Istanbul’s unique geography, divided by the Bosphorus, Golden Horn and Sea of Marmara, demands a seamless multimodal transport system built around strategic corridors. Istanbul is forging a resilient transport network that can absorb shocks and offer seamless journeys across two continents.
- Corridor‑based planning: Natural waterways shape Istanbul’s transport strategy. The city’s SUMP focuses on east–west and north–south corridors that integrate rail, road, ferry and bus services, ensuring the two continents function as one urban network.
- Multi‑modal connections: New metro and tram are expanding rapidly toward a goal of 450 km by 2026 and 750 km by 2050; these link with cross‑Bosphorus rail tunnels and growing ferry services to create continuous routes across the city.
- Active travel & mode shift: The mobility plan seeks to reverse private‑car dominance by building city‑wide cycling and pedestrian routes, implementing low‑emission zones, and expanding park‑and‑ride hubs.