Atatürk Havalimanı metro station is the western terminus of the M1A line (the Red Line), Istanbul’s original rapid-transit system. Opened in December 2002, the underground station served Istanbul’s main international airport until commercial passenger traffic ended in April 2019. Although the airport has relocated, the station remains a functioning part of Istanbul’s metro network and offers a direct link to the city centre via a short metro ride.
The station sits next to the former international terminal building and connects via walkway to the domestic terminal. Today, with the airport repositioned to Istanbul Airport on the city’s north side, this station primarily serves locals and occasional visitors exploring Bakırköy or tracing the city’s recent travel history.
Lines and interchanges: M1A (Red Line). Interchange: Atatürk Havalimanı (M1A (Red Line)).
Quick Facts
| Built / opened | 2002 |
|---|---|
| Address | Yeşilköy Mahallesi, Atatürk Havalimanı, 34149 Bakırköy, Istanbul, Turkey Google MapsApple MapsYandex Maps |
| District | Bakırköy |
| Interchanges | Atatürk Havalimanı (M1A (Red Line), Terminal exit leads directly to station) |
| Opening hours | Daily 06:00-00:00 |
| Best time to visit | Any season is suitable for transit through the station. Weather conditions do not affect underground metro access. Avoid visiting during Turkish public holidays if your goal is to observe normal commute patterns—peak travel days shift. Early morning (before 07:00) and mid-afternoon (13:00–16:00) offer quieter platforms if you prefer to experience the station without crowds. |
Why Visit Atatürk Havalimanı?
Visit Atatürk Havalimanı station primarily as a metro hub if heading to or through the Bakırköy district, or for historical interest as part of understanding Istanbul’s transport evolution. The underground station itself is modern and functional, a useful checkpoint if exploring the development of the city’s rapid-transit network. From here, trains depart every few minutes toward central Istanbul, reaching Yenikapı station in approximately 25 minutes. The station also features parking facilities, making it a practical transfer point.
Atmosphere
The station is a clean, modern underground hub typical of early 2000s metro design. The platforms are well-lit with white and grey finishes, marked by the red line colour scheme and functional signage. During peak hours (morning and early evening commutes), the platform sees local traffic flowing toward the city centre; outside rush hours, it is noticeably quieter. The atmosphere is efficient and orderly, with clear wayfinding and accessible facilities. Standing on the platform, the buffer stops at the tunnel’s end mark this as a terminus—a quiet reminder of the station’s former role as an international gateway.
History of Atatürk Havalimanı
Opening as an Airport Gateway (2002): Atatürk Havalimanı station opened on 20 December 2002 as part of the M1 line’s western extension. The extension took the metro west of Yenibosna directly to the airport, marking a major expansion of Istanbul’s young rapid-transit system. The station was designed as an underground facility to serve both the international and domestic terminals, with direct linkages to each.
The Airport’s Era (2002–2019): For over 16 years, the station was Istanbul’s critical connection to the world. Millions of international travellers passed through these platforms, making it one of the busiest metro stations during peak travel seasons. The M1A became synonymous with airport access, and frequent service reinforced its importance to the city’s transport network.
After Airport Closure (2019–Present): In April 2019, Atatürk International Airport ceased commercial passenger operations. The government had completed Istanbul Airport on the European side’s northern coast, and traffic shifted there entirely. This marked the end of Atatürk Havalimanı station’s primary function. The station, however, did not close. It remains in service on the M1A line, now primarily serving Bakırköy residents and commuters rather than international passengers. The former airport site has been repurposed for other uses, but the metro station continues to operate as part of the regular M1 network, a quiet reminder of Istanbul’s rapid growth and changing infrastructure.
Tickets and Booking for Atatürk Havalimanı
Atatürk Havalimanı is a standard metro station requiring the same fare as any other stop on the M1 line. Fares and payment: Tourists can purchase a single journey ticket or a rechargeable contactless card (Akbil or smartphone-based payment via HalıCard app) at station booths and machines. Cards can be reloaded at any metro station. Single journeys cost ₺ within the metro fare zone. Foreign visitors can use all payment methods freely—no special documentation is required. Rush hours: The station experiences moderate to heavy traffic during morning (07:00–09:00) and evening (17:00–19:00) commute times on weekdays. Service runs from 06:00 to midnight daily, with trains departing every 3–4 minutes during the day and less frequently after 22:00.
How to Get to Atatürk Havalimanı
By Metro: The M1A (Red Line) terminates at Atatürk Havalimanı. If arriving from central Istanbul, take any M1 train from Yenikapı station heading toward Atatürk Airport; the journey takes about 25 minutes. From the station: Exiting the station brings you to the former airport complex. The international terminal building is directly adjacent; signage will guide you.
By bus: Several İETT buses serve the area (routes H-4, TH-1, YH-1), useful if exploring the district.
By taxi: Taxis are available; the journey from the city centre (Sultanahmet) takes 20–30 minutes depending on traffic.
Accessibility
The station is fully accessible. Elevators and escalators connect all platform and entrance levels. Wheelchair users can navigate the station without barriers. Accessible toilets are available. Seating is provided on the platform and in the waiting areas. The station's underground design means no steps are encountered during entry, though arriving passengers must use lifts or escalators to ascend to the terminal level.
Food Nearby
The former airport terminals contain cafés and small food vendors, though their current status and operating hours depend on the site's evolving use. In the wider Bakırköy district beyond the station, street-level options include casual cafés and eateries along residential streets. For full meal options, metro travel toward Yenikapı or Eminönü provides better choices in established neighbourhoods.
What to Bring
No special items are needed for metro travel. Standard urban clothing is appropriate. If exploring the former airport buildings, bring a camera to document the modern architecture. An Istanbul travel card or coin/contactless payment method is required for the fare. In summer, carry water, as platforms can feel warm; in winter, layers are advisable. Bag checks occur at station entrances, but restrictions are minimal for normal luggage.
Photography Rules
Photography is permitted in the metro station halls and on platforms. Flash photography is acceptable in public areas but avoid pointing cameras at other passengers without permission. No drones, tripods or professional filming equipment are allowed in metro facilities.
Family Suitability
The station is suitable for families with children and stroller-using parents. Escalators and elevators mean no stairs are necessary. The underground environment is climate-controlled and safe. Platforms are fenced and secure. During quiet hours, the clean, spacious design makes it a stress-free transit point. The journey on the M1 line itself is short and straightforward, making it family-friendly if connecting to other attractions.
Istanbul Vibes Tips
- This station is a terminus, so trains always depart in one direction only (toward Yenikapı). You cannot board a train heading further west; all M1A trains from this platform go toward the city centre.
- The station is called Atatürk Havalimanı but serves the old airport, not the new Istanbul Airport. If you are arriving at or departing from Istanbul Airport, take a connecting bus or train to the airport itself; this metro station will not take you there.
- The station's parking lot is rarely full and makes it a practical drop-off point if driving to central Istanbul by metro. Pay parking rates are moderate.
- Train frequency is reliable and consistent—you rarely wait more than 4 minutes. This makes it a dependable connection even outside rush hours.
- The last metro train departs at 00:00 midnight. If travelling late at night, confirm the last departure time, as taxis become the only option after midnight.
- The former airport buildings are visibly deteriorating and largely inaccessible to visitors. The metro station itself is the only functioning modern facility at the site worth experiencing.
Explore Nearby Atatürk Havalimanı
Sights near Atatürk Havalimanı
Atatürk Airport National Garden – about 1.2 km away (~20 min walk) · typical visit: 2–4 hoursOpen daily 06:00–23:00Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Related guides
Istanbul Aviation Museum: Turkish Air Force Jets and Aircraft InteriorsMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Istanbul Aquarium: Tickets, Hours and What to SeeMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Bakırköy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital: Information for International PatientsMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Acıbadem International Hospital: Location, Services and Medical Care in IstanbulMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Medicana Ataköy Hospital: Services, Contact and How to VisitMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Browse more: More in Bakırköy · All Metro Stations · All Other Hubs
FAQ: Atatürk Havalimanı
Does this metro station serve Istanbul Airport?
No. Atatürk Havalimanı metro station serves the former Atatürk International Airport, which closed in April 2019. Istanbul Airport is located in the north of the city and is served by different transport links. If you are flying from or to Istanbul Airport, do not use this metro station.
Is the old airport building open to visitors?
The former airport buildings are not reliably open to tourists. Access is restricted and the site is being repurposed. The metro station is the only modern facility at the location that remains in active use.
What is the metro fare from Atatürk Havalimanı to central Istanbul?
The fare depends on the city's current metro pricing system. Use a contactless card or purchase a single ticket at the station; both are affordable and cost the same as any other metro journey within Istanbul.
How long is the metro ride to Yenikapı?
The M1A ride from Atatürk Havalimanı to Yenikapı transfer station takes approximately 25 minutes with scheduled stops. The journey is direct and uninterrupted.
Are there facilities at the station?
Yes. The station has escalators, elevators, accessible toilets, seating areas, and a small shop. It is fully wheelchair-accessible and meets modern transit standards.
When does the metro service operate?
The M1A line operates from 06:00 to 00:00 (midnight) daily. Trains depart every 3–4 minutes during the day, with longer intervals after 22:00.
Can I use my contactless payment card or phone at this station?
Yes. The station accepts standard Istanbul contactless transit cards and mobile payment via the HalıCard app. Foreign tourists can use these methods without special setup.
Is the station crowded?
The station is moderately busy during morning (07:00–09:00) and evening (17:00–19:00) weekday commutes. Outside these hours, it is noticeably quieter. As a terminus, it is less congested than central stations.
Istanbul Vibes is a one-person project. A coffee keeps it going
Take this guide with you
Get a free PDF of this guide to print or read offline: key facts, tips and a map link on a few clean pages.
Report an issue on this page
How we research and update our guides
About this guide: AI assistance and accuracy
This guide is created with the help of AI and is based on official sources where available. Mistakes can still happen. Opening hours, prices, rules and other details are given to the best of our knowledge as of the date shown and can change without notice. It offers general recommendations only, not professional, legal or travel advice. Please confirm important details with the official source before you travel; you are responsible for your own plans and decisions.
* Affiliate link: as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
