A question that many travelers ask is: what are the funiculars and cable cars in Istanbul? Indeed, it has several of each type. And it is useful to know where they are and what their differences are in order not to make mistakes, since not all can be considered a top-level attraction. In the following lines, we explain it in detail.
Funicular vs. Cable Car: Difference
Although many people use both terms interchangeably, the truth is that they are two very different concepts. By funicular, we mean the railway system whose train climbs a very steep slope. On the other hand, the cable car also overcomes significant differences in elevation, but by means of an aerial cable system stretched along large posts, which is why it is also called a cable car. In this way, it gives the impression that the cable car cabins are suspended, while those of the funicular travel on land.
Funiculars of Istanbul
Taking into account the aforementioned difference, we can talk about funiculars and cable cars in Istanbul, since the city has several examples of both cases. As far as funiculars are concerned, there are two main ones.
The most important, without a doubt, is the Karaköy-Beyoğlu Tünel line. And it is because it is an underground funicular system, inaugurated in 1875, which makes it the second underground railway system in the world, only behind the London Underground. The project was carried out by the French engineer Eugene Henri Gavand and promoted by the sultan Abdülaziz, and still maintains a certain retro air that takes us back to a bygone era, although it enjoys all the comforts and safety measures of our time. Therefore, lovers of this transport system have a must-see stop here, along with other proposals such as the Orient Express.
The second funicular in the city is more recent and connects Taksim Square with the Kabataş area. Its interest lies in the importance of both headends: Taksim Square is one of the liveliest in the city, while the Dolmabahçe Palace, one of the most beautiful in the city and very visited by travelers, is located in the vicinity of Kabataş, which is why we include it in some of our circuits.
Cable Cars of Istanbul
There is no doubt that the attraction of the cable cars of Istanbul, like those of any other similar system in the world, lies in the panoramic views it offers. Not only because one of its stations is necessarily located at an elevated point, but because the journey itself is a special experience, due to its ‘suspended’ route in the air.
Of the cable cars in Istanbul, the one that receives the most visitors is the Eyüp-Pierre Loti line. The first stop is located in the historic district of Eyüp, at the beginning of the waterway known as the Golden Horn. The final stop is on Pierre Loti Hill, from where you can enjoy magnificent panoramic views of the Golden Horn. In addition, on this hill there are different gastronomic establishments whose main attraction is the terraces to admire the landscape while having a drink.
The other cable car in Istanbul is the Maçka-Taşkışla line, also known as the Maçka Gondola. In this case, it is used more as a transport solution than as a tourist attraction in itself, as the panoramic views are not as special as those of the Eyüp-Pierre Loti line. It connects the Maçka neighborhood with Taşkışla, a very central point near Taksim Square, thus overcoming a steep slope. During the journey, the most interesting thing is the aerial view over the Maçka Democracy Park, as well as (vaguely) the silhouette of the Besiktas Stadium and the Bosphorus Strait.
