Şehir HatlarıMillions of candidates dreaming of university are closely following transportation arrangements ahead of the YKS (Higher Education Institutions Examination) to be held on June 20-21. Whether public transport will be free on exam days, especially in Istanbul, is among the most anticipated topics, with details regarding Marmaray, metro, Metrobus, İETT buses, trams, and Şehir Hatları ferries being widely researched. Decisions by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB) regarding exam days are being closely monitored by candidates and parents.
As the countdown to the Higher Education Institutions Examination (YKS) continues, students and parents living in Istanbul are questioning whether public transportation will be free on exam days. Candidates wanting to reach their exam centers on time are focused on official announcements from İETT and Metro İstanbul regarding potential free transport services.
IS PUBLIC TRANSPORT FREE ON YKS EXAM DAYS, JUNE 20-21, 2026?
The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB) has not yet made an official announcement on whether public transport will be free during the YKS exams held on June 20-21, 2026. Once an announcement is published by İBB, our article will be updated with the details.
WAS IT FREE LAST YEAR?
Last year, the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality provided free public transportation for candidates taking the YKS and exam officials. Citizens who presented their exam entrance document or official ID were able to use İETT and private public buses, Metrobus, metro, tram, funicular, cable car, nostalgic tram, Tünel, and Şehir Hatları ferries included in the Istanbulkart integration free of charge.
The practice started 2 hours before the exam start time and continued for another 2 hours after the exam ended. The implementation for 2026 will also be clarified following the official announcement by İBB.