Kartal is an underground station on the M4 line of the Istanbul Metro in Kartal. It is located beneath the Kartal interchange, along the D.100 State Highway in the Cumhuriyet neighborhood. The station serves eastern Istanbul and connects passengers to multiple bus routes and minibus services across the region.
Kartal was the eastern terminus of the M4 from its opening in 2012 to 2016, when the line was extended further to Pendik. Connection to IETT city buses and Istanbul Minibus service is available. The station is a primary transport hub for residents and visitors heading to or from the Kartal district on Istanbul’s Asian side.
Lines and interchanges: M4. Interchange: Kartal (M4).
Quick Facts
| Turkish name | Kartal |
|---|---|
| Built / opened | 2012 |
| Address | Kartal Kav., Cumhuriyet Mah., 34880 Kartal, Istanbul, Turkey Google MapsApple MapsYandex Maps |
| District | Kartal |
| Interchanges | Kartal (M4, Main exit at Cumhuriyet neighborhood) |
| Opening hours | Daily 06:00-23:30 |
| Best time to visit | The station is busiest during rush hours (07:00-09:00 and 17:00-20:00 on weekdays). For a less crowded experience, visit mid-morning or mid-afternoon on weekdays, or any time during the weekend when patronage is lighter. |
Why Visit Kartal?
Kartal Metro Station is the main transit point for accessing Kartal district, a densely populated area on Istanbul’s Asian side. It is located on the Asian side of the city, on the coast of the Marmara Sea between Maltepe and Pendik. The station connects the M4 line’s extensive network, making it a key interchange for commuters traveling across the metro system.
From Kartal, travelers can access the Marmara Sea coast, local markets, and residential neighborhoods. Connection to IETT city buses and Istanbul Minibus service is available, allowing onward travel to nearby attractions and local areas.
History of Kartal
The station consists of an island platform with two tracks and was opened on 17 August 2012. The M4 line launched as an important transportation corridor for the growing Asian side of Istanbul, serving as a crucial link between downtown Kadıköy and the expanding eastern districts.
Kartal was the eastern terminus of the M4 from its opening in 2012 to 2016, when the line was extended further to Pendik. This extension reflected growing demand and urban development in the region, with the line continuing to expand eastward to serve new areas and the Sabiha Gökçen Airport.
Tickets and Booking for Kartal
The Kartal Metro Station is accessible to all metro passengers. Single journey tickets and refillable metro cards (Akbil and İstanbulkart) are sold at ticket machines throughout the station. Foreign visitors can purchase single journey tickets or multi-day passes at the ticket windows. The İstanbulkart rechargeable card can be loaded with credit at kiosks throughout the metro network. Payment options include cash and card at most ticket machines. Rush hours typically occur 07:00-09:00 and 17:00-20:00 on weekdays; expect crowding during these times. For current fares and all payment options, visit the official metro operator website at metro.istanbul.
How to Get to Kartal
By Metro: Kartal Metro Station is served by the M4 line, the primary metro route on Istanbul’s Asian side. Trains run from Kadıköy (European side, via tunnel) through multiple stops to Kartal and beyond. The main platform is accessed by stairs and lifts from the street level at the Cumhuriyet neighborhood.
By Bus: Connection to IETT city buses and Istanbul Minibus service is available. Multiple bus routes converge at the Kartal interchange above the metro station. Minibuses also serve longer routes such as Harem-Gebze and Kadıköy-Uğur Mumcu, connecting to other parts of the city.
Walking: The station is located directly beneath the main Kartal interchange on the D.100 State Highway. Most surrounding areas are within 10-15 minutes’ walk of the station entrance.
Accessibility
The station consists of an island platform with two tracks and was opened on 17 August 2012. The station is wheelchair accessible with lifts connecting the street level to the platform level, making it suitable for passengers with mobility challenges. Staff are available at the station to assist with accessibility needs. The platform is well-lit and clearly marked, with waiting areas provided.
Food Nearby
The Kartal interchange area above the metro station has shops and small eateries. Local options include quick-service restaurants, tea houses (çay bahçesi), and small grocery shops typical of Turkish neighborhoods. For more substantial meals, restaurants in the surrounding Cumhuriyet and Yakacık neighborhoods serve Turkish cuisine, kebabs, and local specialties. Street food vendors are occasionally present near the station entrance.
What to Bring
Bring a valid travel card (Akbil or İstanbulkart) or coins for single tickets. In summer, bring sunscreen and water for waiting outdoors. The station has minimal shade at some entrances. A mobile phone is useful for checking metro schedules and route planning. Light layers are recommended year-round due to air conditioning in the station.
Photography Rules
Photography is permitted in Kartal Metro Station for personal use. Tripods, drones, and commercial photography require special permission from Metro Istanbul. Flash photography indoors is discouraged to avoid disturbing other passengers. Do not photograph security areas or staff without permission.
Family Suitability
Kartal Metro Station is family-friendly and suitable for travelers with children and strollers. The station has lifts and wide corridors accommodating strollers comfortably. The platform area is secure and well-supervised. Trains are frequent, minimizing waiting times. The M4 line is safe for families traveling to and from the station, and the surrounding Kartal area has family-oriented amenities. Young children should be supervised closely during peak hours.
Istanbul Vibes Tips
- The M4 line's eastern extension reaches Sabiha Gökçen Airport; if traveling further than Kartal, check if your destination station has opened (the line continues to expand eastward).
- Use the İstanbulkart rechargeable card instead of single tickets if you plan multiple metro journeys; it offers better value and faster boarding.
- The station interchange connects to numerous bus routes; if unsure of your bus destination, ask the attendant at the station for help with route planning.
- During rush hours, use the furthest ends of the platform where crowding is lighter, and consider traveling outside 07:00-09:00 or 17:00-20:00 if possible.
- Kartal district extends far inland; the metro station is the starting point for buses and minibuses going into residential and commercial neighborhoods—plan your onward journey before entering the station.
- Metro trains run until approximately 23:30; if arriving late, check the current schedule or arrange alternative transport.
Explore Nearby Kartal
Sights near Kartal
Bostanci Entertainment Center – about 10.7 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.
Related guides
Yakacık-Adnan Kahveci: M4 Metro Station and Transit HubOpen daily 06:00–23:59Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Kartal Dr. Lütfi Kırdar City Hospital: Services, Emergency Care and Visitor InformationMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Browse more: More in Kartal · All Metro Stations · All Other Hubs
FAQ: Kartal
Is Kartal metro station the end of the M4 line?
Kartal was the eastern terminus of the M4 from its opening in 2012 to 2016, when the line was extended further to Pendik. The line now continues eastward to Sabiha Gökçen Airport and beyond, so Kartal is no longer the final stop.
What buses connect at Kartal metro?
Connection to IETT city buses and Istanbul Minibus service is available. Multiple bus routes serve the interchange, including routes 16C, 16KH, 16S, 16Z, 17K, 17P, 21K, 130, 130A, 130E, 130Ş, and many others. Minibus routes connect to Harem-Gebze and Kadıköy-Uğur Mumcu.
Can I use my foreign bank card at Kartal metro?
Most metro ticket machines accept major credit and debit cards. However, some machines may have restrictions on international cards. Cash payment is always an alternative. Purchasing an İstanbulkart (rechargeable card) with cash at a ticket window is the most reliable option for foreign visitors.
How long does the train take from Kartal to Kadıköy?
The journey from Kartal to Kadıköy takes approximately 25-30 minutes depending on the number of stops and service frequency. Trains run regularly throughout operating hours.
Is the station wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the station is wheelchair accessible with lifts connecting all levels. Staff are available to assist passengers with mobility needs. The platform is equipped with accessible facilities.
What are the metro operating hours?
The M4 line operates daily from approximately 06:00 to 23:30. Rush hour crowding is heaviest between 07:00-09:00 and 17:00-20:00 on weekdays. Check the official metro schedule for any service changes.
Can I go directly from Kartal to Sabiha Gökçen Airport by metro?
Yes, the M4 line now extends from Kartal to Sabiha Gökçen Airport. Trains run regularly, though journey time varies depending on which extension sections are operational. Check current service updates before traveling.
Are there ATMs near Kartal metro station?
ATMs are typically located in the interchange area above and around the metro station. The surrounding Cumhuriyet and Yakacık neighborhoods have banking facilities. It's advisable to withdraw cash before boarding if you plan to pay for services in the area.
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