Public transportation to be free in Istanbul, Izmir, Ankara on April 23
Motion blur of the metro train of M2 metro line of Istanbul in Istanbul, Türkiye, accessed on March 22, 2025. (Adobe Stock Photo)
In celebration of 23 April National Sovereignty and Children’s Day, public transportation will be free in Istanbul, Izmir, and Ankara on Wednesday (April 23), according to an announcement from the Turkish government.
The decision, published in the Official Gazette, outlines that the public transport systems in these three major cities will offer free rides as part of the nationwide festivities marking the occasion.
National Sovereignty and Children’s Day, celebrated each year across Türkiye, commemorates the establishment of the Turkish Parliament on 23 April 1920.
The day is a public holiday and is widely recognized as a time for children to participate in outdoor celebrations. Schools across the country hold week-long ceremonies, culminating in large stadium performances that are attended by the entire nation.
The announcement, signed by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, stipulates that all public transportation in Istanbul, Izmir, and Ankara will be free of charge on the holiday.
The Official Gazette stated, “It has been decided to implement the attached decision regarding the determination of those who will benefit from free or discounted goods and services provided by public institutions and organizations, in accordance with Article 1 of Law No. 4736.”
The free services will apply to the following public transportation routes:
Istanbul:
- Marmaray Rail System Line
- Gayrettepe-Istanbul Airport-Arnavutkoy Metro Line
Ankara:
- Baskentray (B1 Suburban Train)
Izmir:
- IZBAN (Izmir Suburban System)
