How to Use Istanbul’s Cable Cars: Routes, Fares and Operating Hours

This guide covers* both of Istanbul’s cable car lines, known locally as teleferik. If you want to ride up to Pierre Loti Hill for sunset views over the Golden Horn, or take a short scenic crossing over Maçka Park, you will use the same transit card and payment system as the metro and trams. How to use Istanbul’s cable cars is straightforward: tap your Istanbulkart at the gate and board the next cabin.

The Eyüp–Pierre Loti line (TF2) is the more popular choice for visitors seeking photography and café time at the top. The Maçka–Taşkışla line (TF1) serves local commuters and offers a quieter park crossing near Taksim. Both lines run daily with frequent service.

Current access notice: As of October 2026, both cable car lines operate normally. TF2 (Eyüp–Pierre Loti) runs 08:00–23:00 in summer and 08:00–22:00 in winter. TF1 (Maçka–Taşkışla) runs 07:30–21:00 on weekdays and 08:00–19:00 on Sundays. Occasional maintenance closures may apply; check Metro Istanbul's announcements (Metro İstanbul duyurular) before travelling. Fares are part of the standard transit system and change annually.

Quick answer: Tap your Istanbulkart at the cable car entrance and board the next cabin. The Eyüp line takes about 2 minutes 45 seconds to reach Pierre Loti Hill; the Maçka line takes about 3.5 minutes to cross the park. Each cabin holds 4–8 passengers depending on the line. Total cost is a single transit fare.

At a Glance

Total time	5–15 minutes total (including wait time and boarding)
Typical cost	₺ (a single transit fare, same as metro or tram)

What You Need Before You Start

• Istanbulkart (transit card) or single-fare token purchased at the station
• Comfortable shoes* (cable car platforms have stairs and small slopes)
• For Pierre Loti: arrive before sunset if you want the best light for views
• For Maçka: no special preparation needed; it's a quick urban crossing

Compare Your Options

Option	Duration	Price	Notes
Eyüp–Pierre Loti cable car (TF2)	2 minutes 45 seconds one way; 30–60 minutes total with views and café time	₺	Operates summer 08:00–23:00, winter 08:00–22:00. Departs every 5 minutes at peak times. Best for sunset photography and Golden Horn views. Serves 2,000 passengers daily. Nearest transport: tram T5, ferry from Eminönü or Fener. Do not confuse the cable car with the optional walk through the cemetery.
Maçka–Taşkışla cable car (TF1)	3.5 minutes one way; 10–20 minutes total	₺	Operates weekdays 07:30–21:00, Sundays 08:00–19:00. Departs every 5 minutes at peak times. Quieter than Pierre Loti; serves roughly 1,000 passengers daily. Useful for park access, not a tourist attraction. Near Taksim, Nişantaşı. Close by mid-evening and does not run late.
Walk to Pierre Loti Hill (cemetery path)	20–30 minutes uphill; 15–20 minutes downhill	Free	Steep, winding path through the historic Eyüp cemetery. Accessible during daylight hours. No cable car fare required. Not recommended for elderly, very young children, or mobility-limited visitors. Atmospheric alternative for fit walkers. Allow extra time and wear proper shoes.
Bus or taxi to Maçka Park entrance	10–30 minutes depending on traffic and starting point	₺₺₺	Bypass the cable car entirely if you only want to walk the park grounds. Taxis from Taksim take 5–10 minutes. Buses: 22, 25C, or other routes to the Maçka Park area. Cable car view is minor; most visitors do not travel for this alone.
Tour or ferry combo	2–5 hours depending on tour	₺₺₺	Many tour operators bundle the cable car with a Golden Horn cruise or Bosphorus ferry, adding a guide and ensuring transport to Eyüp. Suits travelers without transit cards or those wanting cultural context.

₺ budget · ₺₺ moderate · ₺₺₺ upscale · ₺₺₺₺ splurge. Price levels are estimates compared with typical prices for visitors.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Reach the cable car station

For Eyüp–Pierre Loti (TF2): take tram line T5 and get off at the Eyüpsultan Teleferik stop. Walk across the street to the glass and metal cable car station at the base, near the Golden Horn shore. For Maçka–Taşkışla (TF1): walk northeast from Taksim Square about 10 minutes through Nişantaşı, or take a bus or taxi to Maçka Park entrance.

Tip: The Eyüp station is more visible; look for the large glass structure and 'Teleferik' signs on the tram platform.

Step 2: Locate the ticket machine or gate

Inside each station you will find automated ticket machines (Biletmatik) where you can top up your Istanbulkart, or a token machine (Jetonmatik) to buy single-ride tokens. Alternatively, you can buy a token in advance at a kiosk near the station. Some visitors bring their pre-loaded Istanbulkart from anywhere in the city.

Tip: If you are a first-time visitor, get an Istanbulkart or tokens before you arrive, as the machines can be crowded at peak times (after 4 p.m.).

Step 3: Tap your card or token at the gate

Hold your Istanbulkart or token near the card reader at the entrance barrier until you hear a beep. The gate will unlock. If using a token, drop it in the turnstile slot. For Pierre Loti, the gate is at the base of the building; for Maçka, gates are clearly marked near the cabin boarding area.

Tip: Single-ride tokens have a fixed value; multi-ride cards let you pay the standard transit fare (lower than a token).

Step 4: Wait for the next cabin

Cabins arrive every 5 minutes during peak hours and every 10–15 minutes off-peak. Each cabin holds 4–8 passengers depending on which line you are using. Do not rush; let the cabin come to rest before boarding. Elderly or mobility-limited passengers may need assistance; staff are usually present to help.

Tip: At sunset on the Eyüp line, expect 10–20 minute waits. Visit mid-morning or late afternoon for shorter queues.

Step 5: Board the cabin and stay seated

Step into the cabin as others exit. Take a seat or hold the overhead rail if standing. The doors close automatically. Do not lean out of windows or remove luggage from the cabin during the ride. The ride is smooth and takes 2 minutes 45 seconds (Pierre Loti) or 3.5 minutes (Maçka).

Tip: Small children and passengers afraid of heights may feel anxious; reassure them it is a very short ride with a good safety record.

Step 6: Exit at the top or bottom station

The cabin stops and doors open automatically. Exit calmly. At Pierre Loti (top station), you emerge onto a viewing platform next to the historic Pierre Loti Café. At Maçka (top), you reach a park entrance with benches and walking paths. At the bottom of either line, follow signs back to the main transit network or taxis.

Tip: At Pierre Loti, the terrace immediately adjoins the café; you do not need a ticket to stand on the terrace and view the Golden Horn.

Step 7: Return journey (optional)

To descend, use the same cable car ticket gate at the upper station. You will need another fare (use your Istanbulkart again or buy another token). Alternatively, at Pierre Loti you can walk down through the Eyüp cemetery (easier going downhill; allow 20 minutes) to return to street level.

Tip: The downhill cemetery walk is a common shortcut locals use; it is open during daylight and is safe, though narrow and uneven in places.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Confusing the cable car arrival time (Eyüp: T5 tram) with the cable car station entrance. The tram stops one block away; you must walk to the glass station building.
• Showing up at sunset in summer (June–August) without checking operating hours. The Eyüp line closes at 23:00 in summer and 22:00 in winter, but cafés and terraces fill by 19:00. Arrive by 17:00–18:00 to secure a good viewing spot.
• Expecting the cabin to go faster. Many first-time visitors are surprised by the short 2.75–3.5 minute ride duration. It is not a long scenic ascent; it is a quick hop.
• Bringing large backpacks or luggage that do not fit in the small cabin. The 4–8 person limit means tight quarters; a standard day pack is fine, but wheeled luggage is awkward.
• Misunderstanding the cemetery path. Walking down through Eyüp cemetery is permitted and is the traditional local route, but it is different from riding the cable car and requires daylight and comfortable shoes. Do not assume it is always open or always safe for solo travelers.
• Forgetting that the Maçka cable car (TF1) closes by 21:00 on weekdays and 19:00 on Sundays. If you plan to visit after 7 p.m., only the Pierre Loti line (TF2) is open.
• Not realizing the cable car is part of the metro/tram fare system, not a separate tourist attraction. A single ride costs the same as one metro journey; there is no 'cable car ticket' in the traditional sense.

Tickets, Payment and Booking

Tickets and payment: Both cable car lines are part of Istanbul’s public transport system and accept the Istanbulkart (rechargeable transit card), single-ride tokens (jeton), or disposable paper cards. Purchase your Istanbulkart at any major metro station, tram stop, or tobacco kiosk. Single-ride tokens are available at Jetonmatik (coin-operated machines) at the cable car stations, or buy them in advance at nearby kiosks.

Foreign visitor payment: Foreign credit cards and contactless payment typically do not work directly; obtain an Istanbulkart or tokens beforehand. The card can be loaded with cash at any automated top-up machine (Biletmatik) at metro stations or cable car stations.

Official sources: Purchase and fare information from Metro Istanbul (metro.istanbul). Do not use unofficial resellers or tour company ‘combo packages’ if you only want the cable car ride; the transit card is cheaper and valid for metro, tram, and all transport. Resellers add markup.

Istanbul Vibes Tips

• Pierre Loti sunset: If you want the classic Golden Horn at dusk, arrive between 17:00 and 18:30 (depending on season). The light is best 20–30 minutes after sunset touches the horizon, when the sky is still luminous but not fully dark. Summer sunsets are late (after 19:30); autumn and winter are earlier.
• Maçka cable car timing: The line operates only until 21:00 on weekdays and 19:00 on Sundays. Do not plan a late visit unless you are using the Pierre Loti line (TF2), which stays open until 23:00 in summer.
• Combine with T5 tram: The T5 tram serves Eyüpsultan Teleferik station and also stops at Fener and Balat (colorful neighborhood streets) and Eminönü (Spice Bazaar, ferries). A single trip can link sightseeing; one transit fare covers all legs.
• Avoid peak hour crowding: The cables carry cabins every 5 minutes at peak times (17:00–19:00 on weekdays, afternoon on weekends). Mid-morning (10:00–12:00) or mid-afternoon (13:00–16:00) are quieter. You may wait 15+ minutes at sunset in summer.
• Maçka Park walk-off: After riding the cable car at Maçka, the park is pleasant to walk. The uphill direction from Taşkışla is steeper; descending from Maçka is easier and offers more park views. Budget 20–30 minutes to explore the grounds.
• Weather and wind: On very windy days or during maintenance, the cable cars may close temporarily. If visiting during a storm or strong winds, call ahead or check Metro Istanbul's status page. The lines are safe in light rain but may not operate in gale conditions.

Explore Nearby How to Use Istanbul's Cable Cars

Sights near How to Use Istanbul's Cable Cars

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  Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
  Fener and Balat Districts · typical visit: 3–5 hours
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  Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
  Eyüp Cemetery · typical visit: 1–2 hours2 min on foot from Piyer Loti metro, Open 24 hours
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  Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
  Maçka Park · typical visit: 1–2 hoursOpen 24 hours
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  Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
  Taksim Square · typical visit: 30 minutes to 1 hour, or longer with İstiklal Avenue

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FAQ

Can I use my hotel card or credit card to pay for the cable car?

No. Most foreign credit cards and contactless payments do not work on Istanbul's transit system. You must use an Istanbulkart (rechargeable transit card) or buy a single-ride token (jeton) at the station. Get an Istanbulkart from a metro station kiosk or major transit hub; you can load cash onto it at automated machines.

How long is each cable car ride?

The Eyüp–Pierre Loti cable car (TF2) takes about 2 minutes 45 seconds to ascend. The Maçka–Taşkışla cable car (TF1) takes about 3.5 minutes. Both are very short rides; they are not long scenic ascents.

Is there an entry fee for Pierre Loti Hill itself?

No. The hill is a public viewpoint and does not charge entry. You only pay the cable car fare (one transit fare). The historic café at the top is optional; you can stand on the terrace and view the Golden Horn for free without buying food or drink.

Can I walk down from Pierre Loti instead of taking the cable car?

Yes. A path through the historic Eyüp cemetery descends from Pierre Loti to street level. It is easier going downhill (15–20 minutes) than uphill and is open during daylight. Wear good shoes; the path is narrow and uneven in places. This route is free and commonly used by locals.

What time is best to visit for photos?

For the Pierre Loti cable car, late afternoon to sunset (17:00–19:30) offers the best light over the Golden Horn and Old City. Avoid midday glare. In summer, sunset is after 20:00, so plan accordingly. Expect crowded cabins at sunset; mid-morning is quieter.

Do the cable cars run at night?

The Eyüp–Pierre Loti line (TF2) runs until 23:00 in summer and 22:00 in winter. The Maçka line (TF1) closes at 21:00 on weekdays and 19:00 on Sundays. Both stop running around sunset on weekends and in winter.

Can I bring luggage or a large backpack?

Small day packs fit easily. Large backpacks or luggage can be awkward in the small 4–8 person cabins, especially during crowded times. Store large bags at your hotel or use luggage storage if possible before visiting the cable car.

Is the cable car safe for children and elderly visitors?

Yes. Both lines are safe and run very frequently. The ride is smooth and short. Children may find it exciting; elderly and mobility-limited visitors should note there are small stairs and platforms. Staff are usually present to assist. The Pierre Loti cable car is especially suitable for families seeking a quick scenic outing.

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