Buses and Trams

T1 Tram (Kabatas to Bagcilar)

The T1 tram line is one of Istanbul's most accessible and useful transit options for tourists. It runs through the heart of the historic peninsula, connecting Kabatas (near the Bosphorus waterfront) to Bagcilar, with key stops at Sultanahmet, Eminonu, Beyazit (Grand Bazaar area), and Aksaray.

Accessibility

The entire T1 fleet uses low-floor trams, including 55 Bombardier Flexity Swift and 37 Alstom Citadis vehicles. All stations have been rebuilt with ramps that do not exceed a 6% slope, allowing level boarding directly from the platform to the tram floor.

Each tram has designated wheelchair spaces marked with the wheelchair symbol. Drivers and station staff are trained to assist disabled passengers. Audio and visual announcements indicate the next stop.

How to Board

1. Wait at the platform near the designated accessible door (marked with the wheelchair symbol).
2. When the tram arrives, the floor aligns with the platform for level boarding.
3. Roll directly into the wheelchair space.
4. Press the stop button one stop before your destination.

The T1 runs from about 6:00 AM to midnight, with trams every 3 to 5 minutes during peak hours.

IETT Buses

IETT (Istanbul Electric Tramway and Tunnel) operates the city's bus network. The fleet is a mix of newer and older vehicles.

Newer Buses

Many IETT buses are modern, low-floor vehicles with automatic boarding ramps and designated wheelchair spaces. These buses have the wheelchair symbol displayed on the outside near the accessible door.

Older Buses

Some older buses in the fleet have high floors and steps, making them inaccessible to wheelchair users. There is no reliable way to know which bus model will arrive at your stop.

How to Use

To board an accessible bus, wait at the bus stop and signal the driver. Press the wheelchair button near the accessible door if available. The driver will deploy the ramp. Position yourself in the wheelchair space and apply your brake.

All IETT buses accept the Istanbulkart. Tap your card at the reader when boarding.

Metrobus (BRT)

The Metrobus is a bus rapid transit system running on dedicated lanes along the E-5 highway. It connects the European and Asian sides of Istanbul, with 44 stations total (37 European, 7 Asian). The route stretches from Beylikduzu in the west to Sogutlucesme in the east.

Accessibility

Metrobus stations feature elevators, tactile paving, and accessible ticketing machines. The buses are low-floor with wheelchair ramps. However, several stations have accessibility limitations.

The Metrobus is extremely crowded during rush hours and is not practical for most tourist trips. It serves commuters traveling long distances between the European and Asian sides.

Nostalgic Trams

Istanbul operates two heritage tram lines:

• Istiklal Avenue tram (European side): Runs along Istiklal Avenue between Taksim Square and Tunel.
• Kadikoy tram (Asian side): Runs through Kadikoy's market streets.

Tickets and Payment

All buses, trams, and Metrobus services use the Istanbulkart. Cash is not accepted on board. A single ride costs about 20 TL when paying with a standard Istanbulkart. Transfers within two hours receive a discounted fare.

Buy and load your Istanbulkart at yellow Biletmatik machines found at most tram stations, metro stations, and bus terminals.