Istanbul is a metropolis well-known for its traffic congestion. Sometimes you can really get a lot stressed out of this city’s traffic problem. Transportation problems in Istanbul are not avoided.
Let’s show you a few ways to get rid of Istanbul traffic.
Ferry
The vapur (ferry) is the best way to get from the European to the Asian side (or vice versa) when the bridge is absolutely full of cars.
There are three main ferry stations on the European side: Beşiktaş, Kabataş and Karaköy.
And in Eminönü, ferries go directly to the Kadıköy Ferry Station on the Asian side.
You can check out the timetables for all Istanbul ferries (including Bosphorus tours) via the Şehir Hatları website.
Metrobus
The metrobus has its pros and cons.
At first glance it’s a great alternative, because the metrobuses have their own lanes.
It taking passengers all the way from one end of the city to the other (see map).
However, because the metrobus makes frequent stops.
And expect to get uncomfortably close to other passengers and prepare for potentially low personal hygiene standards.
Metro-Underground
Istanbul’s metro system has grown at an incredible rate over the last years, with more lines currently in construction.
Even though the metro lines can get very crowded during rush hour, they are one of the best alternatives for getting around.
Make sure to ride Tünel, which connects Karaköy and Beyoğlu and is the world’s second oldest subterranean urban rail line (inaugurated in 1875).
Marmaray
It was a pretty big deal when Marmaray opened because of its rail tunnel that goes under the Bosphorus strait.
At the moment, Marmaray only runs from Kızılçeşme on the European side to Ayrılık Çeşmesi on the Asian side, but it’s already become quite the popular alternative for avoiding the bridge.
During construction, Byzantine shipwrecks dating from the fifth to the eleventh century were discovered.
One thought on “Transportation Around Istanbul | Istanbul Guide”