The Istanbul Metro is one of the fastest ways to travel between the Old City, Taksim, the Asian side and Istanbul’s two airports. Most lines generally operate from around 06:00 to 00:00, although schedules vary by line and day. You can pay with Istanbulkart at every metro station.
Visitors travelling mainly through the central tourist districts can also use a digital QR Transport Pass on supported lines, including M2 and M4, but not on the M11 Istanbul Airport Metro.
Istanbul Metro at a Glance
| Question | Quick Answer |
|---|---|
| Best metro line for most tourists | M2, serving Taksim, Şişhane, Haliç, Vezneciler and Yenikapı |
| Metro from Istanbul Airport (IST) | M11, with connections at Gayrettepe and Halkalı |
| Metro from Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) | M4, running directly between the airport and Kadıköy |
| Direct metro to Sultanahmet | No. Use Tram T1 or connect from M2/Marmaray |
| Typical operating hours | Approximately 06:00–00:00, depending on the line and day |
| Weekend Night Metro | Seven Metro Istanbul lines run through Friday and Saturday nights |
| Standard payment option | Istanbulkart |
| Digital tourist option | QR Transport Pass on supported lines, including M2 and M4; not valid on M11 |
Checked in August 2026: Lines, operating hours and connections can change because of maintenance, special events or new openings. Check the official operator before starting an airport journey or travelling late at night.
Use Supported Metro Lines Without Buying a Physical Card
If your plans focus on Taksim, Şişhane, Karaköy, Sultanahmet, Kadıköy or Sabiha Gökçen Airport, the Istanbul QR Public Transport Pass can make short tourist journeys easier.
Choose the number of rides you need, receive the QR code by email and save the PDF to your phone. Once downloaded, it works offline. At supported metro, tram and funicular gates, scan the QR code directly from your phone.
The pass works on supported city metro lines including M2 and M4 to Sabiha Gökçen Airport, as well as Tram T1, Funiculars F1 and F2, and eligible single-zone city buses.
Important limitation: The QR Transport Pass is not valid on M11, Marmaray, Metrobus, public ferries or cross-continent city buses. Choose Istanbulkart if your itinerary depends on these services.
Istanbul Metro Map 2026
Istanbul's rail network includes metro, tram, funicular and suburban rail services. On the official map, each metro line has its own colour and code, such as M2, M4 or M11.
For most first-time visitors, the most useful lines are M2 through the central European side, M4 between Kadıköy and Sabiha Gökçen Airport, and M11 for Istanbul Airport. Tram T1 is not a metro line, but it is essential for reaching Sultanahmet and many Old City attractions.
Which Metro Line Should Tourists Use?
The best line depends on where you are staying and whether your destination is served directly by metro. Use this table as a quick route finder.
| Destination | Best Line or Connection | Station | What to Know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taksim Square and Istiklal Street | M2 | Taksim | Direct access to Taksim Square; connect to F1 for Kabataş |
| Galata Tower and lower Istiklal | M2 | Şişhane | Walk downhill toward Galata or connect to the historic F2 funicular |
| Grand Bazaar | M2 + walk or T1 | Vezneciler / Beyazıt | T1 is closer; Vezneciler is the useful metro stop |
| Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque | T1, not metro | Sultanahmet | There is no direct metro station in Sultanahmet |
| Kadıköy | M4 | Kadıköy | Connect to ferries, T3 tram and the Asian-side centre |
| Üsküdar | M5 | Üsküdar | Connect to Marmaray and ferries |
| Istanbul Airport (IST) | M11 | İstanbul Havalimanı | QR Transport Pass is not valid on M11 |
| Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) | M4 | Sabiha Gökçen Havalimanı | QR Transport Pass is supported on M4 |
For journeys that combine metro, tram, ferry, Marmaray and bus services, use our complete Istanbul public transport guide.
Enter your destination in Moovit to compare metro routes, walking sections and transfers to tram, Marmaray, ferry or bus services. You can also use step-by-step directions and receive a notification before your destination stop.
Important: Real-time information is shown where available. Check the official operator for planned closures and final airport departures.
Open Istanbul Metro Routes in MoovitKey Istanbul Metro Lines for Visitors
M2: Taksim, Şişhane, Haliç and Yenikapı
M2 is the most useful central metro line for many visitors. It runs between Yenikapı and Hacıosman, with a branch connection for Seyrantepe. The line serves major visitor areas and connects with several other rail services.
Useful stations include:
Metro Istanbul lists the normal operating hours as approximately 06:00–00:00 and the full one-way journey time as about 32 minutes. Check the timetable for the first and last train at your station.
QR Pass note: The QR Transport Pass can be used on supported M2 journeys.
M4: Kadıköy to Sabiha Gökçen Airport
M4 is the key metro line for visitors staying on the Asian side or arriving at Sabiha Gökçen Airport. It runs directly between Kadıköy and the airport.
Important connections include:
The official one-way journey between Kadıköy and the airport takes about 52 minutes, and normal operating hours are approximately 06:00–00:00.
QR Pass note: The QR Transport Pass is valid on supported M4 journeys, including travel to and from Sabiha Gökçen Airport. It is not valid after transferring to Marmaray, Metrobus or a ferry.
M11: Istanbul Airport, Gayrettepe and Halkalı
M11 is the airport metro line for Istanbul Airport (IST). In 2026, the completed route connected Gayrettepe, Istanbul Airport and Halkalı, creating new connections on the European side.
For most visitors travelling toward Taksim, take M11 from the airport and transfer to M2 at Gayrettepe.
Official 2026 information gives journey times of approximately 30 minutes between Halkalı and Istanbul Airport and 57 minutes between Halkalı and Gayrettepe.
QR Pass note: The QR Transport Pass does not work on M11. Use Istanbulkart or another payment method accepted by the M11 operator.
M1A and M1B: Yenikapı, Aksaray and the Coach Station
M1A and M1B share the route between Yenikapı and Otogar before separating. These lines are useful for Aksaray, the intercity coach station and western transport connections.
M1A still carries “Atatürk Airport” in its official line name. Do not confuse this with Istanbul Airport (IST), which is served by M11. Atatürk Airport is no longer Istanbul's main commercial passenger airport.
Other useful metro lines
| Line | Current Route | When It May Be Useful to Visitors |
|---|---|---|
| M3 | Bakırköy Sahil–Kayaşehir | Bakırköy and connections toward western districts |
| M5 | Üsküdar–Sultanbeyli | Üsküdar and neighbourhoods on the Asian side |
| M6 | Levent–Boğaziçi University/Hisarüstü | Boğaziçi University and the F4 connection to Aşiyan |
| M7 | Yıldız–Mahmutbey | Beşiktaş-side connections, Mecidiyeköy and western districts |
| M8 | Bostancı–Parseller | Asian-side connections through Bostancı and Kozyatağı |
| M9 | Ataköy–Olimpiyat | Ataköy, event venues and western districts |
How to Travel From Istanbul's Airports by Metro
Istanbul Airport to Taksim
Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet
There is no direct metro station at Sultanahmet. Travellers with large luggage may find an airport transfer more convenient.
From Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Kadıköy
Take M4 directly from Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Kadıköy. The full journey takes approximately 52 minutes under normal service conditions.
From Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Taksim
Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Sultanahmet
Istanbul Metro Tickets and Payment Options
| Option | Best For | Main Limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Istanbulkart | Visitors using the full transport network, including M11, Marmaray, ferries and Metrobus | Requires a physical card and balance top-ups |
| QR Transport Pass | Short tourist trips using supported metro lines, T1, F1/F2 and eligible buses | Not valid on M11, Marmaray, ferries, Metrobus or cross-continent buses |
| Single-use ticket or accepted bank card | Occasional journeys when the station supports the method | Availability and price can vary; it may cost more than Istanbulkart |
Using Istanbulkart on the metro
Buy an anonymous Istanbulkart from a yellow or blue Biletmatik machine, load a moderate balance and tap the card at the entrance gate. Keep the card on the reader until the screen confirms the payment.
For current card prices, top-up instructions and airport purchase locations, read the Istanbulkart guide.
Istanbul Metro Operating Hours and Night Metro
Most Metro Istanbul lines normally operate from approximately 06:00 until 00:00, but the first and last train varies by line, station, direction and day. Maintenance or special events can also change the timetable.
Check the official timetable on the day of travel, particularly if you are making the last connection or travelling to an airport.
Weekend Night Metro
Metro Istanbul operates Night Metro service on the nights connecting Friday to Saturday and Saturday to Sunday. The following lines are included:
- M1A
- M1B
M2
- M4
- M5
- M6
M7
These lines provide 66 hours of continuous service from Friday at 06:00 until Sunday at 00:00. Night services use a double-fare tariff during the official night-fare period. Some station entrances may be closed even when the line is operating.
M11 is operated separately and is not part of the seven-line Metro Istanbul Night Metro list above. Check the current M11 schedule before planning a late-night airport journey.
How to Use the Istanbul Metro
Choose the correct line and direction.
The final station shown on the platform signs indicates the direction of travel.
Prepare your payment before reaching the gate.
Tap Istanbulkart or scan an eligible QR Pass at the marked reader.
Wait for confirmation.
Enter only after the gate opens or the reader shows approval.
Follow the transfer signs.
Some interchanges involve long corridors, escalators or a separate payment gate.
Keep your ticket or card available.
You may need it again when changing systems or starting another journey.
Check the platform display.
Service changes and waiting times are shown at the station.
One anonymous Istanbulkart can usually be tapped for more than one traveller, but one card per person is easier for balance tracking and transfers. One QR Pass is for one traveller only.
Practical Tips for Using the Istanbul Metro
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
There is no direct metro station in Sultanahmet. Tram T1 serves Sultanahmet, Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. From M2, visitors can exit at Vezneciler and continue on foot or connect with T1.
M11 serves Istanbul Airport and connects the airport with Gayrettepe and Halkalı. For Taksim, transfer from M11 to M2 at Gayrettepe.
M4 runs directly between Kadıköy and Sabiha Gökçen Airport. The full journey takes approximately 52 minutes under normal service conditions.
Ready to Explore Istanbul by Metro?
If your itinerary uses supported tourist routes such as M2, M4, Tram T1 and Funiculars F1 or F2, choose the number of rides you need and receive your QR Transport Pass by email.
There is no physical card to collect and no balance to top up. Download the PDF to your phone and scan the QR code at supported gates.
