Public Transport in Turkey: Metro, Buses, Taxis, Cards
Guide to public transport in Turkey: metro systems, buses, taxis, fares and the transit cards used in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir and other cities.
A Modern and Efficient Transport Network
Especially in its big cities, Turkey has an advanced and extensive public transport system. From modern metros to an efficient bus network, all of it has made travel in this country easy.
1. 🚇 Metro Systems in Big Cities
| City | Metro lines | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Istanbul | 11 lines | Connects two continents |
| Ankara | 5 lines | Covers the whole city |
| Izmir | 1 line | Under development |
💡 Tip: Istanbul's metro is the only metro line in the world that connects two continents.
2. 🚌 City and Intercity Buses
| Type | Companies | Features |
|---|---|---|
| City | İETT, EGO | Transit card |
| Intercity | Metro, Kâmil Koç | Excellent facilities |
| Minibus | Dolmuş | Fixed routes |
3. 🚕 Taxis and Ride-Hailing
| Type | Starting fare | Fare per kilometer |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow taxi | 15 TL | 12 TL |
| Car taxi | 20 TL | 15 TL |
| Uber | 18 TL | 13 TL |
4. 💳 Transit Cards
| City | Card name | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Istanbul | Istanbulkart | 50 TL (rechargeable) |
| Ankara | Ankarakart | 30 TL (rechargeable) |
| Izmir | İzmirimkart | 40 TL (rechargeable) |
5. 🚊 Other Means of Transport
- Trams in Istanbul and Ankara
- Funiculars in Istanbul
- Suburban train (Marmaray)
- Public ferries (Vapur)
6. 💰 Transport Costs (2025)
| Mode | Cost per trip | Monthly pass |
|---|---|---|
| Metro | 15-20 TL | 600-800 TL |
| Bus | 12-18 TL | 500-700 TL |
| Taxi | 15 TL starting fare | – |
| Dolmuş | 10-15 TL | – |
7. ❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Istanbulkart work in other cities?
Answer: No, each city has its own card.
What are the metro operating hours?
Answer: 6 a.m. to 12 midnight (until 1 a.m. on some lines)
How safe is public transport?
Answer: Very safe, but keep an eye on your belongings
Are there discounts for students?
Answer: Yes, with a Turkish student card
✅ Conclusion: Easy and Affordable Transport
Especially in big cities, Turkey's public transport system is modern, efficient and affordable, and it makes life in this country easy for residents and tourists alike.