Sirkeci is a historical neighborhood in Istanbul, Turkey, located on the European side of the city. It is famous for its railway station, which was the terminus of the Orient Express, and its many mosques, museums, and bazaars. Sirkeci is also a popular tourist destination, as it offers easy access to other attractions such as the Topkapi Palace, the Hagia Sophia, and the Grand Bazaar.
If you are wondering how to get to Sirkeci from different parts of Istanbul or from the airport, here are some options you can consider:
- By tram: The most convenient and affordable way to get to Sirkeci is by taking the T1 tram line, which runs from Kabatas to Bagcilar. You can board the tram at any of the stops along the route, such as Sultanahmet, Eminonu, or Karakoy, and get off at Sirkeci station. The tram operates from 6 a.m. to midnight and costs 5 Turkish liras (about 0.5 euros) per ride. You can buy a token from the vending machines at the stations or use an Istanbulkart, which is a rechargeable card that works on all public transport in the city.
- By ferry: Another scenic and enjoyable way to get to Sirkeci is by taking a ferry across the Bosphorus Strait. You can catch a ferry from various points on the Asian side of Istanbul, such as Kadikoy, Uskudar, or Harem, and arrive at Eminonu pier, which is a short walk from Sirkeci. The ferry ride takes about 20 minutes and costs 4 Turkish liras (about 0.4 euros) per person. You can buy a ticket from the booths at the piers or use an Istanbulkart. The ferries run from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and offer stunning views of the city skyline and the bridges.
- By taxi: If you prefer a more comfortable and faster way to get to Sirkeci, you can take a taxi from anywhere in Istanbul. However, be aware that taxis can be expensive and prone to traffic jams, especially during rush hours. The average fare from Sultanahmet to Sirkeci is about 15 Turkish liras (about 1.5 euros), while from Taksim it is about 25 Turkish liras (about 2.5 euros). You can hail a taxi on the street or use an app like BiTaksi or iTaksi to book one online. Make sure the meter is on and ask for a receipt at the end of your ride.
- By metro: If you are coming from the airport, you can take the M1A metro line from Istanbul Airport to Yenikapi station, which takes about 40 minutes and costs 7 Turkish liras (about 0.7 euros). From Yenikapi, you can transfer to the M2 metro line and get off at Vezneciler station, which is about 10 minutes away and costs another 3 Turkish liras (about 0.3 euros). From Vezneciler, you can walk for about 15 minutes or take a short taxi ride to Sirkeci.