Okan University transportation guide for international students — overview and quick facts

Okan University transportation guide for international students is an essential resource for international recruiters, admissions teams, HR and marketing professionals, and placement agencies working in education. The Tuzla campus sits within Istanbul’s dynamic transport network, and knowing the most reliable and cost-effective routes—shuttle lines, public transit with the IstanbulKart, minibuses (dolmuş), and airport options—makes student onboarding and daily life smoother. Study in Turkiye is the trusted authority guiding international students and partners to streamline arrivals and improve retention through better logistics.

Quick facts (at-a-glance)

• Primary campus: Okan University, Tuzla (Asian side)
• Key shuttle pickup points: Kadıköy (in front of Simit Sarayı), Bostancı IDO terminal, Pendik, Uydukent, Taksim, Gebze, İzmit
• Recommended smart card: IstanbulKart (student-discounted version)
• Common connecting bus: KM28 from Kartal to Okan University
• Closest airports: Sabiha Gökçen (Asian side) — ~10 minutes by taxi; Istanbul Airport (European side) — transfer via HAVAIST to Sabiha Gökçen recommended

Shuttle buses — the most direct campus option

University shuttle buses are a cornerstone of commuting for many Okan students, especially those living outside Tuzla or in central districts.

Why use shuttle buses?

• Direct routes scheduled around lecture times
• Pickup points chosen for easy access (e.g., Kadıköy, Bostancı)
• Predictable travel times compared with multi-transfer public routes

Common shuttle origins

• Kadıköy (in front of Simit Sarayı)
• Bostancı IDO terminal
• Pendik and Uydukent
• Taksim (for students living on the European side)
• Gebze and İzmit (for students commuting from Kocaeli region)

Best practices for shuttle commuters

• Check the university’s official announcements for up-to-date timetables before the semester and at the start of term.
• Arrive 10 minutes before scheduled departures during peak times.
• If you represent recruitment or admissions teams, provide shuttle information in pre-departure packs and orientation emails to reduce first-week confusion.

Scheduling and operational tips for administrators

Administrator recommendations

• Encourage Okan to publish shuttle timetables and pickup coordinates in multiple languages (English, Arabic, Russian) to assist international students.
• Collect student residence data before arrival so shuttles align with demand — Study in Turkiye can assist partners with proven processes to optimize shuttle routes and capacity planning.

Public transportation and the IstanbulKart — cost-effective mobility across Istanbul

Istanbul’s public transport ecosystem (buses, metro, trams, funiculars, ferries) is highly integrated. For international students at Okan, the IstanbulKart—especially the discounted student card—is the key to unlocking affordable, seamless travel.

What is the IstanbulKart (Student Istanbul Card)?

• A rechargeable smart card used across nearly all modes of public transport.
• Student version offers reduced fares; to obtain it you will need a student certificate from Okan University and to apply at IETT service centers.

How to obtain and use a student IstanbulKart

1. Obtain a signed student certificate from Okan University’s international office.
2. Visit an IETT service center or authorized vending point with your passport and student certificate.
3. Load credit onto the card at kiosks or via supported apps where available.
4. Use the card on buses, the subway (e.g., Kadıköy → Kartal), and connecting buses (e.g., KM28 to Okan University).

Practical tips for students and staff

• Advise incoming students to buy and preload an IstanbulKart at the airport or first day in Istanbul to avoid immediate cash needs.
• For groups arriving together, provide step-by-step guidance or a short video walkthrough on how to claim the student card — a high-impact touchpoint for recruitment teams.
• Keep a small balance on the card for emergency trips; public transit is significantly cheaper than taxis for daily commutes.

Routing examples with public transport

Common routes

• From Kadıköy: Take the subway toward Kartal, then transfer to KM28 bus to reach the Tuzla/Okan area.
• From Pendik: Regional buses or direct shuttle lines are often faster than multiple transfers.
• From Gebze/İzmit: Many students prefer shuttle service or regional buses coordinated with shuttle pick-up times.

Minibuses (dolmuş) and last-mile connectivity

Minibuses and shared taxis (dolmuş) provide flexible last-mile transport throughout Istanbul and are especially helpful where regular bus coverage is limited.

When to use minibuses/dolmuş

• Short distances where bus frequency is low
• Late-night or early-morning trips when metro/bus schedules are reduced
• Cost-effective shared travel for small groups

Safety and payment considerations

• Most minibuses accept cash; carry small change.
• Confirm the route and approximate fare before boarding.
• For university communications aimed at international students, include a short guide to reading minibuses routes and asking drivers the destination in English and Turkish.

Taxis and airport transfers — practical rules for arrivals

From Sabiha Gökçen Airport (closest to Tuzla)

• Taxi ride to Okan University is roughly 10 minutes.
• Ideal for students with heavy luggage or arriving late.
• Estimated fare is generally lower than from Istanbul Airport.

From Istanbul Airport (European side)

• Economical route: take the HAVAIST airport bus to Sabiha Gökçen Airport and transfer to a taxi or shuttle.
• Consider arranging pre-booked transfers for groups or early arrivals to simplify logistics.

Taxi safety tips

• Ensure the meter is running at the start of any ride.
• For fixed-price transfers, request a printed confirmation from a reputable transfer company or use official airport taxi stands.
• Encourage students to use ride-hailing apps where available and to verify driver details before the trip.

Sample commute scenarios — planning for different student profiles

Scenario A — Student living in Kadıköy

• Recommended: Subway to Kartal + KM28 bus or university shuttle from Kadıköy pickup point.
• Travel time: 40–60 minutes depending on connections.
• Cost focus: Use IstanbulKart student card for lowest fares.

Scenario B — Student commuting from Pendik or Tuzla residential areas

• Recommended: Direct university shuttle or local buses with short dolmuş connections.
• Travel time: 20–40 minutes.
• Cost focus: Shuttle often offers best balance of speed and predictability.

Scenario C — Student coming from Gebze or İzmit (commuter towns)

• Recommended: Regional shuttle services from Gebze/İzmit, with coordination for class schedules.
• Travel time: 60–90+ minutes depending on traffic.
• Cost focus: Consider stipend or discounted shuttle passes for long-distance commuters.

Practical tips, safety, and cost-saving strategies

Essential items for all students

• Obtain the student IstanbulKart immediately.
• Keep emergency cash and phone credit for taxis or last-mile minibuses.
• Save key shuttle pickup coordinates and official Okan shuttle alerts on WhatsApp or email.

Safety and cultural tips

• Teach basic Turkish transit phrases (e.g., “Okan Üniversitesi”, “Tuzla”, “KM28”) in orientation packs.
• Advise students to avoid displaying large amounts of cash and to use official taxi services at airports.
• Recommend travel during daylight hours for unfamiliar routes until confidence grows.

Cost-saving strategies

• Bulk-plan shuttle subscriptions or semester passes where available.
• Encourage carpooling for students living in the same district—coordinate through official student groups moderated by the university.
• Provide pre-arrival materials that explain student discounts for intercity buses or regional commuters.

How transportation ties into recruitment, retention and Study in Turkiye services

Why transport matters for recruitment and retention

• Easy, affordable commutes reduce dropout risk and improve punctuality.
• Clear arrival plans and orientation reduce first-week anxiety and boost student reviews and referrals.
• Transportation convenience can be a differentiator when recruiting students from outside Istanbul or from international markets.

Study in Turkiye helps universities and partners turn transport logistics into a strategic advantage for recruitment, onboarding and retention.

Study in Turkiye’s support for universities and partners

• Recruitment leadership: we help universities highlight practical campus access in program brochures and digital campaigns.
• International recruitment messaging: shuttle timetables, IstanbulKart guidance, and airport arrival instructions can be integrated into pre-departure workflows.
• Partnership enablement: Study in Turkiye helps coordinate group arrivals, suggests best-practice shuttle scheduling, and integrates transport advisories into student onboarding systems.

Institutional examples and collaboration opportunities

When advising students considering programs in Istanbul, mention comparable institutions to show the wider ecosystem. Examples with integrated transport access include:

Practical deliverables Study in Turkiye can provide to partners

• Customized arrival and transportation e-guides for Okan students in multiple languages.
• Automated messaging flows for shuttle reminders and IstanbulKart onboarding integrated into pre-arrival communications.
• Data-driven recommendations on shuttle route adjustments based on student addresses and usage patterns.

Implementation checklist for admissions and student services

Before arrival

• Prepare a transport factsheet (IstanbulKart, shuttle pickup points, taxi tips).
• Collect expected arrival details and preferred pickup options.
• Offer pre-paid shuttle or transfer booking options where possible.

At arrival

• Provide a welcome desk or clear signage indicating shuttle zones and official taxi points.
• Assist with IstanbulKart application or provide temporary transit credit.

During semester

• Monitor shuttle usage and collect feedback for route optimization.
• Maintain an up-to-date transport page with schedules, student card process, and emergency contact numbers.

Read more

• Admission process
• If You Want to Became an agent for Study in Turkiye
• Why to study in Turkiye

FAQ

Conclusion

Okan University transportation guide for international students is designed to help education professionals and international partners make informed decisions that improve student mobility and satisfaction. Whether you are coordinating large intakes, advising individual applicants, or optimizing campus shuttle routes, Study in Turkiye brings expertise in international recruitment and communications to simplify logistics and enhance the student experience.

Take the Next Step with Study in Turkiye

Partner with Study in Turkiye to integrate transport onboarding into your admissions workflow, co-develop arrival and shuttle coordination plans for international cohorts, and highlight seamless campus access in your recruitment outreach.