How To Check Local Bus Routes In Istanbul 2025

Traveling in Istanbul by bus is one of the best ways to see local life. Buses reach almost every neighborhood and are easy to use once you understand how to check their routes and schedules. This guide will show how to find bus routes, use helpful transport apps, and travel smoothly with your Istanbulkart.

If you plan to travel around the city comfortably, you can join tours like Private Istanbul Layover Tour from Airport or Best of Istanbul: 3-Day Private Guided Tour, which already include transportation between major attractions.

Bus Routes And Timetables

Official IETT App “Otobusum Nerede”

The official IETT app "Otobusum Nerede" translates to "Where Is My Bus". It shows all bus routes, stops, and estimated arrival times. You can search by the number of the bus, the location, or the route. It also shows what the nearest buses are.

It is available in English, and very useful to tourists who want to travel between sights such as Dolmabahce Palace, Galata Tower or Eminonu. The app updates in real time, so you can see if your bus is late.

Other Apps Similar to Trafi or Moovit

If you prefer a more global transport app, use Trafi or Moovit. The applications include all kinds of public transport in Istanbul. You can enter your location and your destination and they will show which bus or metro line to take.

For instance, if you are staying near Taksim Square and want to head to Ortakoy, the app will tell you which bus line to choose and where to get off. These apps are free and work in English. They also show walking distances between stops.

Tip: Install one of these apps before your trip, and allow location access. They will then work offline, with saved routes, when your mobile data is limited.

Google Maps And Offline Maps

Google Maps also works quite well in Istanbul for public transport. You can type in your start and end point, and it will show available buses and metro options. Live arrival times may not be accurate though.

You can use the offline maps if you plan to venture into very remote areas, like the Asian side or the Princes' Islands. Download the route before leaving your hotel. This helps when there is no signal or Wi-Fi.

You can combine public transport with sightseeing tours such as Istanbul Combo: City Highlights & Bosphorus Cruise, where you get to see both local life and great views around the city.

Istanbulkart

Istanbulkart is a contactless travel card used for almost all types of public transport in Istanbul, from buses to metro lines, trams, ferries, funiculars, and metrobus lines. This is the easiest and cheapest way for locals and tourists to get around the city.

You can purchase the Istanbulkart at yellow vending machines that are located at metro stations, ferry piers, and major bus stops. Some newspaper kiosks and small shops also sell them with a small service fee. After you buy the card, you are able to top it up in cash at the same machines or via the Istanbulkart Mobile App by credit card.

To use it, just tap it onto the yellow reader when you enter a bus or pass through metro and tram gates. It'll instantly show your balance and deduct the fare. You don't need to tap again on the way out from the vehicle.

There's also a Tourist Istanbulkart, which can be purchased at airports, major tourist areas like Sultanahmet or Taksim, and some hotels. It usually comes preloaded with a specific number of rides and can be used right away without extra setup.

You can check your balance by tapping the card on a vending machine or through the mobile app. If your balance is low, top up prior to your next trip; buses and metro gates do not take any cash payments.

Tips for Tourists

• The buses can be very useful to reach parts of Istanbul where there is no metro or tram.
• Always know the name of your stop in Turkish as well, because not all drivers and locals may speak or understand English.
• Use Google Translate if you need help.
• Avoid traveling during morning and evening rush hours because traffic can be heavy.
• Top up your Istanbulkart in advance, as each card can be used for up to five people if you tap multiple times.
• Save your favorite routes in your phone or note them down on paper.
• Late-night bus services are available, though not all lines run for 24 hours. Check the app before you head out.

For a more relaxed city experience without the need to plan routes yourself, you can also join either the 1-Day Private Guided Tour or a Istanbul Street Food Tour: Bosphorus & Kadikoy, where all transportation is taken care of and booked in advance.

If you have a long trip between neighborhoods, take a window seat and enjoy either the view of the Bosphorus or old streets.

Those tourists who prefer a more organized city experience can also take part in Private Guided Istanbul City Tours, which include transportation to top landmarks, so there is no need to check routes on your own.

Taking a local bus in Istanbul allows you to appreciate the real city life away from all the usual tourist spots. You get to see how locals travel, explore new districts, and enjoy authentic views of this dynamic city.

Before your trip, download one of the recommended apps and get ready with your Istanbulkart. This small step will save time and make your experience easier. Contact us today to organize your next adventure in Istanbul, and get around town with complete assurance.