• Fare (IST → Gayrettepe): Metro price from Istanbul Airport to Gayrettepe Metro station is 38,49 ₺ with Istanbulkart. However the turnstile machine will charge you the full fare which is 66,54 Turkish Liras and refund you at the Gayrettepe Station. Therefore don’t forget to tap your istanbulkart to refund machines 8see image below) to get the difference back. 

• Operating hours: 06:00-00:00 (last metro from Gayrettepe to Istanbul airport is at 00:40)

• Frequency: every 8-10 minutes

• Travel time: Approx. 30 minutes (IST to Gayrettepe)

• Best route to Old City (Sultanahmet): M11 → Gayrettepe → M2 → Vezneciler

• Metro station at IST: opposite Exit 11 (approx. 300 m from terminal)

The eagerly anticipated Istanbul Airport Metro (M11) began service in January 2023, offering a rapid and comfortable driverless connection between Istanbul Airport and Gayrettepe over a 37.5 kilometers route.

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 has seven stations: the airport (both IST terminal and Cargo terminal stations), İhsaniye, Göktürk, Kemerburgaz, Hasdal, and terminates at Kagithane and Gayrettepe. Connections will also be available to Metro Line M2 and the Metrobüs network at Zincirlikuyu Metrobüs Station.

Istanbul Airport Metro Station

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 165₺, can be purchased and recharged at automatic machines in the airport subway station. A one way ticket costs 42 ₺ until Gayrettepe Station. Then another 31 Turkish liras when interchanging to M2 Yenikapı Metro Line in order to reach at Taksim or Sultanahmet area. 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.

Metro Line M11 departs from the airport every 8-10 minutes, heading towards Gayrettepe.

Istanbul Airport Metro operates between 06:00 and 00:00. Last metro from Gayrettepe to Istanbul Airport is at 00:40. So make sure you plan according to this schedule. Note that the metro does not operate overnight.

If you miss the last train and stay at the airport check our  hotels near istanbul airport guide. You can also use Havaist in order to get to Sultanahmet after midnight. Havaist bus operates 24 hours.

The journey from Istanbul Airport to Gayrettepe takes about 30 minutes.

After arriving at Gayrettepe, transfer to the M2 metro line heading toward Yenikapı.

• For hotels near Sultanahmet, Laleli, Sirkeci, or Eminönü: It is recommended to exit at Vezneciler Station.
• For hotels near Taksim: Exit at Taksim Station.
• For hotels near Şişli or Mecidiyeköy: The Şişli Station is the most convenient option.

Choose your station based on your hotel’s location for a smooth and efficient journey.

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 pdf file below.

istanbul metro map

Istanbul Airport Metro Pdf Download File

The new metro station at Istanbul International Airport is located opposite Exit 11, near the front of the car park ( check istanbul Airport parking fees ), 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.

Currently, the M11 line has seven active stations. More stations will open as the line expands toward Halkalı and Beşiktaş.

• İstanbul Havalimanı (IST Terminal) – located inside the main airport terminal

• Cargo Terminal – for airport staff and cargo services

• İhsaniye – local residential area

• Göktürk – a lively neighborhood with cafes and restaurants

• Kemerburgaz – surrounded by forests and green areas

• Hasdal – road connections toward northern Istanbul

• Kâğıthane – key transfer hub for M7 line

• Gayrettepe – central business district, with transfer to Metro Line M2 (Yenikapı – Hacıosman

The M11 metro connects directly to the M2 metro line at Gayrettepe. From here you can transfer to reach most of Istanbul’s popular districts:

• Sultanahmet / Old City → M11 to Gayrettepe → transfer to M2 → exit at Vezneciler Station

• Taksim Square → M11 to Gayrettepe → continue on M2 → exit at Taksim Station

• Şişli / Mecidiyeköy → M11 to Gayrettepe → continue on M2 → exit at Şişli – Mecidiyeköy Station

• Kadıköy (Asian Side) → M11 to Gayrettepe → continue on M2 to Yenikapı → transfer to Marmaray Line → Kadıköy Station

If you’re wondering whether to take the metro, bus, or taxi, here’s a quick comparison:

• M11 Metro → Fastest and cheapest option (30 minutes to Gayrettepe Station, 42₺ per ticket).

• Havaist Buses → Direct to many districts (e.g. Taksim, Sultanahmet, Beşiktaş). More comfortable with luggage but slower due to traffic.

• Taxi or Private Transfer → Door to door comfort, especially with heavy bags or groups, but the most expensive choice.

• The metro operates daily from 06:00 to 00:00.

• Trains depart every 8–10 minutes.

• There is no overnight service. If your flight arrives late, consider Havaist, private transfer or taxi.

• Istanbulkart is required for payment. One card can be used for up to 5 passengers.

• The metro is luggage friendly but there are no separate luggage racks.

• All stations are equipped with elevators and escalators for disabled access.

• Best times to travel with less crowding: early morning or late evening.