Transportation in Istanbul

You use Public Transportation (Bus, Metro, Ferry) or Private transportation (Taxis, Midi buses, Private boats)

Taxis:

All taxis have taxi meters on them and by law they taxis have to use meters. Do not ask for a fixed price or negotiate for a trip otherwise you will mostly over pay. 

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You can use Uber but a taxi will come to pick you up as regular Uber is not allowed since shared ride is not allowed in Turkey.  You can use Uber to check the price and distance or google maps to check distance and fastest route.

Midibus:

A unique transportation in Turkey. They are mostly painted in Yellow or Blue and they accept only cash.

Public Transportation and Others:

They all (Metro, Ferry, Boats,etc..) accept Istanbul Card which is a RFID card with a balance inside.

I advise to buy a Istanbul Card (Local version) which is a deposit card for all public transportation. You can only get one and use it for your family.Children under 8 years are free of charge. You can load money at kiosks available on  all stations with TL cash or debit/credit card.

Since there may be traffic jams during busy hours Metro can be a faster transportation.

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*There is a touristic version called Istanbul City Card which is almost the same but you choose and pa y for durations with unlimited ride . Also this card can only be used by one person and based on a simple math , I would go for Istanbul Card :)

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Here is video about how to  get one .

Also pay attention that if the line you took has 20 stops but if had a short ride like 3-4 stops, you can get some of your credits back by return kiosks available at the exit.

Below you see a photo of Return kiosks.

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Here is metro map , you open and save it your mobile.