B U S E S and other Istanbul Ili, Turkey Transportation Tips

'Mode': AROUND
Category: Bus
Getting TO/AROUND: Transportation options in and around Istanbul is aplenty and you also have a choice in using either a single pass or the "Akbil" pass which is loadable with amount that you may need for your entire stay in Istanbul.

BUSES are just too many, youjust have to get acquainted with the routes, since I stayed just around Taksim area and Sultanahmet, so I just got used with the Taksim-Sultanahmet & Taksim Beyazit routes. Buses in Taksim stops and starts at Taksim Square, you won't miss it, it's at the foot of the stairs leading to the park at the back of McDonalds. Fare should be about YTL 1.30.

I can remember it well, the last bus from taksim going to Sultanahmet is at 10:15PM though most of the time it leaves at past 10:30PM as it has to wait for passengers and I'm always able to catch this bus for Sultanahmet. But since my hotel is in Beyazit area, further down the road from Sultanahmet, I have to walk about 10 minutes which i only did once, I prefer taking the tramvay for 1.30YTL from Sultanahmet to Beyazit station which is only a 2- minute travel.

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'Mode': AROUND
Category: Train
Getting TO/AROUND: The Istanbul tramvay is another fun way of getting around. It runs from Zeytinburnu to Eminonu where you can catch ferries going to the Asian-side. I always take this tram going to Sultanahmet from Beyazit (where the Grand Bazaar is) or Laleli & Aksaray which is on the otehr side, it's airconditined so it's very comfortable during some hot summer days.... and it's cheaper at 1.30YTL near or far.

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'Mode': AROUND
Category: Ship/Boat
Getting TO/AROUND: Don't miss taking ferries even if you don't want to go to the asian side, cruising along the bosphorous is fun and you'd get to see lots of Istanbul's landmarks situated just along the Bospohorous. If you're in Sultanahmet, take the tramvay from Sultanahmet station and get down at Eminonu station, the ferry docks is at the other side, take the underground passage and you're there. Oh by the way, there are people who will approach you for a ferry ride... not that ... those were private ferries which are more expensive, unless, you want it. Go directly to the ferry station with a big sign of the ferry's rooute. Ride costs deiffers depends on destination, I paid 1YTL going to Uskudar - the Asian side. And by the way, the Akbil Pass can also be used for ferries.

My advise, don't sit inside, take the seats on the sides of the ferry especially if you want to take photos or feel the cool breeze of the ocean..... envigorating!

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'Mode': AROUND
Category: Train
Getting TO/AROUND: If you're into watching people, walking along Istiklal Caddesi is fun with all the people passing you by everyday, but not if you hate the rush. So if you need some comfort you can take the old tram wwhich runs from Taksim Square up to the tunnel that leads to Galata.

I took it twice but I nearly enjoy the walks. You can buy the pass at the man sitting on the station itself for 1YTL, but the stops are limited along the way so still you have to take few walks, but it's also fun riding an early 20th century tram.

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'Mode': AROUND
Category: Car/Motor Home
Getting TO/AROUND: The last on my list of transport options ..... it's the last not that I was victimized by a scambag driver, but because, personally it's my last option, if all else fail! I prefer public transport... they're cheaper and fun.

There are a lot of taxis around Istanbul, but before taking it for first-timers find out the ongoing average fares on your destinations. Check my "Tourist Trap" page. I've taken several honest taxi but stil lots of them are preying on tourists who are unaware of taxi fares. So be careful before it's too late and you don't have any choice anymore but to pay the fare on the meter.

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'Mode': TO
Category: Train
Getting TO/AROUND: The first time I went to Istanbul, I took the Havas Bus from the airport to the city which costs around 10YTL...juz bcuz my hotel is in Taksim area.

This time around (my hotel is in Sultanahmet) I took the cheapest yet very comfortable way --- the metro-tramvay combination that costs only a dollar or so. This is how it works:

We arrived at the Ataturk Airport very early in the morning so we have plenty of time before the check-in time at the hotel. So we decided to take the public transport.

Upon exiting from the main arrival gate of the airport, walk just a little follow the M (Metro) sign approx. 10 to 15 meters and you will see the escalator going down - either of the 2 exits the escalator is at the middle - just on the same side of the exit, you don't need to cross the road. Don't worry you wont miss that, that's where the people are smoking since smoking inside the airport terminal is totally prohibited.

Go down the escalator (underground) and walk past the supermarket to your right until the end and on your left side you will find the booth to buy your way to the Metro, insert the coin you purchased (or Akbil Pass - if you plan to stay longer in Istanbul, buy the Akbil pass, it's more convenient, ask the counter for more info) and get in the turntile, go down another escalator or stairs again to the train platform.

Here, there are two rails don't worry both are just the same train because the airport (Havalimani station) is the last stop if you're coming from the city to the airport. So take the metro train... until Zeytinburnu station - again, you won't miss this because you will hear the station names everytime it stops and the train route is just on the header of the train's main entrance, so if You're new to the city stay close to the map.

Get down at Zeytinburnu and walk just a couple of meters to the tramvay platform and take the next available tram that will take you to Sultanahmet. The tram is called Zeytinburnu - Besiktas or Kabatas tram. This tram will pass to almost all the places where tourists popularly stays - Aksaray - Laleli - Beyazit - Cemberlitas - Sultanahmet - Gulhane - Sirkeci - Eminonu......... EXCEPT for Taksim or the Beyoglu district as it is in another area.

continue reading the next.......

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'Mode': TO,AROUND
Category: Train
Getting TO/AROUND: I would say, the best option for transport from airport to Taksim is by Havas Airport Bus.... unless, you would opt for the long way of taking the same route as mentioned in the previous tip (Havalimani Metro to Tram Zeytinburnu-Kabatas).

Instead of getting down at Sultanahmet area, get to the end of the line - Kabatas - then take the funicular train from Kabatas, called "Kabatas - Taksim Funikuler" and you'll end up at Taksim.

Or if you're going to Beyoglu, get down at Karakoy tramvay station (this is still the same tramvay from Zeytinburnu that am talking about) and connect to the funicular train called Karakoy-Beyoglu Tunel.

Believe me, it's not really that hard, you'll be surprised that the public transport is easier done than being said or being described by people on several tips online. I was!

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