Funicular, also known as the füniküler, is a type of cable railway service that connects the Taksim Square area to the historic district of Istanbul. Funicular offers a unique and quick way to travel between these two areas, and it is a popular option among tourists and locals alike.

Funicular runs between the Taksim Square area, which is the modern commercial and tourist center of Istanbul, and the historic district of Karaköy, which is on the way to Sultanahmet where the city’s most famous landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Topkapi Palace resides. The service operates on two separate lines, one connects Taksim Square with Kabataş where you can take ferries to the Asian side and the other connects Taksim Square with the Tunnel. The journey from Taksim Square to Kabataş takes around 2 minutes and from Tunnel to Karaköy around 3 minutes.

Funicular operates daily from 6:00 am to 12:00 am, with trains running every 10-15 minutes during peak hours and every 20-30 minutes during off-peak hours. The service is considered to be very efficient, and it’s a great option for those looking to avoid the city’s traffic and crowded streets.