To use all public transport in Istanbul (boats, subways, buses, trams , funiculars ) You will need the magnetic card (Istanbul Kart) . You find it in the small kiosks near all metro stations, piers, and also bus stations. It costs 6TL , you will then add credit as you know. Keep in mind that most trips cost 2,60 TL (2018) each way. When you leave you can cash it back in and get your 6TL back.
Tram
In Europe there are two lines in service , the T1 line from Kabataş allows easy access to Sultanahmet and the T4 line that goes north – west of the city . It runs from 6am to 11pm.
The T1 line will allow you to reach the main attractions of the city. We recommend that you use it as is really cheap and fast and definitely easiest way to get to the old town.
Kabataş — Dolmabahçe Palace , Taksim connection with the funicular (F1 ) to go to the pier to the Princes Islands and Kadikoy .
Tophane — Museum of modern art in Istanbul
Karakoy —Connection Tünel funicular, (T) which will drop you on Istiklal Street .
Eminönü — Spice Market
Sirkeci — Train station and connection to the Marmaray
Sultanahmet — Topkapi Palace , Hagia Sophia , Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern , Archaeology Museum.
Beyazit — Grand bazaar
Finucular
Karaköy-Tünel (T)
It allows you to go quickly down the Istiklal Street and you will avoid climbing the slopes to get in neighborhoods like Galata . Once in Tünel you can use the historical tram (NT) to go to Taksim Square . It runs from 7am to 9pm .
Taksim-Kabataş (F1)
It allows you to go from Taksim Square to Kabatas . From here you can take the tram (T1) to get to the old town and the boat to the Princes islands in Kadikoy . To go to the old town another option is to take the M2 metro directly to the Golden Horn (Haliç stop) from Taksim.
Metro
It is open from 6:15 to 00:00 , there are currently two lines on the European side . There is also a line on the Asian shore but it is not of great interest to you because it is not yet connected to Sabiha Gokcen Airport .
Ataturk Airport - Yenikapi (M1)
If your hotel is located in Sultanahmet this line will get you from Ataturk Airport to Aksaray then you take the tram (T1).
Yenikapi - Haciosman (M2)
This is the one you need the most during your stay. It is now possible to visit the old city from Taksim Square and more. This is especially useful for business men residing in the district of Levent, or for travelers who have chosen to reside in more Turkish and less touristy areas like Nisantasi. Taksim Square is now only 2 stop Eminönü district where the spice market is located.
The main stops of the M2 are :
Yenikapi — his station is intended to be the hub of transport in Istanbul. You can already use the Marmaray from Yenikapi (the metro passing under the Bosphorus ) to reach Uskudar on the Asian side .
Haliç — This is the most useful new station for tourists wishing to reach the old town or for those wishing to go from the old town to other areas that seem less accessible. You will be near the Spice Bazaar and Eminonu tram station (T1).
Şişhane — Just down the street Istiklal you will join the Tünel funicular located right next to the station and the Galata district .
Taksim — Located in Taksim Square, the station can be reached quickly by foot from the districts such as Cihangir, Beyoglu or Cukurcuma . You can also use the funicular (F1) to get to Kabataş where you’ll take the ferry for Asia and the Princes Islands and the tram (T1) to get to the old town.
Osmanbey — Located just minutes from the upscale Nisantasi district . Very nice area with many bars and restaurants as well as luxury shops and many Turkish designers.
Levent — This is the business district of Istanbul. There is also close to the metro two major shopping malls : Kanyon and Metrocity
İTÜ Ayazağa — Located near the chic shopping gallery İstinye Park (you need a little walk or take a taxi or a minibus) . This gallery is a paradise for all lovers of fashion and luxury , you will find all the most luxurious brands .
Marmaray
After long years of work the European side and the Asian side are now connected by the metro passing under the Bosphorus. It allows you to go to the Asian shores from Yenikapi or Sirkeci .
2 stops from the Asian side are Usküdar and Ayrilik Cesmesi . Uskudar If all else fails you can use the M4 to get to the Kadıköy district .
Buses
There are 400 bus lines in Istanbul, the majority work until midnight every night. With the exception of Sultanahmet (accessible by tram) buses go all over the city. Destinations and major stops are marked on yellow signs on the sides of buses.
For information on bus timetables and to see where they stop click here :
http://www.iett.gov.tr/en/main/pages/buses/156
MetroBus
These are buses that run on dedicated lanes to avoid congestion. These buses generally run around the outskirts of the city mostly and therefore are not of great interest to tourists.
Boats and Ferries
They allow you to move from Europe to Asia, and save a lot of time because the bridges over the Bosphorus are constantly congested . Once on the ferry you will truly understand the huge size of the city, it is also a good way to see the city from the water .
The main piers on the European side are Eminonu, Besiktas and Kabatas and on the Asian side Uskudar and Kadikoy .
For more information on schedules visit: http://www.sehirhatlari.com.tr/