City Buses in Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul's IETT city buses are useful for a few major sights.

They tend to be slow and crowded, especially during the city's morning and evening commuter rushes.

Buy your bus tickets before boarding the bus at kiosks (often white fiberglass cubes) labeled "I.E.T.T" and/or "Bilet" (ticket). Each ticket is good for up to five rides. (You can't buy tickets on the bus.)

Better yet, use the Akbil electronic transit pass.

Besides the IETT buses operated by the city government, Istanbul has private buses owned and operated by private individuals and companies in accordance with city regulations. Called Özel Halk Otobüsü ("Private Peoples' Bus"), these buses run on some of the busier routes, charging the same fares as municipal buses, but may allow you to pay your fare in cash (as well as Akbil) on the bus. Otherwise, there's little difference.

If you're packed into the mid-section of the bus when your stop comes, say Inecek var! (een-eh-JEHK vahr, "Someone wants to get out!") so the driver will stop and wait for you to make your way out.

Istanbul Transport

Akbil Electronic Transit Pass

Maps of Istanbul & Region

Transportation in Turkey

Istanbul Sights

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Istanbul Homepage

Where to Go

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Privately-owned city bus, Istanbul, Turkey

Above, a private bus which operates under Istanbul city regulations.

Below, a white fiberglass IETT cube-kiosks selling bus tickets and Akbil electronic transit pass credits.