Use this Istanbul metro map 2027 guide to match your destination to a line code, direction and transfer station. The line list uses the network verified in November 2026. It includes the M11 extension to Halkalı and the M5 extension to Sultanbeyli. Check the live operator map for any later opening or change.
For most first visits, start with T1 for Sultanahmet, M2 for Taksim and Marmaray for an underwater crossing. Use M11 for Istanbul Airport and M4 for Sabiha Gökçen. Then check the exact interchange and station exit. A tram, funicular or suburban train may finish the trip even when the first leg is a metro.
Current access notice: As of November 2026, Metro Istanbul lists repair-related service changes on M7 around Mecidiyeköy. Check the operator’s current routing before relying on a through train.
Quick answer: Find your stop on the current map, note the line and terminal direction, then check transfer walks and service notices. Allow time for each change. Ordinary rail planning band ₺–₺₺.
At a Glance
| Total time | Varies by route. Allow for walks between platforms and for a separate boarding where the connection uses another station or operator. |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | ₺ for a simple metro or tram trip. Plan more for multiple boardings or services with separate fare rules. |
What You Need Before You Start
- Current Metro Istanbul network map
- TCDD Taşımacılık information for M11 and Marmaray
- Exact destination and station exit
- Istanbulkart or applicable ticket
- Current service notices
Compare Your Options
| Option | Duration | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old City and Karaköy | Short trips between central stops | ₺ | Use T1 for Sultanahmet, Gülhane, Eminönü, Karaköy and Tophane. |
| Taksim and Kabataş | Short connection plus station walks | ₺–₺₺ | Use M2 to Taksim and F1 to Kabataş, then T1 if needed. |
| Cross-Bosphorus rail | Depends on the start and finish | ₺–₺₺ | Use Marmaray between stations such as Sirkeci and Üsküdar. Change where the onward route suits. |
| Istanbul Airport to the centre | About 30 minutes aboard to Gayrettepe, then onward | ₺–₺₺ | Use M11 and change to M2 at Gayrettepe. |
| Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Kadıköy | Check the current M4 journey and onward leg | ₺–₺₺ | Use M4 and verify the departure direction and last service. |
| Golden Horn and Eyüp | Depends on the chosen stop | ₺–₺₺ | Use T5 from Eminönü. Check TF2 separately if you want the Piyer Loti cable car. |
₺ budget · ₺₺ moderate · ₺₺₺ upscale · ₺₺₺₺ splurge. Price levels are estimates compared with typical prices for visitors.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Start with the destination stop
Find the landmark or hotel entrance and identify the stop with the best approach. T1 serves Sultanahmet, Gülhane, Sirkeci, Eminönü, Karaköy and Tophane. Use M2 for Taksim and Şişhane. A stop with a similar name may serve a different area, so check the street location before setting out.
Tip: Topkapı tram stop and Topkapi Palace are different destinations.
Step 2: Read the main European-side metro lines
M1A runs between Yenikapı and Atatürk Airport, and M1B runs between Yenikapı and Kirazlı. M2 links Yenikapı and Hacıosman, with Seyrantepe branch service. M3 runs from Bakırköy Sahil to Kayaşehir Merkez. M6 connects Levent and Boğaziçi University–Hisarüstü. M7 links Yıldız and Mahmutbey, with current service arrangements subject to repair notices. M9 links Ataköy and Olimpiyat.
Tip: M1A’s airport name refers to Atatürk Airport. Use M11 for IST.
Step 3: Read the Asian-side metro lines
M4 runs between Kadıköy and Sabiha Gökçen Airport. M5 runs from Üsküdar to Sultanbeyli, including the extension beyond Samandıra Merkez. M8 runs between Bostancı and Parseller, crossing M4 at Kozyatağı and M5 at Dudullu. Use Üsküdar or Ayrılık Çeşmesi for the Marmaray interchange that fits your journey.
Tip: Match the station name and line code before changing.
Step 4: Check the airport line and western changes
M11 links Gayrettepe, Istanbul Airport and Halkalı. Change at Gayrettepe for M2 or at Kağıthane for M7 when current service allows. At the western end, use Halkalı for Marmaray, Kayaşehir Merkez for M3 or Olimpiyatköy for the M9 interchange. On the platform, check the train’s destination before boarding.
Tip: Halkalı and Halkalı Stadı are separate stations.
Step 5: Add tram, funicular and suburban rail legs
Use T1 for the historic peninsula and Kabataş, T3 for Kadıköy and Moda, T4 for Topkapı–Mescid-i Selam and T5 for the Golden Horn. T2 is the İstiklal historic tram, and T6 links Sirkeci and Kazlıçeşme. F1 links Taksim and Kabataş. Marmaray connects both shores via Sirkeci and Üsküdar.
Tip: Use F1 for Taksim to Kabataş, and F2 Tünel for Karaköy to the upper end of İstiklal.
Step 6: Check the direction, exit and service status
Write the terminal direction for each leg, then check the interchange and exit you need. At a large station, follow the operator’s signs and allow time to move between platforms. Check service notices and lift availability before leaving, especially for a route that depends on M7 or a late connection.
Tip: Save the exact interchange in addition to the network map.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using M1A for Istanbul Airport because its name includes an airport.
- Treating Topkapı tram stop as the stop for Topkapi Palace.
- Assuming a planned extension is already operating.
- Ignoring the train direction or branch service.
- Using a weekend Night Metro schedule for a different line or night.
- Counting only the ride and overlooking the transfer walk.
Tickets, Payment and Booking
Use official ticket or Istanbulkart facilities and follow the validator instructions at the gate or stop. Load enough for the route you will actually take. Changing to another operator or service can mean another boarding, and Marmaray has its own fare rules. Check those separately before relying on a discount or adjustment.
Use Metro Istanbul for its line map, station notices and schedules. Check TCDD Taşımacılık for M11 and Marmaray. Save the current route before leaving, especially for airport, weekend or late-night travel.
Istanbul Vibes Tips
- Check whether the line you want is running end to end before following its map colour.
- Use line codes and terminal names when asking for directions.
- Choose the stop by the exit closest to the actual entrance.
- Check lifts at both ends if you need a step-free route.
- Keep a fallback for M7 or any other route with a current service notice.
Explore Nearby Istanbul Metro Map 2027: All Lines, Interchanges and Tourist Stops
Sights near Istanbul Metro Map 2027: All Lines, Interchanges and Tourist Stops
Byzantine Hippodrome · typical visit: 1-2 hours5 min on foot from Gülhane metro, Open 24 hoursMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Taksim Square · typical visit: 30 minutes to 1 hour, or longer with İstiklal AvenueMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Kadıköy · typical visit: Half a day to a full dayMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Related guides
Sirkeci: Istanbul’s Historic Station Neighborhood and Transport HubMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Browse more: All How-To · All Metro and Trains
FAQ
Which Istanbul metro lines are operating in this guide?
The November 2026 baseline covers M1A, M1B, M2, M3, M4, M5, M6, M7, M8, M9 and M11. Check the current operator maps before treating a proposed extension or another numbered project as open.
Which metro line serves Istanbul Airport?
M11 serves Istanbul Airport, code IST. Take the Gayrettepe direction for M2 connections to central Istanbul or the Halkalı direction for western connections. Check the displayed destination and use the passenger terminal stop.
Which metro line serves Sabiha Gökçen Airport?
M4 serves Sabiha Gökçen, code SAW, and runs toward Kadıköy. Check the train direction and use the interchange that fits your destination. M11 serves a different airport on the European side.
What is the best stop for Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque?
Use Sultanahmet on T1 for both sights and the Hippodrome. Check the exact entrance if you need a particular visitor route. Topkapı tram stop is in a different part of the city from the palace.
Where do I change from M11 to M2?
Change at Gayrettepe and follow the signs for M2. Use the Yenikapı direction for Taksim, Şişhane or Vezneciler. Allow time for the walk between platforms, especially if you have luggage or need lifts.
Can I cross the Bosphorus by metro?
Marmaray is the suburban rail service for an underwater crossing. Use stations such as Sirkeci, Üsküdar or Ayrılık Çeşmesi according to your destination. Check the onward interchange and its fare rules separately.
What is the difference between T1 and T5?
T1 links the Old City and the waterfront toward Kabataş. T5 starts at Eminönü and runs along the Golden Horn toward Alibeyköy. Confirm the right platform and the stop closest to your destination.
Does the Istanbul metro run after midnight?
Metro Istanbul publishes Night Metro service on selected lines on Friday and Saturday nights. Check the current line list and any exceptions. Look up M11, Marmaray and each onward connection separately before relying on a late trip.
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About this guide: AI assistance and accuracy
This guide is created with the help of AI and is based on official sources where available. Mistakes can still happen. Opening hours, prices, rules and other details are given to the best of our knowledge as of the date shown and can change without notice. It offers general recommendations only, not professional, legal or travel advice. Please confirm important details with the official source before you travel; you are responsible for your own plans and decisions.
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