Transportation to/in İstanbul

Istanbul, Turkey’s vibrant metropolis, seamlessly blends history, modernity, and diverse cultural experiences. Positioned strategically at the crossroads of continents, Istanbul is exceptionally accessible from various parts of the world, whether you come from East or West. Boasting a sophisticated transport infrastructure, including an extensive public transportation network and well-connected highways, navigating the city is efficient and convenient. Experience the dynamic city life, rich heritage, and cultural marvels as Istanbul welcomes you with open arms.

By Air

As a global hub, Istanbul ensures seamless connectivity through its airports, with Istanbul Airport proudly holding the title of the busiest airport in Europe and the 5th-busiest airport in the world. It serves up to 114 countries, making it an intersection point of global flight routes with a global network of coverage. It is located in the Arnavutköy district on the European side of the city. You can find numerous domestic and international flights connecting İstanbul with most cities worldwide. Upon arrival, you can easily reach the conference venue via taxis, shuttle services (Havaist), or public transportation.

By High-Speed Rail

If you are traveling internationally, Istanbul enjoys excellent rail connections from major European cities such as Budapest, Vienna, Munich, Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, London, Athens, Thessaloniki, Bucharest, Sofia, and Belgrade. You can explore the picturesque landscapes as you journey into the heart of Istanbul via various train services. For domestic travel, particularly from major Turkish cities like Ankara or Konya, the High-Speed Rail (YHT) service, operated by TCDD (Turkish State Railways), offers a fast and comfortable travel option. The YHT efficiently connects these cities directly to Istanbul within a few hours, providing a safe and enjoyable travel experience.

By Train

Turkey’s railway system presents a convenient and scenic means of travel to Istanbul. The Turkish State Railways (TCDD) operate regular train services, establishing efficient connections between Istanbul and numerous cities throughout the country. Istanbul’s primary train station, Istanbul Garı, is strategically positioned, offering excellent connectivity and serving as a convenient gateway to the city.

By Coach

Istanbul stands as a pivotal hub for direct international coaches, offering budget-friendly and convenient travel options to/from major European cities. Routes connect to destinations such as Bucharest, Athens, Sofia, Budapest, Vienna, Belgrade, Pristina, Skopje, Sarajevo, Zagreb, Podgorica, Tirana, and Ljubljana, with journeys typically ranging from approximately 7 to 12 hours by bus. For those venturing to Asian capitals like Baku, Baghdad, Tehran, and Tbilisi, Istanbul also offers direct international coaches with travel times ranging from 24 to 30 hours. The affordability and efficiency of these international bus services make them accessible choices for travelers seeking cost-effective transportation.
Istanbul’s well-connected network of intercity buses also ensures easy accessibility from all corners of Turkey. Numerous bus companies provide comfortable and affordable services with regular departures to and from Istanbul. Whether you’re traveling from nearby cities or distant regions within Turkey, you can choose from various options tailored to your location and travel preferences. Istanbul’s reliable and budget-friendly national bus services offer a seamless and enjoyable travel experience.

By Car

For those who prefer driving, İstanbul is well-connected to the rest of the country through an extensive road network. Major highways and expressways lead to İstanbul, allowing for a convenient journey.
No matter which mode of transportation you choose, reaching Istanbul is effortlessly attainable. Because all roads and routes in Turkey lead to Istanbul!
Please note: For specific details regarding transportation schedules, fares, and routes, we recommend consulting the respective transportation providers or contacting us for further assistance. Plan your journey in advance, considering factors like travel time, comfort, and availability, to ensure a smooth arrival. We look forward to meeting you in İstanbul, the world’s vibrant crossroads of cultures and civilizations!

Transportation within the City

The metrobus, subway, marmaray, tram, marine vessels, and the funicular are also some of the frequently used urban transportation vehicles besides minibuses and buses. Don’t forget to take a ride in the Tunnel connecting the two important centers of Istanbul, Karakoy and Beyoglu, which, after being put into service in 1875, has become the second oldest subway after the London subway. www.istanbul-ulasim.com.tr www.iett.gov.tr www.sehirhatlari.com.tr

Subway/Metro

Catering to over 2 million passengers daily, the Istanbul Subway stands out as a globally recognized brand, praised for its exceptional service quality. The T1 Kabatas-Bagcilar Tram Line, acknowledged by The International Association of Public Transport, has earned acclaim as the world’s best implementation for effectively meeting high passenger demand. Explore Subway Routes: https://www.metro.istanbul/Hatlarimiz?hatturu=metro Access Time Tables: https://www.metro.istanbul/SeferDurumlari/SeferDetaylari

Tram

The Istanbul Tram (Turkish: İstanbul Tramvayı) is a contemporary tram system situated on the European side of Istanbul. Istanbul boasts two operational tram lines on the European side. The T1 line, originating from Kabataş, provides seamless access to Sultanahmet, while the T4 line extends to the North-West of the city. Operating from 6 am to 11 pm, the modern tramway in Istanbul is known for its cleanliness and air-conditioned cabins. The T1 line stands out as an ideal means to reach the city’s main attractions, offering a cost-effective, rapid, and straightforward journey. Utilizing the T1 line is not only economical and swift but also the most convenient way to access the historic old town.

Historical Tram

Embark on a journey through time with Istanbul’s Historical Tramway, where the allure of classic cinema comes to life. Evoking the nostalgia of bygone eras, two enchanting lines grace the cityscape. The first, on the European side (NT), elegantly traverses Istiklal Street, linking Taksim Square to Tünel. Meanwhile, on the Asian side, the second line (T3) sets forth from the pier, weaving its way from Kadıköy to the charming Moda neighborhood. Discover the magic of Istanbul’s past as these historic trams gracefully navigate the city’s captivating streets

Marmaray

As one of the most significant projects globally, the Marmaray Project facilitates seamless passage by connecting railway lines on both sides of the Bosphorus through a tunnel constructed beneath the strait. Explore station information and daily train schedules at Marmaray Official Website.

Ferry

Public boats, known as “vapur” in Turkish, provide a unique opportunity to traverse from Europe to Asia in Istanbul. A daily ritual for Istanbul residents, these ferries offer a time-saving alternative, allowing passengers to bypass the constant traffic jams on the main Bosphorus bridges. Beyond the practicality, ferry rides provide a panoramic view of the city from the water, offering a budget-friendly way to appreciate the vastness of Istanbul. Key piers on the European side include Eminönü, Kabataş, Karaköy, and Besiktaş, while Üsküdar and Kadıköy serve as primary terminals on the Asian side. Passengers have the opportunity to traverse the Bosporus, Halic, and Adalar lines via the ferries of Sehir Hatlari A.S., reveling in the splendid views of cultural architecture along the routes. Sehir Hatlari A.S. conducts an average of 600 daily services, facilitating the transportation of approximately 40 million passengers each year. For detailed time tables, please visit Sehir Hatlari A.S. Official Website.

Metrobus

The metrobus serves as an environmentally conscious and cost-efficient transit system, effectively alleviating traffic congestion while providing passengers with a swift and comfortable travel experience, free from traffic delays. Explore Metrobus Stations: Metrobus Stations Discover Historical and Touristic Places along the Route: Historical and Touristic Places

Funicular

The historical Taksim – Kabatas Funicular Project, inaugurated in 2006, was implemented to seamlessly integrate sea, land, and rail transportation. For more details about the line, please visit Taksim – Kabatas Funicular Line Information.

Cable Car

TF1 Macka-Taskisla Cable Car Line While saving time and providing a pleasant view of Istanbul with the unique landscape of the route, the line gets removes the difficulty in travelling between Demokrasi Parki and Beyoglu Marriage Office. Line information: https://www.metro.istanbul/Hatlarimiz/HatDetay?hat=TF1 TF2 Eyup-Piyer Loti Tram Line The station facilitates the access to the Piyer Loti (Pierre Loti) Hill, which is one of the best-known touristic places on earth. Line information: https://www.metro.istanbul/Hatlarimiz/HatDetay?hat=TF2

Tunnel

On January 18, 1875, a day after its opening ceremony, the Tunnel was inaugurated and commenced public service. Linking the vital centers of Istanbul, Karakoy, and Beyoglu, the Tunnel stands as the second oldest subway globally, following the London subway. Traveling through the Tunnel is facilitated with the Istanbulkart, and convenient automatic card recharging machines are accessible within the Tunnel. Explore Time Tables: Tunnel Time Tables.

Taxis

With over 17,000 taxis, Istanbul offers a swift and comfortable mode of transportation. Enjoy the convenience of traveling safely to your destination at any time. When the top light of a taxi is illuminated, it indicates the taxi is ready to pick up passengers. Taxi stands are conveniently located throughout the city, at various stations, and in airports. Whether you choose a waiting taxi or utilize designated taxi hailing areas, you have the flexibility to select a cab of your choice for a seamless travel experience.

Dolmuş

Dolmuş, shared taxis, offer a fast and economical means of transportation widely utilized throughout Turkey. Following a specific route, these taxis depart when full (with 8 passengers), allowing passengers to disembark at desired locations. The payment process is straightforward: state your destination to the driver upon seating, and the driver will provide the fare, accepting only cash. Major dolmuş lines include routes such as Beşiktaş – Taksim, Taksim – Bakırköy, Yeşilköy, Sarıyer – Beşiktaş, as well as lines connecting Kadıköy and Üsküdar from Asia. Notably, there are also lines connecting Europe to Asia originating from Beşiktaş and Taksim.