Your Guide to Using Public Transport Apps and Metrobus in Istanbul (2025)

In a large city like Istanbul, relying on smartphone apps is essential to avoid traffic congestion and save time and money.

Here are the most popular apps used daily by both residents and tourists, especially to track the metrobus, metro, tram, and Marmaray:

1️⃣ İBB CepTrafik App – Official from the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality
✅ Features and Services:

• Displays real-time road conditions (including traffic, accidents, maintenance work).
  
  

• Allows you to see the metrobus movement directly on the map.
  
  

• You can view live street cameras.
  
  

• Provides immediate alerts about accidents or changes in transport lines.
  
  

• Displays nearby transport stations and bus stops.
  
  

• Shows the number of passengers on each vehicle to estimate congestion.
  
  

📥 Download Links:

• Android – Google Play
  
  

• iOS – App Store
  
  

💡 Who is it for?
Very suitable for those who want to monitor the metrobus directly and know real-time congestion on the roads.

2️⃣ Trafi App – Precise Trip Planning

✅ Features and Services:

• The best app for suggesting the shortest route from point to point using public transportation.
  
  

• Supports all transport modes: metrobus, metro, tram, Marmaray, buses.
  
  

• Shows accurate arrival times in real time.
  
  

• Provides alternative options in case of delays or disruptions.
  
  

• Supports both English and Turkish languages.
  
  

• Contains a detailed map of all lines, and you can save your favorite stations.
  
  

📥 Download Links:

• Android – Google Play
  
  

• iOS – App Store
  
  

💡 Who is it for?
Ideal for visitors or new residents, as it guides you accurately while traveling and suggests the best alternatives in case of delays.

3️⃣ Moovit App – Global Travel Assistant

✅ Features and Services:

• Displays all transport options in Istanbul in an easy-to-understand and visual format.
  
  

• Shows actual departure and arrival times.
  
  

• Can send alerts when it’s time to get off.
  
  

• Supports Arabic and English languages.
  
  

• Gives alerts about route changes.
  
  

• Allows you to save your favorite trips for easy access later.
  
  

📥 Download Links:

• Android – Google Play
  
  

• iOS – App Store
  
  

💡 Who is it for?
Ideal for those who prefer an easy-to-navigate interface or want voice and visual instructions during the trip.

4️⃣ Istanbulkart Mobil App – Manage and Recharge the Smart Card

✅ Features and Services:

• Allows you to recharge your Istanbulkart online.
  
  

• You can link multiple cards (for example, for the family).
  
  

• Tracks your balance and daily usage history.
  
  

• Displays nearby Istanbulkart recharge locations.
  
  

• You can load digital tickets on your phone and use them directly.
  
  

📥 Download Links:

• Android – Google Play
  
  

• iOS – App Store
  
  

💡 Who is it for?
Essential for anyone using public transport daily. It’s best to download it as soon as you arrive in Istanbul.

🧭 General Tip: How to Choose the Right App?

• If you want to know about congestion on the roads and specifically metrobus: CepTrafik.
  
  

• If you want to plan your journey from home to your destination using the fastest and easiest transport option: Trafi.
  
  

• If you prefer visual and voice instructions during your trip: Moovit.
  
  
• If you need to recharge your card and manage your expenses: Istanbulkart Mobil.
  

A report on Metropos on our website: Link