Istanbul is a city that makes you walk. A lot. Hills, underpasses, long streets, sudden climbs you didn’t see on the map. And after a few days, even the most enthusiastic walkers start looking for shortcuts. This is where Istanbul’s cable cars quietly save the day.
They’re not tourist traps. They’re not thrill rides either. They’re practical, short connections designed to lift you over steep terrain while giving you views most people only notice from cafés or hilltops.
We’ve seen visitors skip Pierre Loti Hill because of the climb, then reach the top effortlessly in minutes once they realize there’s a cable car. Same story in Maçka. Long uphill walk on paper. Quick glide in reality.
Istanbul has two main cable car lines, and both exist for a reason. One helps you move between Maçka Park and Taşkışla, right near Taksim. The other carries you up to Pierre Loti Hill, overlooking the Golden Horn.
They don’t replace trams or metros. They complement them. Short rides. Big payoff.
Our guide focuses on how to use Istanbul’s cable cars efficiently. Where they go. When they run. And when they’re actually worth taking.
No hype. Just a smarter way to move through the city.
Istanbul Cable Cars at a Glance
Istanbul currently operates two cable car lines, both integrated into the public transport system and usable with an Istanbulkart.
The TF1 Maçka–Taşkışla cable car connects Maçka Park with Taşkışla, just below Taksim Square. It’s a short ride, but it cuts out a steep uphill walk and gives you open views toward the Bosphorus as you rise through greenery. Locals use it. Visitors love it once they find it.
The TF2 Eyüp–Pierre Loti cable car is more dramatic. It lifts you from the historic Eyüp district up to Pierre Loti Hill, one of the best panoramic viewpoints over the Golden Horn. Cafés, terraces, and quiet paths wait at the top. No climb required.
Both lines run frequently throughout the day, with minor seasonal schedule changes. Rides take only a few minutes, but they save time and energy, especially after a long day of walking.
No Regrets Booking Advice
Istanbeautiful team insight:
“Cable cars aren’t about transport speed. They’re about comfort and perspective. You skip the hill and gain the view.”
If you’re already using trams, ferries, or metro lines, cable cars fit in naturally. Same card. Same flow. Just a different angle on the city.
Short rides. Clear purpose. And views that remind you why Istanbul feels so layered.
Cable Car Lines of Istanbul
TF1 Macka-Taskisla Line
The TF1 Maçka–Taşkışla line exists for a very specific reason. That hill is steeper than it looks on Google Maps.
This short cable car links Maçka Park with Taşkışla, right below Taksim, and turns what would be a tiring uphill walk into a smooth, three-minute ride. Locals use it daily. Visitors usually discover it by accident and then wonder why they didn’t sooner.
The cabins rise gently over Maçka Park, with leafy views below and glimpses of the Bosphorus opening up as you move higher. It’s not dramatic. It’s calm. And after a long day of walking, it feels like a small luxury.
The ride itself is quick. Around 3.5 minutes from start to finish. Cabins arrive roughly every five minutes, so waiting times are short even during busy hours.
The cable car runs daily. In summer, it usually operates from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. In winter, closing time shifts slightly earlier, around 7:00 PM. Schedules can change during maintenance periods, so it’s worth checking before you go.
Once you step off, you’re close to Dolmabahçe Palace, Nişantaşı, and Taksim-area hotels. If you’re moving between sightseeing and shopping, this line quietly saves energy.
Payment is simple. Your Istanbulkart works here, and the fare is the same as a tram or metro ride.
TF2 Eyup-Piyer Loti line
The TF2 Eyüp–Pierre Loti line is the more famous one. And for good reason.
Pierre Loti Hill offers one of the best views over the Golden Horn, but the climb up is long and steep. This cable car turns that climb into a short, relaxed ride that takes less than three minutes.
You board near Eyüp, rise above the trees, and suddenly the Golden Horn spreads out below you. Mosques, rooftops, water, ferries. It’s one of those moments where Istanbul finally slows down.
Cabins run frequently, usually every five minutes, and the system operates throughout the day. In summer, service often continues until 11:00 PM, which makes sunset and evening visits easy. In winter, closing time is typically around 10:00 PM.
At the top, you’re steps away from Pierre Loti Café, walking paths, and lookout points. Nearby, Eyüp Sultan Mosque anchors the area with deep historical and cultural significance.
Crowds can build up in the late afternoon, especially on weekends. If you want a quieter experience, go early in the morning or later in the evening.
Like TF1, this line uses the Istanbulkart, and the fare matches standard public transport pricing.
Istanbeautiful team insight:
“TF2 is one of the easiest high-reward rides in the city. Three minutes of effort for a view people remember.”
Short rides. Clear purpose. And views that remind you why Istanbul is built the way it is.
How to Buy Tickets for Istanbul Cable Cars
Buying tickets for Istanbul’s cable cars is much simpler than most visitors expect, especially once you understand the rhythm of the city’s public transport.
Use Istanbulkart
The Istanbulkart is the key. It’s the same transport card you use for trams, buses, ferries, metros, and even the Marmaray trains. There’s no separate ticket you need to buy specifically for cable cars.
Here’s how it works:
Get an Istanbulkart
You can buy the card at ticket kiosks and vending machines located at major transport hubs, including metro and tram stations. Many convenience stores near transport points sell and reload the card too. Machines guide you through the language options, including English.
Load credit
Put enough balance on the card so it covers your cable car ride plus any other transport you plan to use that day. Cable car rides usually cost the same as standard public transit fares, so you won’t need a special ticket.
Tap and go
At the cable car station, you’ll see card readers at the turnstiles. Tap your Istanbulkart just like you would on a tram or metro. The system recognizes your ride and processes it automatically. There’s nothing more to do.
No separate ticket needed
There isn’t a separate printed ticket or reservation system for these cable cars. You don’t need to queue up to buy a ride ticket at a booth. Just approach the card reader, tap, and board when the next cabin is ready.
Check your balance
If your card runs low while exploring, reload it at vending machines inside tram, metro, or major transport stations. It’s faster and usually less crowded than reloading at the cable car stop.