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by bus
There are numerous private and state-owned city buses in Istanbul that operate to different destinations in the city. However, because of traffic jams, these are slow, uncomfortable and usually crowded. The timetables often do not reflect the actual situation; you may have to wait for a bus for 20 or 30 minutes. The services come to a halt at midnight. Tickets are available from the kiosks by main bus stops. Bus drivers sometimes fail to stop at the smaller bus stops and distances between the main stops can be quite long.
Istanbul
by tram
The tram system runs in a similar way to the buses with tickets interchangeable between the two. Istanbul has two tramways on the European side. A quick, modern commuter tram runs from Eminönü through Sultanahmet and onto outlying suburbs. It divides at Aksaray, where visitors should change trains to get to Esenler Otogar, the bus station. The other, referred to as the Nostaljik Tramvay, is slower and drives the length of Istiklal Caddesi from Beyoglu to Taksim Square and back. It is connected to Karaköy by the Tünel underground, which runs up and down the steep hill between Karaköy and the Istiklal Caddesi.
Istanbul
by metro
The "Istanbul Metro", from Taksim to Levent (the city''s busiest business district) was opened in 2000 and it is very convenient if you want to see the downtown and commercial centres. Hours of operation are between 6 am and 2 am. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance of the metro.
Istanbul
by water
Passenger ferries are by far the most pleasant way to travel in Istanbul. The Bosphorus Strait divides Istanbul into its eastern Asian side and its western European side. Central Istanbul, including the historic sites, is on the European side. The two largest ports are Eminönü and Karaköy. Karaköy port is where luxury cruise ships head for the Aegean and Mediterranean dock, as well as smaller CIS vessels. The major commuter ferry lines mainly depart from Eminönü, Karaköy, Besiktas and Üsküdar. Both Eminönü and Karaköy ports and all the ferry terminals and quays around them, have rows of buses, taxis and dolmus lined up outside. Tokens for the passenger ferries can be bought from dockside kiosks. The primary routes run roughly every twenty minutes (between 7 am and 11 pm, with exception of the Eminönü-Kadiköy service that stops at 8 pm).
Taxis
Cabs are little and yellow and taxi drivers are even more reckless than other drivers in Istanbul. Scams are widespread. Be alert when catching a cab in Sultanahmet or Taksim. One light on the metre means day rate, two mean night rate. Check your change carefully; rides within the centre should not cost more than 5.
Tickets
Bus, metro, ferry and tram tickets are usually available near the main stops. They can be purchased either from a kiosk, all main bus and metro stops and ferry terminals or from a private seller, who adds about 25% to the price. An akbil (electronic token) can also be purchased in advance. This token is valid for a number of journeys, at a slightly better rate, and is good for buses, ferries and the metro.
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Public Transport
by bus
by water
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