The short answer
Take tram T1 (Bağcılar to Kabataş) to the Sultanahmet stop. It is the nearest public transport point to the Blue Mosque, at At Meydanı No. 7, 34122 Sultanahmet in Fatih. There is no metro station called Sultanahmet, so do not look for one on the map.
From the airports you need one more link: a bus, a metro line, or a metro line plus a ferry. If you arrive with a few days to spend, Istanbul old city tours show how the sights connect and save you the planning.
Tram T1 and the İstanbulkart
Since July 2026 the full electronic fare for city buses and rail is TRY 46.20. A student card fare is TRY 22.55, and the first eligible transfer ride costs TRY 34.40. Reduced fares depend on the card type and on whether you are eligible, so do not assume a discount applies to a visitor. Buying the card, loading credit and paying a single ride are three separate things.
The TRY 46.20 fare is not a single price for everything. Ferries have their own fare tables, and airport buses have their own prices. Check the fare for each mode.
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Istanbul old city tours and day trips
Old city walks, bus tours and day trips that start in the centre, with live prices and availability.
From the airports
2026 fares and times. Check the timetable before you go.
| Route | How | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Istanbul Airport (IST) | Havaist bus to Sultanahmet | TRY 470 (May 2026) | Stop at Çatladıkapı, not at the mosque door. No reserved seat for a chosen departure. |
| Istanbul Airport (IST) | M11 metro to Gayrettepe | – | Not a direct ride to Sultanahmet. Change to the T1 or walk for the last stretch. |
| Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) | Havabüs to Kadıköy, then ferry | Havabüs TRY 300 | About 60 minutes, depends on traffic. Ferry from Kadıköy to Eminönü. |
| Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) | M4 metro to Kadıköy, then ferry or Marmaray | – | The whole M4 line takes 52 minutes, running 06:00–00:00. |
For most visitors from Istanbul Airport, the Havaist is the simplest single ride. Pay online, in the app or on the bus with an İstanbulkart or a bank card. From Sabiha Gökçen, the Havabüs to Kadıköy followed by the ferry is a simple combination.
Airport buses in detail
Departure times for each route.
Havaist from Istanbul Airport
Since 17 May 2026 the Sultanahmet line runs again. In the direction of the airport, the line leaves from Çatladıkapı opposite the wedding house and runs via Sirkeci and other stops to the airport. Because the stop is not at the mosque door, plan a short onward leg.
Havabüs from Sabiha Gökçen
The bus runs from the airport to Kadıköy for TRY 300 and takes about 60 minutes in normal traffic. In Kadıköy it stops at the İETT stops by the Rıhtım. The first bus from Kadıköy leaves at 03:15 and the last at 23:15. From the airport, buses run until 01:30, with extra trips between 01:00 and 04:00 for late flights.
M4 and the ferry
The M4 connects Kadıköy and Sabiha Gökçen. At Ayrılık Çeşmesi you can change to Marmaray, and in Kadıköy to the ferries. This is a combination of separate services, not one guaranteed ride.
Ferries and driving
Ferries run from Kadıköy via Karaköy to Eminönü. The crossing takes 25 to 30 minutes, though not every sailing is the same length. The full fare for Eminönü to Kadıköy is TRY 65.21, and for Üsküdar to Eminönü TRY 58.52. Student fares exist but are not automatic for visitors.
The mosque has no car park of its own. Small private lots are nearby. The access route runs along Kennedy Caddesi and Çatladıkapı. Parking rates, entry times and taxi prices change, so ask your hotel or check on the day. In the old city the tram is usually easier than a car.
Which route when
Pick by arrival time and luggage.
Arriving at Istanbul Airport
The Havaist to Çatladıkapı is a single ride. The M11 to Gayrettepe is a rail option, but you still need to change to reach the T1. Total journey times vary, so allow generous time.
Arriving late at Sabiha Gökçen
The M4 runs until midnight. Havabüs departures from the airport run until 01:30, with extra trips between 01:00 and 04:00 for late flights. Ferries do not run all night, so check the last sailing.
Already in the city
Use the T1 to Sultanahmet, or a ferry to Eminönü and continue from there. The whole area around the mosque is best explored on foot once you arrive.
Plan the rest of your trip
More guides from this site, and from the Hagia Sophia guide.
Visiting hours
Prayer closures and the Friday rule.
Best time to visit
Weather by month and the 2027 holiday dates.
The Hippodrome
The square next to the mosque, with its monuments.
The Hagia Sophia is the mosque's closest big neighbour: see Hagia Sophia opening hours before you plan the day.
Getting to the Blue Mosque: frequently asked questions
Which tram goes to the Blue Mosque?
Take the T1 (Bağcılar to Kabataş) to the Sultanahmet stop.
How much is the tram in 2026?
The full electronic fare is TRY 46.20 for city buses and rail since July 2026. Reduced fares depend on the card.
Does the Havaist go to Sultanahmet?
Yes. Since 17 May 2026 the line runs again. It costs TRY 470 and stops at Çatladıkapı.
How do I get from Sabiha Gökçen to the Blue Mosque?
Take the Havabüs (TRY 300, about 60 minutes) or the M4 metro to Kadıköy, then a ferry to Eminönü, and continue to Sultanahmet.
Can I park at the Blue Mosque?
No. The mosque has no car park of its own. There are small private lots nearby, with no guaranteed space or price.
Is this the official site of the mosque?
No. This is an independent travel guide. It is not run by the mosque, the transport operators or any authority.