Question 1

When are Istanbul roads closed in 2026?

Accepted Answer

Major closures: New Year's Eve (Dec 31 around Taksim), May Day (May 1 around Taksim — historic), Republic Day (Oct 29 — main avenues for parades), match days at Galatasaray Rams Park (Beşiktaş streets) and Fenerbahçe Şükrü Saraçoğlu (Kadıköy streets), Istanbul Marathon (Nov first Sunday). Plus Ramadan iftar traffic peaks (varies).

Question 2

How do I avoid road closures in Istanbul?

Accepted Answer

1) Check Twitter/X for @IBBTrafik or @ibbgovtr on day of travel. 2) Use Google Maps real-time traffic. 3) For Taksim closure days, use metro M2 instead of taxi. 4) For match days, avoid the stadium district 2-4h before kickoff.

Question 3

Is the Taksim Square closure on May Day still in place?

Accepted Answer

Historically yes (since 2013). Each year decided closer to date. Best to plan around Taksim on May 1 — use M2 metro or stay in Asian side / Beşiktaş for the day.

Question 4

Do match days really affect taxi travel?

Accepted Answer

Yes — significantly. Beşiktaş/Kadıköy stadium districts close 2-3h pre-match and 1h post-match. Taxi routes detour widely. Allow extra 30-60 min if traveling near those areas on match days.

Event	Date	Area affected	Use instead
New Year's Eve	Dec 31 evening	Taksim Square + İstiklal Cad.	Metro M2 (closes 02:00)
May Day	May 1	Taksim Square (historic)	Stay away from Taksim, use M2 from elsewhere
Republic Day	Oct 29	Vatan Cad., Atatürk Boulevard parades	Metro/Marmaray
Istanbul Marathon	Nov first Sunday	Bosphorus Bridge + Bostancı–Sultanahmet	Stay one side of Bosphorus
Galatasaray match	Match days	Seyrantepe area + roads to Rams Park	M2 to Seyrantepe (walk)
Fenerbahçe match	Match days	Kadıköy stadium area	Marmaray to Söğütlüçeşme
Iftar (Ramadan)	Daily during Ramadan ~17:00-19:30	Traffic peaks (no closures but jams)	Metro/Marmaray
Bosphorus Cup races	Various Sundays	Bosphorus coast roads	Use interior routes

Istanbul road closures calendar

Recurring annual closures

Day-of-travel checks

FAQ