Kayaşehir Merkez: Metro Station and Transit Hub

Kayaşehir Merkez metro station is an underground interchange on the M3 and M11 lines of Istanbul’s rapid transit system, located on Kayaşehir Boulevard in the Kayabaşı neighborhood of Başakşehir. The M3 section opened in April 2023 as the terminal station for the line extending from Bakırköy Sahil; the M11 section, when it opens in 2026, will connect the airport-to-city corridor.

This is primarily a transportation hub for residents of the Kayaşehir residential development and commuters in outer Başakşehir. Visitors traveling to or staying in the Kayaşehir district, or transferring between the M3 and M11 lines in future, will pass through this station.

Current access notice: As of October 2026: M3 line is fully operational. M11 line connection is expected to open during 2026; check metro.istanbul for current status.

Lines and interchanges: M3, M11. Interchange: Kayaşehir Merkez (M3), Kayaşehir Merkez (M11).

Quick Facts

Built / opened	2023
Address	Kayabaşı Neighborhood, Kayaşehir Boulevard 34494 Başakşehir, Istanbul Turkey Google MapsApple MapsYandex Maps
District	Başakşehir
Interchanges	Kayaşehir Merkez (M3) Kayaşehir Merkez (M11)
Opening hours	Daily 06:00-00:00
Best time to visit	Weekday off-peak hours (mid-morning, mid-afternoon, and after 19:00) are less crowded than rush periods. Early mornings and weekends see lighter passenger loads if you prefer a less busy experience.

Why Visit Kayaşehir Merkez?

Kayaşehir Merkez serves as the jumping-off point for the Kayaşehir urban development area, which includes residential complexes, offices, and shopping venues. For most international visitors, the station is primarily a transit node rather than a destination in itself. Its main value lies in providing access to outer-city destinations and, once the M11 opens, offering a transfer point between the airport metro and city-bound lines.

History of Kayaşehir Merkez

Kayaşehir Merkez opened on 8 April 2023 as part of the M3 line’s expansion from Bakırköy Sahil to Kayaşehir, a project built by Turkey’s Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure. The station was designed to anchor the eastern terminus of the M3 and to serve the newly developed Kayaşehir residential and commercial quarter in outer Başakşehir.

The M11 connection is under construction and expected to open in the first half of 2026. Once the M11 portion is complete, Kayaşehir Merkez will become a transfer point between the airport-to-city M11 line and the M3 line extending westward, significantly increasing its role in the metro network. The station was built with forward compatibility for this interchange function.

Tickets and Booking for Kayaşehir Merkez

Foreign visitors can use Kayaşehir Merkez with a single electronic token or an Istanbulkart rechargeable card. Tokens can be purchased from ticket machines at the station; the Istanbulkart card can be obtained at any metro station machine or participating shops displaying the Istanbulkart logo. Foreign visitors may also tap contactless debit or credit cards directly at the turnstiles, though the fare may differ from the card rate and foreign bank fees may apply.

The M3 line operates 06:00–00:00 with trains running every 7 minutes during peak hours and every 10 minutes otherwise. There is no night service. Rush hours are typically 07:00–09:00 and 16:00–19:00 on weekdays; the station experiences heaviest use during these periods. For current fares and ticket options, visit the official website at metro.istanbul.

How to Get to Kayaşehir Merkez

Kayaşehir Merkez station has two main entrances: Entrance 1 at Kayaşehir Square (Kayaşehir Meydanı) and Entrance 2 on Kayaşehir Boulevard. The station is accessible by:

• Metro M3: Arriving as the terminal station at Kayaşehir Merkez; the previous station is Toplu Konutlar, heading toward Bakırköy Sahil.
• Bus connections: İETT city buses 36F, 78F, 79F, 79FY, 79GE, 79KM, 79KT and minibus MK22 serve the area, with connections to Forum Istanbul shopping center and other parts of Kayaşehir.
• Walking: The station boulevard is easily accessible on foot* from surrounding residential blocks and commercial areas in Kayaşehir.

Accessibility

The station is wheelchair accessible and features multiple elevators and escalators (12 escalators and 6 elevators according to station facilities). The platforms are served by side platforms with doors that open directly onto the train, making boarding straightforward for passengers with reduced mobility.

Food Nearby

The surrounding Kayaşehir district includes cafés, restaurants, and snack outlets within Forum Istanbul shopping mall and along Kayaşehir Boulevard, a short walk from the station. Typical options range from casual fast-food chains to sit-down restaurants.

What to Bring

Standard metro etiquette items: a valid ticket or card, and any personal belongings. Bags are permitted on the metro; no special security screening is required for this station. In winter, Istanbul can be cool and damp, so appropriate outerwear is recommended.

Photography Rules

Photography inside the station and on trains is generally permitted for personal use. Flash photography is not restricted but may not be necessary due to station lighting. Commercial photography, filming, or use of tripods or professional equipment requires prior permission from Metro Istanbul.

Family Suitability

Kayaşehir Merkez is family-friendly as a transit point. The station is stroller-accessible via elevators and slopes, making it easy for parents with young children. The M3 line is a reliable, safe, and air-conditioned way to travel with families; however, during rush hours (07:00–09:00 and 16:00–19:00 on weekdays) it becomes crowded, which may be uncomfortable with young children.

Istanbul Vibes Tips

• Kayaşehir Merkez is the terminal station of the M3 line heading in one direction. If you arrive here by mistake or without intending to reach the end of the line, you must board the train heading back toward Bakırköy Sahil and Bakırköy terminal.
• Do not confuse Kayaşehir Merkez with Kayabaşı (the neighborhood name) or with Forum Istanbul shopping mall. The metro station is separate from the mall, though they are nearby.
• When the M11 line opens in 2026, connection tunnels from the south concourse of the M3 platform will link to the north concourse of the M11 platform. Until then, M11 remains under construction and not yet accessible from this station.
• Bicycle facilities are available at the station if you plan to use a bike for onward travel within the Kayaşehir area.
• If transferring from another line in future, plan extra time for the walk between M3 and M11 platforms once the connection opens; transfer routes will be clearly marked at that time.

Explore Nearby Kayaşehir Merkez

Sights near Kayaşehir Merkez

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  Forum Istanbul – about 13.6 km away · typical visit: 3–4 hours15 min on foot from Otogar metro, Open daily 10:00–22:00
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  Akmerkez Shopping Mall – about 22.3 km away · typical visit: 2–4 hours4 min on foot from Nispetiye metro

Metro stations near Kayaşehir Merkez

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  Mahmutbey – about 8.8 km awayOpen daily 06:00–00:00

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FAQ: Kayaşehir Merkez

Is Kayaşehir Merkez the same as Kayabaşı?

No. Kayaşehir Merkez is the metro station name. Kayabaşı is the neighborhood (mahalle) in which the station is located. On signage, you will see both names used.

Can I transfer to the M11 line at Kayaşehir Merkez right now?

Not yet. The M3 section is operational. The M11 line connection is expected to open in the first half of 2026. Once it opens, passengers will be able to transfer between the two lines at this interchange station.

What is the M11 line?

The M11 is a rapid transit line connecting Istanbul Airport to Levent (the main commercial center) and eventually to Halkalı railway station. Kayaşehir Merkez will be an interchange point on this line.

How do I buy a ticket for the M3 at this station?

Use the yellow ticket machines (biletmatik) at the ticket hall to buy a single-use token, or use your Istanbulkart rechargeable card at the turnstile. Foreign visitors may also tap a contactless credit or debit card directly.

Does the metro run all night?

No. The M3 operates from 06:00 to 00:00 (midnight) and has no night service. Night transport in Istanbul uses buses, minibuses, night buses (with 'N' prefixes), and taxis.

Is Kayaşehir Merkez on the European or Asian side of Istanbul?

Kayaşehir Merkez is on the European side of Istanbul, in the Başakşehir district on the outer western edge of the city.

What is there to do at or near this metro station?

The station is primarily a transit hub rather than a sightseeing destination. Nearby attractions include Forum Istanbul shopping mall and the residential and commercial developments of the Kayaşehir district. Most visitors use the station to reach destinations elsewhere in the city.

Are there lockers or storage facilities?

Standard metro facilities at this station do not include luggage lockers. Bags and small luggage are permitted on the metro, but large items should be managed carefully.

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