Istanbul's tram network — also known locally as the tramway — is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to get around the city, especially for tourists visiting major landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, and Spice Bazaar. With 6 lines (T1 through T6), trams connect key districts on both the European and Asian sides, from historic Sultanahmet and vibrant Beyoğlu to Kadıköy's waterfront.

Quick answers for tourists:

• Which line do I take? T1 — it stops at Sultanahmet, Eminönü, Grand Bazaar, and Kabataş.
• How do I pay? With an Istanbulkart.
• What does it cost? ₺42 per ride.
• What are the hours? 06:00 to 00:00 daily.

Below you'll find the full tram map, station-by-station stop lists, operating hours, payment info, and tips for sightseeing by tram.

Istanbul Tram Map

Here's an overview of all tram lines on the map. Each line has a designated color and code starting with the letter "T".

How to Pay & Fares

You pay for tram rides using an Istanbulkart — a rechargeable transit card that works across all public transport in Istanbul (trams, metro, buses, ferries, and funiculars).

• Single ride: ₺42
• No transfer discounts — each boarding is charged separately, even when switching lines.
• Tap in and tap out — you must tap your Istanbulkart at both the entrance and exit turnstiles.
• Where to buy: Istanbulkart vending machines are available at every tram station, including Istanbul Airport.
• Contactless cards: Some turnstiles accept contactless credit/debit cards, but coverage is inconsistent and the fare is significantly higher than using an Istanbulkart. We recommend getting an Istanbulkart.

You must tap your Istanbulkart at the exit turnstile as well as the entrance. Many tourists forget this step — if you skip the tap-out, the system treats it as an irregularity and you may be charged extra on your next journey. Look for the green card reader as you leave the platform.

Operating Hours

All tram lines operate from 06:00 to 00:00 (midnight) daily. There is no night tram service.

Tip: Rush hours (08:00–09:00 and 17:00–19:00) can get very crowded, especially on the T1 line between Eminönü and Sultanahmet. If possible, plan your sightseeing outside peak commute times.

Top T1 Stops for Sightseeing

The T1 line is the most useful tram for tourists. Here are the key stations and what you can see nearby:

All Tram Lines

Here's a detailed look at each tram line:

T1 Tram Line: Bağcılar ↔ Kabataş (The Sightseeing Tram)

The T1 is the most important tram line for tourists. It's a 19.3 km line with 31 stations running across the European side, connecting Kabataş on the Bosphorus waterfront to Bağcılar in the west. Along the way, it passes through Sultanahmet (the historic heart of Istanbul), Eminönü, and Beyazıt — home to the city's most visited landmarks.

• Route: Kabataş ↔ Bağcılar (19.3 km, 31 stations)
• Frequency: Every 2–4 minutes (peak) / Every 6 minutes (off-peak)
• Hours: 06:00–00:00
• Key tourist stops: Sultanahmet (Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque), Eminönü (Spice Bazaar, ferries), Beyazıt-Kapalıçarşı (Grand Bazaar), Kabataş (Dolmabahçe Palace)
• Connections: M1A, M1B, M2, M7, T4, T5, Marmaray, and Metrobus
• Good to know: The line runs mostly at street level, crossing the Galata Bridge over the Golden Horn — a scenic stretch with views of the Süleymaniye Mosque and Galata Tower.

T1 Tram Stops List (Full Route 2026)

The T1 stops at 31 stations. For most tourists, the key stretch is Kabataş → Sultanahmet (the western end of the sightseeing zone).

T2 - Taksim ↔ Tünel (Nostalgic Tram)

The T2 is a charming heritage tram that runs along Istiklal Street — Istanbul's most famous pedestrian avenue, lined with shops, cafés, and historic buildings. It's as much a tourist attraction as it is public transport.

• Route: Taksim ↔ Tünel (1.64 km, 5 stations, single track)
• Frequency: Every 20 minutes
• Hours: 06:00–00:00
• Journey time: ~15 minutes end to end
• Key tourist stops: Taksim Square, Galata Tower (Tünel station), Pera Museum
• Connections: M2 at Taksim, F2 at Tünel station
• Good to know: Originally called the "Taksim–Tünel Nostalgia Tram Line," it was launched in 1990 after Istiklal Street was pedestrianized and redesignated as T2 in 2011.

T3: İskele Cami ↔ Kadıköy İdo

The T3 is a nostalgic loop tram on Istanbul's Asian side. It circles through the trendy Kadıköy and Moda neighborhoods — a great way to explore the area's cafés, vintage shops, and seaside walkways.

• Route: Kadıköy İDO ↔ Moda (2.6 km loop, 11 stations)
• Frequency: Every 20 minutes
• Hours: 06:00–00:00
• Journey time: ~20 minutes for the full loop
• Key tourist stops: Kadıköy ferry terminal, Moda waterfront
• Good to know: The line uses vintage Gotha trams originally from Germany. It carries around 2,500 passengers daily and is as much a sightseeing experience as a commute.

T4 - Mescid-i Selam ↔ Topkapı

The T4 serves the outer European-side districts of Sultangazi and Gaziosmanpaşa. It's primarily a commuter line and less relevant for tourists, but useful if you're heading to areas north of the historic center.

• Route: Topkapı ↔ Mescid-i Selam (15.3 km, 22 stations, 7 underground)
• Frequency: Every 5 minutes (peak hours)
• Hours: 06:00–00:00
• Journey time: ~45 minutes end to end
• Connections: T1 and Metrobus at Topkapı, M7 at Kiptaş-Venezia, M1A & M1B at Vatan, Metrobus at Şehitlik

T5 - Eminönü ↔ Alibeyköy Cep Otogarı

The T5 runs along the Golden Horn waterfront from Eminönü to Alibeyköy. It's a good option for visiting the historic neighborhoods of Balat and Fener, the Eyüp Sultan Mosque, and the Pierre Loti cable car.

• Route: Eminönü ↔ Alibeyköy Cep Otogarı (10 km, 14 stations)
• Frequency: Every 5 minutes (peak hours)
• Hours: 06:00–00:00
• Journey time: ~25 minutes end to end
• Key tourist stops: Eminönü (Spice Bazaar, ferries), Fener & Balat (colorful historic streets), Eyüpsultan (TF2 cable car to Pierre Loti Hill)
• Connections: T1 at Eminönü, M2 at Küçükpazar, M7 at Alibeyköy, TF2 at Eyüpsultan, Golden Horn ferries at Feshane, Ayvansaray, Balat, and Fener stations

T6 / U3 - Kazlıçeşme ↔ Sirkeci

This line runs along the historic Sea of Marmara coastline between Sirkeci and Kazlıçeşme.

Pro tip: You'll see this line labeled two different ways — Metro Istanbul maps call it T6, while station signs use the code U3 (Ministry of Transport designation). Both refer to the exact same line. If you're standing at a stop and see "U3," you're in the right place.

• Route: Sirkeci ↔ Kazlıçeşme (8 km, 8 stations)
• Frequency: Every 25 minutes
• Hours: 06:00–00:00
• Journey time: ~17 minutes end to end
• Key landmarks: Sümbül Efendi Mosque, Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus, Samatya Coast
• Good to know: This line follows the route of the historic Istanbul–Edirne railway along the Marmara shore. It connects to Marmaray at Sirkeci and Kazlıçeşme stations.