Public Transportation Modes and Systems in Istanbul

Istanbul has a diverse, affordable, and interconnected public transportation system that includes metro, tram, bus, ferry, metrobüs (bus rapid transit), and commuter rail (Marmaray). These modes of transport make navigating this vast and historically rich city both convenient and cost-effective.

Metro and Tram Lines 

The metro is one of the most efficient and modern ways to travel through many parts of Istanbul. Trams are convenient for reaching historical and touristic areas. Ideal for sightseeing and moving across the old city and the Golden Horn area.

Uninterrupted operation of Metro will be carried out between 06:00 on Friday morning and 00:00 on Sunday on 7 metro lines under the operation of Metro Istanbul.

You can download Railway Network Maps and The Night Metro Network map using this link: https://www.metro.istanbul/en/YolcuHizmetleri/AgHaritalari

Marmaray (Commuter Train)

Marmaray is a high-capacity rail line connecting the European and Asian sides under the Bosphorus. Connects with other metro lines, Metrobus, and intercity trains. Ideal for long-distance or cross continental travel.

You can search Routes using this link: https://www.tcddtasimacilik.gov.tr/marmaray

Ferries

Ferries are a scenic and relaxing way to cross between continents or explore the Bosphorus and the Princes’ Islands. Operated by Şehir Hatları, Turyol, and other private companies.

Main ferry routes include: Karaköy ↔ Kadıköy; Eminönü ↔ Üsküdar; Beşiktaş ↔ Kadıköy; Kabataş ↔ Adalar (Princes’ Islands)

Ferries offer beautiful views and are less crowded during non-peak hours.

You can search and download Ferry Timetable: https://sehirhatlari.istanbul/en

Taxi

Bitaksi App and Uber are available as convenient options for taxi transportation. These apps are not available for calling a taxi at Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gökçen Airport. However, both platforms remain fully functional throughout the rest of the city and can be used for daily transportation needs, including rides to either airport.

Bus (IETT) and Metrobüs (Bus Rapid Transit)

IETT buses serve almost every corner of the city, including areas not covered by metro or tram.

For real-time transit information and route planning, the Moovit app offers detailed and up-to-date information on public transportation routes and schedules.

Buses can get crowded and delayed during peak hours (08:00–10:00 and 17:00–19:00).

Metrobüs runs in a dedicated lane, avoiding regular traffic. Route: Beylikdüzü – Söğütlüçeşme (spanning two continents)

Operates 24/7. Connects to metro, tram, and Marmaray lines. Best for long east–west commutes.

You can search Bus and Metrobüs Routes using this link: https://iett.istanbul/en

Transportation to İstanbul Bilgi University santralistanbul Campus

→ From Istanbul Airport to İstanbul Bilgi University santralistanbul Campus

About the Istanbulkart (Transportation Card) For public transportation in Istanbul—including buses, metro, trams, ferries, and funiculars—you will need an Istanbulkart, a prepaid and contactless transportation card. We recommend that you purchase and load your Istanbulkart as soon as you arrive in the city.

You can check your remaining balance on the screen every time you use the card, and it is possible to top up at kiosks at the airport, metro stations, or ferry terminals whenever necessary. The card can be topped up easily and allows discounted transfers between modes. To comfortably cover transportation during your stay, we suggest loading approximately 400–500 TL onto your Istanbulkart.

This card is personal and convenient, and it helps avoid the hassle of purchasing individual tickets for each ride.

Also, you can use all your contactless credit or debit cards to make payment in all public transportation vehicles (Bus, Subway, Tram, Cable Car, Metrobus, Ferry, etc.). (one pass is 40 TL)

Option 1: Public Transportation (M11 Subway M7 Subway T5 Tram İstanbul Bilgi University santralistanbul Campus)

• After leaving İstanbul Airport from ground floor, follow the Subway U () signs to the M11 Metro Station, about a 10-minute walk.
• Take Metro Line M11 from Istanbul Airport and get off at Kağıthane Station (5 stops).
• After leaving Subway U, follow signs of Subway M () signs to the M7 Metro Station, about a 10-minute walk.
• Take Metro Line M7 (Subway-M) from Kağıthane to the Mahmutbey direction and get off at Alibeyköy Station (2 stops).
• Take M5 Tram Line from Alibeyköy Metro to the Eminönü direction and get off at Üniversite Station (2 stops).

Option 2: Taxi İstanbul Bilgi University santralistanbul Campus

• From İstanbul Airport to İstanbul Bilgi University santralistanbul Campus: The estimated taxi fare is approximately ₺ 1500. ** Please note that the price may change depending on traffic conditions.

Option 3: Public Transportation + Taxi (M11 Subway Taxi İstanbul Bilgi University santralistanbul Campus)

• After leaving İstanbul Airport from ground floor, follow the Subway U () signs to the M11 Metro Station, about a 10-minute walk.
• Take Metro Line M11 (Subway-U) from Istanbul Airport and get off at Kağıthane Station (5 stops).
• From Kağıthane Square, you may take a taxi directly to İstanbul Bilgi University santralistanbul Campus.
• The estimated taxi fare is approximately ₺ 300.

Option 4: HAVAIST Shuttle + Public Transportation (Shuttle İstanbul Bilgi University santralistanbul Campus)

• Take the HAVAIST Shuttle ( Route Code: HVL-9) from Istanbul Airport to Taksim.
• Boarding Point: İstanbul Airport Transportation Floor (-2)
• From Taksim, follow the transportation options listed under 'From Taksim to İstanbul Bilgi University santralistanbul Campus.
• Havaist offers 11 different routes between the airport and the city center. More details: https://www.istairport.com/en/airport/airport-transportation/urban-transportation/public-transportation/?locale=en

 Option 5: Public Transportation (M11 Subway 50D or TM3 Bus Lines İstanbul Bilgi University santralistanbul Campus.)

**Please note that arrival times may be delayed due to traffic conditions.

• After leaving İstanbul Airport from ground floor, follow the Subway U () signs to the M11 Metro Station, about a 10-minute walk.
• Take Metro Line M11 (Subway-U) from Istanbul Airport and get off at Kağıthane Station (5 stops).
• Walk from the metro exit to Kağıthane Square (250 meters).
• Take Bus 50D or TM3 in the Alibeyköy direction and get off at İstanbul Bilgi University santralistanbul Campus (6 stops).

→ From Sabiha Gökçen Airport to İstanbul Bilgi University santralistanbul Campus

Option 1: HAVABUS Shuttle + Public Transportation

After leaving Sabiha Gökçen Airport, follow the Subway U ( ) signs to the M4 Metro Station.

• Take the HAVABUS Shuttle from Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Taksim.
• The white-colored HAVABUS shuttles depart from the arrival terminal exits.
• The final stop is Divan Hotel, Taksim.
• From Taksim, follow the transportation options listed under "From Taksim to İstanbul Bilgi University santralistanbul Campus."

Option 2: Public Transportation

• Take the SG-2 bus from Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Abdülhak Hamit Caddesi (4 stops).
• Walk to Gümüşsuyu Peron (450 meters).
• Take bus 50T, 37T, or 48T and get off at İstanbul Bilgi University santralistanbul Campus (5 stops).

Option 3: Metro + Ferry + TramTake (M7 Subway Ferry T5 Tram İstanbul Bilgi University santralistanbul Campus)

• Take Metro Line M4 (Subway – M) from Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Kadıköy Station.
• Take a ferry from Kadıköy to Eminönü.
• From Eminönü, take T5 Tram Line to Universite Station (10 stops).

Option 4: Taxi İstanbul Bilgi University santralistanbul Campus

From Sabiha Gökçen Airport to İstanbul Bilgi University santralistanbul Campus: The estimated taxi fare is approximately ₺ 2500.

→ From Taksim to İstanbul Bilgi University santralistanbul Campus

Option 1: Public Transportation

• From Gümüşsuyu Peron, take bus 50T, 37T, or 48T.
• Get off at İstanbul Bilgi University santralistanbul Campus (5 stops).

Option 2: Taxi

• From Taksim Square, you may take a taxi directly to İstanbul Bilgi University santralistanbul Campus.
• The estimated taxi fare is approximately ₺ 350.

→ From Şişhane to İstanbul Bilgi University santralistanbul Campus

• From Taksim Tünel (Şişhane direction), take bus 50N or 36T.
• Get off at İstanbul Bilgi University santralistanbul Campus (18 stops).

→ From Beşiktaş to İstanbul Bilgi University santralistanbul Campus

• From Beşiktaş Square (Kabataş direction), take bus 50L or 55B.
• Get off at İstanbul Bilgi University santralistanbul Campus (6 stops).

→ From Sultanahmet to İstanbul Bilgi University santralistanbul Campus

• From Sultanahmet Square, take T1 Tram Line to Eminönü Station (3 stops).
• Walk to T5 Tram Line (450 meters).
• Take T5 Tram Line to Universite Station (10 stops).

→ From Eminönü to İstanbul Bilgi University santralistanbul Campus

• Walk to T5 Tram Line (450 meters).
• Take T5 Tram Line to Universite Station (10 stops).