Tünel is a short underground funicular that has carried passengers between Karaköy and Beyoğlu since 1875. It is widely regarded as the second-oldest underground urban railway in the world, after the London Underground. It's also the easiest, and most atmospheric, way to skip Galata's steep climb.
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A French engineer's solution to a steep hill
In the second half of the 19th century, Galata and Pera were the business and diplomatic heart of the Ottoman capital. Every day thousands of people toiled up the steep, narrow lanes between the banks and harbour below and the embassies and homes on the ridge. The French engineer Eugène-Henri Gavand proposed boring a tunnel through the hillside and obtained a concession from Sultan Abdülaziz.
Work began in 1871 and the line opened in early 1875. At first the cars were hauled by cables driven by a steam engine. Legend has it that passengers were initially wary of travelling underground, so the first runs carried animals and goods. The line was electrified in the early 1970s and its cars have been replaced over the years.
A short ride with a long history
The line is only about 570 metres long, climbing more than 60 metres between its two stations in a couple of minutes. The lower station in Karaköy is near Bankalar Street; the upper one opens onto Tünel Square, where İstiklal Avenue begins. Two cable-linked trains work in tandem, one going down as the other comes up, passing each other halfway.
The trip is brief, but the old station walls, the arched tunnel mouths and the dark rock sliding past the windows give a real sense of 19th-century engineering. And this is no museum piece: locals ride it every day, which makes it a working piece of heritage now more than 150 years old.
Why take the Tünel?
- To skip the climb: Walking from Karaköy up to İstiklal is a stiff slog; Tünel does it in a couple of minutes.
- For families: It's the easiest way up the hill with a stroller, grandparents or tired children.
- For a smarter route: Ride up, then explore İstiklal and Galata on foot going downhill.
- For nostalgia: The red heritage tram stops right outside the upper station, so you can try two historic rides in one outing.
- For curious kids: Riding one of the world's oldest underground lines is a fun way to bring city history to life.
Around Tünel Square
Tünel Square, where the upper station comes out, is the southern end of İstiklal Avenue. From here you can walk along İstiklal Avenue to Taksim, visit the Galata Mevlevi Lodge a few steps downhill, or head along Meşrutiyet Street to the Pera Museum. The 19th-century arcades and apartment façades around the square are reminders of Pera's cosmopolitan past.
Walk downhill along Galip Dede Street, past the music shops, and you'll reach Galata Tower. For the character of the wider district, see our Beyoğlu and Taksim guide.
Getting there from Sareban Hotel
From our hotel, walk to the Sultanahmet or Çemberlitaş stop and take the T1 tram towards Kabataş. Cross the Galata Bridge and get off at Karaköy. The Tünel's Karaköy station is a short walk from the tram stop: head from Karaköy Square towards Bankalar Street and follow the signs.
The same Istanbulkart works on the tram and the Tünel; our Istanbulkart guide explains how to top up and transfer.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Tünel ride?
The ride itself takes a minute or two; including the wait, you'll be at the top within a few minutes.
What ticket do I need for the Tünel?
Like the rest of Istanbul's public transport, it takes the Istanbulkart. Check current ticket options at the station.
Is Tünel really the second-oldest metro in the world?
It's generally described as the second-oldest underground urban railway after the London Underground, which opened in 1863. Technically it is a funicular.
Can I use the Tünel with a stroller?
Yes, and it's far easier than pushing a stroller up Galata's hill, although station entrances may have a few steps or ramps.
