Try not to travel during rush hours
Traffic in Istanbul is often particularly heavy during rush hours, from 07.30 a.m. to 10.00 a.m. and from 05.00 p.m. to 08.00 p.m. If at all possible, it is a good idea to try to time your travel within the city so that it falls outside of these hours.  

Akbil: The most affordable way
In order to arrive at your destination, it is often necessary to transfer among several different public transportation systems.

If you plan on staying in Istanbul for a long period of time, we recommend that you purchase an “Akbil”, or “smart ticket”, an electronic key which allows immediate payment on all types of public transportation. Typically, you receive a discount on standard ticket prices when you use the Akbil. It is accepted on every type of public transportation, including buses, trains, trams, ferries, and subway. Furthermore, when using the Akbil, all transfers are free within the first hour of your journey.

You can purchase an Akbil at central bus stations such as those in Taksim, Mecidiyeköy and Kadıköy. You must pay a deposit when you first purchase an Akbil. Once the initial amount of points (kontör) on your Akbil is gone, you can refill it at the Akbil booths located in central bus stations and at automatic Akbil refill machines. Before leaving Istanbul, you can redeem your Akbil for the initial deposit at any one of the Akbil booths. If you are only going to be in Istanbul for a short while, we recommend that you use normal paper tickets rather than the Akbil, as the Akbil is most advantageous for frequent and lengthy travel on public transportation.