When studying in Turkey, it is important to use the public transportation system effectively, both to reduce costs and to save time. Turkey’s major cities have a variety of public transportation options such as buses, subways and trams.
Buying a Ticket: When taking public transportation, do not forget to buy your ticket in advance. Most cities use smart card systems (Istanbulkart in Istanbul, Ankarakart in Ankara, etc.). These cards are valid in public transportation quickly and easily. You can top up your card with a certain balance at the card top-up vending machines or online via the respective cities’ mobile applications. There is also the option to pay by credit card in some vehicles, but this method is usually charged at a slightly higher rate.
Schedules: Checking bus and metro timetables is very important for time management. Keep in mind that especially during peak hours, buses may get stuck and delays may occur. You can use the official transportation applications of the cities to find out the timetables, and you can find up-to-date information by searching the names of the bus or metro lines.
Safety: Be careful with your belongings in crowded places. Avoid carrying valuables in visible places.
Public Transportation Guide for International Students
For international students, public transportation is the most practical way to get around the city. Students are encouraged to explore the city using the public transportation system. For example, in Istanbul, you can easily reach popular areas such as Taksim and Kadıköy by metro.
Safety Measures in Public Transportation: Things to Know for International Students
- Crowded Environments: Public transportation can often be crowded. Therefore, you should be careful with your personal belongings. If you want to avoid crowds, departing early or late after work, rather than at noon, may allow you to have a less crowded trip.
- Emergencies
Plan Your Trip Now!
When using public transportation in Turkey, learning about smart card systems and being prepared will make your journey both fast and affordable. Checking routes and timetables before traveling during peak hours will help you minimize crowding and waiting times. Taking care of your personal belongings and prioritizing your safety while traveling can prevent potential problems. You can also plan the locations and routes of public transportation in advance with the help of official apps or mapping services of the cities. These simple measures will help you use your time efficiently, make your journeys a more comfortable and stress-free experience, and help you manage city transportation smoothly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the types of public transportation in Turkey?
Different public transportation options such as buses, minibuses, metro, trams, dolmuş and ferries vary from city to city.
How the ticket and card system works
Many cities use smart card systems (Istanbulkart in Istanbul, Ankarakart in Ankara, etc.). You can pay with single-trip tickets or smart cards.
What to watch out for during rush hour
Public transport can be quite crowded during rush hour in the morning and evening. Traveling early or late during these hours is more comfortable if possible.
What should I pay attention to regarding security and personal belongings?
In crowded vehicles, be mindful of your bags and carry your wallet and valuables securely. Avoid leaving devices like cell phones and tablets out of sight.
Where can I get directions and route information?
You can find public transportation route and time information from cities’ official public transportation applications, mobile applications such as Google Maps or Moovit.