Çağlayan is an underground station on the M7 line of the Istanbul Metro, operated by Metro Istanbul. Located on Abide-i Hürriyet Street in the Çağlayan neighborhood of Kağıthane, the station serves the northern European side of Istanbul with fast connections to the Beşiktaş and Kabataş districts. The station is located to the north of the Istanbul Justice Palace and opened in 2020 as part of the M7 line expansion.
This is a standard interchange and transit point for visitors traveling between central Istanbul and the Kağıthane district. The station connects to the Metrobus rapid transit system and local bus lines, making it useful for reaching nearby government buildings, hospitals, and residential areas north of the Golden Horn.
Lines and interchanges: M7. Interchange: Çağlayan (M7).
Quick Facts
| Turkish name | Çağlayan |
|---|---|
| Built / opened | 2020 |
| Address | Abide-i Hürriyet Caddesi, Çağlayan Mahallesi, 34403 Kağıthane, İstanbul Google MapsApple MapsYandex Maps |
| District | Kâğıthane |
| Interchanges | Çağlayan (M7, 3 entrances: East entrance (Cemil Bengü Caddesi) with escalators; west entrances with escalators and elevators) |
| Opening hours | Daily 06:00-00:00 |
| Best time to visit | The metro operates daily 06:00–00:00 with peak frequency of 3–4 minutes during morning and evening rush hours (07:00–09:00 and 16:00–18:30). Travel early morning or mid-day for quieter conditions. The station is open year-round; Istanbul's weather is mild enough that any season is suitable for metro use. |
Why Visit Çağlayan?
Çağlayan metro station is most useful as a transit hub rather than a destination in itself. The station’s proximity to the Istanbul Justice Palace makes it a practical transfer point for visitors or residents needing to reach that institution. The M7 line provides direct connections to major areas: traveling south reaches Beşiktaş, a vibrant district with waterfront attractions and restaurants, and Kabataş, the ferry terminal for Bosphorus crossings and the Princes’ Islands.
The station is particularly convenient for visitors staying in or exploring the northern European shore of Istanbul. Good accessibility and modern facilities make it a reliable option for navigation within the metro system.
History of Çağlayan
Çağlayan opened on 28 October 2020 as part of the Istanbul Metro’s M7 rapid transit line. The station is a component of the city’s ongoing expansion of underground rail infrastructure to improve transit connections across Istanbul. The M7 line is operated by Metro Istanbul, owned by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality.
As a recent addition to the metro network, the station features modern safety, accessibility, and passenger systems. It was designed to handle the transportation needs of the Kağıthane district and provide interchange points for local and rapid transit bus services.
Tickets and Booking for Çağlayan
Metro fares are paid per journey using contactless cards, tokens, or mobile payment apps. Tourists can purchase cards or tokens at station kiosks and use them on any Istanbul Metro line, tram, bus, or ferry within the city. Mobile payment apps (such as İstanbulKart or visitor transit apps) are also available for foreign visitors with compatible phones and payment methods.
The M7 line operates daily from 06:00 to 00:00. Peak hours (07:00–09:00 and 16:00–18:30) are crowded; travel at off-peak times for more comfort. For current fares, card types, and all payment options, check the official Metro Istanbul website before your visit, as rates and methods change seasonally.
How to Get to Çağlayan
By Metro: Çağlayan is on the M7 line. From Taksim or Beyoğlu, take the M7 southbound toward Kabataş; from Beşiktaş, take M7 northbound toward Mahmutbey. The journey from Taksim takes roughly 10 minutes.
From the station: All three exits lead to Abide-i Hürriyet Street (the main artery). The east exit (Cemil Bengü Caddesi) offers escalators but is narrower; the two west exits have more accessibility and connect directly to the street-level area near the Istanbul Justice Palace.
By Bus: Many city buses serve the area: routes 46Ç, 46E, 46H, 46T, 48, 48H, 48N, 49, 50C, 65A, 77A, and K4 stop near the station. Istanbul Minibus routes also connect from Şişhane, Şişli, and other neighborhoods.
Nearby connection: The Çağlayan Metrobus station is about 500 meters away on foot, though there is no direct transfer between the metro station and metrobus station.
Accessibility
The western entrances (numbers 2 and 3) have 4 escalators and 3 elevators between street level and the ticket floor, plus 12 elevators between the ticket floor and the platform that are suitable for disabled passengers. The east entrance (number 1) has 12 escalators but is not suitable for disabled passengers.The station has bicycle facilities and is fully wheelchair accessible via the western entrances. No parking is available at the station itself.
Food Nearby
The Kağıthane district around the station has basic food options typical of a residential and administrative area: local kebab shops, simple cafés, and bakeries on Abide-i Hürriyet Street. For more varied dining, travel south on the M7 to Beşiktaş or Kabataş, where waterfront restaurants and street food markets are more abundant. Convenience shops and kiosks near the exits offer drinks and snacks.
What to Bring
Bring a contactless payment card or arrange mobile payment before arriving if possible, as card purchases at kiosks require some Turkish basic interaction or may have limited payment method options. Comfortable walking shoes are essential. Standard metro bag rules apply; security screening is typical at busy times.
Photography Rules
Photography is permitted in the station's public areas. Flash, tripods, and commercial equipment may be restricted during peak times; respect posted notices. No drone photography or recording of security areas.
Family Suitability
Çağlayan is a functional transit station well-suited for families traveling with children. The station has 3 entrance/exit points offering different accessibility levels. Strollers fit through all gates; elevators on the western entrances make accessing platforms manageable with young children or luggage. Modern facilities and clear signage aid navigation. The station itself offers nothing for children to see or do, but it is a reliable, safe starting point for journeys to family-friendly districts like Beşiktaş or ferry docks.
Istanbul Vibes Tips
- Use the western entrances (2 and 3) if traveling with a stroller, wheelchair, or large luggage; they have elevators, while the eastern entrance relies on escalators only.
- Don't confuse this metro station with the Çağlayan Metrobus stop 500 meters away; they require separate fares and are not directly connected despite being near each other.
- The M7 line runs unidirectionally as a loop: check the direction to your destination (toward Mahmutbey or toward Kabataş) before boarding.
- For visits to the Istanbul Justice Palace or nearby government offices, alight here; for restaurants, markets, and sightseeing, continue south to Beşiktaş or Kabataş.
- Avoid peak hours (07:00–09:00 and 16:00–18:30) if you prefer less crowded travel; mid-afternoon is typically quieter.
Explore Nearby Çağlayan
Sights near Çağlayan
Cevahir Shopping Mall – about 1.4 km away (~22 min walk) · typical visit: 2–3 hours3 min on foot from Şişli-Mecidiyeköy metro, Open daily 10:00–22:00Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Ara Güler Museumabout 1.4 km away (~23 min walk) · typical visit: 1–2 hoursMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Restaurants and cafes near Çağlayan
Almira – about 750 m away (~13 min walk)13 min on foot from Çağlayan metro, Open daily 06:30–23:00Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
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Nurtepe Metro Station: Getting Around on Line M7Open daily 06:00–00:00Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
4. Levent Metro Station: Hub to Northern Istanbul and Business DistrictMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Kağıthane: Metro Interchange Station with Two LinesMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Istanbul Sapphire Tower: Observation Deck, Hours and 360-Degree Views2 min on foot from 4. Levent metro, Open daily 10:00–22:00Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Browse more: More in Kâğıthane · All Metro Stations · All Other Hubs
FAQ: Çağlayan
Is Çağlayan metro station the same as Çağlayan Metrobus?
No. They are separate facilities about 500 meters apart with different fare systems. The metro station is underground; the metrobus stop is on the surface on the Istanbul Inner Beltway. You must buy separate tickets for each.
What time does the metro station open and close?
The station operates daily from 06:00 to 00:00. Some services may run limited night service on weekends and public holidays.
Can I use a transit card from another city's metro?
No. Each city has its own system. Buy an İstanbulKart (contactless card) at a kiosk in any Istanbul metro station, or use a mobile payment app compatible with Istanbul's transit system.
Where do I go if I need to reach the Istanbul Justice Palace?
The station is located north of the Istanbul Justice Palace. Exit at any entrance and ask for directions, or follow signs to the palace from street level.
Is the station accessible with a wheelchair?
Yes, but use the western entrances (2 or 3), which have elevators connecting the street to the platform. The eastern entrance has escalators only.
How often do M7 trains arrive?
During peak hours (07:00–09:00 and 16:00–18:30), trains arrive every 3–4 minutes; off-peak frequency is 6–12 minutes.
What's the fastest way into the city center from Çağlayan?
Take the M7 line southbound toward Kabataş (about 20 minutes) to reach the ferry terminal and main tourist areas, or transfer to other lines for Sultanahmet or Beyoğlu.
Are there any facilities in the station itself?
The station has ticket kiosks, escalators, elevators, and restrooms. Food and beverage options are limited; nearest shops and restaurants are on the streets above.
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