Tram T1 Istanbul route map. Tram in Istanbul. Public transport in Istanbul - metro, tram, taxi, funicular and even cable car Istanbul water transport

Friends, hello everyone!

Istanbul today is a huge anthill with a population already close to 15 million people, a good half of whom are simply forced to move from one part of the city to another almost every day.

For those who live in big cities and are familiar with the daily routine of “to and from work,” you should understand what we are talking about. Despite the very, very modern public transport system here, according to statistics, each average person spends 91 minutes on transport during the day.

And this, excuse me, wow Time is running out for personal self-development! 1.5 hours a day doesn’t mean running to the next stall for bread or driving to the market across the road. It takes more time than necessary.

Light metro and lines M1A and M1B

This is “our answer to Chamberlain” and a modern solution to the issue “How to get to Ataturk Airport from the center of Istanbul” in one bottle. It is this metro that I bet on when I close the issue of transfer from/to Ataturk Airport in the article.

The project started in 1989, and in 2002 this line reached the airport.

Why is M1 called the light metro? This is because it mostly has above-ground stations, unlike the traditional underground metro. At its core, it is no different from the T4 tram line, but has slightly different declared characteristics.

Branch M1 is split into 2 components: M1A And M1B . Look at the diagram (if it’s not very clear, then your eyes should run wide at the station Otogar ):

The more popular M1A branch comes from Ataturk Airport straight to the station Yenikapi. This knight's move, today in conjunction with the modern Marmaray project, solves the problem of reaching the country's most important airport from the Asian part of the city.

Branch M1A has 18 stations and has main transit crossings at the stops:

Merter– wholesale trade center. Transfer to metrobus.
Zeytinburnu– Big hub. Transfer to metrobus or tram T1(the best option) and buses in almost all directions in the European part of the city.
Otogar– Istanbul’s main bus station. Here it intersects with the second branch M1B.
Aksarai– former final. Intersection with a tram line T1(a worse option), as well as a lot of bus routes.
Yenikapi– the final station in a large seaport. You can change trains Marmaray, which under the Bosphorus will take you to the Asian part of the city and to ferries heading to Bursa or Yalova.

On par with the tram T1, light metro line M1A is of decisive importance for visiting travelers.

Attention! Be careful when departing towards the airport from any station before the two branches split (Otogar station) the final direction on the leading car should be Ataturk Havalimani, but not Kirazli .

Operates from 06:00 to 00:30. The movement interval is 3-10 minutes. Fare 5.00 lira or 2.60 Istanbulkart. More details about.

Underground metro – lines M2, M3, M4, M5 and M6

Following the appearance of the first metro line M1 in 1989, the next branch M2, this time fully underground, opened only in 2000. And its southern continuation reached the port Yenikapi only in 2013.

In general, I want to note that only over the last 3 years has Istanbul transport acquired its versatility. In general, the development of all transport as a whole, as a single system, happened literally before our eyes already in the 21st century. Before this, all transportation was carried out by buses and ferries. Can you imagine this traffic jam?

M2 metro line connects Yenikapı seaport , old town center Aksairai , center of the new city Taksim and northern areas of Istanbul, passing through the Golden Horn on a metro bridge.
Line M3 transports residents of residential areas to the intersection with the light metro line M1B. Probably none of the tourists have ever been here))
M4 metro line is located entirely on the Asian side of Istanbul and connects the piers and Kadikoy bus station with remote densely populated areas of the city.
Line M5 on the Asian side carries passengers away from the piers Üsküdar .
M6 short branch, soiled from the branch M2 at the station Levant .

Basic diagram of all lines:

Today, the Istanbul metro has about 70 stations and about 30 more are in the process of construction. There are several new branches in line: M7 - M13.

The average speed is 60 km/h, and the interval is from 3 to 10 minutes. Open from 06:00 to 00:30. Fare 5.00 lira or 2.60 Istanbulkart .

For a more up-to-date status of Istanbul metro stations today, visit the official website: www.metro.istanbul/en

Mainline trams

An interesting fact is that trams in Istanbul received their rebirth only in 1990, when a tourist route was launched along Istiklal Street. The people received the project with a bang and the future fate of the revival of the tram system was set on wheels.

From 1872 to 1912, trams in the city were horse-drawn. In 1912, they acquired electric motors and became the main means of transportation until 1966.

The reasons for the tram leaving the scene at that time were the increased traffic flow and the lack of traffic lanes dedicated specifically for them. For some time, trams were replaced by more low-speed trolleybuses , but this idea also had to be abandoned later. But just like in Buenos Ares and Tunisia, the authorities were forced to return trams to the stage.

So, today in Istanbul there are 2 main tram routes T1 and T4.

Tram T1

T1– the most popular public transport route for tourists. Firstly, it works in conjunction with the metro M1A in the diagram "get there from the airport" , and secondly, it passes through the most interesting places in the old city center right up to the final station Kabatash .

But tourists have something to do there too! Dolmbahce Palace, piers for pleasure boats and a funicular to Taksim Square and the adjacent Istiklal pedestrian street.

Driving route on the map T1 indicated by the blue line.

Tram T4

Tram T4 less popular among tourists, but vital for residents of the northern regions of the European part of the city. This is the only way, without traffic jams and literally in half an hour, they can get to the central areas of the city.

Tram T4 moves along a separate section of the road and, accordingly, traffic jams have no power over it. The route came to life only in 2007. It is also called the light metro because 11 of its 22 stations are underground.

The operating schedule is the same: From 06:00 to 00:00 every 2-5 minutes. In addition, trams have a separate dedicated lane, which clearly affects the advantages of their use, especially during rush hours. The payment is the same as in the metro: 5.00 lira and 2.60 lira by card.

On some diagrams you can find tram T2, which represents today's route T5 along Istiklal Street on official diagrams. I don’t know how legal it is to make such designations, but in fact, the T2 route merged with the T1 route and seemed to disappear from the scene.

Historical trams T3 and T5 (T2)

Historical tram T5 along Istiklal Street was put on rails in 1990 as an experiment. The success of this venture served as the “second arrival” of tram lines on the streets of Istanbul.

The route has only 5 stations and the tram runs on the line from 7.00 to 20.00. The movement interval is 30 minutes. You'd rather ride than get somewhere.

In addition to the entertainment load, the tram is a good help for those who want to loop the route using 2 funiculars. After all, the final stations Taksim And Tunel are also finite for funiculars F1 and F2 , which we will talk about a little later.

For some reason he was not on the route during our visit. Therefore, we walked the entire descent along the pedestrian street.

Movement tram T3 laid in the Asian part of the city and made in the shape of a ring. The 10-station route runs around the popular Moda shopping area in the Kadikoy part of the city.

The service schedule is every 10 minutes from 07.00 to 21.00. The payment is the same as everywhere else: 2.60/5.00 lira.

Funiculars in Istanbul

Funicular F1

In historical terms, it does not carry any burden. This is a modern route, opened in 2006, which connects the terminal station of the T1 tram - Kabatas And Taksim Square . About 600 meters of tracks and 75 meters of height difference. A few minutes and you are on the surface. Unfortunately, the movement is carried out in pitch darkness.

At Taksim Square you can change to metro line M2 or stroll down to the Galata district along the never-ending Istiklal Street.

At the entrance to the metro there is an electronic dial with the time until the next departure, so it’s always easy for you to determine whether it’s worth the effort “Manya, let’s run!” or you can calmly inspect the finishing of the walls and ceilings.

The movement interval is 5 minutes.

Funicular F2

But this rare trailer, which in the old days is simply called Tunnel , is the oldest representative of the underground metro in Europe.

Only its London counterpart is older, but this island state has nothing to do with Europe.

It began operating back in 1875 using horse traction until 1910, when the train was electrified. In 1971, the wooden upholstery was replaced with iron, in which it still flaunts to this day.

The length of the path is 580 meters, and the height difference is 60m. The trailer connects two areas Karakoy And Galata, as well as a tram station T1 Karakoy and metro lines M2 Sishane. Read more about the districts.

The movement interval is 5, 6, 7... minutes or a little more)) Payment is standard.

Cable car TF1 and TF2

A part of the Istanbul transport system that I have practically not explored. I only know that it operates on the same payment system, which is a big plus!

First row of booths TF1 takes altitude in the area Democracy Park , slightly higher than Dolmbahce Palace and the stadium of the Besiktas football team.

The length of the suspension is 333 meters (each) along which 2 six-seater cabins slide. The journey takes 3 minutes.

I have a suspicion that this is the work of the Hilton hotel chain, so as not to run to each other over the hill. On one side is the Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus hotel, and on the other is the Hilton Parksa Istanbul.

Second line TF2 was stretched in 2005 between the coast of the Golden Horn Bay and hill Pierre Lotti . There is a famous cafe and a cemetery on the hill. So your traveling companions can be both tourists and the funeral procession.

Italian designers Leitner Group managed to build here the most expensive cable car in Turkey for 5 million Euros.

It is worth noting that on both slopes where the cable cars are located, there are also pedestrian alternatives.

In custody

Friends, no matter how hard I tried to be short and concise, I failed to produce a moderately well-fed text. In connection with newly discovered circumstances, I am forced to announce that we will have to devote more time to wheeled transport and maritime communication.

I promise to cover in detail and clearly all the bright and dark sides of these types of communications, as well as highlight the details for tourists in terms of “What does that matter to us?” .

Istanbul is truly multifaceted, but not as confusing as it might seem at first glance. With proper preparation and mastery of equipment, your trip will go with a bang.

Happy everyday life and amazing weekend!

Istanbul is known for its traffic jams, so tourists visiting it, including us, prefer public transport, which will be discussed in this article. We will try to reflect all the nuances associated with travel in public transport in Istanbul, we will tell you about paying for travel using Istanbulkart, about the cost of tickets and tokens, about all the pros and cons that you can encounter in the metro, tram, taxi and other public transport in Istanbul.

Public transport in Istanbul

Istanbul has a very developed public transport network, it includes 4 metro lines, more than 500 bus routes, 2 high-speed tram lines and 2 regular ones, the Marmaray tunnel under the Bosphorus Strait, a whole network of water transport, a funicular and 2 cable cars.

Car rental prices in Istanbul

The photo below shows the updated public transport map of Istanbul.

Payment methods

There are several options for paying for public transport in Istanbul, we will look at each in detail, compare which one is more profitable and what is better to use when paying for travel on the metro, tram, ferry, and taxi.

The most common type of payment for travel on public transport is using Istanbulkart, but you can also pay with tokens, electronic tickets, and sometimes in cash.

Istanbulkart

Istanbulkart is a card, in the form of a credit card, which is used only in the city of Istanbul to pay for travel on the following types of public transport: metro, tram, buses, funicular, Marmaray tunnel, metrobus, all water transport. It can be purchased and used by anyone without presenting an identity document. For example, we bought one for two and used it in turn, the main thing was to make sure that it always had a positive balance.

The main issues that tourists visiting Istanbul face related to Istanbulkart:

- - Where to buy Istanbulkart?
  - How much does it cost to travel on Istanbulkart?
  - How and where to top up Istanbulkart?
  - How to use Istanbulkart?
  - Is it profitable to use Istanbulkart?

Buy Istanbulkart You can use special machines that are located throughout the city, as well as at train stations and airports in Istanbul. At Ataturk Airport these ATMs are located next to others, which are indicated by traffic signs. This card can also be purchased at special kiosks that will say Istanbulkart; they are mainly located in public transport areas. We bought at Kadikoy pier, since from Sabiha Gokcen airport we took the Havatas minibus, and it only accepts cash payments. The cost of the card itself is 10 liras, but this cost is a deposit and can be returned to the same place where you bought Istanbulkart or any other.

Travel on Istanbulkart costs 2.15 liras, but since in Istanbul you have to pay again for each transfer, it is profitable to do this using a card, since each subsequent trip costs not 2.15 liras, but less:

– 1 trip – 2.15 lira
— 1 transfer — 1.45 lira
— 2 transfers — 1.15 lira
— 3 transfers — 0.85 lira
— 4 transfers — 0.85 lira and so on.

You can find out more about the prices (though only in Turkish) on the official Istanbulkart website - http://www.iett.gov.tr

Top up Istanbulkart you can do it in several ways, using special machines or at any kiosk or store where there is a sign or it says Istanbulkart. We have replenished in different ways and have always been successful. To put money on a card using an ATM, you need to touch it to the device, insert bills (5 liras, 10 liras or 20 liras) into the receiver and wait until the ATM tells you that the procedure is completed and the balance of your card will be visible on the screen.

Use Istanbulkart It’s very simple, to do this, you just need to bring it to the turnstile in the metro, tram, funicular, or to a special reading device on buses, after which the fare amount will appear on the screen and the balance on the card and the red color on the screen will change to green.

The benefits of using Istanbulkart to pay for public transport in Istanbul are obvious, but for greater clarity let’s compare it with paying with tokens. For example, with one transfer, travel on the metro, when paying with tokens, will cost 8 liras (4 liras + 4 liras), and when paying with Istanbulkart - 3.6 liras (2.15 liras + 1.45 liras).

Tokens, etc.

You can also use tokens, electronic tickets and cash to pay for public transport in Istanbul. Tokens are sold in special machines and the cost of one token is 4 liras. Tokens can be used to pay for travel on any rail and water transport in Istanbul.

You can also purchase e-ticket, the cost of which depends on the number of trips. For example, a single trip costs the standard - 4 liras, for 2 trips - 7 liras, 3 - 10 liras, 10 - 30 liras.

In cash You can only pay in taxis and minibuses. Therefore, if you plan to get from the airport by taxi or Havatas minibus, it is better to already have some cash in Turkish lira, or change money at the airport.

Until recently, the Istanbul metro was not the most convenient public transport in the city, but after the construction of the Marmaray tunnel and the extension of several lines, the Istanbul metro was connected into a single high-speed rail transport system.

The photo below shows the updated Istanbul metro map.

There are 4 metro lines in Istanbul, which, for the convenience of passengers, each have their own specific color and easy-to-remember name, in the form of a serial number: red line (M1), green (M2), blue (M3) and pink (M4).

M1, M2 and M3, located on the European part of Istanbul, are interconnected, and with M4, which is located on the Asian part of Istanbul, they are connected by the Marmaray tunnel. Let's look at each metro line in more detail.

Red metro line (M1)

This is the most popular metro line among tourists and visitors to Istanbul, as it can be used to get from Ataturk Airport to almost anywhere in the city. And by transferring from the Zeytinburnu metro station to the T1 high-speed tram (which will be discussed later), you will find yourself in the historical center of Istanbul, the Sultanahmet district.

Green (M2) and blue (M3) metro lines

Non-tourist destinations, the M2 and M3 metro, are mainly used by local residents to get to the center from the residential areas of Istanbul.

Pink metro line (M4)

M4 is located on the Asian peninsula of Istanbul and connects the popular area of the city - Kadikoy with the residential areas of the Asian part.

The operating hours of the metro in Istanbul are from 6:00 to 24:00.

There are 4 tram lines in Istanbul. All lines differ in color on the map (blue, orange, light green and brown) and, like the metro, have simple numbering T1, T3, T4 and T2 (the historical red tram that moves along Istiklal Street).

All tram stops in Istanbul on Google map:

One of the most popular types of travel around Istanbul among tourists is the high-speed tram route T1, which passes through the Sultanahmet district, with the main attractions of the city. The length of the T1 tram line is 19 km; it takes more than an hour to travel from the starting to the final stop.

Using this line you can get to Ataturk Airport by changing to the metro (Aksaray or Zeytinburnu stop). The tram also goes to a popular area in Istanbul -.

Travel time T1 from 6:00 to 24:00.

The famous red tram in Istanbul (route T2)

Tram route T2 runs along the main street of Istanbul - . Red trams moving from Taksim Square to the Tunel stop have long become a symbol of the city. It's definitely worth a ride on it.

The historical tram (Nostaljik Tramvay) is a whole lot of fun on Istiklal Street. They stop in the middle of the street for drivers to talk to each other, children hang out outside for a ride.

You can ride the historical tram from 7:00 to 21:00.

Tram in Kadikoy - route T3

A small ring tram line of route T3 is located in. This tram is a great way to explore this area of Istanbul. In appearance, the trams in Kadikoy are somewhat reminiscent of those plying along Istiklal, only they are yellow.

Tram operating hours in Kadikoy are from 7:00 to 21:00.

The fourth tram line (T4) is not the most popular among tourists, but it significantly helps local residents of Istanbul’s residential areas get to the center and metro.

Operating hours are similar to route T1: 7:00 - 24:00.

We believe that taxis are also full-fledged public transport and Istanbul is no exception. However, due to huge traffic jams, taking a taxi can result in a long wait. But, if you still choose a taxi to get around Istanbul, you need to remember the following:

- - Official taxi drivers have yellow cars (as in most countries) and the inscription on the car is Taksi.
  - In Istanbul, you are allowed to stop or catch a taxi in any place you need.
  - Payment in a taxi is made strictly according to the meter and only in cash.
  - There are no night tariffs in Istanbul taxis; the tariff is the same at any time of the day.
  - In a taxi in Istanbul, just like in any other city, there is a human factor, so be careful and try not to fall for the bait of unscrupulous taxi drivers.

Taxi cost in Istanbul next: 3.25 liras per landing and 2 Turkish liras for each additional kilometer.

Buses in Istanbul

Buses in Istanbul are the most common form of public transport in the city. There are a lot of routes plying around Istanbul. There is no point in listing everything here, but there is an excellent Turkish Internet resource harita.iett.gov.tr, where you can get online bus routes around Istanbul.

But when choosing to travel around Istanbul by bus, keep in mind that sometimes it can take a long time, since traffic jams in the city are very common and buses stand in them for hours.

Metrobus or rapid bus

Also in Istanbul, the high-speed bus (metrobus) is very popular, all because this type of public transport is not afraid of traffic jams, since special lanes are allocated for metrobus traffic. To increase the speed of movement around the city, the metrobus also has an advantage when crossing city intersections. So, traveling by this type of transport is fast and very convenient.

There are also buses running around the city that provide excursions around Istanbul; on such a bus you can get to know this wonderful city in a few hours.

Water transport of Istanbul

Water transport in Istanbul is not only an exciting boat trip along the Bosphorus, but also a full-fledged form of public transport in the city, which transports thousands of people by water every day.

In the photo below you can see Istanbul's water transport links between the piers.

Or a ferry service between the Asian and European parts of Istanbul.

You can also get to the popular tourist area of the Asian part of Istanbul - Kadikoy.

Or get to the Princes' Islands, where you can relax on the beach and swim in the sea.

All piers from which public ferries operate can be seen on the Google map below:

We will also tell you a little about the water transport itself that exists in Istanbul.

Water transport is very popular in Istanbul; a ferry ride on the Bosphorus for city residents is not entertainment, but a daily action that citizens perform when moving to work in the morning and home in the evening. Another huge advantage of water transport is the absence of traffic jams.

There are the following types of water transport in Istanbul: ferries, vapours and sea buses.

Ferries

What is interesting about this type of transport is that it can transport not only people, but also cars, buses, etc. Ferries run both between city piers and go to cities neighboring Istanbul.

Vapurs

Vapurs are urban water transport that transports exclusively people between the city piers of Istanbul.

Istanbul Water Transport - Vapur

Traveling by public transport - a fascinating walk along the Bosphorus

Sea bus

The third type of water transport in Istanbul is the sea bus, which, unlike the Vapur, transports people not only between city piers, but also to neighboring cities.

Funicular and cable car in Istanbul

By using these types of public transport in Istanbul, you can not only get from point A to point B, but also have a wonderful time exploring the nearby nature and attractions.

The map below shows the funicular and cable car stops in Istanbul.

It runs from the Taksim stop to the Kabatas stop, and it is very convenient to use this type of urban public transport if, for example, you need to transfer from the red metro line (M1) to the light rail (T1) and vice versa.

Cable cars there are two in Istanbul. One of them is the most popular among tourists, as it can be used to get to the historical cafe “Pierre Lotti”, from the terrace of which a stunning view of the city opens. The stop is called Pierre Loti, and the other stop is Eyup pier.

Another branch of the cable car is less popular, but also deserves attention. This is Maska - Taskisla, which is located near the Besiktas district in Istanbul and passes over the Maska park of the same name.

It turned out to be a voluminous post, but we wanted to collect and tell you, in one article, all the detailed information about public transport in Istanbul. Well, in conclusion, remember, whether you travel by metro, tram, taxi, bus, funicular, sail on a ferry or even in the sky on a cable car, the main thing is that your journey is enjoyable.

Istanbul metro- this is the very first type of transport that you will encounter when arriving at Ataturk Airport, unless, of course, you decide to order a transfer to the hotel (see). Your second encounter with the Istanbul metro will happen when you go to the airport again on your way home. That's all! This is exactly what happens to 99% of tourists who come to Istanbul. This is also confirmed by the fact that on metro trains outside the route from/to the airport, meeting foreigners is very rare.

Metro station at Ataturk Airport. As you may have already guessed, the metro in Istanbul goes all the way to Ataturk Airport. It is very comfortable. You can get to the metro station either from the airport building itself (follow the signs from the arrivals area) or from the street.

Important! The metro to Istanbul's second Sabiha Gokcen Airport has not yet been built. It's inconvenient to get there. You need to go by public transport or. In general, Sabiha Gokcen Airport is quite inconvenient. However, we must pay tribute that, as a rule, they fly there very rarely. Keep this in mind when choosing your arrival airport (see).
Working hours Istanbul metro: from 06.00 am to 00.00.
Motion intervals trains change depending on the load. Normal mode: 7-10 minutes. During rush hours - up to 5 minutes of waiting.
Full scheme Istanbul metro can be downloaded. However, such a scheme is not very valuable. The most important metro stations for tourists - vitally important - only a few. These stations are marked in the diagram below and are described in detail at the end of the article.

Metro lines vary in color and have designations: M1, M2, M3, etc. Some metro lines in Istanbul have forks, that is, they bifurcate, and are then designated as follows: M1A, M1B.
Payment It is best to use a transport card (Istanbul Card) - it is much more economical. Read the cost and details here: Transport map. The card is purchased and topped up at terminals at metro stations. Payment occurs when passing through the turnstile, when you place your card on the reader. You can also travel with a single ticket, which is also sold in the terminal, but travel will be 1.5 times more expensive than with a card. This is very unprofitable.
Metro stops (stations) different: there are shallow underground ones, there are surface ones, vaguely reminiscent of platforms for high-speed trams.
In general, the metro in Istanbul is neat, at some stations you can see musicians. Most often I noticed them at stations closer to the historical center of the city.

Metro map available at every station and inside trains. On every train in the metro, the light board says which station it goes to. On the train, the announcer announces stations in Turkish. Sometimes what he says is not clear, so watch the signs at the stations where you are going.
Keep in mind! Some metro lines, as I already said, bifurcate, that is, they have forks. They are then designated by an additional letter: M1A or M1B. You need to use such lines like this: look at the final stop of the branch you need, and take the train that has this station written on it. The train will go in the right direction. You can also do this: get to the fork, get off there and wait for the train in the right direction.
Metro Tünel. Sometimes the metro in Istanbul includes an old line (opened in 1875), which is called the “tunnel”. In fact, this is one of the threads funicular. It does not have any particular practical significance for tourists, since it is located far from the main tourist routes. See more details. Funicular in Istanbul.

Metro Marmaray. This is also part of the metro, but it passes under the Bosphorus Strait. Depth of occurrence - 60 meters from the surface of the Bosphorus. Travel time under the strait: 4 minutes. To reach the main attractions is not particularly important. However It’s worth a ride because it’s a unique landmark of Istanbul - the metro runs under the Bosphorus Strait and is one of the deepest underwater tunnels in the world, and it also connects Europe and Asia. The most convenient way to ride the “underwater metro” is this. We take the tram to the Sirkeci stop. You can, however, take a walk – from Sirkeci it’s about 900 meters. You need to go down along the tram line. Next to the tram stop is the famous old Sirkeci railway station. There is also the entrance to Marmaray station, which is also called Sirkeci. We go down, pay for the fare with a transport card and drive under the Bosphorus Strait to the Uskudar station.

Link between metro and light rail

The metro itself in Istanbul would not be of particular importance if it were not connected by transfer stations with other modes of transport. The point is that, for example, it is impossible to get from Ataturk Airport to the city center by metro alone. This can only be done by transferring to a high-speed tram. However, don't be alarmed - it doesn't cause problems., because in this direction the metro and tram are very harmoniously connected. In fact, not everyone even immediately understands that they are traveling on a different type of transport.

Actually light rail lines are an extension of the metro. There are two types of transfers between the metro and tram.

Short transfer- the most convenient. You get to the desired station, get off the metro train, follow the signs to the tram line, go through the turnstile, paying for the passage with a transport card. That's all! You are already on the tram line. Everything is organized as if you are moving from one metro line to another, only at the same time you pay for the change. (By the way, payment for transfers is at a discount!). Thus, for example, a transfer was organized at Zeytinburnu station. This transfer station is useful to us because through it we will travel from Ataturk Airport to the hotel to the Sultanahmet area (historical city center).

Long transfer– not very convenient, but overall also uncomplicated. Its essence is that you completely leave the metro station and find yourself on a city street. Now you need to walk down the street to the light rail station. Enter the high-speed tram platform through the turnstile and present your card. The pass will also be counted at a discount. This transfer is called long because sometimes you have to walk quite far along the street. For example, the distance between Aksaray metro station and Yusufpaşa light rail station is about 350 meters. This transfer connection is interesting to us if we are traveling from the main bus station of Istanbul (Otogar) to the hotel to the Sultanahmet area (historical city center). You need to understand that you need to allow more time for such a transfer when planning your route, because you not only need to get to the place, but also figure out where exactly to go.

By the way! The Istanbul metro is connected not only with the high-speed tram, but also with the metrobus. This is something like a high-speed bus that moves along a special dedicated lane, bypassing city traffic jams. However, this type of transport is largely useless for tourists; it is important for city residents who travel from residential areas. Most often you will use by light rail, metro and ferries.

Important metro routes in Istanbul for tourists

Most metro routes are of absolutely no interest to tourists because they lead to residential areas of Istanbul. There are only two important routes.

Ataturk Airport – Istanbul Historical Center. This route is the most popular, as tourists get from Ataturk Airport (Ataturk Havalimani station) to Sultanahmet station.

At Ataturk Airport we go to the metro station Ataturk Havalimani(Ataturk Havalimani). This is a metro line M1A. Let's go to the metro station Zeytinburnu(Zeytinburnu). We get out of the car and transfer to a high-speed tram, the station of which is also called Zeytinburnu(Zeytinburnu). This tram line T1. Next we go to the tram stop Sultanahmet(Sultanahmet).

Bus Station – Istanbul Historical Center. This route is useful if you came to Istanbul by bus, or if you plan to travel further around the country after visiting Istanbul, for example, to.

At the main bus station of the city we go to the metro station Otogar(Otogar). This is a metro line M1A. Let's go to the metro station Aksaray(Aksaray). We leave the metro station onto the street. Next, at the traffic light we cross Adnan Menderes Vatan Blvd. There will be a park on the other side. Go around the park on the right and exit onto Murat Pasha Sok street. Follow this street until it intersects with Turgut Ozal Millet Cad. There will be a light rail stop right at the intersection of these streets. Yusufpasha(Yusufpaşa). Transfer time (if you know how to go) is 5 minutes. If you are going for the first time, then allow another 15 minutes to “figure out how to go.” The distance you need to walk along the street is about 350 meters. Now we take the high-speed tram and go to the stop Sultanahmet(Sultanahmet).

Important metro stations for tourists

Ataturk Havalimani(Ataturk Havalimani) – here is the main airport of Istanbul, named after Ataturk.
Otogar(Otogar) – here is the main bus station of Istanbul, which is called Otogar. From here you can go travel around the country, for example, or to the center of the country in.
Aksaray(Aksaray) – This metro station in Istanbul has a transfer to the Yusufpaşa light rail station. Useful when we travel from the historical center to the main bus station of the city.
Zeytinburnu(Zeytinburnu) – this metro station has a transfer to the light rail station, which is also called Zeytinburnu. Useful when we travel from Ataturk Airport to the hotel in the historical city center in the Sultanahmet area.

A little more about rail Istanbul in early November - tram, a little metro and similar transport.
A tram (in the form of a horse-drawn car) appeared in Istanbul in 1872, and in 1912 an electric tram was launched. It reached its peak in 1956, when there were 56 tram routes in the city. But by 1966, the tram network was closed - the increase in the number of cars and the old rolling stock, small and slow cars had an impact. There was an attempt to replace trams with trolleybuses, but it was not successful and trolleybuses also died out.
But in the early nineties, the tram returned to the city streets again. In 1990, the historical line along Istiklal Street was launched, in 1992 - the modern line T1 (European side), in 2003 the historical line was launched on the Asian side, and in 2007 - another modern line T4 (again, the European side).
Currently there are three lines (two modern, one historical) on the European side and one line (historical) on the Asian side.
An Istanbulkart card is used to pay for trips, so there is no need to think about tokens or tickets. One trip costs approximately two liras, there are no free transfers, but within two hours of the first trip, transfers are discounted. Although a nostalgic person can buy a token for 3 lira.

Tram route T1 (late 20th century) against the backdrop of the Theodosian Walls (early 5th century).
At Zeytinburnu station, change from the metro (tracks on the right) to the tram (tracks in the center).
Tram in the old town. One tram lane is physically separated, while the other allows cars to travel. But here the street narrows and cars are no longer allowed to stop.
Tram in the old town. The street is only for the tram (well, and all sorts of taxis, police, etc.)
Eminonu stop for tram T1.
Topkapi stop on tram line T1, underground. Here is the exit, on the opposite side is the entrance.
Tram line T4 at the Topkapi stop. The rolling stock is very different from T1 and very similar to that used on the M1 metro line.
Inside the T4 tram.
At the Edirnekapi stop on the T4 line.
The cars are high-floor, so all stops are equipped with platforms.
Edirnekapi stop from the transition between platforms. Then they attacked me shouting “no photo”.
The tunnel is an underground funicular built in 1875. The entrance to the Tunnel is on the first floor of an ordinary house.
Cash desk and turnstiles.
Tunnel trailer. 139 years, and in January 2015 - all 140.
Passenger boarding. The current cars have been operating on the line since 1971.
The carriage went upstairs. The length of the path is 573 meters. Strictly speaking, the Tunnel is not now a rail transport; the cars are on ordinary pneumatic tires. And the rails were left for old times' sake.
Lower station tunnel portal. On the stands there is an exhibition of historical photographs of trams.
Exit from the carriage is made to the opposite platform.
Inside the carriage.
At the top station. It is located 60 meters above the lower one. Here the tiles are green, and tourists take pictures with the carriage.
The original Tunel rail car is on display at the Rahmi M. Koc Polytechnic Museum.
Inside the carriage.
Tram of the historical line T5, Taksim-Tunel.
The route runs along the pedestrian Istiklal Street. The line itself was launched only in 1990, but the trams are original, which ran until the sixties.
In the evening, the tram's illumination is more visible. There are usually two trams on the route; they were built in the tens and twenties of the twentieth century, and restored in the eighties.
The exit from the Tunnel is located near the dead end of the historic tram line.
The stop itself is a little further.
The tram passes the stop slightly.
And he turns around on the spot, throwing the pantograph.
Inside the tram.
The second terminus is at Taksim Square.
There is a turning ring here.
And not far from the square there is a depot with two stalls.
Tram of the historical line T3 (Asian side). 20 is the number of the old route, with which the current one partially coincides. It goes in a circle, the length of the route is about three kilometers. Unlike its European counterpart, it walks on public roads, so it gets stuck in traffic jams along with everyone else. The rolling stock is used German trams from the sixties. Pictured is a Gotha T57 made in the GDR.
The original tram that ran on the T3 line. Built in 1934, it is on display at the Rahmi M. Koc Polytechnic Museum.
The top station of the second line of the underground funicular (Taksim-Kabatas).
The line opened in 2006, so the rolling stock is modern.
Inside the carriage.
At the bottom station. The length of the path here is slightly longer than that of the Tunel - 593 meters, but the difference in heights is about the same, about 60 meters.

The Istanbul metro appeared in 1989, with the launch of the M1 line. There are now four metro lines, M1-M3 on the European side and M4 on the Asian side. Line M1 - serves Ataturk Airport and the western regions, line M2 goes to the northern regions of the European part, M3 - several stations in the west of the city (connected to one of the M1 lines), M4 - Asian, goes east from the ferry pier in the area of Haydarpasa station.
Until recently, there was no connection between them, only stations M1 and M2 were nearby. But in early November, the M1 line was extended to Yenikapı station, where it became possible to transfer to the M2 line and the Marmaray city train, from which it is already possible to transfer to the M4.

Subway sign with the name of the station (Taksim).
On the M1 metro train (light metro, goes to the airport). I didn’t photograph this train from the outside, but it looks about the same as the trains on the T4 tram line.
Metro train line M4 (Asian) at Ayrilik Cesmesi station. In the post about it, I wrote that the stations there are designed for 10 cars, but the trains are five-car. The metro is similar, only there are 8 and 4 cars. And the stopping place of the four-car train is also marked.
The arrival board at the metro (line M2), in addition to the time, shows how many cars will be on the train.
Line M4, Kadikoy station. Only one track is used, and trains are parked on the second. The “third rail” is visible above the train.
The panel at Kadikoy Station describes nearby points of interest - Haydarpasa Station, Maiden Tower and Ferry pier.
Metro bridge across the Golden Horn Bay and the Haliç station of the M2 line on it.
Subway train on the bridge.
Halic metro station on the M2 line on the bridge.
On the sides of the bridge, below the metro tracks, there are pedestrian paths.
Metro bridge at night. The car lights up in blue behind.
Scheme of Istanbul transport lines (clicking will open the full version in a new window, 3677×2035, 1.2mb)

Istanbul's first tram system existed from 1871 to 1966. Then the tram began to be replaced by a trolleybus, and then by a bus - all in the name of combating traffic jams and an outdated mode of transport compared to cars. If you remove the dates and the name of the city, then almost every city in Europe or America will fit this description - the ends of the world are different, but the rake is the same. The same can be said about Moscow, Voronezh and other Russian cities that have been engaged in tram pogrom for the last half century.

Unlike Russian cities, Istanbul managed to go through the dark path of a bright automobile future and returned the tram in 1990. From that moment on, a new transport history of the city and a renaissance of rail transport on the streets of Istanbul began. And again, this fits into the global trend - cities are returning trams en masse around the world. The reason is simple: the tram is cheaper than the metro, but allows you to quickly transport many people.

A shallow metro costs 8-10 billion rubles per km and 15-20 billion for a deep one. A tram costs from 0.5 to 2 billion per km, although in the case of the Moscow Biryulev, 2 billion came together with the depot and long overpasses. At the same time, the carrying capacity of the tram can be enormous, comparable to the metro, and it will cost tens of times less.

Yesterday and today

The first tram to return to the main pedestrian street of Istanbul was in 1990, but this is a historical tourist tram with a single-track line of 1.6 km:

It turned out to be a good attraction and a symbol of the city. Even the stalls are stylized after it, and along the street there are establishments with a tram on their logo:

We are more interested in a full-fledged tram, which can be oriented towards when the tram returns to Tverskaya, Nevsky or Kirov.
The T1 line in Istanbul was opened in 1992 and originally connected Sirkeci and Topkapi. Then there were extensions in 1994, 1996, 2005 and 2012. In 2005, the tram began crossing the Golden Horn Bay again for the first time in 44 years, and in 2012 the two lines were merged into one.

Today the line is 14 km long and has twenty-four stops. The entire line takes 42 minutes. The line carries 155,000 passengers every day. During rush hours, intervals reach 1 minute or less.

Platforms

The system was not only extended during the life of the new tram, but also rebuilt - the tram platforms were redone during the purchase of new low-floor trams from Bombardier in 2004. Entrance to the platforms is made through turnstiles:

It is worth recalling here that in Istanbul ground transport the driver checks the fare and the e-wallet tariff works. With large flows of people, the driver will not be physically able to stand at each door and check payment, and the temptation to sneak through is too great. Conductors are too expensive and ineffective, so this practice is not widespread in the world. That’s why they installed turnstiles at bus stops and guards next to them.

However, it is possible to sneak onto the platform as a hare, despite the fences and guards. Verified.

Accordingly, rare ticket machines should be looked for not on the platforms, but somewhere nearby:

If there were controllers in Istanbul, there would be no need for turnstiles. Therefore, in Germany or the Czech Republic (even in the metro) there is simply no need for them when residents have an unlimited ticket for a year or more.

The platforms themselves are no-frills, but fully accessible for people with limited mobility, with canopies and tram navigation.

The metro and tram have the same operator:

The system with stops is designed to couple two long trams, so there are fences in the middle to prevent people from running between the trams:

The trams themselves

Trams are low-floor push-pull. Since the revolving circles had already been built up or the purchase of land for them is expensive, we had to reduce the number of seats and make cabins in front and behind. We also had to make doors on both sides - the convenience of the tram for long trips is reduced due to the reduction in seating, but this is the price for the quick decisions of our ancestors.

Passengers love transparent partitions, but tram drivers hate them

At busy stops, the tram can open doors from both sides at once, if the platforms allow:

Wide doors also speed up boarding and disembarking - this increases the average speed and saves passengers time:

A junction station where the tram can stop if the schedule is disrupted - there is an additional path for this. You can also release people on both sides here:

The advantage of double-headed trams is that you can turn around right on the main tracks, you only need arrows:

Motion priority

The tram has priority along the entire route. Most often this is a physical fence:

If the lane for cars does not fit, then traffic is closed and a brick with a camera is broadcast:

They don’t use physical bollards, but Lyra is also a good incentive not to violate. The result is good tram-pedestrian streets with access for emergency vehicles:

The beloved lawn on the tracks is not there, but there is an imitation of tiles:

At traffic lights, the tram also has priority - sensors recognize the approach of cars and turn on green:

What about us, Billy?

A modern tram is not so much carriages as it is an approach to transport. You need to work a lot on isolation, priority, schedule, convenience, safety and a bunch of other things to get a reliable modern tram. We need investment and an understanding that public transport does not make a profit, but generates a public benefit - it pays off by reducing traffic jams, improving the environment and improving the quality of the urban environment. In our country they don’t understand this, they don’t know how to do it, and most often they don’t even want to learn. Therefore, the drivers of the new Moscow trams move the switches with a crowbar, federal regulations are half a century out of date, passengers step right under the wheels of the cars, and officials consider the tram as a place for widening the road and building a depot. Soon we will all have to learn how to make a tram again.