Şehir HatlarıDue to Victory Day, to be celebrated on Sunday, August 30, 2026, many public transportation vehicles in Istanbul, including Şehir Hatları ferries, will provide free service to citizens. On this special day, buses, Metrobus, metro, and tram lines operated by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM), as well as rail systems like Marmaray, operated by the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, will also be included in the free transportation scheme. This initiative will be valid throughout Victory Day, allowing citizens to enjoy the holiday spirit without transportation concerns.
Free Public Transportation on August 30 Victory Day
As every year, on August 30 Victory Day, selected public transportation lines in three major cities will be free of charge. This initiative is implemented to enable citizens to comfortably experience the national holiday's joy and easily participate in commemorative events. Some urban rail systems operated by the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, along with public transportation vehicles under IMM in Istanbul, will be covered by this scheme.
Scope of Free Transportation in Istanbul
In Istanbul, public transportation services will be offered free of charge across a wide range on Sunday, August 30, 2026. This includes all buses (İETT), Metrobus, metro, and tram lines operated by IMM, as well as Şehir Hatları ferries. Additionally, Marmaray, the Sirkeci-Kazlıçeşme Rail System Line, and the Gayrettepe-Istanbul Airport-Halkalı Metro Line, all operated by the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, will be free to use throughout Victory Day. This aims to provide relief for citizens using both land and sea transportation.
- Şehir Hatları Ferries: Şehir Hatları ferries, which hold an important place in Istanbul's sea transportation, will provide free service on August 30. This will be a great convenience for passengers traveling on busy lines such as Sirkeci - Harem.
- İETT Buses and Metrobus: İETT buses and Metrobus lines, which are the backbone of urban transportation, will also be free.
- Metro and Tram Lines: Istanbul's rail systems, specifically the metro and tram lines operated by IMM, will also provide free service on August 30.
- Marmaray and Other Ministry Lines: In addition to Marmaray, the Sirkeci-Kazlıçeşme Rail System Line and the Gayrettepe-Istanbul Airport-Halkalı Metro Line will also be included in the free transportation scheme.
Situation in Ankara and Izmir
In Ankara and Izmir, some public transportation lines will also be free on August 30 Victory Day:
- Ankara: Başkentray will be free to use throughout August 30 Victory Day. However, for other municipal public transportation vehicles in Ankara (such as EGO buses, metro, and ANKARAY), current information regarding free service should be checked from the relevant local government announcements.
- Izmir: İZBAN is among the lines covered by free transportation in Izmir. Passengers using İZBAN on Sunday, August 30, will be able to use this line without paying a fare. For the fare applicable to other municipal transportation vehicles in Izmir, separate announcements by the local government will be decisive.
Important Information for Passengers
Passengers wishing to benefit from free transportation on this special day do not need to take any additional action. When using Şehir Hatları ferries from piers like Sirkeci or Harem in Istanbul, or boarding other public transportation vehicles, normal transit systems will be used, but no fare will be collected. Since the scope and details of the application may vary by institution, it is highly important to check the official announcements of the relevant operators (IMM, Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, EGO, Izmir Metropolitan Municipality, etc.) before traveling to prevent possible disruptions.