How to Get from Sultanahmet and Eminonu to Eyup Sultan Mosque: Tram, Bus and Walking
04 November 2026 - Eyüp Sultan Camii
Most visitors to Istanbul choose to stay and sightsee around Sultanahmet and Eminonu. After visiting Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace, getting to Eyup Sultan is very easy: the T5 Eminönü - Alibeyköy tram runs directly to Eyup along the shore of the Golden Horn.
Option 1: T1 + T5 Tram (Recommended)
- Take the T1 tram: Board the T1 towards Kabataş at the Sultanahmet stop.
- Get off at Eminönü: It is a few stops and about 10 minutes from Sultanahmet to Eminönü.
- Walk to the T5 stop: In Eminönü, the T5 tram stop on the Golden Horn side is a few minutes' walk away. Follow the signs.
- Ride the T5 to Eyup: Board the T5 towards Alibeyköy. The tram passes the Küçükpazar, Cibali, Fener, Balat, Ayvansaray and Feshane stops.
- Get off at Eyüpsultan Teleferik: The ride from Eminönü takes about 20-25 minutes.
Total time: About 40-50 minutes from Sultanahmet, or about 25-30 minutes if you start from Eminönü.
Option 2: Bus
There are also bus lines from Eminönü to Eyup that follow the Golden Horn shore (for example, the 36CE and the 39 series stop in Eyup). Depending on traffic, the bus can be slower than the tram. As line numbers and routes may change, check IETT's current information or a transport app before boarding.
Option 3: Taxi
It is about 7-8 km from Sultanahmet to Eyup Sultan by taxi, taking 20-40 minutes depending on traffic. It is a practical choice, especially if you are travelling with elderly people or those who find walking difficult.
Sightseeing Tip: To Eyup via Fener and Balat
The T5 tram line passes through some of Istanbul's most colourful neighbourhoods. If you have time, you can turn your journey into a sightseeing route:
- Get off at Fener: Explore Fener and Balat on foot, famous for their colourful historic houses and narrow streets.
- Board the tram again at Balat, or, if you have the time and energy, walk along the Golden Horn.
- Walk from Feshane to Eyup: The seaside walk from the Feshane stop to Eyup Sultan is very pleasant. For details, read our Golden Horn Walking Route from Feshane to Eyup Sultan.
- End the day at Pierre Loti: After visiting the mosque and tomb, take the cable car up to Pierre Loti Hill and enjoy tea with a view of the Golden Horn.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do the T1 and T5 trams share a stop?
Both lines stop at Eminönü, but the stops are not in the same place. A short walk is needed from the T1 stop to the T5 stop.
Can I go by ferry?
Golden Horn ferries do not leave from Eminönü; they depart from Üsküdar and go to Eyup via Karaköy. From Eminönü you can walk across the Galata Bridge and take the Golden Horn ferry from Karaköy Pier. Departures are limited, so check the times in advance.
The Last Step: From the Stop to the Mosque
For those arriving by the T5 tram, the closest stop to Eyup Sultan Mosque is Eyüpsultan Teleferik. From this stop it is a short walk to the mosque, the tomb and the Eyup bazaar; simply follow the signs or your map app. The lower station of the cable car to Pierre Loti Hill is also in this area. Those arriving by ferry reach the mosque with a short walk from Eyup Pier.
Important: The M7 metro line does not have a station next to Eyup Sultan Mosque. Metro travellers should transfer to the T5 tram at Alibeyköy station.
Before You Set Off
- Get an Istanbulkart: The Istanbulkart is valid on metros, trams, buses and ferries. Card sale and top-up machines are available at airports, major stations and piers.
- Check current information: Timetables and routes can change. Before travelling, check Metro Istanbul, Şehir Hatları (city ferries) or IETT, or use apps such as Moovit, Google Maps or İstanbul Senin.
- Know the busy times: The area is very crowded before Friday prayer, on weekend afternoons, on holy nights (kandil) and during Eid holidays.
- Plan around prayer times: If you want to arrive in time for a prayer, check our prayer times page. For tomb visiting hours, see Tomb Visiting Hours and Rules.
- Dress modestly: Women are expected to cover their hair when entering the mosque, and both men and women should wear clothing that covers the shoulders and knees.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair users can read our guide Accessibility and Facilities.