Where is the Basilica Cistern? | Location, Routes, & Tips

Where is the Basilica Cistern located?

Basilica Cistern address: Alemdar Mahallesi, Yerebatan Cad. 1/3, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey

Located in the heart of Istanbul, Turkey, the Basilica Cistern lies close to other renowned landmarks of Istanbul, such as the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. The cistern is surrounded by charming cobblestone streets and traditional Turkish architecture, providing a fascinating atmosphere for visitors.

Closest landmark: Hagia Sophia (300 m)

Plan your visit to Basilica Cistern

Getting to Basilica Cistern by public transport

Best for: Budget travel
Travel time: Around 1 hour from Istanbul Airport
Closest stop: Sultanahmet station
Timing: 6 AM until midnight
Unfortunately, you cannot take a tram to the cistern directly from the airport. Instead, what you can do is take the Havataş IST-19 bus from Istanbul Airport to Taksim Square. From there, take a tram from the T1 line at Kabataş metro station and ride until Sultanahmet station (around 15 minutes), from where the Basilica Cistern is just a short walk.

Best for: Saving time
Travel time: Around 45 minutes to 1 hour from Istanbul Airport
Closest stop: Yenikapı Station
Timing: 6 AM until midnight
From Istanbul Airport, board the M11 metro line (also known as the Airport Metro) towards Gayrettepe/Istanbul New Airport. Once you reach, transfer to the M1A line towards Yenikapı. Alight at Yenikapı Station and take a taxi to Basilica Cistern.

Best for: Budget travel and saving time
Travel time: Around 1 hour from Istanbul Airport
Closest stop: Sultanahmet bus stop
Timing: 6 AM until midnight
Exit the Istanbul Airport and head towards the public transportation area. Look for the HAVAIST bus service that operates between the airport and destinations in the city. Take the HAVAIST bus that stops at Sultanahmet Square or nearby. Once you reach Sultanahmet Square, the Basilica Cistern is within walking distance.

Best for: Saving time
Travel time: Around 45 minutes to 1 hour from Istanbul Airport
Closest stop: Sirkeci station
Timing: 6 AM until midnight
Take a train (operated by Istanbul Ulasim) from Istanbul Airport to Vezneciler Station. From there, take the Marmaray train heading towards Kazlıçeşme or Halkalı. Ride the Marmaray train until you reach Sirkeci station. The cistern is a short walk from there.

Getting to Basilica Cistern by car

Driving route

Best for: Convenience and flexibility

Travel time: Around 45-50 minutes from Istanbul Airport

Distance: Approximately 45.5 kilometers

To reach the Basilica Cistern from Istanbul Airport by car, you would typically exit the airport and merge onto the O-7 highway (Yavuz Sultan Selim Cd/O-7), heading towards the city center. Continue on the O-7 highway until you reach the exit for Kennedy Cd/D100. Take the exit onto Kennedy Cd/D100 and continue straight. Follow Kennedy Cd/D100 until you reach the Fatih district. From Fatih, navigate towards Sultanahmet Square, where the Basilica Cistern is located.

Parking facilities

Günaydın Otopark Sultanahmet (300 m): This parking facility provides convenient access to the Basilica Cistern and surrounding attractions in the Sultanahmet area. It’s open 24 hours and charges an hourly rate.
Dalbasti Parking (350 m): This private car park is located on Salkım Söğüt Sk., offering secure parking for a small fee.
İspark 540 (350 m): This public parking lot is located on İshak Paşa Cd., just a short walk from the Basilica Cistern. It is open 24 hours a day and offers hourly, daily, and monthly parking rates.
Sultan Katlı Otopark (450 m): This multi-story car park is located on Kennedy Cad., offering covered parking for a fee.
Sultanahmet Açık Otoparkı (700 m): This open-air public parking lot is located near Sultanahmet Square, offering convenient parking for those exploring the surrounding historical attractions. It is open 24 hours a day and charges an hourly rate.

Walking to Basilica Cistern

Best for: Sightseeing

Travel time: 10-15 minutes from Sultanahmet Square

Distance: 700 m

Walking to the Basilica Cistern from Sultanahmet Square is a great way to soak in the historical atmosphere and explore the vibrant streets of Istanbul. Start at Sultanahmet Square, marveling at the magnificent Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque. Head east on DivanYolu Street, lined with shops and local restaurants. Immerse yourself in the city's buzz and soak in the sights and sounds. Turn left onto Yerebatan Caddesi, a charming street bustling with activity. Within minutes, you'll reach the entrance to the Basilica Cistern, marked by a small sign.

Along the way, keep an eye out for hidden gems like the Little Hagia Sophia Mosque and the Spice Bazaar, where you can explore the aromatic treasures of Istanbul.

Basilica Cistern entrance

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Frequently asked questions about Basilica Cistern location

Where is the Basilica Cistern located?

The Basilica Cistern is located in Istanbul, Turkey. The exact address is Alemdar, Yerebatan Cd. 1/3, 34110 Fatih, Turkey.

Which city is the Basilica Cistern in?

The Basilica Cistern is in the city of Istanbul.

How do I get to the Basilica Cistern?

You can get to the Basilica Cistern by metro, tram, bus, and taxi. You also walk to the cistern from nearby landmarks.

Which is the best way to get to the Basilica Cistern?

The best way depends on your priorities. Trams and buses are budget-friendly and offer sightseeing opportunities. Taxis are faster but costlier.

Which is the fastest way to get to the Basilica Cistern?

Taking a taxi or the metro is usually the fastest way to get to the Basilica Cistern.

Which is the cheapest way to get to the Basilica Cistern?

Public transportation like buses or trams are generally the cheapest options.

Which is the closest bus stop to Basilica Cistern?

Sultanahmet is the closest bus stop to Basilica Cistern.

Which is the closest tram station to Basilica Cistern?

Sultanahmet station is the closest tram station to Basilica Cistern.

Which is the closest metro station to Basilica Cistern?

Yenikapı Station is the closest metro station to Basilica Cistern.

Which is the closest train station to Basilica Cistern?

Sirkeci is the closest train station to Basilica Cistern.

Can I park at the Basilica Cistern?

Unfortunately, there's no dedicated parking lot at the Basilica Cistern. However, nearby public and private parking options are available.

Is there parking for disabled persons at the Basilica Cistern?

Designated parking spaces for disabled visitors are available in some nearby public parking lots.

Your guide to reaching the Basilica Cistern | Location, directions, & transport tips

Where is the Basilica Cistern located?

Getting to Basilica Cistern by public transport

Getting to Basilica Cistern by car

Driving route

Parking facilities

Walking to Basilica Cistern

Book your Basilica Cistern tickets

Frequently asked questions about Basilica Cistern location

More reads

About Basilica Cistern

Plan your visit to Basilica Cistern

Basilica Cistern opening hours

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