Göztepe: Istanbul’s M4 Metro Station to the Airport and Eastern Kadıköy

Göztepe metro station is a key transport hub on the M4 line of Istanbul’s rapid transit system. Located under the Göztepe Interchange in the Merdivenköy neighbourhood of Kadıköy, the station serves as a junction point for residents and visitors heading to the eastern reaches of the city and towards Sabiha Gökçen Airport.

The station opened in 2012 as part of the initial expansion of the M4 line, which runs from Kadıköy southeastward. It features a single island platform with two tracks and is fully wheelchair accessible, making it a practical choice for travellers of all abilities.

Lines and interchanges: M4. Interchange: Göztepe (M4).

Quick Facts

Built / opened	2012
Address	Göztepe Kavşağı, Merdivenköy Mah., 34732 Kadıköy Google MapsApple MapsYandex Maps
District	Kadıköy
Interchanges	Göztepe (M4, 1)
Opening hours	Daily 06:00-24:00
Best time to visit	Avoid visiting during rush hours (07:00–10:00 and 16:00–19:00 on weekdays), when commuter crowds are heaviest. Weekends and mid-afternoon periods offer a more relaxed experience. The station is open year-round and weather does not affect service, as it is entirely underground.

Why Visit Göztepe?

Göztepe station serves as a convenient interchange for reaching various Kadıköy neighbourhoods and for continuing toward the airport. The M4 line connects to adjacent stations Ünalan (westbound toward central Kadıköy) and Yenisahra (eastbound toward Sabiha Gökçen Airport). The station supports extensive bus connections, with dozens of İETT buses and minibus routes connecting here to other districts across the city. For those exploring the Asian side of Istanbul without a guide, the station provides reliable, frequent metro service during standard operating hours.

Tickets and Booking for Göztepe

Göztepe is a standard Istanbul Metro stop. Visitors can purchase single-ride cards or rechargeable travel cards (Istanbulkart) at ticket windows or self-service machines in the station. Foreign visitors can use the same fare system as residents. The station operates from 06:00 to 24:00 daily. During peak hours (07:00–10:00 and 16:00–19:00 on weekdays), trains arrive every 4–5 minutes; at other times, frequency is 7–10 minutes. Rush-hour crowds are heaviest during morning and evening commute times. For current fares and complete payment information, check the official metro.istanbul website.

How to Get to Göztepe

Göztepe station is accessed by descending into the underground station hall beneath the Göztepe Interchange (a major traffic junction where several major roads meet). Multiple entrances lead from street level down to the ticket hall and then to the platform level via escalators and stairs. The station sits roughly in the middle of a busy neighbourhood; if arriving by taxi or minibus, ask to be dropped near the interchange. From the Taksim area, take the M2 line westbound to Yenikapı and transfer to the M4 eastbound toward Göztepe (about 30 minutes total). From Sultanahmet, walk to Sirkeci or Eminönü stations to access the M2.

Accessibility

The station is fully wheelchair accessible. There are elevators from street level through the mezzanine to the platform level. The single island platform has tactile guidance paths for visually impaired passengers. Accessible restrooms are available in the station. Free companion passes are available for visitors with mobility restrictions; inquire at the ticket window. Prams and luggage can be managed relatively easily given the modern lift infrastructure.

Food Nearby

The station itself has no food outlets. However, the surrounding Göztepe neighbourhood (known locally as Merdivenköy) contains numerous kebab shops, casual Turkish restaurants, and cafés within a 5–10 minute walk. Bağdat Avenue, one of the city's longest and most popular shopping streets, runs nearby and offers food courts, bakeries, and a range of dining options. Local minibus stops and street vendors also operate near the station entrance during daytime hours.

What to Bring

Bring a valid ID or passport if paying by card or for services requiring age verification. Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the station involves stairs and escalators. Istanbul's metro is relatively quiet and clean, but crowds during rush hours can be intense; small bags are easier to manage than large suitcases. No special equipment or warm clothing is needed year-round, as the underground station maintains a steady temperature.

Photography Rules

Photography is permitted in Göztepe station for personal use. Do not photograph other passengers without permission, and avoid using flash in crowded areas. Tripods and professional equipment require written permission from Metro İstanbul beforehand. Drone photography is not permitted inside or directly above the station.

Family Suitability

The station is suitable for families with children and elderly relatives thanks to its full accessibility. The journey itself is brief and typically uncrowded outside rush hours, making it manageable for young children. Prams and strollers can be folded and carried on escalators, or elevators can be used as an alternative. The station is well-lit and secure, with clear signage; however, the noise level during busy periods may startle very young children.

Istanbul Vibes Tips

• If you are confused about which M4 direction to take, remember: westbound trains head toward Kadıköy and central Istanbul (toward Ünalan station); eastbound trains head toward Sabiha Gökçen Airport (toward Yenisahra). Check the platform signs before boarding.
• The Göztepe Interchange above can be confusing for first-time visitors. Multiple bus terminals and minibus stops operate from different sections; ask station staff or other passengers if you are unsure which exit to use for your destination.
• Although the station is open until 24:00, the M4 line does not offer all-night service like some other lines on weekends. Plan your return journey accordingly if traveling late.
• Istanbulkart rechargeable cards are significantly cheaper per ride than single-ride tickets; consider buying one if making multiple trips. Cards can be purchased and loaded at any station ticket window.
• The Göztepe area is a major hub for minibuses heading to the far eastern suburbs and Üsküdar. If exploring beyond the metro, this is a good transfer point, but confirm your route with the minibus driver before boarding.

Explore Nearby Göztepe

Metro stations near Göztepe

• 
  AI

  Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
  Ünalan – about 1.0 km away (~16 min walk)Open daily 06:09–00:09

Related guides

• 
  AI

  Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
  Suadiye: Marmaray Station, History and Bağdat Avenue Area
• 
  AI

  Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
  Müze Gazhane: What to See at Kadikoy’s Former Gasworks9 min on foot from Acıbadem metro, Open 10:00–18:00, closed Mon
• 
  AI

  Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
  Haydarpaşa Station: A German Landmark on the Asian Shore
• 
  AI

  Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
  Moda Seafront: Istanbul’s Free Sunset Promenade
• 
  AI

  Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
  Kadıköy: Market, Bull Statue and Moda on the Asian Side

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

?

FAQ: Göztepe

How do I get from Göztepe station to Sabiha Gökçen Airport?

Take the M4 line eastbound from Göztepe toward Yenisahra. The airport is the final stop on this line. The journey takes approximately 35–45 minutes depending on the time of day and train frequency.

Is Göztepe the same as Göztepe Mahallesi station?

No. Göztepe (M4) is in Kadıköy on the Asian side serving the eastern area. Göztepe Mahallesi is a separate station on the newer M7 line in the Bağcılar district on the European side. They are entirely different stations with no direct connection.

Can I use a contactless credit card instead of a metro card?

Yes, most modern payment systems including contactless cards and mobile payment apps work at Istanbul Metro gates. However, fares are higher for contactless payments compared to Istanbulkart cards, so buying a rechargeable card is recommended for frequent trips.

How often do trains run during off-peak hours?

During mid-afternoon and evening hours outside rush times, M4 trains typically run every 7–10 minutes. During peak commute hours, frequency increases to every 4–5 minutes.

Is the station accessible for wheelchair users?

Yes, Göztepe station is fully wheelchair accessible with elevators from street level to the platform and accessible restrooms. Staff can assist if needed.

What buses connect at Göztepe station?

Dozens of city buses and minibus routes operate from the Göztepe Interchange above the station. The station information board lists major connections, or ask staff for directions to your specific bus route.

Does the station have luggage storage or lockers?

Standard metro stations in Istanbul do not have luggage lockers. Small bags and day packs are manageable on the metro, but large suitcases can be challenging during crowded hours.

Can I take the metro from Göztepe to the old city (Sultanahmet)?

Yes, but it requires a transfer. Take M4 westbound to Kadıköy, then transfer to M2 heading toward Yenikapı. From there, walk or take a tram to Sultanahmet. The full journey takes 45–60 minutes.

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.

Get the free PDF I want to receive the newsletter by email and agree that my email address is stored for this purpose. I can unsubscribe at any time.