Traffic in Istanbul
Istanbul is the most congested city in Turkey and the 33rd most congested city in the world with a population density of 2,976person/km². Due to these high congestion levels, a person living in Istanbul lost on average 153 hours in 2019, and 45 hours in 2020 due to traffic.
Istanbul in Numbers
Statistics based on reports done by: TUİK & INRIX
Commuting in a populated city may be one of the most stressing situations!
However, the best solution for that would be using the public transportation. The use of public transportation plays a significant role in reducing congestion. Yet, which is the best means of public transportation to use?! Is it the metro? the bus? the tramway? or what?!
To begin with, let’s start by introducing all available options.
Karayolu (Roads)
Otobüs (Bus):
Busses are the most common means of transportation in Istanbul. The main advantage of using the bus is the high accessibility due to the large network that extends all over Istanbul from the utmost east to the utmost west. On the other hand, the main disadvantage is that they may get stuck in traffic jams for hours! There are 3 different bus types in Istanbul:
- İETT Otobüsleri: These are yellow busses that operate directly under the authority of İETT.
- Özel Halk Otobüsleri: These are blue private public busses. They were allowed to operate under the authority of İETT since 1985.
- Otobüs A.Ş.: These are purple busses that belong to a company founded by the municipality.
The full-fare of bus for someone using IstanbulKart is 4.03TL. It then decreases with each transfer as follows:
| Fare | |
| Full-fare | 7.67₺ |
| 1st Transfer | 5.49₺ |
| 2nd Transfer | 4.17₺ |
| 3rd Transfer | 2.63₺ |
| 4th Transfer | 2.63₺ |
| 5th Transfer | 2.63₺ |
Check the photo attached at the end for more details on trip fare. For more info about bus lines, timetables and stops: CLICK HERE
Metrobüs (Metrobus):
These are just like busses but with separate lanes that are specifically reserved for them to avoid congestion. The main advantage of using the Metrobüs is that it’s fast and it does not get stuck in traffic. The main disadvantage is its relatively higher cost, compared to regular busses, in addition to the fact that there’s only one line which serves mainly on the outskirts of the city.
The fare of Metrobüs is paid by İstanbulKart and it varies depending on the number of stops travelled as follows:
Number of Stops Travelled | Fare |
1 | 5.49₺ |
2 | 6.57₺ |
3 | 7.67₺ |
4-9 | 8.76₺ |
10-15 | 9.63₺ |
16-21 | 10.07₺ |
22-27 | 10.40₺ |
28-33 | 10.63₺ |
34-43+ | 11.38₺ |
Minibüs/Dolmuş (Minibus/Shared Taxi):
Minibuses operate as shared taxis with fixed routes, where a passenger can get on or off anywhere on that route. The main advantage of using the minibus is its flexibility in stopping anywhere you want. The main disadvantage is that you may not be able to identify its route. Fare of minibus varies depending on the passenger’s destination and it is paid in cash directly to the driver.
Taksi (Taxi):
These are yellow private taxis with a taxi sign at their top. The main advantage of using the taxi is that it takes you from/to any place you want. The main disadvantage is its high cost. All taxis have a taximeter that calculates the fare in taxis. It starts with an opening fee of 9.80TL and adds 6.30TL/km with the minimum taxi fare being 28TL.
Below is a sample table for prices varying with distance traveled:Distance Trip Fare 1 km 28.0 ₺ 2 km 28.0 ₺ 3 km 29.4 ₺ 4 km 39.2 ₺ 5 km 49.0 ₺ 6 km 58.8 ₺ 7 km 68.6 ₺ 8 km 78.4 ₺ 9 km 88.2 ₺ 10 km 98.0 ₺
Raylı Sistem (Railway Systems)
Metro (Metro):
There are 9 metro lines in Istanbul that are interconnected in a way that allows the coverage of a large area of the city. The main advantage of using the metro is its affordable fare, in addition to its punctual timetable and its fast speed. The main disadvantage of using the metro is that you may need several transfers to reach your destination. The fare of metro is the same as that of the busses and it’s also paid using İstanbulKart.
Tramvay (Tram):
There are 5 tram lines in Istanbul, including the nostaljik tramvay (nostagic tram) T2 that goes from Taksim to Şişhane. The main advantage of using the tram is its affordable fare. The main disadvantage is that it sometimes get stuck in traffic in certain areas.
Telefrik (Telpher):
There are 2 telpher lines in Istanbul. The main advantage of using the telpher lies in the amazing view you would experience there. The main disadvantage is that it’s not interconnected with any other means of transportation.
Füniküler (Funicular):
There are 3 funicular lines including the Tarihi Tünel (heritage funicular). The main advantage of using the funicular is its fast speed in addition to its integration with the metro lines. The main disadvantage is that it has only one start-end destinations. The fare of funicular is also the same as that of busses and metros.
TCDD Marmaray:
Marmaray is a long intercontinental commuter rail line in Istanbul that connects between the utmost east and the utmost west of the city. The main advantage of using Marmaray is its fast speed in addition to its integration with the metro lines. The main disadvantage is its relatively higher fare.
For more info about Marmaray: CLICK HERE
The fare of Marmaray varies depending on the number of stations travelled as follows:
Number of Stations Travelled | Fare |
1-7 | 7.67₺ |
8-14 | 9.86₺ |
15-21 | 11.38₺ |
22-28 | 13.13₺ |
29-35 | 15.33₺ |
36-43 | 16.97₺ |
Below is a map that shows all Istanbul Railway Network including metro lines, tram, funicular, Marmaray and the telphers. For more info about railway systems: CLICK HERE
Denizyolu (Sea lines)
İDO (İstanbul Deniz Otobüsleri) & Şehir Hatları (City Lines):
Sea buses and ferries that operate between the Marmara Region, the European and the Anatolian Sides of Istanbul. They also provide some Bosphorus tours. The advantage of using sea lines is the pleasant experience you will have in addition to the fact that there’s no traffic there. The disadvantage is that it may be tiring for some, in addition, it may not be ideal in rainy days!
For more info about İDO: CLICK HERE
For more info about City Lines: CLICK HERE
The detailed explanation of fares of busses, tram, metro and funicular:
Which is your favorite mean of transportation?! Share your opinions in the comments!
İstanbul’dayken metroya binmeyi severdim.