Istanbul Airport Metro M11 | Stations, Map & 2026 Guide
Istanbul Airport Metro M11 provides a fast rail connection between Istanbul Airport and Istanbul's metro and rail network.
The first section of the line opened in January 2023. Following later extensions, the complete route now operates between Gayrettepe, Istanbul Airport and Halkali.
Istanbul Airport Metro Line M11
M11 is a driverless metro line designed to connect Istanbul Airport with the city's major rail networks. It is one of the fastest metro lines in Turkey, with trains capable of operating at up to 120 km/h.
For travelers going to central Istanbul, the Gayrettepe direction is usually the most useful. At Gayrettepe, passengers can transfer to the M2 metro for Taksim, Sisli, Sishane and Yenikapi.
Travelers heading toward the western side of Istanbul can continue in the opposite direction toward Halkali, where the line connects with Marmaray and other rail services.
M11 Metro Stations in 2026
The line now extends from Gayrettepe to Halkali. The main passenger stations are listed below in route order.
Istanbul Airport Metro Timetable
M11 operates daily. Service generally begins in the early morning and continues until around midnight.
Departure intervals and the last train can change according to operating schedules, maintenance and special days. If your flight arrives very late at night or departs early in the morning, check the current timetable before relying on the metro.
If M11 is not operating at the time of your flight, Havaist airport buses , taxis and private transfers are alternatives.
How Long Does the M11 Take?
The journey between Istanbul Airport and Gayrettepe takes roughly half an hour under normal operating conditions.
Following the completion of the Halkali extension, official project travel times are approximately:
- Halkali to Istanbul Airport: 30 minutes
- Halkali to Gayrettepe: 57 minutes
- Halkali to Kagithane: 54 minutes
How to Reach Taksim from Istanbul Airport by Metro
Take M11 from Istanbul Airport in the Gayrettepe direction.
At Gayrettepe, transfer to the M2 Yenikapi–Haciosman Metro Line and travel toward Yenikapi. Exit at Taksim Station.
How to Reach Sultanahmet from Istanbul Airport by Metro
There is no single direct metro train from Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet.
Take M11 toward Gayrettepe and transfer to the M2 line. Depending on your hotel location, you can continue through the central rail network and connect with the T1 tram or walk from a suitable central station.
See our Getting Around Istanbul guide for an overview of metro, tram and ferry connections.
Main M11 Connections
Useful for Taksim, Sisli, Sishane and Yenikapi.
Connects with Mecidiyekoy and other districts along the M7 line.
Provides connections toward Basaksehir and the western metro network.
Connects with the Atakoy–Olimpiyat metro corridor.
Marmaray provides rail access across Istanbul toward the Asian side.
Metrobus connections are also available around the Gayrettepe and Zincirlikuyu area.
Istanbul Airport Metro Map
On Istanbul rail maps, M11 is shown as the airport metro line running between Gayrettepe, Istanbul Airport and Halkali.
Older maps showing M11 ending at Kagithane, Gayrettepe or Arnavutkoy are now outdated. Make sure you use a map updated after June 2026.
Metro Station Location at Istanbul Airport
Istanbul Airport Metro Station is outside the main terminal building, close to the airport parking area. Follow the Metro / U signs inside the terminal.
Istanbul Airport is very large, so allow extra walking time between baggage claim, the arrivals hall and the metro station.
M11 Metro Fares and Ticketing
You can use Istanbulkart for M11 journeys.
Ticket and transportation tariffs in Istanbul change periodically, so we do not recommend relying on old fixed fare figures found in older airport metro articles.
Check the current fare shown at the ticket machine or Istanbulkart reader when you travel. You can buy or add balance to Istanbulkart at machines around the airport metro station.
Is M11 Better Than Havaist?
M11 is generally the better choice if you want to avoid Istanbul road traffic and your hotel is convenient for a metro connection.
Havaist may be easier if its route takes you closer to your hotel, especially when traveling with luggage and avoiding several rail transfers is important.
Compare the options in our Istanbul Airport Transportation Guide .
FAQs
Yes. M11 connects Istanbul Airport with Gayrettepe and Halkali.
No. Take M11 to Gayrettepe and transfer to the M2 metro for Taksim.
No. Reaching Sultanahmet requires a connection with Istanbul's central metro and tram network.
Yes. The final extension opened in June 2026 and the complete line now runs between Gayrettepe and Halkali via Istanbul Airport.
Yes. Istanbulkart can be used for M11 travel.
Istanbul Airport Metro M11 Video Guide
You can also watch our M11 video guide: Istanbul Airport Metro M11 Video Guide
More Istanbul Transportation Guides
Istanbul Airport Metro M11
Istanbul Airport Metro Line M11
The eagerly anticipated Istanbul Airport Metro 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.
Istanbul Airport Metro Station
Istanbul Airport Metro Timetable
Metro Line M11 departs from the airport every 8-10 minutes, heading towards Gayrettepe.
Istanbul Airport Metro operates between 06:00 and 00:00. Latest metro from Gayrettepe to Istanbul Airport 00:40 O’clock. So make sure you plan according to this schedule. Note that the metro does not operate overnight.
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.
Istanbul Airport Metro Map
Using M11 Istanbul Airport Metro Line (purple) until Gayrettepe and interchange to M2 Yenikapı MetroLine (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 Pdf File
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.
Metro 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
Q. Is there a metro line from Istanbul Airport?
A. Yes, Metro Line M11 started in January 2023, running from the airport to Gayrettepe Station.
Q. How do you pay for the metro in Istanbul?
A. Payment for the metro is made via a rechargeable Istanbulkart, which can be bought and loaded at automatic machines in the airport metro station.
