Where East Meets West. Plan metro, train and bus journeys with offline maps, ticket advice and live departures when connected.
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 provides downloaded route and station information for offline planning, with live service updates available when connected.
+ 20 more stations supported in CityNav
Istanbul has 5 transit lines covering trains, buses and metro routes across the city. CityNav shows real-time departure times at every station when connected, while downloaded timetables keep core planning available offline.
4 lines — tap any station in CityNav for real-time arrivals
1 line — downloaded timetables included; live updates need a connection
Bus routes across Istanbul — plan your journey before you board
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.
AR walking directions via CityNav
AR walking directions via CityNav
AR walking directions via CityNav
AR walking directions via CityNav
AR walking directions via CityNav
Choosing a navigation app for sightseeing? Read our transparent CityNav vs Google Maps comparison, including the features each app does better.
Read the best places to visit in Istanbul →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 →Emergency numbers, hospital info, common tourist scams and key local phrases for Istanbul — core safety guidance is available offline in the CityNav app; current updates require a connection.
Open Istanbul Safety Centre →Download CityNav before you fly to keep Istanbul's core transit maps, scheduled timetables and safety guidance available offline. Live departures, disruption updates, AI responses, nearby places, bookings, location sharing and SOS transmission require an internet connection.
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.