Travel and Explore Istanbul by Train

Tour Istanbul by Train

T1 – Kabataş-Bağcılar Tramway Line

T1 – Kabataş-Bağcılar.

This is probably the most important line. This air-conditioned tramway basically connects Sultanahmet with Beyoğlu and Taksim (by funicular). This line has many stops of interest to tourist:

First train: 06:00
Last train: 00:00
Frequency: every two minutes during rush hour

• Beyazit — Grand Bazaar, Süleymaniye Mosque
• Sultanahmet — Topkapi Palace, Haghia Sofia, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, etc.
• Sirkeci — train station
• Eminönü — Spice Bazaar, ferry docks
• Karakoy — connection to Tünel (T), which brings you to the end of Istiklal Caddesi
• Tophane — Witt Istanbul Hotel (walk up the hill), Istanbul Modern, water pipe (nargile) establishments, cruise ship docks
• Kabataş — connection to Taksim via funicular (F1), fast ferry or sea bus docks to the Princes’ Islands and Kadıköy, 5 min. walk to Dolmabahçe Palace

*By stopping at Sultanahmet you can walk to most of famous place already.

T – Karaköy-Tünel Funicular

T – Karaköy-Tünel.

This is actually the third oldest passenger underground railway system in the world. The look of the trains still reflects this. 

This funicular takes you in 90 seconds 573 meters uphill to Tünel, at the end of Istiklal Caddesi. From there you can easily reach Galata by walking downhill or have a stroll on Istiklal Caddesi. Alternatively, you could take the nostalgic tramway (NT) until Taksim Square.

First train: 07:00
Last train: 21:00
Frequency: every two minutes

F1 – Taksim-Kabataş Funicular

F1 – Taksim-Kabataş.

In June 2006 this long anticipated connection between Kabataş and Taksim was taken in use. This modern air conditioned funicular ride takes only 2,5 minutes. 

First train: 06:15

Last train: 00:00
Frequency: every three minutes during rush hour

From Kabataş you can walk to Dolmahbaçe Palace, take the fast ferry boats to Kadıköy or the Princes’ Islands, and connect to the T1 tramway line to Eminönü, Sultanahmet, Grand Bazaar, etc.

M2 – Şişhane-Hacıosman Metro Line

M2 – Şişhane-Hacıosman.

This line, the first real metro Istanbul had, consists of 12 stops over a 17 kilometer stretch. The metro, daily taken by about 250.000 people, is very safe and clean. 

First train: 06:15
Last train: 00:00
Frequency: every four minutes during rush hour

The most important stops for tourists are:

• Taksim — the place itself, Cihangir, Galata, Witt Istanbul Hotel (walk down the hill), connection to Kabataş via funicular (F1) and Eminönü/Sultanahmet via tramway (T1)
• Osmanbey — a small walk to Nişantaşı, a fashionable shopping area with lots of nice cafés and restaurants
• Levent — shopping centers such as Metrocity, Kanyon, and Akmerkez (additional walk or short taxi ride required)
• İTÜ Ayazağa — İstinye Park shopping center (additional walk or short taxi ride required)

Click here for Istanbul network map