The fastest way to get around İstanbul is its modern and expanding metro system. First opened in 1989, the network has grown quickly and now comprises multiple lines and dozens of stations, with steady expansion extending service across the city. A rail tunnel under the Bosporus recently linked the European and Asian sides, and ongoing construction will add many more stations and lines, increasing the metro’s reach and capacity.
To travel more conveniently, visitors should use the Istanbulkart, an electronic RFID transit pass available from station vending machines and other sales points. Fares are automatically discounted when paid with the card—typical metro rides cost roughly $0.90 to $1.80, with higher rates for airport trips—and a single Istanbulkart can be used to pay for a group traveling together. The card is becoming accepted at an increasing number of services across the city, including buses, ferries and other urban attractions, making it a convenient choice for visitors and residents alike.