Travel Guide to Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque

Getting There

• Car

  If you're traveling by car from any location in Thrace, head towards Istanbul via the O-3 or E80 highways. Follow the signs for Istanbul. As you approach the city, look for the signs directing you to Fatih and Sultan Ahmet. Once in the Sultan Ahmet area, follow the signs to Hagia Sophia, which is located at Ayasofya Meydanı No:1, 34122 Fatih. There are parking options available in the vicinity, but be aware that parking fees may apply. It is advisable to arrive early to find parking.

• Public Transportation - Bus

  To reach Hagia Sophia via public transportation, take a bus from your location in Thrace to Istanbul. Major bus companies operate frequent services to Istanbul from cities in Thrace, such as Edirne and Tekirdağ. Once you arrive at the main bus terminal in Istanbul (Esenler Otogar), transfer to the Metro line M1A towards Yenikapı. Get off at the Aksaray station, then transfer to the Tram line T1 towards Kabataş. Get off at the Sultanahmet stop, which is a short walk from Hagia Sophia. Note that the bus fare varies depending on your departure city, typically ranging from 30 to 100 Turkish Lira.

• Public Transportation - Train

  If you are traveling from Edirne, you can take a train to Istanbul. Board the train at Edirne train station and head to Halkalı station in Istanbul. From Halkalı, you can take a taxi or use the Metro line M1 towards Yenikapı. Disembark at the Aksaray station and switch to Tram line T1 towards Kabataş. Get off at Sultanahmet, which is very close to Hagia Sophia. The train ticket price may vary, generally around 30 Turkish Lira.

• Public Transportation - Ferry (if near the coast)

  If you are near the coast in Thrace, you can take a ferry from Tekirdağ to Istanbul. The ferry will take you to Karaköy, from where you can catch the tram line T1 towards Kabataş. Get off at Sultanahmet. Make sure to check the ferry schedule in advance as it may vary. The ferry ticket typically costs around 30 Turkish Lira.