Cycling into Istanbul

Istanbul is more than just a metropolis – it is a transition, a contradiction, a poem of stone and water.

This is where Europe and Asia meet, history and the present.

This is also where many cyclists meet on their way to or from Asia, but also those for whom Istanbul is simply the destination of a journey.

When we planned to end our journey in Istanbul, the idea was always to finish at Sultanahmet Square (Sultanahmet Meydanı).

Many stories were told about how dangerous it is to cycle in Istanbul. But we didn’t want to be dissuaded from our idea.

That’s why we are documenting our journey into the city here. As soon as I have more reports on alternative routes, I will add them.

The Western Route

Tekirdağ – Northern Marmara Sea

We cylced this route from October, 31st to November, 2nd 2025. All information, in particular the mileage details, is provided without guarantee.

There is a lot of construction going on in Istanbul, so this information may be out of date.

As soon as I have had the opportunity to update our track, I will make it available here.

Please feel free to share your experiences.

Elevation Profile

167 km, 1.500 m climb

Description

The Western Route follows the E84 / D110, but avoids it whenever possible. We leave the E84 in Silivri and continue on the D100 towards our destination.

There is only one section (about 300 metres) where you would have to ride on the D100 without a sufficiently wide hard shoulder. This section can be avoided by pushing your bike across a meadow at this point.

Conclusion

The route is busy but easy to manage. In many places, it is possible to avoid the main road. There are plenty of nice and quiet alternatives, especially between Tekirdağ and Silivri.

Tip

Plan the last section of the journey, however long it may be, for a Sunday morning. There is significantly (!) less traffic then.

Approaching Tekirdağ

Coming from Keşan…

km 9

Avoiding the D110 along the coast.

km 24

Bypassing the D110 on the inland side.

km 30

Yeniçiftlik, a small, lively town on the inland side with all necessary amenities.

km 34

The Marmara Sea always in view, a good gravel track.

km 40

Back at the sea. Marmaraereğlisi also has mini markets and bars for a good cay.

km 41

Back on the inland side of the main road on good roads.

km 45

We try our best to avoid the main road.

km 46

Driving through Sultanköy.

km 47

There is always a way beyond the D110.

km 69

We are arriving in Silivri.

km 73

Beyond Silivri, you can enjoy a wonderful drive along the coast.

km 73 (still)

Traffic remains light.

km 80

Every now and then, good opportunities arise for a stopover.

km 81

It’s becoming more urban.

km 99

The first cycle path appears in Sinanoba.

km 100

It’s slowly becoming magical.

km 101

Continue along the beach promenade towards our destination.

km 103

Of course, there isn’t always a cycle path available, but the hard shoulders are wide and easy to ride on.

km 104

Here too: a safe path for us.

km 105

The first spot where it gets a little tricky: merging onto the main road. As long as there isn’t too much traffic coming from the right, cross the road at a right angle to the right and then continue on the hard shoulder.

km 106

Cyclist’s heart, what more could you want?

km 106 (still)

Palm trees, ice cream vendors, … – and a relaxed glide along.

km 111

The asphalt is a little rough, but there is very little traffic.

km 116

Up (very steeply) and down again.

km 124

The second place where you have to merge onto the main road. Turn on your lights, wear a high-visibility vest and calmly master the situation.

km 126

Certainly not intended as a cycle path, but it works well. Even the crossings are bevelled…

km 129

Early on Sunday morning, there aren’t even that many pedestrians out and about…

km 132

Simply cycling…

km 133

Simply cycling…

km 134

The concept of cycle paths has not been thought through: But there is a workaround…

km 139

Around a small marina.

km 140

Still away from the main road.

km 141

Still away from the main road.

km 142

It remains relaxed.

km 144

Sunshine, cycle paths, the sea…

km 148

This hard shoulder is also easy to cycle on.

km 150

You have to be lucky sometimes: on the day we want to go into town, it’s the Istanbul Marathon. This means we have to wait because some roads are closed, but when they reopen for cyclists and pedestrians, there is absolutely no traffic.

There would have been a cycle path by the sea here too, but of course it’s fine as it is.