Where East Meets West · Istanbul straddles two continents and two seas, with a transit network that spans them all.
Navigate Istanbul with CityNav →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.
Best pass for tourists: Istanbulkart (rechargeable transit card)
Istanbul has 5 public transit lines, including 4 metro/subway lines. CityNav supports all of them for offline and real-time navigation.
+ 20 more stations supported in 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 →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.
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.
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.
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.