The Büyük Mecidiye Mosque, more famously known as Ortaköy Mosque, is arguably the most photographed sight in Istanbul. With its neo-Baroque elegance perched directly on the edge of the Bosphorus and the majestic 15 July Martyrs Bridge (First Bosphorus Bridge) soaring overhead, it’s a required stop for any visitor. But the Ortaköy district is slightly removed from the main metro lines, meaning many travelers ask: how to get to Ortakoy Mosque efficiently and affordably? This complete guide breaks down all your best options from the main tourist hubs.

The Classic Route

For visitors staying in the historical peninsula (Sultanahmet, Eminönü), the journey requires a simple, scenic transfer.

How to get to Ortaköy Mosque from Sultanahmet: The Tram and Bus Transfer

This is the standard, most reliable route:

  1. Tram (T1 Line): Start by taking the T1 Bağcılar-Kabataş Tram from your local stop (e.g., Sultanahmet, Sirkeci, Eminönü). Ride the tram all the way to the final stop, Kabataş.
  2. Bus: At Kabataş, transfer to one of the frequent IETT buses running along the Bosphorus. Look for numbers such as 22, 22RE, or 25E.
  3. Arrival: The bus ride is quick (about 10-15 minutes). Alight at the Ortaköy-Kabataş Erkek Lisesi stop. The mosque is immediately visible across the street.

Alternative: Ferry from Eminönü to Ortaköy (The Scenic Route)

For a true Bosphorus experience, take a ferry!

  • Walk to the Eminönü Ferry Terminal.
  • Look for Şehir Hatları ferries bound for the Ortaköy İskelesi (pier).
  • While service can be less frequent than the buses (often hourly), the journey takes a relaxing 25-30 minutes and drops you directly onto the bustling Ortaköy Square, right beside the mosque.

The Quickest Route

If you are staying in the popular tourist areas of Taksim or Beyoğlu, your journey is incredibly direct via bus. This is the fastest way from Taksim to Ortaköy.

Direct Bus: How to get to Ortakoy Mosque from Taksim

  1. Start Point: Walk to the main bus stops around Taksim Square or Park Otel.
  2. Bus Numbers: Take any bus heading down the Bosphorus coast toward Ortaköy/Beşiktaş. Key bus numbers include 40, 40T, and 42T.
  3. Travel Time: The Taksim to Ortaköy travel time is remarkably short, usually between 15 to 20 minutes depending on traffic.
  4. Arrival: Exit at the Ortaköy-Kabataş Erkek Lisesi stop.

The Local Way

how to get to ortakoy mosque-min

Beşiktaş is the local hub adjacent to Ortaköy. If you are starting from here, your trip is minimal.

Besiktas to Ortaköy Mosque Transport

  • Bus: The quickest method is catching any IETT bus (like the 22 or 25E) from Beşiktaş Meydan (Square). The journey is only 5 to 8 minutes.
  • Ferry: The Beşiktaş İskelesi also offers short, frequent ferry connections to Ortaköy İskelesi (about 10 minutes), making for a delightful water crossing.
  • Walking: At just over 2 km, a 30-minute walk along the scenic coast from Beşiktaş is a great option in good weather.

General Public Transport to Ortaköy Mosque

  • The Istanbulkart: All forms of public transport to Ortaköy Mosque—bus, tram, and ferry—require the Istanbulkart (a contactless public transport card). Cash is generally not accepted on buses. A single bus fare is approximately 40 TL, though this is subject to current municipal rates.
  • Taxi/Private Transfer: For groups or those prioritizing speed, a taxi from Taksim will cost approximately 180-220 TL (5-10 minutes) and from Sultanahmet, around 330-400 TL (10-15 minutes).

Once you’ve mastered how to get to Ortakoy Mosque, Istanbul, you can enjoy the reward. Remember to try the local specialties: the famous Ortaköy Kumpir (a giant baked potato with endless toppings) and the sweet, fresh waffles are essential before you take that iconic sunset photo of the mosque against the Bosphorus Bridge backdrop.