Transportation in Istanbul
AIRPORTS
Istanbul has two airports, the major Ataturk International Airport located in European side of the city, 23km (14 miles ) west of the city center, reachable by metro; and Sabiha Gokcen Airport on the east side of the city, Asian side. Taxis and public transport serve both airports, but a private transfer is a better way to go for some travellers.
Taxis: They are a lot of taxis in Istanbul, Turks use it a lot and you can catch one very easily. Taxis are yellow and you can see the word "Taksi" written on it, which means “taxi” inTurkish. Use alwaysyour hotel service to call a taxi and if you are somewhere in the city, go to a 5 star hotel and ask for a taxi, they will help you.Taxis in Turkey are much cheaper than in Europe, and it is a way of transportation in Istanbul.
Walking: It is pleasure to walk in Sultan Ahmet, where you can appreciate the beauties of the Blue Mosque, Saint Sophia and hippodrome, you can also visit Topkapi Palace and the Underground Cistern.Another place to walk would be the street of Beyoglu and you will get to the most central and commercial area of Istanbul. You can make beautiful walks from the region of Bebek towards Arnavutkoy or Sariyer.
Bus: IETT city buses, tend to be slow and crowded, especially during the city's morning and evening commuter rushes. Use the Istanbulkart transit pass for city buses. Besides the IETT buses operated by the city government, Istanbul has private buses owned and operated by private individuals and companies in accordance with city regulations. These buses run on some of the busier routes, charging the same fares as municipal buses, but may allow you to pay your fare with Istanbulkart transit pass.
Ferryboat: Ferryboats are most enjoyable way to travel in Istanbul between the continenents.
Funikuler: runs between Kabataş on the European shore of the Bosphorus, south of Dolmabahçe Palace, and Taksim Square, the busy center of Beyoğlu.
Metro: Two lines of Istanbul's Metro system are in operation. The most useful for foreign visitors is the light-rail line connecting Atatürk Airport and Aksaray Square via Istanbul's mammoth Otogar (intercity bus station), at which you can board a bus to any part of Turkey or to virtually any country within 1000 miles (1600 km) of Istanbul. Change from the Metro to the tram at Zeytinburnu to reach Old Istanbul and Sultanahmet Square. Also, a standard-gauge Metro line goes north from Şişhane (Tünel Square) and Taksim Square to the northern commercial and financial districts.