Şehir HatlarıDue to the start of the 2026-2027 academic year on Monday, September 14, 2026, in Istanbul, public transport will offer free service during specific hours. To alleviate the potential congestion on the first day of school, all public transport vehicles integrated with the Istanbulkart ticketing system will be free between 06:00 and 16:00. This initiative will cover Şehir Hatları ferries, IETT buses, Metrobus, and Metro Istanbul's rail systems. This special fare aims to facilitate transportation for students, parents, and all citizens on the first day of the school term.
Is Public Transport Free on September 14 and During Which Hours?
Yes, public transport in Istanbul will be free on Monday, September 14, 2026, the day schools reopen. This special application will be valid from 06:00 until 16:00. Passengers using any public transport vehicles integrated with the Istanbulkart ticketing system within this timeframe will be able to travel free of charge. After 16:00, the normal fare tariff will resume. This will provide great convenience, especially for commuters, students, and parents in the morning. In Istanbul's heavy traffic, all transportation options, including car ferry services, are important.
Which Vehicles Does Free Transportation Cover?
The free public transport tariff to be applied on Monday, September 14, 2026, is spread across Istanbul's extensive transportation network. The main vehicles covered by the application are as follows:
- IETT buses
- Metrobus lines
- All rail systems operated by Metro Istanbul (metro, tram, funicular)
- Şehir Hatları ferries
As Marmaray is also integrated into the Istanbulkart ticketing system, this line is also expected to benefit from the free transportation initiative. Passengers are advised to check the official announcements of the relevant operators before traveling. It is also important to check for updated information, especially for special tariffs like night ferry services.
Will Additional Services Be Organized on the First Day of School?
Yes, additional services will be organized in Istanbul to reduce the expected transportation congestion with the reopening of schools and to facilitate citizens' travel. A total of 3,665 additional services have been planned on IETT, Metrobus, and Metro Istanbul lines, in addition to existing services. These additional services aim to alleviate congestion, especially in the morning, and to ensure students, parents, and other citizens have a more comfortable travel experience on the first day of school. Passengers arriving from distant locations such as Marmara Island are also expected to benefit from these arrangements.
What Should Passengers Do?
Passengers traveling on Monday, September 14, 2026, do not need to take any special action to benefit from the free transportation between 06:00 and 16:00. They will be able to pass free of charge by scanning their Istanbulkart on vehicles integrated with the Istanbulkart system. However, for journeys made after 16:00, the standard Istanbulkart ferry fare or other public transport fares will apply. Due to expected congestion, it is important to allow extra time when planning your journey and to follow current announcements. For example, intercity ferry services such as the Tekirdağ - Marmara route are not included in this application, so it is important to remember that it is only valid for public transport within Istanbul.