Istanbul is a thriving business hub and one of the world's most visited cities. It follows that the city's bustling bustle and traffic are normal. Getting around Istanbul can be a hassle. A quick scroll through any expat forum in the city will give you an impression that Istanbul is in a continuous gridlock and all the commute times suggested by Google Maps should be multiplied by two. But while the city's busy traffic and crowded buses may take some getting used to, navigating Istanbul effectively is mostly about experience. Here's a quick guide to get you started.
Public transport in Istanbul
Istanbul is not one of the easiest cities when it comes to traffic, especially in peak hours.
The worst traffic jams typically happen in standard busy hours: from 7:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Around 4pm, evening traffic starts to build up, but it usually passes by 10pm.
Because of the busy roads, most commuters find public transport to be a more practical option. This is especially true when timing is crucial and you don't have a way to work in traffic related delays into your schedule.
If you are set to avoid the long travel times in the city, living in a central location such as Beşiktaş, Taksim, or Şişli can greatly cut down on commute.
By far, the quickest and most effective way of getting around the city is the metro system, which provides a break from the busy streets of the city. Although buses are an option, they are sometimes packed and may not offer the most comfortable ride. With that, using the public transport in the city is generally safe with a high security guard presence. Still, small crimes such as pickpocketing and theft may happen — so it's essential to keep an eye out for suspicious activity around you and watch your belongings.
If you live and work on the opposite sides of the Bosphorus, things can get a bit more complicated. Luckily, the Metrobüs offers a reliable solution.
Additionally, the recently launched Marmaray, a tube system connecting these two continents, is another convenient option for making the journey.
Regarding fares, the IETT website is an excellent resource for checking out various card options and hunting for discounted rates. While regular fares are common, savvy commuters often seek out these discounts for daily savings.
Carpooling and driving in Istanbul
Although it's not common in Istanbul, carpooling is becoming more and more popular. While these agreements are typically informal among close friends rather than through formal carpooling networks, some coworkers from the same firm find mutual convenience in sharing trips.
If you're considering driving to get around the city, consider planning your journey around less crowded hours. For example, leaving the office before 5pm can be really helpful.
Taxis in Istanbul
Istanbul's taxi services offer a convenient way to navigate the city, especially during the times when public transportation might not be the best fit for your needs.
However, using taxis in Istanbul comes with its own set of considerations, especially during rush hours.
Good to know:
Taxi drivers in Istanbul are known for “having an attitude” and may often refuse to take you to our destination if they consider it to be out of their way or too congested. While this practice is illegal, it remains quite common across the city. Make sure to take related delays into account, especially if you are going to the parts of the cit that often experience high traffic.
In Istanbul and other big cities in Türkiye, smartphone apps have become increasingly popular. They are a handy, and often a more effective alternative to hailing a cab.
These three taxi apps are the most popular:
- BiTaksi: This is the most popular taxi app in Türkiye that works in most cities across the country, and even some smaller towns in Western Türkiye. If you plan to travel around the country and will be using taxis to get around areas outside Istanbul, BiTaksi is a must-have.
- Uber: Uber did have a number of legal challenges after launching in Türkiye but the app continues to operate inIstanbul. The main advantage of using Uber is the familiar interface.
- iTaksi: iTaksi is officially endorsed by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality. It's the official city taxi app and is available in English.
During peak traffic hours, finding a taxi in Istanbul can be a challenge, even when using one of the apps above. The demand for taxis skyrockets, especially in business districts and central areas, leading to very long wait times. During rush hours, it's wise to book your taxi in advance through one of the apps or make an arrangement with a taxi driver the day before.
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