11 colour-coded lines, two continents, ~7 TL per ride with Istanbulkart.
Related: Istanbul guide
Istanbul's metro is a patchwork of 11 colour-coded lines that stretch across two continents, carrying millions daily for about 7 TL per ride with an Istanbulkart. It's not a single seamless system — think of it as a set of mostly independent lines that meet at a few key transfer points. The network has grown fast in the last decade, but gaps remain. For a traveler, the metro is the fastest way to move between major hubs: from airports to the historic peninsula, across the Bosphorus via Marmaray, or up the European spine from Yenikapı to Hacıosman. It's reliable, cheap, and generally safe, but you need to plan transfers carefully because not all connections are intuitive. The system runs roughly 06:00–00:00, with frequencies of 3–8 minutes during the day. After midnight, you're on taxis or night buses.
You'll use two main lines for tourism: M2 (Yenikapı–Hacıosman) hits Sultanahmet (via tram connection) and Beyoğlu/Taksim, while M1A gets you from Yenikapı to Istanbul Airport (IST). On the Asian side, M4 runs from Kadıköy to Sabiha Gökçen (SAW), and M5 is a driverless line from Üsküdar eastward. The newest addition, M11, connects Gayrettepe to IST faster than M1A but requires a transfer at Kağıthane. Marmaray is the under-Bosphorus rail link that ties the two continents together — it's a commuter line but essential for crossing without a taxi. Funicular F1 (Kabataş–Taksim) and the historic Tünel (Karaköy–Beyoğlu) fill short but steep gaps. Don't expect a single app to plan all routes; use Google Maps or Moovit, but double-check station names because the system uses Turkish abbreviations.
You need an Istanbulkart — a contactless smartcard that costs 50 TL (refundable) and can be topped up at machines in every station. The card works on metro, tram, bus, ferry, and funiculars. One ride costs about 7 TL (≈$0.24) as of early 2026. You can also use contactless credit cards or phones at turnstiles, but the Istanbulkart is cheaper and faster. Transfers within 120 minutes give a discount: first ride 7 TL, second 5 TL, third 4 TL, fourth and beyond 3 TL. So a trip with two transfers costs about 16 TL total. Day passes exist (150 TL for 24 hours) but are rarely worth it unless you're making 20+ trips. Monthly cards (about 500 TL) are for residents.
Hours: first trains around 06:00, last around 00:00. On Fridays and Saturdays, some lines run until 01:00 or 02:00 (check specific line). Frequency: peak hours (07:00–09:00, 17:00–19:00) every 3–5 minutes; off-peak every 6–8 minutes. Late evenings drop to 10–15 minutes. The M5 (driverless) runs every 3 minutes at peak. Stations are clean, have Wi-Fi (free but requires SMS registration), and are wheelchair-accessible except a few older ones (Tünel, some M1 stations). Platform screen doors on newer lines (M5, M11) keep you safe. Announcements are in Turkish and English, but not all station signs have English — screenshot your route.
The original airport line, opened in 2002. From Yenikapı (transfer to M2 and Marmaray) to Istanbul Airport (IST) in about 45 minutes. It's slower than M11 but more central: you can board at Aksaray or Zeytinburnu (tram connection). Trains every 5–8 minutes. The line is older, no platform doors, and can be crowded with luggage. Skip the express variant (M1B) which goes to Kirazlı, not the airport. Fare is standard 7 TL with Istanbulkart.
The most useful line for tourists. Runs from Yenikapı (Marmaray/M1 transfer) north through Taksim, Levent, and Maslak to Hacıosman. Connects to the T1 tram at Taksim for Sultanahmet (tram takes 15 minutes). Also links to F1 funicular at Taksim for Kabataş. Trains every 3–5 minutes. Stations are deep — long escalators. Avoid the 08:00–09:30 southbound crush from Levent. The line ends at Hacıosman; beyond that, it's bus or taxi.
The Asian-side airport line. From Kadıköy (ferry/ Marmaray connection) to Sabiha Gökçen in about 50 minutes. Trains every 6–8 minutes. The line is above ground for much of the route, giving views of the Asian suburbs. At the airport end, you need to walk 5 minutes to the terminal. It's reliable but can be crowded with commuters. Don't confuse with M5 — they don't connect directly. Use Marmaray to cross continents.
A fully automated driverless line running from Üsküdar (Marmaray/ferry) east to Çekmeköy. Opened in 2017, extended in 2020. Trains every 3 minutes at peak — very frequent. Stations are modern with platform doors. Useful for reaching the Asian interior (Ümraniye, Sancaktepe) but not directly touristy. Transfer to M4 at Üsküdar? No — you need to go to Kadıköy via Marmaray or bus. Skip if you're only visiting historic sites.
The newest line, opened in 2023 from Gayrettepe (M2 transfer) to Istanbul Airport. Faster than M1A: about 25 minutes vs 45. But you must transfer at Gayrettepe from M2 (or at Kağıthane from M7). The line is modern, driverless, with platform doors. Frequency every 6–8 minutes. It's the best option if you're coming from the Levent/Maslak business district. For Sultanahmet, M1A is still more direct via Yenikapı.
A 76 km commuter rail line that runs under the Bosphorus, connecting Europe (Halkalı) to Asia (Gebze). For tourists, the key stations are Yenikapı (transfer to M1/M2), Sirkeci (near Eminönü/Sultanahmet), and Üsküdar (ferry). Trains every 5–10 minutes, 06:00–23:00. The underwater section takes 4 minutes. It's not a metro but integrated with the Istanbulkart system. Use it to cross continents quickly — 15 minutes from Sirkeci to Üsküdar. Avoid peak hours when it's packed with commuters.
A short but steep funicular connecting Kabataş (tram T1, ferry) to Taksim (M2). 600 meters, 2 minutes, runs every 2–3 minutes. It saves you a 20-minute uphill walk or a taxi. The view is nothing special — just a tunnel. But it's efficient and included in the same fare system. Use it to go from the Bosphorus shore to Taksim Square without breaking a sweat. Operates 06:15–00:15.
A historic 573-meter funicular from Karaköy (near Galata Bridge) up to Tünel Square in Beyoğlu. It's the world's second-oldest underground railway after London. The ride takes 90 seconds. It's more of a novelty than a practical transport — but it's free with Istanbulkart (no extra fare). Skip the queue if it's long; you can walk up the hill in 10 minutes. The cars are original-style but modernized. Don't expect air conditioning.
A single ride with Istanbulkart costs 7 TL (≈$0.24). With two transfers within 120 minutes, total is about 16 TL. A 24-hour pass is 150 TL (≈$5.10) but only worth it if you make 20+ rides. The Istanbulkart itself costs 50 TL (refundable at some booths). Most tourists spend 50–100 TL per day on public transport. Taxis are 20–30 TL per km. Airport shuttles (Havabus) cost 50–100 TL. Monthly cards (500 TL) are for residents.
Download the 'Istanbulkart' app or use 'Moovit' for real-time schedules. Google Maps works but sometimes gives wrong platform numbers. Always check the direction of the train — signs are in Turkish, but the last station name is shown. On M2, make sure you're going toward Hacıosman (north) or Yenikapı (south). The M1A and M1B share tracks from Yenikapı to Otogar; M1B branches off to Kirazlı. Don't board M1B if you want the airport — it goes to Kirazlı, not IST.
Avoid the metro during rush hours (07:30–09:00, 17:30–19:00) if you have luggage. The M2 between Taksim and Yenikapı is especially packed. If you're going to Sultanahmet, take the T1 tram from Kabataş or Eminönü instead of the metro — it's more scenic and drops you right at the Blue Mosque. For Sabiha Gökçen, the M4 is fine but consider the Havabus shuttle from Taksim if you're on the European side — it's direct and costs about 50 TL.
Buy your Istanbulkart at a station vending machine — they accept cash and credit cards. Avoid the 'tourist Istanbulkart' sold at airports; it's a rip-off (same card, higher price). The standard blue card works everywhere. Top up with 100–200 TL to last a few days. You can also use your contactless bank card (Visa/Mastercard) at turnstiles, but it charges per ride without transfer discounts — so it's more expensive for multiple trips.
Late at night (after midnight), the metro stops. Night buses (numbered with 'N') run on major routes, but they're slow and confusing. Better to take a taxi or use the BiTaksi app. Taxis from the airport to Taksim cost around 400–600 TL depending on traffic. Uber works but is just taxis with an app.
The M11 is faster to IST but requires a transfer at Gayrettepe. If you're going from Sultanahmet, M1A from Yenikapı is simpler. For SAW, M4 from Kadıköy is the only metro option. Allow 90 minutes for airport trips from central locations.
1) Buying single-use tokens (jeton) instead of an Istanbulkart — they cost more per ride and don't allow transfers. 2) Boarding the M1B at Otogar thinking it goes to the airport — it goes to Kirazlı. 3) Trying to use the same ticket for multiple people — each person needs their own card. 4) Not validating your card on entry (tap) and exit (tap) — you'll get charged the max fare. 5) Assuming all lines run 24/7 — they stop around midnight. 6) Using a contactless credit card for every ride — you miss transfer discounts.
Buy it from vending machines at any metro station, tram stop, or ferry terminal. Cost is 50 TL (refundable). Machines accept cash (TL) and credit cards. The card is blue and reusable. Avoid the 'tourist' versions sold at airports — they're the same but more expensive. Top up at machines or via the Istanbulkart app.
A single ride with Istanbulkart is 7 TL (≈$0.24). With transfers within 120 minutes, second ride is 5 TL, third 4 TL, fourth+ 3 TL. So a trip with two transfers costs about 16 TL. Contactless bank cards charge 7 TL per ride with no transfer discount. Day pass is 150 TL.
Yes, if you use an Istanbulkart. Transfers between metro, tram, bus, ferry, and funicular are discounted within 120 minutes. Tap your card on entry and exit for each mode. The discount applies automatically. You cannot transfer with a single-use token (jeton).
Most lines run 06:00–00:00. Some lines (M2, M5) extend to 01:00 or 02:00 on Friday and Saturday nights. First trains vary by station — check the app. After midnight, night buses (N-prefix) run but are infrequent. Taxis are your best bet late at night.
M1A (Yenikapı–IST) and M11 (Gayrettepe–IST) serve Istanbul Airport (IST) on the European side. M4 (Kadıköy–Sabiha Gökçen) serves SAW on the Asian side. M11 is faster to IST from Gayrettepe (25 min) than M1A (45 min from Yenikapı). For SAW, M4 takes 50 min from Kadıköy.
No direct line. From Sultanahmet, take the T1 tram to Yenikapı (15 min), then transfer to M1A to IST (45 min). Or take T1 to Kabataş, funicular to Taksim, M2 to Gayrettepe, then M11 to IST — that's longer. M1A is simpler. For SAW, take T1 to Eminönü, ferry to Kadıköy, then M4.
The exact plan we'd give a friend visiting Istanbul. Where to eat, what to skip, how to avoid tourist traps.
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