Ayrılık Çeşmesi: Metro Station and Transport Hub to Kadıköy and the Bosphorus

Ayrılık Çeşmesi metro station sits in the heart of Kadıköy on the M4 line, functioning as one of Istanbul’s busiest transport interchanges. The station is named after the historic Ayrılık Çeşmesi fountain—meaning ‘Fountain of Separation’—an Ottoman-era landmark that has stood at this location for centuries.

Opened in 2013, the station connects the M4 metro line to the Marmaray commuter rail system, which crosses beneath the Bosphorus to Europe. This integration makes Ayrılık Çeşmesi a crucial gateway for visitors and residents crossing between Istanbul’s Asian and European sides, as well as for traveling along the city’s Anatolian coast.

Lines and interchanges: M4. Interchange: Ayrılık Çeşmesi (M4).

Quick Facts

Built / opened	2013
Address	Dr. Eyüp Aksoy Caddesi, Acıbadem Mahallesi, 34718 Kadıköy, Istanbul, Turkey Google MapsApple MapsYandex Maps
District	Kadıköy
Interchanges	Ayrılık Çeşmesi (M4, Main entrance at Dr. Eyüp Aksoy Street; three entrances serve Hospitals (1), Kızıltoprak (2), and Shopping Center (3))
Opening hours	Open 24 hours
Best time to visit	The station operates year-round, 24 hours daily. Visit during off-peak hours (mid-morning 10:00–16:00, or late evening) for more comfortable platform conditions. Weekday rush hours (07:00–09:00 and 17:00–19:00) see crowded trains; weekends are moderately busy.

Why Visit Ayrılık Çeşmesi?

Ayrılık Çeşmesi serves primarily as a transport hub rather than a sightseeing destination, but it plays a vital role in reaching key areas. From here, you can access Kadıköy’s waterfront, independent shops, and cafes on the Asian side, or take the Marmaray tunnel to reach European stations like Kazlıçeşme, Sirkeci, and Yenikapı. The station’s three entrances distribute passenger flow efficiently, making transfers manageable even during peak hours.

Tickets and Booking for Ayrılık Çeşmesi

Ayrılık Çeşmesi metro station is served by Istanbul’s integrated public transport system. Tourists can purchase single-journey metro tickets or use rechargeable transit cards (Akbil or mobile payment via Apple Pay, Google Pay, or other apps compatible with the system). Metro fares are affordable and apply to all M4 line journeys regardless of distance. The same card works across metro lines, trams, buses, and ferries.

Foreign visitors typically purchase cards at station kiosks or use mobile payment options for contactless access. Rush hours occur on weekday mornings (07:00–09:00) and evenings (17:00–19:00), when trains run at maximum capacity. Off-peak travel is more comfortable but offers no speed advantage in journey times.

How to Get to Ayrılık Çeşmesi

Ayrılık Çeşmesi station is served by three ground-level entrances on Dr. Eyüp Aksoy Street in the Acıbadem neighborhood.

• Metro Line M4: The eastbound terminal of Kadıköy station. Traveling toward the airport, Ayrılık Çeşmesi is the second stop (3–4 minutes from Kadıköy).
• Marmaray connection: From the metro platform, follow signs to the shared ticketing level and enter Marmaray; no separate ticket needed if you have an active transport card. Marmaray trains depart toward Halkalı (westbound) or Gebze (eastbound) every 6–10 minutes.
• By bus: Several city buses serve Dr. Eyüp Aksoy Street; check route maps at stops.
• By taxi or ride-share: Pick-up/drop-off is available at street level near each entrance.

Accessibility

The station is fully wheelchair accessible. Three elevators connect street level to the ticketing concourse and platforms, and 18 escalators support passenger flow. The ticketing level is accessible from all three entrances, and platform areas are designed to accommodate mobility devices.

Food Nearby

Food options in the surrounding neighborhood are varied. The Acıbadem area has small cafes, kebab shops, and local restaurants on side streets off Dr. Eyüp Aksoy. Tepe Nautilus shopping mall, located nearby, houses a food court with casual dining chains. For sit-down meals, walk a few minutes into the residential area for family-run lokantası (Turkish restaurants) typical of Kadıköy.

What to Bring

Bring a valid transport card or mobile payment method; Istanbul's metro stations have ticket kiosks but queues can be long during peak times. Wear comfortable shoes—exploring Kadıköy's neighborhoods involves walking on uneven pavements. An umbrella or light rain jacket* is practical year-round, as afternoon showers are common in spring and autumn.

Photography Rules

Photography is permitted in the station's public areas. Avoid photographing security personnel or CCTV camera positions. Tripods and commercial filming require advance permission from Metro Istanbul. Flash photography is discouraged during peak hours out of courtesy to other passengers.

Family Suitability

The station is suitable for families, with accessible facilities for strollers. The three-entrance design and elevator availability make pushing a pram relatively stress-free, though crowding during rush hours can be challenging. Older children and teenagers travel comfortably; younger children should be kept close during peak times due to platform edge safety.

Istanbul Vibes Tips

• Skip the line at ticket kiosks: If you don't have a transport card, download the Istanbul transit app before arrival or use your phone's payment system (Apple Pay, Google Pay). Most kiosks accept cards, and loading fare via app is faster than buying a physical ticket.
• Marmaray transfer shortcut: If transferring between M4 and Marmaray, follow the overhead signs to the shared lower ticketing concourse. Direct passage between the two lines requires no additional fare and avoids backtracking to street level.
• Time your journey to Kadıköy waterfront: Exit via Entrance 1 (Hospitals) and walk uphill for 8–10 minutes to reach Rıhtım Caddesi, where cafes and ferry terminals line the Bosphorus view. This is faster than taking the tram one stop.
• Check Marmaray frequency: During maintenance or holidays, Marmaray services can reduce to weekend-level frequency. Before boarding for cross-Bosphorus trips, check schedules via the TCDD website or station displays.
• Avoid changing money at the station: No money-exchange services exist here. Use ATMs at nearby shops or withdraw cash before arrival; some smaller street vendors near the station may accept only cash.
• Platform safety on M4: The island platform has two tracks. Always wait behind the yellow safety line, especially during peak hours when trains stop with limited clearance. Doors open automatically; step clear as passengers exit.

Explore Nearby Ayrılık Çeşmesi

Sights near Ayrılık Çeşmesi

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  Kadıköy · typical visit: Half a day to a full day
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  Müze Gazhane – about 1.2 km away (~19 min walk) · typical visit: 1.5–2.5 hours9 min on foot from Acıbadem metro, Open 10:00–18:00, closed Mon
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  Süreyya Opera House – about 1.4 km away (~22 min walk) · typical visit: 2–3 hours12 min on foot from Kadıköy-İDO metro, Open daily 10:00–18:00

Metro stations near Ayrılık Çeşmesi

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  Bostancı – about 7.4 km awayOpen daily 06:00–23:30

Train stations and river piers near Ayrılık Çeşmesi

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  Kadıköy Ferry Terminalabout 1.4 km away (~23 min walk)
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  Harem Bus Terminalabout 2.0 km away (~32 min walk)

Restaurants and cafes near Ayrılık Çeşmesi

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  Afsona Uzbek Restaurant – about 950 m away (~15 min walk)15 min on foot from Kadıköy-İDO metro, Open daily 09:00–22:00

Related guides

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  Tepe Nautilus: Shopping, Cinema and Dining in Kadıköy
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  Acıbadem Metro Station: Tickets, Hours and How to Use ItOpen 24 hours
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  Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
  Haydarpaşa Station: A German Landmark on the Asian Shore
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  Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
  Moda Seafront: Istanbul’s Free Sunset Promenade
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  Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
  Çiya Kebap: Anatolian Kebabs in Kadıköy Market

Browse more: More in Kadıköy · All Metro Stations · All Other Hubs

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FAQ: Ayrılık Çeşmesi

Is Ayrılık Çeşmesi the same as Marmaray or are they different?

They are separate but connected. Ayrılık Çeşmesi is a metro station on the M4 line; Marmaray is a separate commuter rail line that crosses the Bosphorus. Both operate from the same shared location, with a direct transfer between them at the ticketing level. A single transport card allows travel on both.

Can I visit the historic Ayrılık Çeşmesi fountain from the metro station?

The fountain and the metro station share the same name but are in different locations. The fountain is a separate historic monument in the Rasimpaşa neighborhood, about a 10-minute walk from Entrance 1 of the metro station. Signage at street level can guide you, or ask station staff for directions.

What is the easiest way to cross the Bosphorus using this station?

Use Marmaray from Ayrılık Çeşmesi. Transfer from the M4 metro platform to Marmaray on the same level without exiting the station. Marmaray trains depart every 6–10 minutes to Kazlıçeşme, Sirkeci, and Yenikapı on the European side. Journey time is approximately 4 minutes to Sirkeci.

Is a separate ticket needed for Marmaray if I'm using a metro card?

No. A single Istanbul transport card (Akbil, Istanbulkart, or mobile payment linked to the system) works across all metro lines and Marmaray. One fare covers the entire journey, regardless of which lines you use.

How crowded is the station during rush hours?

Very crowded. Weekday mornings (07:00–09:00) and evenings (17:00–19:00) see heavy passenger volume, particularly on trains heading to the airport. If possible, travel mid-morning (10:00–13:00) or mid-afternoon (13:00–16:00) for more comfortable conditions.

Which entrance should I use to reach Kadıköy's main shopping and waterfront areas?

Use Entrance 1 (Hospitals). This exit leads uphill toward Rıhtım Caddesi (the waterfront road), where ferries, cafes, and Kadıköy's main attractions are located. The other entrances serve residential and shopping mall areas slightly further from the waterfront.

Are there ATMs or money services at the station?

ATMs are available near the ticket kiosks and in the shopping mall entrance area, but not directly at all entrances. Withdraw cash or load mobile payment before travel if you need funds for small street purchases in the neighborhood.

Can I bring luggage on the metro and Marmaray?

Yes, but large suitcases are discouraged during peak hours. Both the M4 metro and Marmaray have luggage racks at the ends of train cars. Keep bags* close and secure, especially on crowded journeys.

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