Alternative Routes by Car in Istanbul on Rainy Days
Rainy days in Istanbul can make traffic nearly unbearable. Especially during rush hours, the main arteries can remain congested for hours. In such cases, knowing the alternative routes you can take by car not only saves time but also reduces stress. In this article, we’ve compiled alternative routes that are ideal for rainy days in Istanbul.
1. Northern Marmara Motorway Instead of TEM
In Istanbul, the D100 (E-5) and TEM highways are among the busiest routes. On rainy days, the risk of accidents increases, causing even more delays. In such situations, the Northern Marmara Motorway offers a significant alternative, especially for drivers traveling from the European side to the Asian side. This road is usually less crowded and has modern infrastructure that is less affected by rain.
2. Coastal Road Alternative: Kennedy Avenue and Rauf Orbay Avenue
For those living around Fatih, Bakırköy, and Zeytinburnu on the European side, Kennedy Avenue and its continuation Rauf Orbay Avenue can be better alternatives than the D100. This coastal route is usually less congested during morning and evening hours and offers a scenic drive as well.
3. Inner Connection Roads: Basın Ekspres Alternatives
The Basın Ekspres Road is notoriously busy, especially during peak hours. As an alternative, you can use inner routes such as Mahmutbey – Güneşli – Bağcılar or go through Ataköy and Bakırköy’s inner roads. Considering the water accumulation often seen on Basın Ekspres during rainfall, these alternatives can be both safer and more time-efficient.
4. Inner Routes on the Asian Side: İçerenköy – Kozyatağı – Bostancı
On the Asian side, aside from the E-5 or TEM, using inner routes such as İçerenköy – Kozyatağı – Bostancı can be a practical alternative. These roads usually have smoother traffic flow, making them ideal during heavy rain.
5. Alternative Options for Crossing the Bosphorus
One of Istanbul’s major traffic challenges is crossing the Bosphorus. During rain, traffic congestion on the FSM Bridge and 15 July Martyrs Bridge can be severe. In such cases, the Eurasia Tunnel is a great alternative. Since it is only open to cars and less affected by weather, it offers a faster and safer crossing from the Asian to the European side.
6. Use Navigation Apps Actively
Since traffic conditions can change rapidly on rainy days, using navigation apps can be a major advantage. These apps provide real-time traffic updates and suggest the fastest and safest routes for your journey.
Conclusion: Plan Ahead, Save Time
Managing traffic in a large and complex city like Istanbul can be difficult, especially on rainy days. However, with knowledge of alternative routes, the help of navigation apps, and some planning, you can minimize the challenges. Always check the weather and traffic status before heading out—it’s a small step that can save you a lot of time.
