Connecting Neighborhoods
The bus system in Istanbul is quite large, linking almost every part of the city. Transportation by bus is a convenient and inexpensive way to get around Istanbul, whether you’re headed from the ancient Sultanahmet to the lively Taksim Square or the gorgeous Bosphorus shoreline to the shops and restaurants of Levent.
Your Ticket to Ride
Istanbulkart, a digital ticketing system, has made taking the bus a far less complicated process for travelers. This contactless card is valid on all modes of public transit in Istanbul, including buses, trams, ferries, and metros. The cost of a regular bus journey is a fair ₺15, but passengers on double-decker buses must be prepared to pay about double.
Modern and Accessible Fleet
The modern, yellow fleet of Istanbul’s bus service was built with the comfort of its riders in mind, with features like air conditioning and power outlets.
Furthermore, Istanbul has made great advances in ensuring accessibility for everybody, with buses that cater to those with disabilities. Everyone should be able to experience the independence and convenience that public transit offers, so amenities like ramps and specialized seating are provided.
Real-time Tracking
The city has taken its embrace of technology even further by releasing an official app for public transportation named Otobüsüm Nerede. The app’s useful features, such as bus location tracking, route visualization, and timetable access, provide an array of information within easy reach.
Google Maps also offers an estimated time of arrival for the buses, which has an accuracy of +/- 5 minutes.
Cover photo (retouched) by Selim B. Demir