“How to get from Istanbul Airport (IST) to city center by metro?” is one the most common questions as the direct metro line to Istanbul Airport is recently opened in 2023. Travelers used to struggle with heavy traffic, unpredictable costs, and lengthy shuttle rides. Thankfully, the M11 Metro Line now offers a fast, affordable, and reliable solution to reach the city center in just 44 minutes. This guide will show you how to efficiently use the M11 Istanbul Airport Metro Line, saving time and money while avoiding the hassle of road congestion.
Quick Facts
- The M11 Metro Line connects Istanbul Airport to the city center in just 44 minutes, providing a quick, traffic-free option for travelers.
- The M11 line allows easy transfers at Gayrettepe and Kağıthane to reach popular destinations like Taksim and Sultanahmet.
- A ride on the M11 costs around 27-40 TL, making it a budget-friendly alternative to taxis or buses.
- Using the Istanbulkart allows for seamless transfers across all public transport, including metro, trams, and buses.
- The M11 features modern trains with Wi-Fi, elevators, and ample luggage space for convenience.
How do I get from Istanbul Airport to the city center using the M11 Metro Line?
The M11 Metro Line offers a fast and affordable way to reach Istanbul’s city center from Istanbul Airport in just 44 minutes. The metro connects directly to Gayrettepe and Kağıthane, where travelers can transfer to other lines to reach popular destinations like Taksim Square and Sultanahmet. Simply purchase an Istanbulkart at the airport to access the metro.
Why Use the M11 Metro Line?
The M11 Metro Line is the newest addition to Istanbul’s extensive public transportation network, designed specifically to connect Istanbul Airport (IST) with the city center. As one of the fastest and most reliable transit options, the M11 offers several advantages over taxis and buses:
- Speed: With a travel time of just 44 minutes from Istanbul Airport to Gayrettepe, the M11 line avoids traffic congestion, providing a reliable alternative to road transport.
- Cost-effective: Compared to taxis or private airport transfers, which can be costly (especially with traffic delays), the M11 line offers an affordable option, with fares starting at around 27 TL.
- Convenience: The metro operates frequently, with trains running every 20 minutes during peak hours, making it an ideal choice for travelers who need quick and convenient access to the city.
M11 Gayrettepe – Istanbul Airport Metro Line Overview
The M11 line connects Istanbul Airport to Gayrettepe and Kagithane, offering easy access to other parts of the city via metro transfers. It opened in early 2023, making travel to and from Istanbul Airport far more convenient.
M11 Metro Stops
The M11 line has a total of 10 stations, allowing travelers to access various parts of the city with ease:
- Gayrettepe
- Kağıthane
- Üniversite-Hasdal
- Kemerburgaz
- Göktürk
- İhsaniye
- Istanbul Airport
- Kargo Terminali
- Taşoluk
- Arnavutköy
This route covers both commercial and residential areas, ensuring a smooth connection to different districts in Istanbul. The Gayrettepe station, in particular, serves as a major transfer point, connecting with other metro lines, making it easier for tourists and locals to navigate the city.
For travelers carrying luggage, services like Bounce, a trusted luggage storage network, can be a great solution. By utilizing Bounce’s secure storage facilities, visitors can freely explore the city without the burden of heavy bags.
How to Buy Tickets and Use the Istanbulkart
To use the M11 metro line, you’ll need an Istanbulkart, the city’s rechargeable transit card. The Istanbulkart can be used across all forms of public transportation, including the metro, trams, buses, and ferries.
Buying an Istanbulkart
You can purchase an Istanbulkart from vending machines located at metro stations, including Istanbul Airport and Gayrettepe. The card costs approximately 130 TL, and you can load it with credit for travel.
- Single-ride fares: For the M11 line, single-ride tickets cost around 27 TL for short journeys, with fares increasing slightly for longer distances.
Recharging Your Istanbulkart
Recharging your Istanbulkart is simple and can be done at vending machines or convenience stores across the city. Most stations have instructions in English, making it easy for international travelers to top up their cards.
Why the Istanbulkart is Ideal for Tourists
- Multiple transfers: With the Istanbulkart, you can transfer between metros, buses, and ferries within a 2-hour window, which is particularly useful if you plan on exploring multiple areas of the city in one day.
- Discounts on multiple rides: The card offers discounts for frequent travelers, reducing overall transportation costs.
Metro Schedule and Operating Hours
The M11 line operates from 6 AM until midnight, trains run every 15-20 minutes, making it easy for travelers to catch a ride regardless of when they arrive at Istanbul Airport.
- Peak hours: 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM, when trains are most frequent.
- Off-peak hours: Trains run slightly less frequently, but the intervals remain reasonable, with services every 15-20 minutes.
- Istanbul Airport to Gayrettepe: operates between 06.00 AM – 00:00 AM
- Gayrettepe – Istanbul Airport: operates between 06:00 AM – 00:40 AM
Please cross check the timetables and prices as they are subject to change in time.
For up-to-date schedules and any potential service changes, travelers can check the official Istanbul Metro website or download transit apps like Moovit for real-time updates.
Traveling between Istanbul Airport to city center by M11 Metro Line
The M11 line offers direct access to key metro transfer points, making it easy to reach Istanbul’s most popular tourist destinations.
Majority of the tourists arriving to Istanbul for sightseeing and city break mostly stay at hotels in Sultanahmet, Taksim, Galata, Besiktas and Kadikoy districts and neighorhoods.
Here’s how to get to some of the main attractions from the Istanbul Airport:
Getting to Taksim by Istanbul Airport Metro
- Take the M11 Gayrettepe – Istanbul Airport Metro
- Get off at Gayrettepe station (44 minutes)
- Take the M2 Yenikapi – Haciosman Metro Line
- Get off at Taksim station (3 stops/10 minutes from Mecidiyekoy)
You’ll get to Taksim from Istanbul Airport by M11 metro line and with transfers about 55 minutes.
Getting to Besiktas by Istanbul Airport Metro
- Take the M11 Gayrettepe – Istanbul Airport Metro
- Get off at Kagithane station (24 minutes)
- Take the M7 Yildiz – Mahmutbey Metro Line
- Get off at Mecidiyekoy station (2 stops/5 minutes from Kagithane)
- Take the Public Bus directly to Besiktas
You can also get to Besiktas directly by public bus;
- from Kagithane by getting off at Kagithane station.
- or getting off at Gayrettepe station, walk 600 meters to Mecidiyekoy Bus stop and from there taking public bus.
Getting to Sultanahmet by Istanbul Airport Metro
- Take the M11 Kagithane – Istanbul Airport Metro
- Get off at Gayrettepe station (44 minutes)
- Take the M2 Yenikapi – Haciosman Metro Line
- Get off at Vezneciler-Istanbul University station (6 stops/25 minutes from Gayrettepe)
- Take a walk or T1 Kabatas – Bagcilar Tram line
- Get off at Sultanahmet stop (3 stops/10 minutes from Istanbul University tram stop)
You’ll get to Sultanahmet from Istanbul Airport by M11 metro line and with switcehs about 1 hour.
Alternatives: You can also get to Yenikapi by M2 Metro and from there join M1A metro line to get Aksaray (1 stop). From Aksaray take the T1 Kabatas – Bagcilar Tram line and get off at Sultanahmet stop.
Getting to Bakirkoy by Istanbul Airport Metro
- Take the M11 Gayrettepe – Istanbul Airport Metro
- Get off at Kagithane station (24 minutes)
- Take the M7 Yildiz – Mahmutbey Metro Line
- Get off at Mecidiyekoy station (2 stops/5 minutes from Kagithane)
- Take the Metrobus (Municipality Fast Bus)
- Get off at Bakirkoy station
Alternatives: You can also get to Yenikapi by M2 Metro and from there join M1A metro line to get Bakirkoy.
Getting to Kadikoy by Istanbul Airport Metro
- Take the M11 Gayrettepe – Istanbul Airport Metro
- Get off at Kagithane station (24 minutes)
- Take the M7 Yildiz – Mahmutbey Metro Line
- Get off at Mecidiyekoy station (2 stops/5 minutes from Kagithane)
- Take the Metrobus (Municipality Fast Bus)
- Get off at Unalan station on the Asian side
- Take the M4 Kadikoy – Sabiha Gokcen Airport Line
- Get off at Kadikoy station
Alternatives: You can also get to Sogutlucesme by Metrobus from Mecidiyekoy and from there you can walk to Kadikoy.
Getting to Atasehir by Istanbul Airport Metro
- Take the M11 Kagithane – Istanbul Airport Metro
- Get off at Kagithane station (24 minutes)
- Take the M7 Yildiz – Mahmutbey Metro Line
- Get off at Mecidiyekoy station (2 stops/5 minutes from Kagithane)
- Take the Metrobus (Municipality Fast Bus)
- Get off at Sogutlucesme station
- Take Public Bus or taxi
Wanna learn more about Istanbul Metro: Lines, Key Routes, Tickets, Tips for Tourists?
Fares, Transfers, and Time Savings
The M11 metro line is not only fast but also cost-effective. Here’s a quick comparison of transport options from Istanbul Airport to the city center:
- M11 Metro: Approx. 44 minutes to Gayrettepe at a cost of around 27 TL.
- Taxis: Approx. 40-70 minutes, with costs ranging from 1.300 TL to 1.600 TL, depending on traffic.
- Havaist Bus: Approx. 60-90 minutes, costing around 275 TL for Taksim, but travel times depend heavily on traffic.
With predictable travel times and low fares, the M11 line offers the best combination of speed and affordability, especially during rush hours when traffic can delay buses and taxis significantly.
Accessibility and Onboard Amenities
The M11 metro line is designed with accessibility in mind, ensuring a comfortable experience for all travelers.
- Elevators and ramps: Available at all stations, making it easy for travelers with disabilities or heavy luggage to navigate.
- Wi-Fi and charging stations: Many stations are equipped with free Wi-Fi and charging points for travelers who need to stay connected.
- Spacious seating: The metro trains are modern and spacious, designed to accommodate both commuters and passengers with luggage.
Travel Tips for Using the M11
- Avoid peak hours: If possible, travel during off-peak times to avoid crowded trains, especially if you have large luggage.
- Keep your Istanbulkart topped up: Make sure you have enough credit on your Istanbulkart for multiple transfers, especially if you’re connecting to other lines.
Future Expansion of the M11 Line
The M11 metro line is set to expand even further, with plans to connect additional areas of Istanbul to the airport. This expansion will make the M11 line an even more integral part of Istanbul’s public transport network, ensuring that residents and tourists alike can access the airport quickly and conveniently from more parts of the city.
Alternative to Metro: Private Shuttles
If you are a group or a family with kids or having lots of luggage with you, than we highly recommend you to take private shuttle transfers for your hotel as they offer a fixed rate, comfortable and safe transfer that include meet-and-greet airport pickups and luggage assistance to your hotel from the airports or vice versa.
The Metro or HAVAIST airport shuttles will drop you off at the city center and you’ll need to take a taxi or walk from there again which will harder for you with your kids and luggage. But private transfers drives you just to the entrance of your hotel.
Book your Private Shuttle
Check out and book your transfer from the below best and cheapest options
FAQs
What is the M11 Istanbul Airport Metro Line?
The M11 Metro Line connects Istanbul Airport to the city center, providing a fast, affordable, and efficient way to travel. The line covers 10 stations, including Gayrettepe, Kağıthane, and Arnavutköy, offering easy access to other metro lines and key districts in Istanbul.
How long does it take to get from Istanbul Airport to the city center using the M11?
The M11 Metro Line takes approximately 44 minutes to travel from Istanbul Airport to Gayrettepe, where passengers can transfer to other metro lines, including the M2 for easy access to Taksim Square and Sultanahmet. And total time would be at least 1 hour and 40 minutes.
How far is Istanbul Airport from city center?
Istanbul Airport (IST) is situated on the north eastern part of the city, close to the Black Sea coast, and about 45 kilometers from the many popular tourist districts and neighborhoods of the city.
Where can I buy tickets for the M11 Metro Line?
You can purchase an Istanbulkart at vending machines located at Istanbul Airport metro stations and other stops along the M11 line. The card allows access to all public transportation in Istanbul, including metro, trams, buses, and ferries.
How much does it cost to ride the M11 Metro Line?
A single ride on the M11 Metro Line costs around 27 TL. The Istanbulkart offers discounts for multiple transfers and is the most convenient way to pay for public transportation in Istanbul.
Will the M11 Metro Line take me directly to Taksim Square?
The M11 Metro Line does not go directly to Taksim Square, but you can easily transfer at Gayrettepe to the M2 Metro Line, which will take you to Taksim Square in just two stops.
What are the operating hours of the M11 Metro Line?
The M11 Metro Line operates from 6 AM to midnight daily, with trains running every 8-10 minutes during peak hours and every 15-20 minutes during off-peak hours.
How do I transfer from the M11 to other metro lines in Istanbul?
You can transfer to other metro lines at Gayrettepe (for the M2 line) and Kağıthane (for the M7 line). These connections make it easy to reach popular destinations like Sultanahmet, Taksim, Besiktas, Levent, and Kadıköy.
How can I reach Sultanahmet from Istanbul Airport using the metro?
To reach Sultanahmet from Istanbul Airport, take the M11 Metro Line to Gayrettepe and transfer to the M2 line. Then, transfer to the T1 tram at Vezneciler, which will take you to the heart of Sultanahmet, where key landmarks like the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia are located.