Davutpaşa-YTÜ is a metro station on the M1A line of Istanbul Metro, located in southern Esenler and near the entrance to Yıldız Technical University (Yıldız Teknik Üniversitesi, or YTÜ). The station is an elevated structure built on a viaduct—one of only three elevated stations on the M1A line.
The station opened on 31 January 1994 as part of the Otogar–Zeytinburnu extension and is one of five stations in that phase of development. It serves passengers heading to and from the university campus, the Davutpaşa district, and onward connections along the line to central Istanbul or the airport.
Lines and interchanges: M1A. Interchange: Davutpaşa-YTÜ (M1A).
Quick Facts
| Turkish name | Давутпаша-ЙТЮ |
|---|---|
| Built / opened | 1994 |
| Address | Tozkoparan Mahallesi, Dumlupınar Caddesi, 34173 Güngören, İstanbul Google MapsApple MapsYandex Maps |
| District | Güngören |
| Interchanges | Davutpaşa-YTÜ (M1A, Davutpaşa or Üstgeçit) |
| Opening hours | 06:00-00:00 |
| Best time to visit | Visit the station during off-peak hours (mid-morning, mid-afternoon, early evening after 19:00) to avoid university and commuter rushes. Morning rush (07:00–09:00) and afternoon peak (17:00–19:00) are busy. Weekends are generally less crowded than weekdays. |
Why Visit Davutpaşa-YTÜ?
Use this station if heading to Yıldız Technical University campus or the surrounding Davutpaşa neighbourhood. The station name itself signals its location—Davutpaşa district and proximity to YTÜ. Students, staff and visitors to the university use this station daily.
The station has two entrances: Davutpaşa and Üstgeçit (Overpass), both clearly marked. If you’re exploring the outer reaches of the M1A line or planning a journey westward toward the airport, this is a straightforward transfer point.
Atmosphere
The M1A line operates from 06:00 to midnight (00:00), carrying around 400,000 daily passengers. The station itself is an elevated platform structure, exposed to weather, with clear sightlines along the viaduct. During morning and evening peaks, it sees moderate crowding as university staff and students use it. Outside rush hours, the station is quieter. All stations on the M1A line have indoor seating areas with a total of 61 escalators and 45 elevators, so you’ll find benches and indoor waiting facilities even on the raised platform.
History of Davutpaşa-YTÜ
Davutpaşa-YTÜ opened on 31 January 1994 as part of the Otogar–Zeytinburnu extension, one of five stations in that phase. This was a major phase of M1A expansion that pushed the line from central Istanbul southwestward and outward toward the airport.
The station is one of three elevated viaduct stations on the M1A line (the other two being Merter and DTM–İstanbul Fair Centre). Its elevated structure distinguishes it from the underground and at-grade sections elsewhere on the line. The station provides access to Yıldız Technical University’s Davutpaşa campus. Combined with the M7 line’s Yıldız station, the university is Turkey’s first and only institution accessible by rail to all its campuses.
The station has remained in continuous operation for over 30 years, serving as a crucial interchange for university life and local transport in the Davutpaşa and Güngören area.
Tickets and Booking for Davutpaşa-YTÜ
As of October 2026: To use Istanbul Metro, purchase a card or ticket at automated machines in the station or use a contactless payment method where available. Single rides within central zones cost a moderate fare. Most foreign visitors buy a stored-value Istanbulkart or use a pre-paid travel card for multiple rides.
International visitors can buy and reload cards at ticket counters and machines with English-language options. Single-ride tickets and day passes are also available. Payment by foreign credit or debit card is possible at some machines. The line operates 06:00–00:00 (midnight), so plan arrival and departure times accordingly.
Check the official Metro Istanbul website for the latest fares, payment methods and any service changes affecting your journey, as rates and availability differ for Turkish residents and international visitors.
How to Get to Davutpaşa-YTÜ
By Metro: Take the M1A line (Yenikapı–Atatürk Airport direction). Davutpaşa-YTÜ is located between Terazidere and Merter stations. Exit at either the Davutpaşa or Üstgeçit (overpass) entrance.
By Bus or Minibus: Several bus routes serve the station: 33B, 41AT, 85C, 92B, 92C. Minibus (dolmuş) routes include Eyüpsultan–Otogar–Davutpaşa, Topkapı–Giyimkent, and routes to nearby commercial areas.
Walking: The station is accessible on foot from residential and commercial areas in Davutpaşa and Tozkoparan neighbourhoods.
Accessibility
The station is wheelchair accessible. Elevators and escalators are available, so wheelchair users can reach the platform without difficulty. The station has indoor seating areas. If you need assistance, staff are present during operating hours.
Food Nearby
Fast food and casual eateries are available in the Davutpaşa neighbourhood and at nearby shopping areas. The university campus also has cafeterias. Dedicated dining establishments are best found a short walk from the station in residential and commercial zones.
What to Bring
Bring a stored-value Istanbulkart or cash for ticket purchase. In winter, the exposed platform can be windy and cold; bring a jacket. No prohibited items are allowed on Metro—standard bag and security rules apply.
Photography Rules
Photography for personal use is allowed. No professional tripods, drones or commercial filming without prior permission from Metro Istanbul management. Flash photography is discouraged to avoid disturbing other passengers.
Family Suitability
The station is family-friendly and fully accessible with pushchairs and strollers. The platform is well-lit and has seating. Children must be supervised during boarding and alighting. The ride itself is straightforward and often interesting to children as a viaduct journey.
Istanbul Vibes Tips
- If you're visiting Yıldız Technical University, confirm whether your destination is at the Davutpaşa campus (served by this station) or the Maslak campus (served by the M7 line's Yıldız station). The two campuses are separate.
- The elevated platform offers views across the Davutpaşa area and surrounding cityscape, especially towards the Golden Horn in the distance. It's worth noticing this perspective as the train leaves the station.
- Rush hours are 07:00–09:00 and 17:00–19:00 on weekdays. If you're not familiar with metro travel, avoid these times for a more relaxed first visit.
- The station's two entrances serve different areas of the neighbourhood. Davutpaşa entrance is closer to the main street; Üstgeçit entrance provides access to the overpass and surrounding residential blocks. Choose based on your destination.
- The M1A line connects directly to Yenikapı (central transfer hub) and Atatürk Airport without needing to change trains, making it a simple journey from this station to either destination.
Explore Nearby Davutpaşa-YTÜ
Sights near Davutpaşa-YTÜ
Yıldız Palace – about 10.2 km away · typical visit: 2–3 hours13 min on foot from Yıldız metro, Open 09:00–17:00, closed MonMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Metro stations near Davutpaşa-YTÜ
Otogar – about 2.1 km awayOpen daily 06:00–00:00Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Merter – about 1.5 km away (~24 min walk)Open daily 06:00–00:00Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Cevizlibağ-AÖYabout 1.1 km away (~17 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Browse more: More in Güngören · All Metro Stations · All Other Hubs
FAQ: Davutpaşa-YTÜ
Is Davutpaşa-YTÜ the same as Yıldız station?
No. Davutpaşa-YTÜ is on the M1A line and serves the university's Davutpaşa campus. Yıldız station is on the M7 line and serves the Maslak campus. They are separate stations serving different parts of Yıldız Technical University.
What does YTÜ stand for?
YTÜ is the abbreviation for Yıldız Teknik Üniversitesi (Yıldız Technical University). The station name combines the Davutpaşa district name with the university abbreviation.
Can I travel directly from this station to the airport?
Yes. Take the M1A line towards Atatürk Havalimanı (Atatürk Airport). The journey takes approximately 25 minutes total from Davutpaşa-YTÜ to the airport terminal.
How often do trains arrive at this station?
Trains typically arrive every 8–10 minutes during peak hours and every 10–15 minutes during off-peak times. Check the real-time display at the station or the Metro Istanbul app for exact schedules.
Are there toilet facilities at the station?
Most Istanbul Metro stations have facilities, though availability can vary. Check on site or ask station staff.
Is the station open 24 hours?
No. The M1A line operates from 06:00 to 00:00 (midnight). The station is closed between midnight and 06:00.
Can I buy a single-ride ticket or must I use a stored-value card?
Both options are available. You can buy a single-ride ticket or use a stored-value Istanbulkart. Machines accept cash and some accept contactless payment cards.
Is this station accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the station is fully wheelchair accessible with elevators and accessible entrances.
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