Bayrampaşa-Maltepe: Historic Metro Station and Transit Hub

Bayrampaşa-Maltepe is a working transit point on the M1 line of the Istanbul Metro, one of the six original stations that opened on 3 September 1989 when the city inaugurated its first rapid transit system. The station sits in southern Eyüpsultan, adjacent to the O-3 highway, and serves as an interchange hub for travelers heading between the European side and outlying neighbourhoods.

Unlike tourist-centric stations in central Istanbul, this is primarily a local commuter node. For visitors, it matters mainly as a transfer point when using the metro system to reach residential areas or when connecting to bus lines serving the western districts.

Lines and interchanges: M1A, M1B. Interchange: Bayrampaşa-Maltepe (M1A, M1B).

Quick Facts

Built / opened	1989
Address	Google MapsApple MapsYandex Maps
District	Eyüpsultan
Interchanges	Bayrampaşa-Maltepe (M1A, M1B, Main entrance)
Best time to visit	No specific season or time of day offers special reasons to visit the station itself. If using it for transit, early morning and late afternoon are busier during weekday commutes; travelling mid-day or on weekends typically means less crowded platforms and faster movement through the station.

Why Visit Bayrampaşa-Maltepe?

Bayrampaşa-Maltepe itself has no tourist attractions on site, but it functions as a convenient connection point in Istanbul’s metro network. The station provides access to buses serving the Eyüpsultan and Bayrampaşa districts, and it marks a junction where the M1 line splits into two branches—the M1A continuing toward Yenikapı and the M1B toward Halkalı.

The historical interest lies in its place as one of Istanbul’s pioneering metro stations from 1989, representing the city’s first step into modern rapid transit. For photographers or metro enthusiasts interested in documenting early infrastructure, the at-grade open-air platform offers a different character than the underground central stations.

History of Bayrampaşa-Maltepe

On 3 September 1989, Bayrampaşa-Maltepe opened as one of six original stations on the M1 line, marking the beginning of Istanbul’s metro system and Turkey’s first rapid transit network. This inaugural line represented a major infrastructure milestone for the city, designed to ease congestion and connect growing residential areas to the central districts.

The station was built at grade level, meaning its tracks and platform sit above ground rather than underground. This open-air construction reflected both the geography of the location—near the O-3 highway where tunneling was less practical—and the design choices of early metro planners.

The station later gained wider recognition following the 1 December 2015 bombing on an overpass near the station, an event that underlined the role of metro infrastructure in the city’s security profile. Since then, the station has continued operations as part of the expanding metro network, now integrated with bus connections and nearby light rail service at Demirkapı station on the T4 line.

Tickets and Booking for Bayrampaşa-Maltepe

Bayrampaşa-Maltepe is a regular metro stop with no ticket office or special entrance requirements. For all metro journeys in Istanbul, purchase or obtain an İstanbulkart (contactless payment card) at airport kiosks, station ticket windows, or convenience stores. Load lira credit onto the card and tap it at the gate. Single rides on the metro and buses are inexpensive (₺) with an İstanbulkart. Transfer discounts apply within 120 minutes on other lines: the second ride costs less, and further transfers cost even less within the same period.

Foreign visitors can use the same İstanbulkart system as residents; the card is anonymous and requires no registration. Paper single-trip tickets are more expensive (₺₺). The station operates during normal metro hours; check the official website metro.istanbul for current schedules and any service changes, and bear in mind that the line may experience higher passenger volumes during rush hours (approximately 07:30–09:30 and 16:30–18:30 on weekdays).

How to Get to Bayrampaşa-Maltepe

By metro: Bayrampaşa-Maltepe is a station on the M1A line toward Yenikapı and the M1B line toward Halkalı. If you are on the wrong branch, exit at the nearest station and take a connecting metro or bus to reach the correct direction.

By bus: İETT buses 32, 32A, 32T, 33M, 36, 36CB, 36ES, 50R, 55Y and 88 stop at or near the station.

By light rail: Demirkapı station on the T4 tram line is an out-of-system connection; exit the metro and walk to the T4 station for an on-street transfer (no free interchange between systems).

Walking: The station sits adjacent to the O-3 highway; the platform is above ground and accessible from street level at multiple points. From the station, the surrounding area is largely commercial and residential, with few major landmarks within immediate walking distance.

Accessibility

The station is wheelchair accessible. An island platform serves both M1A and M1B lines, and the at-grade design (above ground, not underground) means there are no deep stairs to descend. Lifts are installed. The station is listed as accessible for people with visual impairment on the official operator information.

Food Nearby

The immediate surroundings are primarily industrial and residential. There are no major restaurants or food courts on the platform itself. Nearby streets in the Bayrampaşa district have local neighbourhood eateries and convenience shops, but none are specifically noted as tourist destinations. Visitors are better served grabbing food before arriving at the station or waiting until reaching a more central district.

What to Bring

Standard commute items: a valid İstanbulkart or cash for a single-use ticket. The platform is exposed to weather; bring an umbrella during rain or sun protection during summer. No special security requirements; standard bags* are allowed, though oversized luggage may be awkward on crowded trains during peak hours.

Photography Rules

Photography is permitted at the station for personal use. No tripods, professional equipment or commercial photography without permission from Metro Istanbul. Flash is allowed but may disturb other passengers during crowded periods.

Family Suitability

The station is suitable for families with children and strollers. The at-grade platform is easier to navigate with a pram than underground stations with stairs and escalators. The platform is generally well-lit and safe. Crowding during peak commute hours may make travel with young children or multiple strollers less comfortable; quieter times mid-day or on weekends are preferable for families.

Istanbul Vibes Tips

• The M1 line branches into M1A and M1B at different directions from this station. M1A continues to Yenikapı in central Istanbul; M1B heads out to Halkalı. Check the sign above the platform or ask at the kiosk if unsure which direction you need.
• Although this is a transfer hub, it has fewer amenities than central stations. If you need a snack or phone charger*, consider stopping before boarding here, or wait until you reach a larger station like Yenikapı.
• The T4 light rail at Demirkapı station is separately operated; transfers between metro and T4 incur no extra fare if you use the same İstanbulkart card and tap within 120 minutes, but you must exit and re-enter the fare gate.
• Night metro runs on weekends (Saturday 00:00 to Sunday 06:00) on M1A and M1B, but at reduced frequency (every 30 minutes) and at double fare. Plan accordingly if you are using this station late at night.
• The open-air platform means no climate control; on cold winter days or hot summer afternoons, dress accordingly and consider waiting near the shelter areas that are provided.

Explore Nearby Bayrampaşa-Maltepe

Sights near Bayrampaşa-Maltepe

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  Eyüp Cemetery – about 2.4 km away · typical visit: 1–2 hours2 min on foot from Piyer Loti metro, Open 24 hours
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  Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
  Kara Mustafa Pasha Tomb · typical visit: 30–45 minutes
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  Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
  Theodosian Walls · typical visit: 2–3 hours

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FAQ: Bayrampaşa-Maltepe

Is Bayrampaşa-Maltepe a tourist attraction?

No, the station itself is a transit point, not a sightseeing destination. It has historical significance as one of Istanbul's six original metro stations (opened 1989), but there are no museums, landmarks or visitor facilities at or around the station. Use it to reach other areas by metro or bus.

How do I know if I'm on the right branch, M1A or M1B?

Check the illuminated destination board on the platform before boarding. M1A goes toward Yenikapı (central Istanbul); M1B goes toward Halkalı (western outskirts). If you board the wrong direction, exit at any station and take the correct train from the other platform.

Can I transfer to the T4 light rail here?

The T4 connects at Demirkapı station, which is an out-of-system connection. You must exit the metro fare gate and walk to Demirkapı to board the T4. Use the same İstanbulkart and tap again; transfer discounts apply within 120 minutes if starting a new journey.

What is the easiest way to pay for a metro ride?

Get an İstanbulkart at any airport kiosk or metro station ticket window. Load lira onto it and tap it at the gate when boarding. It's cheaper and faster than buying single-use paper tickets, and allows transfer discounts.

Is the station accessible with a wheelchair or stroller?

Yes. The station is at grade level (above ground, not deep underground), has lifts, and is listed as wheelchair accessible on the operator's official information. Strollers are easy to manoeuvre on the open platform.

Are there shops or restaurants at the station?

No major shops or restaurants are inside the station itself. The surrounding area has local neighbourhood shops and eateries, but none are tourist destinations. Travellers should eat before arriving or wait to reach a more central district.

What buses stop at Bayrampaşa-Maltepe?

İETT buses 32, 32A, 32T, 33M, 36, 36CB, 36ES, 50R, 55Y and 88 serve the station and nearby stops. Check the official İETT website or app for current routes and destinations.

When does the metro run, and is there a night service?

The metro runs daily. Night metro operates from midnight to 06:00 on Saturdays and Sundays, with trains every 30 minutes at double fare. Check metro.istanbul for exact schedules and any service interruptions.

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