Public
Transport
There are many private and state-owned city buses
(tel: 0800 211 6068 (freephone); website: www.iett.gov.tr/en)
in Istanbul. Everlasting traffic jams mean that they are slow, uncomfortable
and crowded, with services coming to a virtual halt at midnight.
A slick, new underground (metro) system from Taksim to Levent, the
city’s busiest business district, opened in 2000 (website:
www.istanbul-ulasim.com.tr).
Hours of operation are 0600-0200.
There are two tramways on the European side. A
quick, modern commuter tram runs from Eminönü
through Sultanahmet and onto outlying suburbs. It divides
at Aksaray, where travellers should change trains to get to Esenler
Otogar, the bus station. The other, referred to as the Nostaljik
Tramvay, rattles slowly the length of Istiklal Caddesi
between Beyoglu and Taksim Square in turn-of-the-century trams.
It is connected to Karaköy by the Tünel underground, built
in 1877 and touted as the shortest in the world, which runs up and
down the steep hill between Karaköy and Istiklal Caddesi. Both
the Tünel and the Nostaljik Tramway operate from 0700 to 2130.
The light railway opened in 2002 and stops include the airport,
the main bus station and Aksaray. Information on this, plus Metro
and tramway, is available (tel: (0212) 568 9970; website: www.istanbul-ulasim.com.tr).
Passenger ferries (tel: (0212) 244 4233, website: www.tdi.com.tr)
are certainly the most pleasant way to travel in Istanbul.
These zip back and forth across the waterways and serve many useful
destinations. Tokens are bought from dockside kiosks. The primary
routes run roughly every 20 minutes, between approximately 0700
and 2300, although the Eminönü-Kadiköy service stops
at 2000. There are numerous docks along Eminönü quay,
including ferries to Üsküdar, Kadiköy and Besiktas,
and car ferries to the Prince’s Islands. Services from Karaköy
run to Haydarpasa Station and the residential suburb of Kadiköy.
collection of small private operators
run the boat service between Üsküdar and Besiktas, which
departs every ten minutes during the day and whenever it fills up
after midnight. Prices are the same as for the state ferries, although
these accept cash only.
Bus, metro, ferry and
tram tickets are inexpensive and usually available near
the main stops, either from a kiosk, all main bus and metro stops
and ferry terminals or a private seller, who adds about 25% to the
price. An akbil (electronic token) is available for purchase in
advance, with a small returnable deposit. This is valid for a number
of journeys, slightly cheaper and more convenient for buses, ferries,
the Tünel, and the metro.
Taxis
Yellow taxis can be hailed
almost everywhere in the street. However, it is safest for
tourists to arrange them from a hotel, rather than taking
those stationary outside, minimising the possibility of being cheated.
The night rate (2400-0600) is 50% more
than the day rate, so visitors should check the correct rate is
on the meter - ‘Gündüz’ means day
and ‘gece’ night, which should be digitally
displayed. Alternatively, one light indicates the
day meter and two lights the night meter.
It also pays to have some understanding of Turkish currency
before handing over a large note and expecting change, which is
an everlasting problem for Istanbul drivers. Be aware of
the difference between the 10million and the 1million note
when handing over cash. Tips are not expected unless special service
has been provided and there is no extra charge for more than one
person or for luggage.
The dolmus (shared taxi) is a large, modern yellow
mini-van, which runs a prearranged, short, circular route, such
as Taksim-Besiktas and Taksim-Nisantasi, or a smaller, rackety blue
minibus, which does longer journeys within the city and suburbs.
Passengers can hail the latter almost anywhere and it will cram
as many standing passengers in as can possibly fit. Payment is in
cash, upon boarding, costing a little more than the bus, especially
for longer journeys.
There is also a Marine Taxi service available from
Bebek, an upmarket Bosphorus village above Arnavütköy.
Driving in the City
Istanbul is home to terrible traffic
jams and worse driving, while Turkey has 14 times more
accidents than the UK – driving is thus not recommended
to tourists. With a little improvement since larger fines
and better enforcement of road rules, indicators are still seldom
used, drivers almost never stop at pedestrian crossings and tailgating
is standard, with racing along the coastal strip on the Asian side
leading to deaths despite a government campaign. It is not wise
for foreigners to in Istanbul unless strictly necessary.
Car Hire
Renting
a car here is not advised, due to traffic congestion
and awful driving.
For the adventurous, car hire is provided by Avis
(tel: (0212) 663 0646 or (0212) 368 6822), Budget
(tel: (212) 663 0858), Europcar
(tel: (0212) 663 0746 or 254 7710) and Hertz
(tel: (0212) 663 0807).
Drivers must be over 21
years, have held a licence for at least one year and have
a credit card or substantial sum of money to leave as a deposit.
Basic insurance is covered in the cost, although visitors should
make sure that Collision Damage Waiver is included, as it may well
be needed.
Scooter & Bicycle
Hire
Cycling in the city is not recommended
and this is best left for resort destinations. |
