well in Istanbul for public transport routing. It shows real-time bus arrivals and metro schedules.
- Download the Moovit app as a backup - sometimes better for bus routes.
- Avoid rush hour (7:30-9:30 AM, 5:30-7:30 PM) on the metro and Metrobus. Trains and buses are packed.
- Ferries are almost never crowded except Friday evenings. Use them whenever possible.
- Walking is underrated. Most nomad neighborhoods (Kadikoy, Cihangir, Karakoy) are very walkable. You may not need transport daily.