🚊 Tram in Istanbul (Tram Istanbul)

The tram is an excellent way to move between historic sights and busy districts without traffic. It’s budget-friendly with the Istanbulkart, and the T1 line is the most useful for visitors.

🗺️ Key Lines

• T1 (Bağcılar ⇄ Kabataş) — Passes the top landmarks:
  Sultanahmet, Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar, Eminönü, Sirkeci, ending at Kabataş for ferries and the funicular to Taksim.
• T5 (Eminönü ⇄ Alibeyköy) — A newer line along the Golden Horn; handy for reaching Balat and colorful neighborhoods.
• T3 (Kadıköy ⇄ Moda) — A heritage circular tram on the Asian side (a pleasant loop among cafés and shops).
• T4 (Topkapı ⇄ Mescid-i Selam) — Serves the northwest; less touristy but useful for residents.

💳 How to Use

1. Buy an Istanbulkart from station machines/kiosks.
2. Top up the card with cash at the loading machines (balance updates instantly).
3. Tap your card at the gate to enter/transfer. Transfers within 120 minutes are usually discounted.

🔁 Transfers & Connections

• Kabataş: Connect to the funicular for Taksim and to ferries.
• Eminönü / Sirkeci: Ferries to the Asian side and the Marmaray line.
• Sultanahmet: Closest stop for Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace.

🌐 Useful Links

• Official tram status: metro.istanbul
• Network map (Metro + Tram): Istanbul Network Map
• Istanbulkart (buy/top-up): istanbulkart.istanbul
• Helpful apps: Citymapper, Moovit

💡 Quick Tips

• Avoid peak hours (08:00–09:30 & 17:00–19:00) if possible.
• Strollers: use the middle doors; you may need to fold during rush hour.
• Watch the entry/exit gates at busy stops like Sultanahmet.
• Keep your Istanbulkart—it also works on trams, metro, buses, ferries.