Getting There
How to Get to Çamlıca Tower by Public Transport (Metro, Marmaray & the Final Hill)
M5 metro to Kısıklı, the steep final climb, bus and taxi options, and transport tips every visitor should know.
The short answer
Take the M5 Üsküdar–Sultanbeyli metro to Kısıklı station, the closest metro stop to the tower. From there, either walk the uphill final section or take a short taxi ride to the entrance at Küçük Çamlıca. The tower sits on the Asian side, in Üsküdar.
From the European side
- Sultanahmet / Sirkeci: Marmaray train under the Bosphorus to Üsküdar, then change to the M5 metro towards Sultanbeyli and get off at Kısıklı.
- Eminönü, Karaköy or Beşiktaş: ferry to Üsküdar, then the M5 metro from Üsküdar station to Kısıklı.
- Metrobüs users: get off at Altunizade, transfer to the M5 and ride one stop to Kısıklı.
- Taksim: walk or take the funicular down to Kabataş, ferry to Üsküdar, then the M5 to Kısıklı.
The final hill: what to expect
The route from Kısıklı to the tower is not flat — it climbs noticeably up Küçük Çamlıca Hill. Visitors regularly describe the approach from public transport as steep. Fit walkers manage it in comfortable shoes, but families with small children, older visitors and anyone with limited mobility will usually prefer a short taxi from Kısıklı.
Don't confuse Küçük Çamlıca (where the tower is) with Büyük Çamlıca hill and the Çamlıca Mosque nearby — they are separate hills, and following signs for the mosque takes you the wrong way.
Buses and minibuses
The official tower website lists bus lines 129T, 34AZ and 34Z plus the D-36 and D-61 dolmuş (shared minibus) routes. Routes and timetables change, so check the İETT app or a journey planner on the day before relying on a bus for the last stretch.
Transport tips visitors should know
- Buy an Istanbulkart — it works on metro, Marmaray, ferries, buses and the metrobüs.
- Allow 60–90 minutes each way from Sultanahmet or Taksim, including transfers.
- Aim to arrive 60–90 minutes before sunset to clear security and see the view change.
- Security queues at the entrance can take time on busy days, and large bags or tripods may not be allowed.
- Weekend evenings bring heavy traffic on the hill — public transport plus a short taxi is usually faster than driving.
- Check current opening days and hours before you travel; some sources report Monday closures.
