Public Transportation in İstanbul

I've been in İstanbul for about 6 years and I've been using public transportation as a part of my job. So I can say that I have pretty much experience how to use the buses, subway etc.

Unlike the developed countries, subway remained limited in Turkey, it means you cannot go everywhere by using the subway. Following map shows possible transportation ways, for instance lines begin with M are the subway lines and T's are the tramway lines.

Most of the touristic places (such as Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, Grand Bazaar) are located around M2 (Taksim, Şişhane) and T1 (Karaköy, Eminönü, Gülhane, Sultanahmet, Çemberlitaş, Beyazıt) lines.

In order to get to the Anatolian side, you have to take the ferry from Eminönü to Kadıköy, from Karaköy to Kadıköy, from Kabataş to Kadıköy or from Beşiktaş to Kadıköy. Kadıköy is like the center of the Anatolian side.

If you'd like to visit the Prince Islands, you have to take the ferry from Kabataş or Kadıköy, with a 1,5 hour of journey.

There is also a bus system called metrobus which is not a subway. These buses go along the highway on a different path, so that you will not be disturbed by the traffic jam. Apart from that, there are also lots of bus lines which will take you to the corners of İstanbul. 

To be able to travel with buses, subway, tram, metrobus in İstanbul, you need to have "Akbil" which is a small electronic device (smart ticket). The refundable deposit is 6 Turkish Lira for it. Or you may buy one-time-pass cards to take the transportation.

Good luck on your trip, and feel free to ask any questions!!!