Moving Between Business Districts
Istanbul's business districts are on two continents, and the Bosphorus crossing is what shapes a working day. Three bridges and one road tunnel carry vehicles across it. Which one is best depends on the hour and the direction, not the map. On weekdays, try not to cross towards the Asian side at the end of the working day.
Which Crossings Exist?
| CROSSING | LINKS | WORTH KNOWING |
|---|---|---|
| 15 July Martyrs Bridge | Ortaköy and Beylerbeyi | The first bridge, closest to the centre |
| Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge | Levent and Maslak side to Kavacık | The usual route between the two business axes |
| Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge | The far north of the city | Useful for through traffic and some airport trips |
| Eurasia Tunnel | Kazlıçeşme and Göztepe | Under the sea; useful between the Old City and Kadıköy side |
When Is the Traffic Worst?
Weekday mornings towards the European side and weekday evenings towards the Asian side are the classic peaks, with Friday evenings and rainy days usually the slowest of all. We do not publish journey times, because they vary too much to be honest figures. Your driver will tell you what to expect that morning.
How Should You Place a Crossing?
- Keep each half of the day on one side if you can
- Put the crossing around the middle of the day
- If you have to cross in the evening, leave earlier than feels necessary
- Consider staying on the side where most of your meetings are
- Have your dinner on the side of your hotel
Is a Ferry Ever the Better Choice?
At peak times, a passenger ferry can beat the bridges between Karaköy, Beşiktaş, Kadıköy and Üsküdar. Your driver can drop you at the pier and meet you on the other side if the vehicle has time to cross. For most working days, though, people prefer to stay in the car with their laptop and their phone.
Do Tolls Change the Rate?
No. Bridge, tunnel and motorway tolls are in our rate, so your driver can choose the crossing purely on traffic, and it will never change what you pay.
Questions About This Guide
Which Bridge Should We Ask For?
None. Let the driver decide on the day. Navigation apps and experience both change the answer from one hour to the next.
Is There Any Way to Avoid Crossing?
Choose a hotel on the side where most of your meetings are. It is the most effective way of saving time in Istanbul.