Airports & TransportRailway

Marmaray Train Guide: Bosphorus Crossing and Connections

By Istanbul Vibes · Updated

Marmaray Train Guide: Bosphorus Crossing and Connections
Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.

This Marmaray train guide starts with the short crossing from Sirkeci to Üsküdar. The train runs beneath the Bosphorus and brings you out near the Asian-side waterfront. Stay on to Ayrılık Çeşmesi if you want to change to M4 for central Kadıköy.

The line runs much farther, between Halkalı and Gebze. Read the train display if you are going beyond the central section, since your destination must be on that service. Use the Marmaray entrance at Sirkeci and leave time for the walk down to the platform.

Quick answer: Sirkeci to Üsküdar (A short train ride, plus station access, ₺). 2 more ways compared below.

Quick Facts

Turkish name Marmaray
Type Railway station
Built / opened 2013
Admission ₺
Best time to visit Travel outside the commuter peaks if you are carrying bags or want more time to navigate the interchange.
Website tcddtasimacilik.gov.tr/marmaray/tr/neredennereye

How to Get to and from Marmaray Train Guide

Option Duration Price Notes
Sirkeci to Üsküdar A short train ride, plus station access ₺ Use for the direct crossing between the Old City and Üsküdar.
Marmaray and M4 to Kadıköy ₺ Change at Ayrılık Çeşmesi and follow M4 towards Kadıköy.
Long suburban trip Check the destination and the operator's distance-based fare arrangements.

₺ budget · ₺₺ moderate · ₺₺₺ upscale · ₺₺₺₺ splurge. Price levels are estimates compared with typical prices for visitors.

Why Visit Marmaray Train Guide?

Use Marmaray when the aim is to get across the water and continue on land. Sirkeci and Üsküdar make a useful pairing for an Old City and waterfront day.

Highlights of Marmaray Train Guide

Sirkeci

Use the Marmaray entrance for the cross-strait service and allow time to reach the underground platform.

Tip: Look for Marmaray signs when coming from the tram.

Üsküdar

Get off here for the waterfront or a connection to M5.

Tip: Check which exit puts you on the shore side.

Ayrılık Çeşmesi

Change here to M4 for central Kadıköy or onward towards Sabiha Gökçen Airport.

Tip: Read the M4 direction before entering the next platform.

Yenikapı

Use the interchange for M2 or the M1 lines.

Tip: Follow the line code through the interchange.

Söğütlüçeşme

This station serves the inland side of Kadıköy and connects with other rail and surface transport.

Tip: Use Ayrılık Çeşmesi for the M4 change if your destination is the ferry waterfront.

Outer stations

Services on the shared central corridor can have different destinations.

Tip: Match the display to your stop for a longer journey.

Atmosphere

The central stations are busy commuter spaces. The crossing is in a tunnel, with the views beginning after you surface on foot at Üsküdar.

History of Marmaray Train Guide

The central Marmaray tunnel service began in 2013. Later work connected it to the longer suburban corridor on both sides of the city.

Tickets and Payment at Marmaray Train Guide

Use a suitable loaded Istanbulkart or the operator’s available ticket option. Check how the fare adjustment works for your card and use the refund reader after exit if applicable.

How to Get to Marmaray Train Guide

Enter at Sirkeci for the Old City or Üsküdar for the waterfront. At each interchange, follow signs for Marmaray and verify your train direction on the display.

Accessibility

Check the lift route at your origin, interchange and exit, especially if a platform change is part of the journey.

Food Nearby

Leave time for a meal near the Üsküdar waterfront or in Sirkeci after the ride.

What to Bring

Carry a loaded fare card and save the destination station and exit.

Photography Rules

Follow station instructions and keep entrances and platforms clear.

Family Suitability

Choose the most direct station for your destination and keep children beside you in the interchange corridors.

Istanbul Vibes Tips

  • Budget time for the deep platforms at Sirkeci.
  • Use Üsküdar for the waterfront.
  • Change at Ayrılık Çeşmesi for M4.
  • Check the train’s final destination for outer stops.
  • Find the appropriate fare-adjustment reader before leaving the station area.

Explore Nearby Marmaray Train Guide

Sights near Marmaray Train Guide

  • Kadıköy: Market, Bull Statue and Moda on the Asian Side
    Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
    Kadıköy · typical visit: Half a day to a full day

Related guides

Browse more: All Airports & Transport · All Railway

FAQ: Marmaray Train Guide

Does Marmaray go under the Bosphorus?

Yes. Sirkeci and Üsküdar are consecutive stations on the central crossing.

Does it stop at Kadıköy ferry pier?

Change to M4 at Ayrılık Çeşmesi and ride to Kadıköy for the pier area.

Can I change to M2?

Use Yenikapı and follow the M2 signs.

Is Marmaray a sightseeing ride?

Use it for transport. The central crossing is underground, and you can see the shoreline after leaving the station.

Can I use Istanbulkart?

Use a supported loaded Istanbulkart and check the operator’s fare adjustment instructions for that card.

Which direction do I take from Sirkeci to Üsküdar?

Use the eastbound platform and confirm that Üsküdar is the next stop.

Do all trains reach Gebze?

Read the train destination before boarding if your stop is beyond the central section.

Can I connect to Sabiha Gökçen Airport?

Change to the airport-bound M4 at Ayrılık Çeşmesi.

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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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