Getting around — Istanbul Marmara

Istanbul requires careful transport organisation to avoid the traffic trap — one of the world's most congested cities, where a 5 km taxi ride can take 1h30 at peak hours.

In Sultanahmet and the historic peninsula, everything is on foot. Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi, Hippodrome, Basilica Cistern, Archaeological Museum are within an 800 m radius. The Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar are 15 minutes' walk from Hagia Sophia.

The T1 tram (Bağcılar-Kabataş via Sultanahmet, Eminönü, Karaköy) is the essential line to connect the historic peninsula to Beyoğlu via Galata Bridge. Frequency 5-10 min, ticket 20 TRY (€0.60), 30 min for Sultanahmet-Kabataş. Beware of very active pickpockets at peak hours.

The Istanbul metro (10 lines, in constant expansion) covers the main axes. The M2 line (Hacıosman-Yenikapı via Taksim, Şişli) is the most useful for tourists: it connects Taksim, Beyoğlu, Şişli to the centre. The M1A line goes from Istanbul Airport (IST) to Kazlıçeşme. A dedicated M11 line (Istanbul Havalimanı-Gayrettepe) connects the airport to the centre since 2023 (45 min, €11). For Sabiha Gökçen (SAW), Havabus shuttle to Taksim (1h-1h30, €6).

The ferries (vapur) are an experience in themselves and an essential daily means of transport. Eminönü-Kadıköy in 20 min (€1), Eminönü-Üsküdar in 15 min, Kabataş-Princes' Islands in 1h15 (€5). Magnificent view of the Bosphorus from the upper deck — take a çay on board for the complete experience.

Istanbul's taxis (yellow) have a mixed reputation — detours, refusal to use the meter, fraudulent change. Systematically use the BiTaksi app (local Uber equivalent) which guarantees the official meter and traceability. For airport transfers: official taxi or BiTaksi 600-900 TRY (€18-27) to Sultanahmet from IST.

Get the rechargeable İstanbulkart on arrival (machines at metro and tram stations, 15 TRY for the empty card + recharge). It simplifies all transport (metro, tram, bus, ferry, funicular, Marmaray) with fares lower than contactless payment. A metro ride with İstanbulkart costs 17 TRY (€0.50) vs 25 TRY at the ticket counter.

Car rental is strongly discouraged in Istanbul. Infernal traffic, very aggressive driving, almost impossible and expensive parking in the historic centre. A car only makes sense for excursions outside the city (Black Sea coast, Bursa, Gallipoli) — then rent a vehicle for one day only.