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Getting to the Blue Mosque in Istanbul | Location, directions, routes, visitor tips, & more
Blue Mosque TicketsDirections
Where is the Blue Mosque located?
Address: Binbirdirek, At Meydani Cd No:10, 34122 Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey
Description: The Blue Mosque is situated on the European side of Istanbul, near the southern tip of the historic peninsula. The mosque is positioned to the northwest of Sultanhmet Square, a vibrant area surrounded by significant landmarks. The mosque is a must-visit destination for those seeking to explore Istanbul's rich history and architectural splendor.
Nearest landmarks:Hagia Sofia (290 meters away)
Getting to the Blue Mosque by public transportation
By tram
Best for: Scenic travel
Travel time: 50 mins (from Bagcilar station)
Nearest station: Cemberlitas
- Major tram lines pass through central areas like Sultanahmet, Eminonu, and Kabatas. Before boarding the tram, try to obtain an Istanbul Card, a reloadable smart card that offers discounted fares on public transportation.
- The T1 line is the main tram line that passes through the historic district, connecting major tourist destinations, including Sultanahmet and Eminonu. Sit back and enjoy the scenic route along the historic peninsula.
- Once the tram arrives at Cemberlitas, exit the station and follow signs pointing towards Sultanahmet Square. The Blue Mosque is a 4-minute walk from Cemberlitas.
By bus
Best for: Economic travel
Travel time: 18 minutes (from Topkapi)
Nearest station: Catladikapi- Yenikapi Yonu
- Buses 37Y, 77A, BN1, and others run along the Blue Mosque route. Istanbul's bus stops are well-marked, and information is available in both Turkish and English.
- Confirm the route number and destination before boarding. Pay the bus fare in cash or use an Istanbul travel pass upon boarding. Reach Catladikapi and walk for around 3 minutes to reach the Blue Mosque.
- Depending on your chosen route, you may need to transfer to a tram at a central location, such as Eminonu. Alight at the nearest point, and then consider using the tram or walking to Cemberlitas. The Blue Mosque is a short walk from Cemberlitas.
By metro
Best for: Time-saving travel
Travel time: 30 mins (from Ataturk Havalimani)
Nearest station: Sirkeci
- The M1A line runs for around 20 kilometers and passes through 18 major stations in the city. The M1 runs through 23 stations in total, of which 11 are underground and 3 are above the surface.
- Although the M1 is fully operational, it is considered to be a light rail station due to its low passenger capacity.
- Get on any metro that runs along the M1A and M2 routes to reach Sirkeci station. The Blue Mosque is a few minutes away from the station.
By train
Best for: Cost-effective travel
Travel time: 38 minutes (from Uskudar Marmaray)
Nearest station: Sirkeci
- The Istanbul suburban railway, also known as the B1 train, runs through most of the tourist squares and important areas in the city.
- The B1 train, also known as the Halkali train runs through 15 stations, departing from Uskudar Marmaray, and ending at Halkali.
- Get on the B1 train and reach Sirkeci. The Sirkeci station is a short walk away from the Blue Mosque.
Getting to the Blue Mosque by car
Driving route
Best for: Convenience
Travel time: 45 to 60 minutes (depending on which airport you choose to travel from)
Distance: 51.3 km from the Istanbul International Airport and 45.9 km from the Sabiha Gokcen Airport
- Take the O-1 highway towards Istanbul. At the Kagithane junction, merge onto the TEM highway towards Istanbul. Keep right and follow the signs for Topkapi Sarayı. Take the exit for Sultanahmet and turn right onto Divan Yolu Caddesi. Continue straight and turn left onto Akbıyıyk Caddesi. The Blue Mosque will be on your left-hand side.
- If you are going from Sabiha Gokcen Airport, take the O-4 highway towards Istanbul. At the Seyrantepe junction, merge onto the E-5 highway towards Istanbul. Continue straight and take exit 12 for Edirne Kapı. Follow signs for Sultanahmet and turn left onto Seyitgazi Caddesi. Turn right onto Sultanahmet Meydanı. The Blue Mosque will be in front of you.
Parking facilities
Finding parking near the Blue Mosque can be challenging, especially during peak season. Although there are a few parking lots located near the mosque, they tend to fill up quickly. If you are driving from outside of Istanbul, it is recommended to park your car at a nearby public transportation stop and take the tram or bus to the mosque. These are the closest parking facility to the Blue Mosque:
Walk or cycle to the Blue Mosque
Best for: Eco-friendly travel
Travel time: 35 minutes
- Start at Sultanahmet Square, the heart of Istanbul's historic center. Head north on Divan Yolu Caddesi, a pedestrianized street lined with shops and restaurants. After about 300 meters, turn right onto Akbıyıyk Caddesi.
- Follow Akbıyıyk Caddesi for about 1 kilometer, passing by Hagia Sophia and the Topkapi Palace. At the intersection of Akbıyıyk Caddesi and Sultanahmet Meydanı, turn left. The Blue Mosque will be on your left-hand side.
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Frequently asked questions about Blue Mosque’s location
Where is the Blue Mosque located?
The Blue Mosque is located in the Sultanahmet district of Istanbul, Turkey, on Sultan Ahmet Meydani. It is a short walk away from other significant landmarks like the Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern.
Which city is the Blue Mosque in?
The Blue Mosque is in Istanbul, Turkey. It is situated on Binbirdirek, At Meydani Cd No. 10, 34122 in Fatih.
How to reach the Blue Mosque by train?
You can hop on any train along the B1 route to reach Sirkeci, a train station about 5 minutes away on foot from the Blue Mosque.
What is the closest train station to the Blue Mosque?
The nearest train station to the Blue Mosque is Sirkeci station, located about a 5-minute walk from the mosque.
How to reach the Blue Mosque by bus?
Several bus lines like the 37Y, 77A, and BN1 run along Sultanahmet Square near significant landmarks. The closest bus stop is located on Catladikapi- Yenikapi Yonu, just a small walk away from the Blue Mosque.
What is the closest bus stop to the Blue Mosque?
The closest bus stop to the Blue Mosque is situated on Catladikapi- Yenikapi Yonu, around 5 to 7 minutes away from the mosque premises.
How to reach the Blue Mosque by metro?
You can get on the M1A or the M2 metro and reach the Sirkeci station. This station is around a 5-minute walk from the Blue Mosque.
What is the closest metro station to the Blue Mosque?
The closest metro station to the Blue Mosque is Sirkeci, around 5 minutes away from the Blue Mosque.
Is parking available at the Blue Mosque?
There is no dedicated parking lot at the Blue Mosque. However, there are a few public parking lots located near the mosque like the Sultanahmet Vakfı Otoparki and the Sultanahmet Selim Parking Property. Parking spots are limited, and you may find it hard to secure parking, especially during peak season.
What is the best way to reach the Blue Mosque if I want to sightsee on my own?
The best way to reach the Blue Mosque if you want to sightsee on your own is to take the B1 train or the M1A or M2 metro and get down at Sirkeci station. This station is located close to Sultanahmet Square and you can take in the vibrant marketplace as you walk to the Blue Mosque.
How do I get to the Blue Mosque by car?
Driving to the Blue Mosque can be challenging due to traffic and limited parking near the mosque premises. If you do choose to drive, take the O-1 highway, go further towards Topkapi Sarayi, turn right onto Divan Yolu Caddesi, and reach Akbıyıyk Caddesi.
Can I walk to the Blue Mosque?
You can walk to the Blue Mosque from many popular tourist attractions in Sultanahmet Square. The walk is pleasant and lets you see some of the city's most iconic landmarks.
What is the easiest way to get to the Blue Mosque in Istanbul?
The easiest way to get to the Blue Mosque in Istanbul is to take the T1 tram. The tram stops right in Cemberlitas, a 4-minute walk away from the mosque premises, and is a convenient and affordable way to travel.