Bakırköy—İncirli metro station is an important interchange in northwestern Istanbul, connecting two major rapid transit lines. The M1A line opened here on 7 March 1994, initially serving the growing Bakırköy district. In March 2024, the brand-new M3 line added a second platform, transforming the location into a transfer hub. Visitors now change trains here to cross between the airport line and the newer southwestern network.
The station sits north of Bakırköy’s center, beside the E80 motorway. It shares the complex with an İETT Metrobus station, offering connections to dozens of local bus lines and minibus routes throughout Bakırköy and the coast.
Lines and interchanges: M1A, M3. Interchange: Bakırköy—İncirli (M1A), İncirli (M3).
Quick Facts
| Turkish name | İncirli |
|---|---|
| Built / opened | 1994 |
| Address | Olgunlar Sk. 22/2A, 34146 Bakırköy, Istanbul, Turkey Google MapsApple MapsYandex Maps |
| District | Bakırköy |
| Interchanges | Bakırköy—İncirli (M1A, Multiple exits on both sides of the E80 motorway) İncirli (M3, Connected interchange platform) |
| Opening hours | Open 24 hours |
| Best time to visit | Early morning (before 07:00) and mid-afternoon (14:00–16:00) offer lighter crowds. Avoid 08:00–09:00 and 17:00–18:30 on weekdays if you dislike busy trains. |
Why Visit İncirli?
This station is essential for visitors traveling between different parts of the city without returning to central Istanbul. Use it to transfer from the airport line (M1A) to reach newer districts such as Başakşehir, Bakırköy Sahil, or continue on M1A toward Yenikapı and central areas. The M3 link, opened in 2024, connects to Bakırköy’s waterfront and opens faster routes south and southeast. Combined with the nearby Metrobus hub, İncirli offers multiple onward connections that would otherwise require longer journeys.
How İncirli Is Laid Out
The station comprises two separate underground platforms linked by a shared transfer corridor. The M1A platform handles east–west traffic (toward central Istanbul or the airport), while the M3 platform runs north–south along the new southwestern line. Both are fully accessible by lift. Multiple stairs and exits serve different neighborhoods; exits on both sides of the E80 motorway connect to different parts of Bakırköy. The Metrobus stop is at street level directly above, with ticket machines and access from the main concourse.
History of İncirli
The M1A platform opened on 7 March 1994 as part of the first expansion of Istanbul Metro beyond the historic center. This extension carried the line from Zeytinburnu westward to serve the rapidly developing suburbs of Bakırköy and Ataköy. The station became a key transit point for residents and workers commuting to central Istanbul, remaining the western terminus until the line extended further in later years.
For three decades, Bakırköy—İncirli was the sole rapid transit station serving the İncirli neighborhood. On 10 March 2024, the M3 line arrived, dramatically changing the station’s role. The M3 connection created the first interchange between the older M1 network and the newer southwestern corridor, offering direct service to emerging districts and the Bakırköy waterfront without requiring passage through central Istanbul.
Tickets and Booking for İncirli
Istanbul Metro fares are paid per journey using contactless payment, available in several forms. Foreign visitors can purchase a single-ride token at machines throughout the metro, or use a Kentkart rechargeable contactless card (available at metro counters and kiosks). Mobile payment via the Istanbul Metro app is available if you have a Turkish bank account or can use an international payment method. A single metro ride costs the same regardless of distance or number of lines crossed. Peak hours (07:00–10:00 and 16:00–19:00 on weekdays) can be very crowded; off-peak travel is noticeably quieter. For all current fares and payment options, check metro.istanbul.
How to Get to İncirli
By metro: Reach Bakırköy—İncirli on the M1A line from central Istanbul (15–20 minutes from Yenikapı). Trains run between Atatürk Havalimanı (airport) and Yenikapı, stopping at this station along the way. From the M3 line, arriving passengers transfer via the internal corridor.
Walking: The station sits 1.8 km north of Bakırköy’s center, near the E80 motorway. From exits, residential neighborhoods and local shops are within 5–10 minutes’ walk.
By Metrobus: The dedicated Metrobus station is directly above the M1A platform at street level, offering rapid bus links along the D.100 highway.
Accessibility
The station is fully wheelchair accessible. Lifts serve both platforms and the transfer corridor. Passengers with mobility difficulties should use designated accessible entrances and inform station staff if assistance is needed.
Food Nearby
No restaurants or cafes are within the station itself. Bakırköy's center, a 15-minute walk away, has many restaurants, kebab shops, and cafes. The surrounding residential area has small convenience stores and snack bars within walking distance.
What to Bring
Contactless card or mobile device for payment. During winter, the platform areas are climate-controlled; bring a light jacket in summer, as stations can be cool. Small day bags are fine; check the official site for security rules.
Photography Rules
Photography is permitted within the station for personal use. Avoid photographing security staff or sensitive infrastructure. Professional photography or videography requires prior permission from Metro Istanbul.
Family Suitability
Suitable for families with children and strollers. The platform is wide and not heavily crowded during off-peak hours. Lifts are available and clearly marked. However, during rush hours, crowds can make navigation with young children or multiple bags challenging. The station itself has no attractions for children; use it as a transfer point rather than a destination.
Istanbul Vibes Tips
- If you are changing between M1A and M3, follow signs for 'Aktarma' (transfer). The platforms are connected underground, but finding the right exit for your destination neighborhood can be confusing—ask station staff which exit leads closest to your intended area.
- The Metrobus is often faster for short local trips within Bakırköy, avoiding metro queues. Use it if your destination is on the D.100 corridor; the fare is the same as the metro.
- The M1A gets extremely busy during peak hours. If your journey is not urgent, waiting 10–15 minutes for a less crowded train is often more comfortable than boarding an overcrowded one.
- Keep your payment card or token accessible; turnstiles are checked frequently, and there is no option to pass through without valid payment.
- Winter flooding in some metro stations is historically uncommon but has occurred during severe storms. Check weather and social media reports before traveling during very heavy rainfall.
Explore Nearby İncirli
Sights near İncirli
Göztepe Park – about 15.6 km away · typical visit: 1–2 hoursOpen 24 hoursMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Bostanci Entertainment Center – about 19.6 km away · typical visit: About 3 hours for a show, longer with dinner nearby15 min on foot from Bostancı metroMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Akmerkez Shopping Mall – about 15.5 km away · typical visit: 2–4 hours4 min on foot from Nispetiye metroMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Metro stations near İncirli
Bakırköy-İncirli – about 50 m away (~1 min walk)Open daily 06:00–00:30Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Bahçelievler – about 1000 m away (~16 min walk)Open daily 06:00–00:30Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Train stations and river piers near İncirli
Bakırköy Railway Stationabout 1.9 km away (~31 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
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FAQ: İncirli
Is İncirli a single station or two separate stations?
Bakırköy—İncirli (M1A) opened in 1994 as the main interchange. In 2024, the M3 line added an adjacent platform called İncirli (M3). Both are connected underground and share ticketing, so to visitors they function as one interchange complex. You can transfer between lines without exiting to street level.
How do I travel from the airport to İncirli?
From Atatürk Airport, take the M1A line directly. The journey takes about 40 minutes. İncirli is between Bahçelievler and Zeytinburnu. Note that Sabiha Gökçen Airport (on the Asian side) requires a different route via the M4 line and city transfer.
Does the M3 line at İncirli go to the Bosphorus waterfront?
Yes. The M3 line reaches Bakırköy Sahil (waterfront) station in just a few stops from İncirli. This is the newest connection as of 2024, offering access to seaside restaurants and parks without returning to central Istanbul.
Can I use a contactless credit card to pay for a single journey?
Contactless credit cards issued outside Turkey usually do not work on Istanbul Metro barriers. Purchase a token or load a Kentkart card at the ticket machine. Some international visitors report success with mobile payments via the Istanbul Metro app if their bank supports it.
What is the difference between the M1 and M1A lines?
M1A is the current official designation. The line was previously called M1; some older signs and references still use M1. They refer to the same route running from Atatürk Havalimanı westward through Bakırköy to Yenikapı.
Is there parking at or near the station?
No dedicated parking is available at the station. Bakırköy has street parking and some paid lots nearby, but they fill quickly. Consider using ride-hailing or Metrobus if you cannot find parking in the vicinity.
How far is İncirli station from Bakırköy's city center?
About 1.8 km (roughly 20 minutes' walk) north. It is located just north of the main district center, beside the E80 motorway, in a residential area.
Are there lockers for luggage?
No luggage storage or lockers are available at this station. Visitors traveling with large bags should consider using central city luggage services or keeping bags at hotels.
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