Istanbul Metro Route Finder

With Istanbulkart (rechargeable smart card): approximately 35 TRY per trip (~€0.92) — same fare regardless of distance on all metro lines. Single-use paper ticket from Biletmatik machine: 50 TRY. Contactless bank cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) and NFC phones (Apple Pay, Google Pay) tap directly at turnstiles at the Istanbulkart rate. Istanbulkart card purchase: 130–165 TRY (non-refundable one-time card fee). Turkey has high inflation — fares may increase; always verify current prices at stations.

Take M11 (Gayrettepe–İstanbul Havalimanı) directly from the airport terminal. Key journey times: Airport → Gayrettepe: ~35 min (transfer here to M2 for Taksim/Şişhane). Airport → Kâğıthane: ~25 min (transfer to M7). Cost: ~35 TRY with Istanbulkart. M11 runs 6:00 AM–midnight, extended 24hr service Fri/Sat/holidays. Buy Istanbulkart at the airport Biletmatik machines (cash TRY only) before boarding.

Take M4 (Kadıköy–Sabiha Gökçen Havalimanı) on the Asian side. The airport is the eastern terminus of M4. From the European side: take Marmaray from Yenikapı/Halkalı to Ayrılık Çeşmesi, then transfer to M4 towards the airport. Journey from Kadıköy to airport: approximately 50–55 minutes. M4 runs 24 hours Fri/Sat/holidays with 30-min intervals.

Istanbulkart is Istanbul's universal rechargeable smart card (plastic RFID card). Valid on: all metro lines, trams, buses, ferries, Marmaray, and cable cars. Buy at Biletmatik vending machines at any station (cash TRY banknotes only — no cards at machines). To top up: place card on reader at machine, insert TRY banknotes. To pay: tap card on turnstile validator — deducted automatically. One card can be used by up to 5 people — swipe multiple times at the same turnstile. Also available at Migros, BİM, ŞOK stores and newsstands.

No — European and Asian metro networks are separate. European lines (M1A, M1B, M2, M3, M6, M7, M9, M11) and Asian lines (M4, M5, M8) do not directly connect. To cross the Bosphorus, use Marmaray suburban rail (same Istanbulkart, runs under the Bosphorus). Key cross-Bosphorus connections: Yenikapı (European) ↔ Üsküdar/Ayrılık Çeşmesi (Asian) via Marmaray. Journey time: ~4 minutes under the Bosphorus. Marmaray runs from Halkalı (European) to Gebze (Asian).

Istanbul has 11 operational metro lines as of 2026: M1A (Yenikapı–Atatürk Hav., 18 stations), M1B (Yenikapı–Kirazlı, 13 stations), M2 (Yenikapı–Hacıosman, 16 stations), M3 (Bakırköy–Kayaşehir, 19 stations), M4 (Kadıköy–Sabiha Gökçen, 23 stations), M5 (Üsküdar–Samandıra, 20 stations), M6 (Levent–Boğaziçi Üni, 4 stations), M7 (Yıldız–Mahmutbey, 17 stations), M8 (Bostancı–Parseller, 13 stations), M9 (Ataköy–Olimpiyat, 14 stations), M11 (Gayrettepe–İstanbul Hav.–Arnavutköy, 11 stations). Total: ~160 stations, 243 km.

Take M2 (Yenikapı–Hacıosman) to Taksim station. Taksim is on Line M2, between Şişhane and Osmanbey. From the airport: M11 → Gayrettepe → M2 north → Taksim (2 stops). From Yenikapı: M2 north to Taksim (~5 stops). At Taksim station, connect to the F1 funicular (Taksim–Kabataş) to reach Kabataş ferry dock. The historic T2 nostalgic tram on İstiklal Caddesi departs from just above Taksim Metro exit.

The metro does not stop directly at Sultanahmet/Hagia Sophia. Closest options: M2 to Vezneciler-İstanbul Üniversitesi then walk (~15 min) or take T1 tram. Best route: M2 to Yenikapı, then T1 tram (Bağcılar–Kabataş direction) to Sultanahmet stop — right in front of Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque. For Topkapı Palace, alight at Gülhane on T1. Istanbulkart accepted on T1.

On weekdays: All lines operate 6:00 AM to midnight (00:00). On Fridays, Saturdays, and public holidays: M1A, M1B, M2, M4, M5, M6, M7 run 24 hours with 30-minute intervals (night metro service, "Gece Metrosu"). M11 also operates extended hours on these nights. Other lines (M3, M8, M9) close at midnight even on weekends. After metro closing, night buses (N series) and taxis (Bolt, Yandex) serve the city.

M2 (Yenikapı–Hacıosman) is the most important tourist line in Istanbul — 16 stations, 23.5 km. Key stops: Yenikapı (Marmaray, ferries), Vezneciler (near Grand Bazaar), Şişhane (Galata Tower), Taksim (İstiklal Caddesi, F1 funicular), Osmanbey (shopping), Şişli-Mecidiyeköy (M7 transfer), Gayrettepe (M11 Airport transfer), Levent (M6 transfer, Kanyon mall), 4.Levent (business district), up to Hacıosman. Runs 24 hours Fri/Sat/holidays.

M4 (Kadıköy–Sabiha Gökçen Airport) serves Kadıköy — the hub of Istanbul's Asian side with food markets, cafes, and ferry terminals. From Kadıköy, ferries depart for Eminönü, Karaköy, Beşiktaş, and the Princes' Islands. At Kadıköy you can also board the T3 nostalgic tram (to Moda district). Note: There is no metro directly from European side to Kadıköy — use Marmaray to Ayrılık Çeşmesi then M4.

M11 (Gayrettepe–İstanbul Havalimanı–Arnavutköy) connects Istanbul Airport (IST) to the city. Currently 11 stations operational. Key route: İstanbul Havalimanı → Gayrettepe in ~35 min. At Gayrettepe, transfer to M2 (for Taksim, Yenikapı) or Metrobus. At Kâğıthane, transfer to M7. M11 uses CRRC trains with max speed 120 km/h — fastest line in the system. M11 is operated by TCDD Taşımacılık (not Metro İstanbul) but Istanbulkart accepted.

Three fully driverless lines: M5 (Üsküdar–Samandıra) — Turkey's first driverless metro (2017). M7 (Yıldız–Mahmutbey) — Istanbul's first driverless line on European side (2020–2023). M11 (Gayrettepe–Airport) — CRRC driverless trains (2023). These lines have platform screen doors (PEDs) for safety. M5 and M7 also have platform screen doors. CRRC rolling stock on M11 can reach 120 km/h.

M2 doesn't directly reach Üsküdar. Best route: M2 to Yenikapı → Marmaray to Üsküdar (fastest, ~15 min total, 2 fares). Alternative: F1 funicular from Taksim to Kabataş → Ferry from Kabataş to Üsküdar (scenic, 20 min). At Üsküdar, you can board M5 metro for further Asian destinations. Both routes use Istanbulkart but require separate taps (Marmaray charges separately).

M4 (Kadıköy–Sabiha Gökçen Havalimanı) is the main metro on Istanbul's Asian side — 23 stations, 33.5 km. Opened 2012 (to Kartal), extended to Sabiha Gökçen Airport in October 2022. Key stops: Kadıköy (ferry, T3 tram, food market), Ayrılık Çeşmesi (Marmaray interchange — cross-Bosphorus connection), Kozyatağı (M8 interchange), Bostancı (Marmaray, Princes' Island ferries), Pendik (fast ferries to Bursa/Yalova), Sabiha Gökçen Havalimanı (SAW airport). Runs 24 hours Fri/Sat/holidays.

Take M2 to Şişhane station — Galata Tower is a 5-minute walk from Şişhane exit. Alternatively, take M2 to Taksim and walk down İstiklal Avenue (~15 min). The Tünel F2 (Karaköy–Beyoğlu funicular, 1875 — world's 2nd oldest underground railway) goes from Karaköy waterfront to the top of Galata/Beyoğlu, but it's separate from the metro.

M7 (Yıldız–Mahmutbey) is Istanbul's first fully driverless line on the European side — 17 stations, 20 km. Full route operational since January 2023. Key interchanges: Mecidiyeköy (M2 transfer), Kâğıthane (M11 transfer), Mahmutbey (M3 transfer). Serves densely populated districts of Şişli, Kâğıthane, Eyüpsultan, Gaziosmanpaşa, Bağcılar. Uses driverless Hyundai Rotem 4-car trains. Runs 24 hours Fri/Sat/holidays.

Take M4 to Bostancı (Asian side) — ferries to Princes' Islands (Büyükada, Heybeliada) depart from Bostancı pier. Buy ferry ticket separately (Şehir Hatları, ~35 TRY Istanbulkart). Journey from Bostancı to Büyükada: ~45–60 min by regular ferry. From European side: M2 to Yenikapı → Marmaray to Bostancı (2 metro taps). Alternative: Ferries also depart from Kabataş (M2 Taksim → F1 funicular to Kabataş).

M5 (Üsküdar–Samandıra Merkez) is Turkey's first fully automated driverless metro — 20 stations, 26.5 km. Opened December 2017, extended to Samandıra Merkez in March 2024 (+2 stations). Has platform screen doors (PEDs) at all stations. Uses driverless 6-car CAF trains. Key stops: Üsküdar (Marmaray, ferries to Kabataş), Altunizade (Metrobus), Dudullu (M8 transfer). Serves Üsküdar, Ümraniye, Çekmeköy residential districts. Runs 24 hrs Fri/Sat/holidays.

The T1 tram (not metro) stops at Beyazıt-Kapalıçarşı directly in front of the Grand Bazaar — this is the most convenient option. For metro: take M2 to Vezneciler-İstanbul Üniversitesi and walk ~10–12 minutes south. Alternatively, M2 to Yenikapı and transfer to T1 tram to Beyazıt. The bazaar is in Sultanahmet/Fatih area which the metro doesn't directly serve.

M9 (Ataköy–Olimpiyat) — 14 stations, 17.2 km, fully underground, opened 2021–2024. The most recently completed line on European side. Key stations: Ataköy (Marmaray interchange), Yenibosna (M1A interchange), İkitelli Sanayi (M3 interchange), Olimpiyat (Atatürk Olympic Stadium, Başakşehir). Mimar Sinan station (the newest, opened August 30, 2024) was the final station to open. Serves Bakırköy, Bahçelievler, Bağcılar, Küçükçekmece, Başakşehir districts.

There is no direct metro connection — Kadıköy is on the Asian side (M4) and Taksim is on the European side (M2). Best route: Take M4 to Ayrılık Çeşmesi → Marmaray to Yenikapı → M2 north to Taksim. Total journey: ~25–35 minutes. Cost: 2 separate Istanbulkart taps (metro + Marmaray). Alternative: Ferry from Kadıköy to Karaköy (~20 min, 1 Istanbulkart tap) then walk or tram to Taksim.

M8 (Bostancı–Parseller) — 13 stations, 14.3 km, opened January 6, 2023. A north-south line on Istanbul's Asian side connecting coastal Bostancı to inland Ümraniye/Parseller. Key interchanges: Bostancı (M4 interchange planned), Kozyatağı (M4 Pegasus-Kozyatağı interchange), Dudullu (M5 interchange). Serves Kadıköy, Üsküdar, Ümraniye residential and commercial areas. Operates 6:30 AM – 21:30 on weekdays (shorter hours than other lines — check official schedules).

Yes! Since 2022, contactless bank cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) and NFC phones (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay) can be tapped directly on metro turnstile validators — no Istanbulkart needed. The fare charged is the same Istanbulkart rate (~35 TRY). However, Istanbulkart remains recommended for: transfer discounts, multiple-passenger use (1 card for up to 5 people), and for buses where contactless cards may not always work smoothly. Cash is not accepted anywhere on Istanbul's public transport.

Istanbul is simultaneously building 10 metro lines and extensions as of 2025 — one of the largest metro construction programs in the world: M1B extension (Kirazlı→Halkalı, +9 stations, expected 2028). M4 extension (Tavşantepe→Tuzla). M5 extension (Samandıra→Sultanbeyli, expected May 2026). M7 extension northward. M11 extension (→Halkalı, Q1 2026 expected). M12 (Asian side, expected Dec 2026). M13, M14 (Asian side, 2026). Goal: 717 km of metro lines by 2030, making Istanbul one of the world's largest metro networks.