Mahmutbey Metro Station: Transfer Point on the M3 and M7 Lines

Mahmutbey metro station is a busy underground interchange in the Bağcılar district on Istanbul’s European side. As an intersection of two major rapid transit lines—the M3 and M7—it handles connections between western residential neighborhoods and the central city. The station opened in 2013 as part of the M3 line and became more significant when the M7 line launched, adding a second level of platforms beneath the original tracks.

For travelers, Mahmutbey serves as a practical junction rather than a destination itself, but its role as a transfer point makes it essential for navigating the western city efficiently. The station is fully accessible and connects to multiple bus and minibus routes.

Lines and interchanges: M3, M7. Interchange: Mahmutbey (M3), Mahmutbey (M7).

Quick Facts

Turkish name	Mahmutbey
Built / opened	2013
Address	Bosna Caddesi, Göztepe Mahallesi, 34214 Bağcılar, Istanbul Google MapsApple MapsYandex Maps
District	Bağcılar
Interchanges	Mahmutbey (M3, Multiple exits) Mahmutbey (M7, Multiple exits)
Opening hours	Daily 06:00-00:00
Best time to visit	Any time of day is practical for using Mahmutbey as a transit point. Rush hours (weekday mornings and evenings) see crowded trains and platforms, so if you prefer less congestion, travel mid-morning, afternoon, or weekends. The station operates until midnight, so evening journeys are feasible within that window.

Why Visit Mahmutbey?

Mahmutbey matters primarily as a transit hub. It sits at the junction of two metro lines, allowing you to switch between the M3 (running east-west through the district) and the M7 (stretching from the western terminus at Mahmutbey to Yıldız station in the north). If your journey crosses these lines, you will pass through here. The station also serves as the western terminus of the driverless M7 line, a feature notable for Istanbul’s rapid transit system.

The neighborhood around Mahmutbey is primarily residential and commercial, without major tourist attractions, but the station’s accessible design and clear signage make it straightforward to navigate.

History of Mahmutbey

Mahmutbey station opened on 14 June 2013 as part of the M3 line’s extension from Kirazlı to MetroKent. The M3 serves the western industrial and residential belt of Istanbul, and Mahmutbey was built as an underground station beneath Bosna Street in the Göztepe neighborhood.

The station gained additional significance when the M7 line began operation on 28 October 2020. The M7 added a second platform level beneath the existing M3 infrastructure, making Mahmutbey a true interchange. The M7 is notable as Istanbul’s first fully automatic, driverless metro line on the European side, and Mahmutbey serves as its western terminus.

The dual-line arrangement reflects Istanbul’s ongoing expansion of its metro network to improve connectivity across the sprawling city. While the M3 handles primarily local and cross-district traffic, the M7 connects western neighborhoods to central and northern destinations with modern, automated train technology.

Tickets and Booking for Mahmutbey

Mahmutbey metro station is part of the unified Istanbul Metro fare system. Single rides are available, and foreign visitors can purchase tokens or load balance onto a contactless card at ticketing machines in the station. Multiple fare options exist: you can buy individual journey tokens, reloadable cards (such as Antkart), or use mobile payment via apps where available. Fares for international visitors are the same as for residents.

The station operates daily from 06:00 to 00:00. Peak hours (typically 07:00–09:00 and 17:00–19:00 on weekdays) see frequent trains: every 7 minutes on the M3 and every 6 minutes on the M7 at peak times. Off-peak intervals are longer. Check the official Metro Istanbul website at metro.istanbul for current fare rates and payment methods, as these are subject to change.

How to Get to Mahmutbey

Mahmutbey station has multiple ground-level entrances and exits along Bosna Street in the Göztepe neighborhood. Descend using stairs or escalators to reach the ticket hall and platforms.

By metro: If you are already on the M3 line, simply ride to Mahmutbey. From the eastern side of the city, take the M3 westbound toward Kayaşehir. From the M7, trains running toward Mahmutbey terminate here at the western end of the line.

By bus or minibus: Several bus lines serve the station, including İETT buses 89C, 89T, 97E, 97GE, 97H, 97M, 98M, 144M, and HT10, as well as numerous minibus routes connecting to Bakırköy, Topkapı, İstoç, and surrounding neighborhoods. Bus stops are located on the surface near the station entrances.

By taxi: Taxis can drop you at the main station entrance on Bosna Street.

Accessibility

Mahmutbey station is fully accessible to wheelchair users. Escalators and elevators connect the street level to the ticket hall and platforms. The station has accessible ticket machines and seating areas. Staff are present to assist if needed. Both the M3 and M7 platforms are wheelchair-accessible, though the M7 is a fully automated line with platform safety gates that open only when trains arrive.

Food Nearby

The immediate station surroundings are commercial and residential, with small groceries and casual cafes typical of the neighborhood. For a proper meal, walk into the surrounding Göztepe and Mahmutbey neighborhoods where street-level restaurants, kebab shops, and bakeries serve local workers and residents. There is no significant dining destination close enough to visit solely for the station location.

What to Bring

Bring contactless payment (card or phone) for metro fares, or carry Turkish lira for ticket purchases. Comfortable walking shoes help navigate the station and stairs. In summer (June–September), the underground platform stays cool but can feel warm during peak hours. In winter, bring an umbrella for the walk to the station entrance.

Photography Rules

Standard photography rules apply: tripods and professional equipment are not permitted without authorization. Flash is allowed but may disturb other passengers. Interior photos are permitted for personal use. Drones are not permitted anywhere in or near the metro system.

Family Suitability

Mahmutbey is a practical transit station, not a destination for families. Young children should be held or supervised closely on escalators and busy platforms. The station has stroller access via elevators, though maneuvering a stroller during peak hours is challenging. Restrooms are limited and basic. Families using the metro to reach other parts of the city will find the station manageable, but there is nothing here to warrant a family visit for recreation or sightseeing.

Istanbul Vibes Tips

• If you are transferring between the M3 and M7, allow 10–15 minutes. The M7 platform is underneath the M3, requiring additional descent via stairs or elevators. Follow signs for the M7 transfer.
• Download the Metro Istanbul app or check the official website (metro.istanbul) for real-time train schedules before traveling, especially if connecting to other lines. Delays are rare, but service changes do occur.
• Keep valuables secure and bags close in crowded conditions. Pickpocketing is rare but possible during peak hours. Stay aware of your surroundings as you would in any busy urban transit station.
• If buying a token or card, do so at the ticket machines or staffed ticket windows before entering the platform area. Payment options at machines include lira cash and some card types; staff can assist with questions.
• The M7 is driverless and fully automated, so you will not see a train operator. Platform safety gates prevent access to the tracks and open automatically when trains arrive.

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FAQ: Mahmutbey

Can I transfer between the M3 and M7 at Mahmutbey?

Yes. Mahmutbey is the main transfer point between these two lines. The M7 platform is located beneath the M3 level. Follow colored directional signs and take escalators or elevators down one additional level. Transfer time is typically 10–15 minutes.

What are the operating hours?

Both lines operate daily from 06:00 to 00:00. Train frequency varies: M3 runs every 7 minutes at peak hours and every 10 minutes off-peak; M7 runs every 6 minutes at peak hours. Check metro.istanbul for exact schedules.

What payment methods are accepted?

Single tokens, reloadable contactless cards (Antkart), and mobile payment apps are accepted. Fares for international visitors are the same as for residents. Ticket machines accept Turkish lira cash and some card types. Staff at ticket windows can assist with questions.

Is the station accessible for wheelchairs?

Yes. Mahmutbey has full wheelchair access via elevators connecting the street level, ticket hall, and platforms. Accessible ticket machines and seating are available. Staff can assist if needed.

What is the significance of the M7 line?

The M7 is Istanbul's first fully automatic, driverless rapid transit line on the European side. Mahmutbey is its western terminus. The line stretches northward to connect central areas and is operated with automatic train operation technology.

Are there bus connections?

Yes. Multiple İETT buses (89C, 89T, 97E, 97GE, 97H, 97M, 98M, 144M, HT10) and minibus routes serve the station, connecting to Bakırköy, Topkapı, İstoç, and surrounding neighborhoods. Bus stops are on the surface near the station entrance.

Can I leave the station to explore the neighborhood?

Yes. Mahmutbey is in a residential and commercial neighborhood. Göztepe and Mahmutbey neighborhoods have local restaurants, cafes, and shops, but there are no major tourist attractions in the immediate area. The station is primarily a transit point.

What should I do if I get lost or need help?

Station staff are present at the ticket windows and platform areas. Signage is clear in English and Turkish. The metro.istanbul website and app provide maps, schedules, and route planning. Most staff speak basic English.

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