Istanbul Airport Metro Line M11
The eagerly anticipated Metro Line M11 began service in January 2023, offering a rapid and comfortable travel option for passengers at Istanbul Airport. This driverless metro line currently spans 37,5 kilometers from the airport Gayrettepe Station.
As Turkey’s fastest subway line, Metro Line M11 travels at 120 km/h and can accommodate up to 800,000 passengers daily. It combines speed with affordability, and its new trains are equipped with modern technology to ensure a pleasant journey.
Currently, Metro Line M11 serves seven stations: the airport (both IST terminal and Cargo terminal stations), İhsaniye, Göktürk, Kemerburgaz, Hasdal, and terminates at Kâğıthane and Gayrettepe. Connections will also be available to Metro Line M2 and the Metrobüs network at Zincirlikuyu Metrobüs Station.
Operating Schedule
Metro Line M11 departs from the airport every 8 minutes, heading towards Gayrettepe. Although the exact timetable is not yet established, the service is expected to run from approximately 06:00 am to midnight. Note that the metro does not operate overnight.
The journey from Istanbul Airport to Gayrettepe takes about 30 minutes, while the trip to Göktürk in the Eyüp district lasts only 12 minutes.
Istanbul Airport Metro Map
Using M11 Istanbul Airport Metro Line (purple) until Gayrettepe and interchange to M2 Yenikapı Metro Line (Green) is the most convenient way to reach at old city of Istanbul at the moment. Both Yenikapı or Istanbul University ( Vezneciler ) Station is convenient depending on the location of your accommodation.
You can download and save the Istanbul Metro Map below to your phone.
istanbul metro map
Metro Station Location
The new metro station at Istanbul International Airport is located opposite Exit 11, near the front of the car park, just 300 meters from the terminal entrance. Despite its proximity, navigating the large IST terminal to reach the station can be time-consuming. There are plans to add a second station in the future, though the timeline for this project has not been announced.
Fares and Ticketing
Tickets for the metro can be purchased with cash or credit cards. However, you’ll find it useful to buy a rechargeable Istanbulkart and load it with cash. Istanbulkarts, priced at 130₺, can be purchased and recharged at automatic machines in the airport subway station. A one-way ticket costs 17.70₺ , but as the line expands, the fare may increase to 12.27₺. Children under six ride for free.
Tip: One Istanbulkart can be used to purchase tickets for multiple passengers (up to 5), making it convenient for groups.
FAQs
Is there a metro line from Istanbul Airport?
Yes, Metro Line M11 started in January 2023, running from the airport to Gayrettepe Station.
How do you pay for the metro in Istanbul?
Payment for the metro is made via a rechargeable Istanbulkart, which can be bought and loaded at automatic machines in the airport metro station.
