Getting to the Blue Mosque in Istanbul | Location, directions, routes, visitor tips, & more

Best for: Scenic travel
Travel time: 50 mins (from Bagcilar station)
Nearest station: Cemberlitas

• Major tram lines pass through central areas like Sultanahmet, Eminonu, and Kabatas. Before boarding the tram, try to obtain an Istanbul Card, a reloadable smart card that offers discounted fares on public transportation.
  
• The T1 line is the main tram line that passes through the historic district, connecting major tourist destinations, including Sultanahmet and Eminonu. Sit back and enjoy the scenic route along the historic peninsula.
  
• Once the tram arrives at Cemberlitas, exit the station and follow signs pointing towards Sultanahmet Square. The Blue Mosque is a 4-minute walk from Cemberlitas.

Best for: Economic travel
Travel time: 18 minutes (from Topkapi)
Nearest station: Catladikapi- Yenikapi Yonu

• Buses 37Y, 77A, BN1, and others run along the Blue Mosque route. Istanbul's bus stops are well-marked, and information is available in both Turkish and English. 
  
• Confirm the route number and destination before boarding. Pay the bus fare in cash or use an Istanbul travel pass upon boarding. Reach Catladikapi and walk for around 3 minutes to reach the Blue Mosque. 
  
• Depending on your chosen route, you may need to transfer to a tram at a central location, such as Eminonu. Alight at the nearest point, and then consider using the tram or walking to Cemberlitas.  The Blue Mosque is a short walk from Cemberlitas.

Best for: Time-saving travel
Travel time: 30 mins (from Ataturk Havalimani)
Nearest station: Sirkeci

• The M1A line runs for around 20 kilometers and passes through 18 major stations in the city. The M1 runs through 23 stations in total, of which 11 are underground and 3 are above the surface. 
  
• Although the M1 is fully operational, it is considered to be a light rail station due to its low passenger capacity. 
  
• Get on any metro that runs along the M1A and M2 routes to reach Sirkeci station. The Blue Mosque is a few minutes away from the station.

Best for: Cost-effective travel
Travel time: 38 minutes (from Uskudar Marmaray)
Nearest station: Sirkeci

• The Istanbul suburban railway, also known as the B1 train, runs through most of the tourist squares and important areas in the city. 
  
• The B1 train, also known as the Halkali train runs through 15 stations, departing from Uskudar Marmaray, and ending at Halkali. 
  
• Get on the B1 train and reach Sirkeci. The Sirkeci station is a short walk away from the Blue Mosque.

Best for: Convenience
Travel time: 45 to 60 minutes (depending on which airport you choose to travel from)
Distance: 51.3 km from the Istanbul International Airport and 45.9 km from the Sabiha Gokcen Airport

• Take the O-1 highway towards Istanbul. At the Kagithane junction, merge onto the TEM highway towards Istanbul. Keep right and follow the signs for Topkapi Sarayı. Take the exit for Sultanahmet and turn right onto Divan Yolu Caddesi. Continue straight and turn left onto Akbıyıyk Caddesi. The Blue Mosque will be on your left-hand side.
  
• If you are going from Sabiha Gokcen Airport, take the O-4 highway towards Istanbul. At the Seyrantepe junction, merge onto the E-5 highway towards Istanbul. Continue straight and take exit 12 for Edirne Kapı. Follow signs for Sultanahmet and turn left onto Seyitgazi Caddesi. Turn right onto Sultanahmet Meydanı. The Blue Mosque will be in front of you.