How to get around Istanbul cheaply using public ferries and public transport?

A suggested budget route from Sabiha Gökçen Airport is to take the metro to its terminus in Kadıköy by the waterfront, then a ferry to Eminönü and a tram to Sultanahmet. The traveller reports that the ferry crossing from Kadıköy to Eminönü takes about 20 minutes.

City ferry timetables are available in the Şehir Hatları app or on its website.

Use the Marmaray line to reach Florya city beach on the European side. Marmaray is also a practical option for getting to the Caddebostan beaches on the Asian side while avoiding some road traffic.

For an easy afternoon ride on the water, consider taking regular city ferries from Karaköy to Kadıköy and then from Kadıköy to Eminönü. It is a way to see the Bosphorus without booking a dedicated tourist cruise.

One possible route from Sabiha Gökçen Airport is to take Havabus to Kadıköy, transfer to a ferry toward Galata Bridge, then walk on toward Sultanahmet. It combines airport transport with a short Bosphorus crossing and sightseeing en route.

During Eid al-Fitr, do not expect comfortable travel through central Istanbul: the T1 tram, ferries, parks and major squares can be extremely crowded. Consider outer districts instead of a packed itinerary through Sultanahmet, Galata and İstiklal.

A regular city ferry to Kadıköy from the Galata Tower/Galataport area is a budget alternative to a Bosphorus sightseeing cruise. After arriving, walk around Moda and its waterfront.