Istanbul Transportation Tips by Erkmen

'Mode': AROUND
Category: Airplane
Getting TO/AROUND: Istanbul Ataturk airport has a new international terminal active from 2000, One of the newest airports in Europe..

If you are planning to visit Istanbul, the tips about the airport are as follows.

Luggage storage: There is no token boxes for the Luggages, however you can store your baggage in a room on the Arrival floor. Open 24 hrs, and the cost is per daily per piece basis.. Around 5 USD for normal size bags and 7 Usd for big size.

Telephone: On the Arrival floor there are 10 public phones, which also operates by Credit cards.

Baggage Trolleys: I suppose Istanbul airport is the only airport, which asks money for the Trolleys. Due it was operated by private company.. One piece of trolley is 1 euro or 1 USD, I advice you to have some coins with you..

Health: There is a 24 hour Emergency service and also a drugstore at the airport...

Money Exchange: There are exchange offices at the airport and also agencies of the banks.. Buying and selling rates are very close, so that you dont loose much during your exchange, all major european currencies are accepted.

Transportation: See my next tip "Tram reached the airport".. rail system is active at the airport from 06:15 to 24:00 hrs.. Taxi operates 24 hours and fares are varying to the Touristy area from 7 USD to 11 USD..

Check In: When you have a returning flight from Istanbul, please mind the Two hours check in Time. Although there are 160 check in counters in total and 64 Passport control points.. Especially morning hours is extremely crowded, do not miss your plane..

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Website: www.ataturkairport.com

'Mode': TO
Category: Ship/Boat
Getting TO/AROUND: One very Favourite way to reach Istanbul is by Ships. Istanbul is one of the most popular cruising region, many lines have their newest ships sailing in Europe also visits to Istanbul.

The Cruise vessels first make a short tour inside the bosphorus, Afterwards they make their manouvres and ports to Karakoy Port. Most of them Stay only one day and you shall use your day very efficiently in this short time..

Karakoy Port is just on the other side of Eminonu port, where all those rich touristy attractions are located. and also very short distance to Taksim area.. So you shall not loose time during travel in the city..

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'Mode': TO
Category: Ship/Boat
Getting TO/AROUND: Istanbul is a popular starting point for yachting, and sailors. There are two Marinas on each side of Istanbul. Atakoy Marina is located on the European side of Istanbul, near to the airport and Kalamis Marina is located at the Asian side of Istanbul, located near the Kadıkoy Port.

Yachts can reach the Black Sea harbors, Istanbul Straits and Marinas via the European channel system, and the Rhine and Tuna with the European internal seas from the North Sea, and may reach Turkish Mediterranean coasts and marinas. The beautiful bays of the islands and the Bosphorus, especially around the two bridges, which joins the two continents, are also preferred routes.

Some Distances from Istanbul to Turkish Southern costs in Nautical Miles:
Cesme: 270
Kusadasi: 329
Bodrum:383
Datca:427
Marmaris: 462
Fethiye: 490
Göcek: 500
Kas: 518
Kemer: 582
Antalya: 602

Atakoy Marina:+90 212 560 56 55
Kalamis Marina:+90 216 346 23 46

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'Mode': AROUND
Category: Train
Getting TO/AROUND: For many years the only transport from Istanbul Ataturk airport to the city center, Taxis and airport coaches were the only alternatives..

As most tourists stay at the old Istanbul Peninsula, now there is an easy and convenient way of transport. The new rail system has reached to the airport and you can travel easily by this means of transport..

After you take your luggages, walk outside the arriving hall. There you will see stairs down to the train stop.. In every 5 minutes there is a Metro running to Aksaray and the Touristy area is nearby..

Metro goes directly to Aksaray, but if you are staying in Sultanahmet area than you need to make a change to tram at "Zeytinburnu" stop or if you miss that one wait till the last stop "Aksaray".

When you reached the last stop (Aksaray station), go out from the metro station, you will see the signs of the Tramline. Tramline is just in front of you. You shall walk around 150 meters and you will be now on the tramline at "Yusufpasa station". But since you shall be going to the Sirkeci direction, you shall climb up the pedestrian pasage and get to the other line..

Trams are passing in every 5 minutes. And they have a good air condition system. When you get on the tram the first stop is Aksaray, there are several hotels in this district, Watch out for yrs.. The next stop is the University, followed by Beyazit and cemberlitas.. Afterwards you will be in Sultanahmet square another main district for accommodation.. The last stop is Called Eminonu. The pier and port of the touristy region..

The prices are 1,3 YTL (around 0,9USD.) And tokens could be obtained from the Airport metro station.. Or any metro or tram station..

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'Mode': AROUND
Category: Car/Motor Home
Getting TO/AROUND: If you can use them efficiently, Taxis are the easiest way to travel in the city, especially for short distances.. You can find a taxi whereever you are and all you need to do is vawe your hand to a free one..

You should be careful about the rates. All taxis have a taximeter and if you travel 3-4 people and with the right tariff, than you pay almost nothing..

One important thing you should now is "Gunduz" and "Gece" words, which are indicating day and night tariff.. you should see Gunduz word when the taximeter is changing in day time..

Opening rate of Taxis are 1,5 YTL (1 USD).. and in every km it adds 1 YTL... night tariff is 50% high and starts at midnight..

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'Mode': AROUND
Category: Train
Getting TO/AROUND: Probably the most convenient and easy way of transport in the Touristy area is the Tram that runs from Eminonu to Zeytinburnu..

All Major touristy attractions are located in the Old Istanbul peninsula and the tram is passing near to all of these places.. The starting point is the Eminonu port where the spice market, New mosque are located and also you can take a bosphorus boat from the harbour. Afterwards it stops at "Sirkeci", The Famous Orient Express train station. Than it leads to "Gulhane", where in summer local festivals are being held..

The third stop is the "Sultanahmet".. Main center of the touristy area.. Blue mosque, haiga sophia, Topkapi palace are in walking distance.. Tram takes the pedestrian street and and leads to "Cemberlitas".. And afterwards to "Beyazit". This stop is where you should get off to visit the Covered bazaar. Also The Istanbul University is in walking distance.. The next stop is the "University", The literature Faculty is located here.. and the following stop is the "Laleli", many Hotels are located in this region and many shops are open till late hours.. The next stop is "Yusufpasa", there is a connection to the Metro line to the Airport..

Afterwards the tram will continue to its route however those are mostly the resedential locations that have not so much interest...

Enjoy the tram in Istanbul.

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'Mode': AROUND
Category: Train
Getting TO/AROUND: Tram and Light Rail map of Istanbul covering the Touristy area..

The light rail (Blue line) leaves from the airport and Continues to Aksaray.. And in Aksaray you can switch to the Tramline (Green line) at Yusufpasa tram station and can continue to Sultanahmet or Eminonu.

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'Mode': AROUND
Category: Train
Getting TO/AROUND: In old Istanbul Trams were the most effective transport items. However motor cars has replaced them very quickly and became the favourite transports..

Istanbul is setting new tram lines and there are also some working already.. But one Tram is very special, thats a nostalgic tram to remember the past. An old tram is running from Taksim Square to Tunel on the Istiklal street. With all its beauty on the historical pera region..

Tram operates at the Istiklal Street, which is one of the main pedestrian streets in Istanbul. The street, houses many restaurants, consulates, shops and fair grounds. It is a good alternative for shopping. And the atmosphere is very nice.

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'Mode': AROUND
Category: Bus
Getting TO/AROUND: The pass is a small stainless steel "button" on a plastic holder. Inside is a computer chip.

Find an Akbil kiosk, they're near to all bus and tram stops.. Buy your button ("Akbil") for about US$4. (This is the deposit cost)..Give the clerk additional money with which to "charge" the button some credit (say 10 million ), and you're all set for days of travel without the hassle of having to find a ticket kiosk, buy tickets or tokens, etc.

Akbil is accepted on all Istanbul's buses, trams, the Tunel, Metro, ferries and fast ferries. When you pay with Akbil, you pay a discounted fare from 10% - 25%.

When you board a bus, tram, ferry, etc., look for people touching their Akbil buttons to the Akbil fare-point, a little circular socket..

One thing I am not sure is, if it is possible to return the Akbil and get your deposit.. ( I always loose and need to buy another one).. So in case you wont return, just care if your savings through discounts will cover the cost of Akbil (4 USD)..

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'Mode': AROUND
Category: Bus
Getting TO/AROUND: Istanbul mass transport is mainly covered by buses..Buses do leave from main terminals and are travelling almost all around Istanbul..

Currently there are more than 2000 buses running daily in the city, Which let the 91% of the Mass system..

Buses in Istanbul have different colors but this shall not create a problem for a visitor.. The green buses are ecological buses, The Red, white buses and orange, blue buses are normal public buses.. Only the blue buses are runned by private public buses.. And they mainly travel to the suburbs of Istanbul..

You need to use a ticket or Akbil transit pass system in order to get to bus.. Normally no money were accepted.. But there is a new way now to get in to public buses.. If you do not have a ticket, you shall pay the bus driver and he will use the buses Akbil pass card to the machine..

Tickets can be obtain from main stops and also from many bus stations.. and the cost is 1 million TRL for one way.( 0,7 USD)

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