Gülsuyu: M4 Metro Station in Maltepe

Gülsuyu metro station sits on the M4 line beneath the D.100 state highway on Istanbul’s Asian side. The station serves the fast-growing Maltepe district, connecting residents and visitors to central Kadıköy and onward to Sabiha Gökçen Airport. Unlike many older metro stops, this is a modern underground facility built for the 2012 opening of the first major rapid transit line serving the Asian side of the city.

The station itself is straightforward: a single island platform with two tracks, accessible to all visitors. Buses and minibus routes converge at street level, making it a natural junction for exploring the neighbourhoods around Maltepe, or for quick transfers to other parts of the Asian side.

Lines and interchanges: M4. Interchange: Huzurevi (M4), Esenkent (M4).

Quick Facts

Built / opened	2012
Address	D.100, Cevizli Mah., 34846 Maltepe, İstanbul Google MapsApple MapsYandex Maps
District	Maltepe
Interchanges	Huzurevi (M4, towards Kadıköy) Esenkent (M4, towards Sabiha Gökçen Airport)
Opening hours	Daily 06:00-00:30
Best time to visit	Visit outside rush hours (07:00–09:00 and 17:00–19:00 on weekdays) for a more comfortable journey. Weekends and midday offer the least crowding. The station and its immediate surroundings offer no weather-dependent attractions, so any season works.

Why Visit Gülsuyu?

Gülsuyu connects you efficiently to anywhere on the M4 line, which has become essential for visitors based in Kadıköy or exploring eastern Maltepe. If you are heading to Sabiha Gökçen Airport, this line is your direct route. The station itself marks a point where several bus routes cross, useful for adjusting your route on the fly.

The neighbourhood around the station has developed into a commercial zone with modest shops and restaurants—practical rather than touristic, which appeals to visitors seeking real neighbourhood life rather than crowded tourist corridors.

Atmosphere

Below ground, Gülsuyu feels like a working transit hub: the platform is clean and lit, filled during peak hours with local commuters heading to work or home. Unlike major tourist stations, there is no crowd theatre here, just regular flow. The dual island platform design means the two directions (towards Kadıköy and towards the airport) are clearly marked, and platform signs are in Latin script and Turkish.

Above ground, the station sits on a busy divided highway, creating a somewhat exposed and functional streetscape. The two station entrances—one on each side of the D.100—serve the mixed-residential, mixed-commercial area around Cevizli neighbourhood. Mornings and evenings are busy; midday and weekends quieter.

History of Gülsuyu

Gülsuyu opened on 17 August 2012, part of the M4 line’s first phase. This line was itself a landmark: the first rapid transit system serving Istanbul’s Asian side. The project had been approved in 2005, and construction began in 2008 with a consortium of Astaldi, Makyol and Gülermak. The tunneling was completed by mid-2010, and track laying followed.

The M4 runs almost entirely underground beneath the D.100 state highway, paralleling the Istanbul-Ankara railway. Gülsuyu sits about midway along the line’s first operational segment from Kadıköy to Kartal, a journey of 21.7 km. The line has grown since its 2012 debut: the second phase extended it further east towards Sabiha Gökçen Airport, and stations have continued to be added.

Tickets and Booking for Gülsuyu

Payment for metro travel: Most visitors use a contactless payment card (a Turkish bank card will work if you have one; international cards may have restrictions depending on your home country’s banking rules). Alternatively, buy a rechargeable electronic pass card (Akbil or similar) from ticket windows, which also works on buses and trams. Single-ride magnetic tickets are available but slower.

Fares: A single metro ride across Istanbul costs significantly less than a taxi and is priced on distance zones. Check current fares at the Istanbul Metro operator’s official site. Foreign tourists often buy a multi-ride card or a daily pass for convenience.

Rush hours: 07:00–09:00 and 17:00–19:00 on weekdays are crowded with commuters. Travel is much easier mid-morning, afternoon, or any time on weekends.

24-hour service: As of October 2026, the M4 runs daily from approximately 06:00 to 00:30, with extended 24-hour service on Fridays and Saturdays. Verify the current schedule on the official Metro Istanbul website before planning a very late arrival or departure.

How to Get to Gülsuyu

Gülsuyu station has two distinct entrances on opposite sides of the D.100 highway. The main entrance (Entrance 1) is on the south side of the highway; Entrance 2 is on the north side near the Türkan Saylan Cultural Centre. Both lead down to the platform level via stairs, escalators, and lifts.

By bus: Many İETT city bus routes stop at the surface-level stop, including 16B, 16C, 16KH, 16S, 16U, 16Y, 16Z, 17K, 17P, 21K, 21U, 130, 130A, 130Ş, 133N, 251, 500T, and E-10. Istanbul Minibus services (Harem–Gebze and Kadıköy–Uğur Mumcu routes) also serve the stop.

Orientation: The station sits on a main traffic artery. Both entrances are marked clearly with Metro signage. If using the south entrance, look for signs as you cross the highway underpass.

Accessibility

Gülsuyu is wheelchair accessible. Both station entrances have functioning lifts to the platform level (as of October 2026). The platform itself is level and accessible. Disabled travellers should check the official Metro Istanbul website for any maintenance notices before visiting, as lift closures do occasionally occur.The station is accessible for people with visual impairments, with tactile paving and audio announcements. Staff are present during operating hours to assist if needed.

Food Nearby

The immediate area around Gülsuyu is commercial but modest. Street-level shops near both entrances sell basic refreshments, pastries, and drinks. The Cevizli and Maltepe neighbourhoods contain small family-run restaurants and kebab shops, mostly serving local clientele. For visitor-oriented dining, you'll find better choices in central Kadıköy (one or two stops west on the M4) or in Bostancı (several stops east).

What to Bring

Bring a contactless card or small change if buying a paper ticket. Comfortable shoes for walking to exits and the surface. In summer, sunscreen for the walk between entrances and street level. The station itself is indoors, so dress for the current season but not the underground.

Photography Rules

Photography is permitted in the station halls and platforms. Flash, tripods and drones are not allowed on the Istanbul Metro system. Do not photograph other passengers without permission.

Family Suitability

Gülsuyu is straightforward for families. Both entrances have escalators and lifts, making access with strollers manageable (though stairs can be an obstacle if lifts are down). The platform is wide enough for stroller navigation. The station itself is safe and well-lit, but it's a transit hub rather than a destination—you pass through rather than spend time here. Families should consider the M4 itself a practical tool rather than a sight, useful for moving between neighbourhoods with child-friendly attractions.

Istanbul Vibes Tips

• If you're carrying luggage or a large bag, the north entrance (Entrance 2) tends to have less queuing than the south entrance, especially during rush hours. Both lead to the same platform, so check which side of the D.100 is closer to your destination.
• The M4 operates 24 hours on Friday and Saturday nights, but only until 00:30 on other nights. Plan late-evening or early-morning journeys accordingly; taxis or night buses are the only alternatives after midnight on weekdays.
• Unlike older metro lines, the M4 does not yet connect to the European-side metro system. To cross from the Asian side to Fatih, Beyoğlu or other European districts, use a bus or taxi; the nearest European connection is at Kabataş on the waterfront (a long journey).
• Station announcements are in Turkish and English, but signs are in both scripts. Keep a screenshot of your destination in Turkish if asking for directions, as street names near Maltepe are less familiar to international visitors.
• Bicycle parking is available at the station. The M4 line allows bicycles during non-peak hours, so this is a viable option if you're exploring the Maltepe–Pendik corridor by bike.

Explore Nearby Gülsuyu

Sights near Gülsuyu

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  Kadıköy · typical visit: Half a day to a full day

Metro stations near Gülsuyu

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  Maltepeabout 1.9 km away (~31 min walk)
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  Huzurevi – about 1.0 km away (~17 min walk)Open daily 06:00–00:00

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FAQ: Gülsuyu

Does the M4 metro connect to other metro lines?

The M4 line operates independently on the Asian side. It connects to Marmaray commuter rail at Ayrılık Çeşmesi station (west of Gülsuyu) but does not connect to the European-side metro lines. To reach the European side, use a ferry, bus, or taxi.

How long does a journey from Gülsuyu to Kadıköy take?

Approximately 15–20 minutes depending on stops and time of day. Kadıköy is the western terminus of the M4, so the route is straightforward.

How do I get to Sabiha Gökçen Airport from Gülsuyu?

Stay on the M4 eastbound towards Sabiha Gökçen Havalimanı. The journey takes roughly 30–40 minutes from Gülsuyu. Follow signs for 'Airport' or 'Havalimanı' at the platform.

Is there a day pass or tourist ticket that works on the M4?

Yes. Istanbul offers rechargeable electronic pass cards and multi-ride cards that work on all metro, tram, and bus lines. Check the official Metro Istanbul website for current passes and rates.

What bus routes stop at Gülsuyu?

Over 15 İETT bus routes serve the surface stop, including the 16B, 16C, 16S, 16Y, 16Z and others. Minibus services also serve the stop. Check the route number on the bus front before boarding.

Are there accessible toilets at Gülsuyu?

The station has wheelchair access and lifts, but public toilets are not standard at all Istanbul Metro stations. Check ahead with Metro Istanbul or ask staff on arrival.

Can I use my international credit card to buy a ticket?

International credit cards often do not work at Istanbul Metro ticket machines. Use a Turkish bank card or contactless payment app if you have one. Otherwise, buy a rechargeable pass card at the ticket window with cash.

Is Gülsuyu station inside or outside the main tourist areas?

Gülsuyu is a working transit hub serving residents rather than tourists. The immediate neighbourhood is commercial and modest, not a destination in itself. Use it to reach tourist areas like Kadıköy (west), Bostancı (east), or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (further east).

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