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Tourist Navigation Guide for Istanbul

Where East Meets West · Istanbul straddles two continents and two seas, with a transit network that spans them all.

Navigate Istanbul with CityNav →
5Transit Lines
28Key Stations
28Accessible Stops
4Metro/Subway Lines

About Getting Around Istanbul

Istanbul straddles two continents and two seas, with a transit network that spans them all. The Marmaray rail crosses under the Bosphorus, while the Metro, tram and funicular connect the historic peninsula, Beyoğlu and the modern Asian side.

Top tourist tip: Get an Istanbulkart on arrival — it works on Metro, tram, bus and ferry, and is significantly cheaper than buying single tickets each time.

Best pass for tourists: Istanbulkart (rechargeable transit card)

Transit Lines in Istanbul

Istanbul has 5 public transit lines, including 4 metro/subway lines. CityNav supports all of them for offline and real-time navigation.

M2M4M5T1 TramF1 Funicular

Key Stations in Istanbul

Taksim
2 lines · Accessible ♿
Şişhane (Galata Tower)
1 line · Accessible ♿
4. Levent (Business District)
1 line · Accessible ♿
Yenikapı (Interchange)
2 lines · Accessible ♿
Vezneciler (Grand Bazaar)
1 line · Accessible ♿
Haliç (Golden Horn)
1 line · Accessible ♿
Kabataş
2 lines · Accessible ♿
Sultanahmet (Blue Mosque)
1 line · Accessible ♿

+ 20 more stations supported in CityNav

Top Tourist Landmarks in Istanbul

Hagia Sophia
Blue Mosque
Topkapi Palace
Grand Bazaar
Galata Tower
Use CityNav's AR walking navigation to get step-by-step directions to any of these landmarks from your current location.

Transit Authorities in Istanbul

İstanbul Ulaşım (İETT) Official site →
Metro İstanbul (Metro) Official site →

Train, Bus & Metro Times in Istanbul

Istanbul has 5 transit lines covering trains, buses and metro routes across the city. CityNav shows real-time departure times at every station — and when you're underground or off the grid, offline timetables keep you moving without any internet connection.

🚇
Metro & Subway

4 lines — tap any station in CityNav for real-time arrivals

🚆
Trains & Trams

1 line — offline timetables included, no signal needed

🚌
Buses

Bus routes across Istanbul — plan your journey before you board

Check live times in Istanbul →

Where to Visit in Istanbul

From iconic landmarks to hidden local gems, Istanbul has something for every type of traveller. CityNav gives you AR walking directions and step-by-step transit routes to any attraction — no map-reading required.

Hagia Sophia

AR walking directions via CityNav

Blue Mosque

AR walking directions via CityNav

Topkapi Palace

AR walking directions via CityNav

Grand Bazaar

AR walking directions via CityNav

Galata Tower

AR walking directions via CityNav

💡 Open CityNav's AR camera mode to see walking arrows to any landmark from your exact position — works even without a data signal.

Navigate Istanbul with CityNav

Get real-time turn-by-turn directions, AR walking navigation, offline transit maps and SOS emergency alerts — all designed for tourists exploring Istanbul.

Open CityNav — Free →

🛟 Istanbul Safety Centre

Emergency numbers, hospital info, common tourist scams and key local phrases for Istanbul — all on one page that works offline in the CityNav app.

Open Istanbul Safety Centre →

✈️ Download before you fly

Istanbul's transit maps, timetables and Safety Centre work fully offline in CityNav. Download the app before you board and you can navigate from the moment you land — no roaming data, no airport Wi-Fi needed.

Download on the App Store → Get a 7-day Trip Pass — £3.99

Frequently Asked Questions — Getting Around Istanbul

What is an Istanbulkart and should I get one?

Yes, absolutely. The Istanbulkart is a rechargeable contactless card that works on every mode of public transport in Istanbul — Metro, tram, bus, Metrobüs, ferry and funicular. Single tickets are significantly more expensive; the Istanbulkart gives you discounted fares and free transfers within 90 minutes. Available at any Metro station or Biletmatik machine.

How do I get from Istanbul Airport to the city centre?

The M11 Metro line connects Istanbul Airport (Havalimanı) directly to Gayrettepe station in about 35–40 minutes, from where you can connect to the rest of the network. Trains run frequently from early morning until late evening. Alternatively, the HAVAŞ airport bus serves multiple central stops. Taxis are available but significantly more expensive.

Does the Marmaray train cross under the Bosphorus?

Yes — the Marmaray is a commuter rail line that runs through a submerged tunnel under the Bosphorus Strait, connecting the European and Asian sides of Istanbul. It's also a quick and affordable way to cross between continents. Journey time between Kazlıçeşme (European side) and Ayrılıkçeşme (Asian side) is around 10 minutes.

Is the T1 tram a good way to see Istanbul's main sights?

The T1 heritage tram is one of the most useful tourist routes in Istanbul, passing Sultanahmet (Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque), the Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı stop) and Eminönü. It runs frequently and accepts the Istanbulkart. For Taksim Square and Galata Tower, take the M2 Metro or the F1 funicular from Kabataş.

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