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As a seasoned traveler and someone who has visited Istanbul on several occasions, I can confidently say that the Istanbul Airport Metro is the best way to get to the city from the airport. It’s fast, convenient, and economical, making it the perfect transportation option for those traveling on a budget. In this guide, I will share my personal experience with the Istanbul Airport Metro, provide useful tips on how to use it, and guide you on how to get to popular destinations using the metro.
Does the Metro Go to Istanbul Airport?
The Istanbul airport metro station is located near the airport terminal, making it easy for passengers to access it. The new Istanbul Airport Metro line is the M11 line, which opened in January 2023. It has several stations that connect to different parts of Istanbul, with a travel time of approximately 45 minutes.
Great news! Gayrettepe station is now open, offering transfers to Metrobus services at Zincirlikuyu via a 600m moving walkway, as well as to Metro line M2.
Kagithane – Istanbul Airport Metro Line M11 Stops
- Gayrettepe
- Kagithane
- Universite-Hasdal
- Kemerburgaz
- Gokturk
- Ihsaniye
- Istanbul Airport
- Cargo terminal
The Istanbul Airport Metro is a convenient and cost-effective way to travel to and from the airport. It is faster than taking a taxi or a shuttle bus, and it is also much cheaper. The metro is also an excellent way to avoid the infamous Istanbul traffic, which can be quite heavy during peak hours.
Istanbul Airport Metro Map
The Istanbul Airport Metro Map is a detailed map that shows the different stations and lines of the Istanbul Metro system. We recommend taking note of your destination station, line, and transfer stations.
Hotels in Istanbul Airport: Our Recommendations
You can find more information and book your stay at Istanbul Airport hotels by clicking here
YOTELAIR Istanbul Airport Transit Hotel (Airside) (Departure Transit Lounge, 2nd Floor)
YOTEL Istanbul Airport Landside (Near entrance #7 to the main airport terminal building and check-in counter R)
Park Inn by Radisson Istanbul Airport Odayeri (15-minute drive from Istanbul International Airport
Villa Siesta Hotel (Approximately 25-minute drive from Istanbul Airport)
Don’t Miss The Best Tours and Cruises in Istanbul
Fare and Ticketing Information for Istanbul Airport Metro M11
The fare of Istanbul Airport Metro M11 is from 17,70 TL and depending on your route:
- 1 – 3 stations: 17,70 TL
- 4 – 5 stations: 20,19 TL
- 6 – 8 stations: 22,83 TL
If you are travelling from the Airport to the city centre you will pay the full price because you will take off at the last stop.
If you are a tourist, we recommend buying the Istanbul Travel City Card, which includes unlimited use of public transportation, including the metro, buses, trams, and ferries. It also includes discounts on popular attractions, such as museums and tours. The Istanbul Tourist Pass is available for purchase online or at various locations in Istanbul, including the airport. It is a convenient and cost-effective way to explore the city and visit popular attractions.
However, if you are only planning on using the metro, the Istanbulkart is still the best option. You can buy Istanbulkart at the airport or at any metro station. The cost of an Istanbulkart is 70 TL.
How Can I Get to the Metro from Istanbul Airport?
The station is conveniently located near the airport terminal, just beyond the multi-story car parks in the development known as Airport City. Although it is approximately 300m away, it is still quite accessible as it is directly linked to the terminal via footbridges and moving walkways. This makes it easy for passengers to access the metro station and enjoy the fast and economical transportation it provides.
Istanbul Airport Metro M11 Opening Hours
The new M11 line at Istanbul Airport Metro is available 7 days a week, from 6am to midnight, and with a service frequency of approximately every 10 minutes. In the future, the line might also operate around the clock on Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays like other lines on the network, with a service frequency of around every 20 minutes between midnight and 6am.
All Stations on the M11 Istanbul Airport Metro Line
- Istanbul Airport
- Ihsaniye
- Gokturk
- Kemerburgaz
- Hasdal
- Kagithane (Transfer to M7 Line)
- Gayrettepe (Transfer to M2 Line)
Getting to Popular Destinations via Istanbul Airport Metro M11
The Istanbul Airport Metro connects through transfers to several popular destinations in Istanbul, including Besiktas, Taksim, Sultanahmet, Bakirkoy, Atasehir, Kadikoy, and Eminonu.
How to Get from Istanbul Airport (IST) to Taksim by Metro M11 (2024):
- First, hop on the M11 line from Istanbul Airport (IST).
- Finally, transfer to the M2 Taksim Metro line at the Mecidiyeköy Station (hop off on Gayrettepe).
- Take the metro towards Taksim/Yenikapı and get off at Taksim Station.
Getting to Besiktas by Istanbul Airport Metro M11
Here’s how you can get to Besiktas:
- Firstly, take the M11 Gayrettepe Line
- Get off at Mecidiyekoy station (Gayrettepe).
- Finally, take the Public Bus directly to Besiktas.
Getting to Sultanahmet
If you’re planning to visit Sultanahmet, here’s how you can get there:
- Take the M11 Gayrettepe
- Get off at Mecidiyekoy station (Gayrettepe).
- Take the M2 Yenikapi – Haciosman Metro Line.
- Get off at Taksim station (2 stops or 5 minutes from Mecidiyekoy).
- Take the F1 Taksim – Kabatas Funciular line to Kabatas.
- Finally, take the T1 Kabatas – Bagcilar Tram line and get off at Sultanahmet stop (7 stops or 20 minutes from Kabatas).
It takes about 2 hours to get to Sultanahmet from Istanbul Airport by using the M11 metro line and with some transfers.
We recommend checking out our article on other transportation options for getting to and from Sultanahmet to Istanbul Airport, including buses and private transfers.
How to Get from Istanbul Airport (IST) to Eminonu / Sirkeci by Metro (2024):
- Firstly, you will go to Gayrettepe Station from Istanbul Airport (IST).
- Then, you will transfer to the M2 Taksim Metro line at Mecidiyeköy Station.
- Take the metro towards Taksim/Yenikapı and get off at Halic Station.
- Finally, after getting off the metro, you can reach Eminonu by walking a short distance.
Getting to Bakirkoy
- Take the M11 Gayrettepe – Istanbul Airport Metro.
- Get off at Gayrettepe station (about 24 minutes).
- Get off at Mecidiyekoy station.
- Take the Metrobus (Municipality Fast Bus).
- Get off at Bakirkoy station.
Getting to Kadikoy
If you want to go to Kadikoy, here’s how you can get there:
- Take the M11 Gayrettepe – Istanbul Airport Metro.
- Get off at Gayrettepe station (about 24 minutes).
- Take the Metrobus (Municipality Fast Bus).
- Get off at Unalan station on the Asian side or proceed to Sogutlucesme Station (you can walk to Moda from here).
- Take the M4 Kadikoy – Sabiha Gokcen Airport Line.
- Get off at Kadikoy station.
Another option is to get to Sogutlucesme by taking the Metrobus from Mecidiyekoy and from there you can walk to Kadikoy.
Getting to Atasehir
To get to Atasehir, here’s what you can do:
- Take the M11 Gayrettepe.
- Get off at Gayrettepe station.
- Take the Metrobus (Municipality Fast Bus).
- Get off at Sogutlucesme station.
- Finally, take the Public Bus or taxi.
Istanbul Airport Other Transport Options
There are other transportation options available at Istanbul Airport. The Havaist Istanbul shuttle is a convenient and economical option. Taxis and private transfer services are also available!
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We know that traveling to a new city can be both exciting and a bit daunting. That’s why we want to share with you our personal recommendation for a hassle-free airport transfer experience in Istanbul: Welcome Pickups.
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If you’re interested in other transportation options for getting to and from Istanbul Airport, you may want to check out our article on taxis at Istanbul Airport. While we recommend the Istanbul Airport Metro for its convenience and affordability, we understand that it may not be the best option for everyone.
Sabiha Gokcen Metro is Open Too!
Aside from the Istanbul Airport Metro, there is also a metro available for passengers arriving at the Sabiha Gokcen airport. The Sabiha Gokcen airport metro offers a convenient and affordable way for passengers to travel to and from the airport.
Conclusion
The Istanbul Airport Metro is a fast, convenient, and economical way to get to the city from the airport. It connects to several popular destinations in Istanbul and is easy to use. We recommend getting a Tourist Travel Card to make your journey more comfortable and affordable. We hope that this guide has provided you with all the information you need to use the Istanbul Airport Metro and explore Istanbul. Come and experience the Istanbul Airport Metro and the beautiful city of Istanbul.
Don’t Miss The Best Tours and Cruises in Istanbul
There aren’t many details about how to get from the airport to Istanbul new or old town and back. It has a couple of walks between lines and takes about 90 minutes but it’s very doable and only costs 50 Lira. As of April 2024: Line M11 requires a ticket card (you can buy packs of 3 tickets for 70 Lira in the metro stations at the machines – card or cash). Change at Gayrettepe station (5 minute well signposted walk through station tunnels) to Line M2. This line allows you to use your ticket card or MasterCard (not Visa) at the ticket barriers. From there you can get to Taksim Square (New Town) and University or Yenikapi (Old Town). Getting to the airport is just the same in reverse.
Once you’re in town you can use MasterCard to get a single journey for 25 Lira (irrespective of distance) or use a ticket card. This applies to metro and bus/trams.
Hi Jon,
If you are reading this, can I confirm that you can use the Istanbulkart from Istanbul Airport to Gayrettepe Station or you need to buy the 3 pack tickets on the M11 line?
To the author of this website: you need to update the information as pointed out by Jon that you can change at Gayrettepe Station now instead of Kagithane Station to get to Taksim Square!!.
I am planning to visit Istanbul this May 2024. Hope the latest information is correct. Otherwise it is very confusing to first time visitors like me with so much of outdated information on the web.
Thank you.
Woon.