Busforus is Istanbul's official hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus, operated by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB). The route covers 11 stops across the European and Asian sides of the city, including a road crossing over the Bosphorus Bridge, all on a single ticket.

Note for 2026: Busforus is now the primary official hop-on hop-off operator in Istanbul. If you've searched for "Big Bus Istanbul," that service no longer operates. Busforus is the replacement.

Quick facts

• Operator: Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB)
• Duration: ~2.5 hours for the full circuit
• Frequency: Every hour
• Operating hours: 10:00–17:00 (first departure from Sultanahmet)
• Stops: 11 across European and Asian sides
• Bosphorus crossing: Yes, by road over the Bosphorus Bridge
• Languages: 8 audio guide options
• Ticket validity: 24 hours from first use

How much does a Busforus ticket cost?

Adult tickets cost ₺2,500, and children aged 0–8 ride free. Tickets are valid for 24 hours from first use, and online, walk-up, and Belbim prices are the same. Prices may change, so check the official site before traveling.

Ways to purchase:

• Online from busforus.istanbul
• At Belbim sales points around the city
• At the Sultanahmet Square main stop (Google Maps)

Belbim ticket tip: If you buy through a Belbim sales point, your ticket activates on the bus, not at the point of sale. You have 72 hours from purchase to board. Online and walk-up prices are the same.

What are the Busforus operating hours?

Busforus runs every day, year-round. Buses depart hourly from Sultanahmet Square between 10:00 and 17:00, and a single ticket is valid for 24 hours from first use, so you can hop on and off as many times as you like within that window.

• First departure: 10:00 from Sultanahmet Square
• Last departure: 17:00 from Sultanahmet Square
• Frequency: Every hour
• Ticket validity: 24 hours from first use

Traffic warning: Istanbul traffic can be heavy, especially on weekday afternoons. A "2.5-hour circuit" may stretch to 3+ hours during rush hour (17:00–19:00). Avoid boarding late in the day if you want to complete the full loop.

What are the Busforus stops?

The Busforus route covers 11 stops in a full circle, starting and ending at Sultanahmet Square. The bus crosses the Bosphorus Bridge to reach Beylerbeyi Palace on the Asian side before looping back, which is the feature that sets it apart from other Istanbul sightseeing buses.

What's on board the bus?

Busforus uses modern double-decker buses with an open top deck and a covered lower deck, climate control, free Wi-Fi, USB charging ports, CCTV, and step-free access via wheelchair ramps. Refreshments are not sold on board, so bring your own water.

• Accessibility: Wheelchair ramps, wide doors
• Seating: Comfortable seats, climate control
• Technology: USB charging ports, passenger screens
• Connectivity: Free Wi-Fi, headphone jacks for audio guide
• Safety: CCTV cameras onboard
• Weather options: Open top deck for sunny days, covered lower deck in bad weather

Bring your own water. Refreshments are not provided on board.

What languages does the audio guide support?

The Busforus audio guide is available in eight languages: English, Turkish, German, Russian, Spanish, Arabic, Persian, and French. Multilingual staff are available at the main stops for ticket and route questions.

Tips for the best experience

1. Start early. The first bus at 10:00 means you can complete a full circuit and still have the afternoon to explore your favourite stops in depth.
2. Do a full loop first. Ride the complete circuit before hopping off anywhere. Riding once through is the fastest way to orient yourself in Istanbul.
3. Don't skip the Asian side. Beylerbeyi Palace and the Bosphorus Bridge crossing give you views you won't get on any other IBB bus.
4. Avoid weekday afternoons. Traffic peaks between 17:00–19:00, and the hourly schedule means missing your bus costs you a full hour.
5. Photography. Light is best in the morning at Sultanahmet and Eminönü; the Bosphorus Bridge crossing photographs well at any time of day.

Is Busforus worth it?

Busforus is good value if you're on a short trip or visiting Istanbul for the first time. A single ticket lets you cross the Bosphorus Bridge, see both sides of the city, and hop off at 11 major sights without navigating taxis or the metro.

Busforus vs Istanbul public transport

If you prefer exploring on your own schedule, Istanbul's tram and metro network is faster and cheaper for point-to-point travel. The T1 tram covers Sultanahmet, Eminönü, Karaköy, and Kabataş in one straight line, and the M2 metro connects Taksim to Şişhane and beyond. Neither crosses the Bosphorus, which is where Busforus stands apart.