What transport schedule changes and closures should travelers expect in Istanbul?

In early September 2026 the discussion relayed the opening schedule of a new railway-station project: the first stage in September, as part of the Istanbul Culture Route Festival (İstanbul Kültür Yolu Festivali), and full opening in autumn–winter 2026, when the main station halls and, above all, rail services are due to start running. These are plans rather than a confirmed launch — check the dates closer to your trip.

In early September 2026 a participant wrote that the last Marmaray train from Yenikapı towards Kadıköy (via Ayrılık Çeşmesi station) passes at about 00:07, and the last one in the opposite direction via Yenikapı at about 23:30. If you plan a late crossing between the European and Asian sides, use these times as a guide and check them against the current timetable before you travel.

In August 2026, during an event over a distance of about 6.5 km — starting at around 9:00 at Kanlıca İskelesi on the Asian side and finishing at Cemil Topuzlu Park in Kuruçeşme on the European side — the Bosphorus was closed from 9:00 to 13:00. On days of major events on the strait, check for closures in advance if you plan to take ferries or walk along the water.