Sultanbeyli metro station is the eastern terminus of the M5 line, deep in the Asian suburbs at the edge of Istanbul’s rapid transit network. This brand-new underground station, which opened on 22 May 2026, serves the Sultanbeyli district and marks the end of Line M5’s 30.9-kilometre span from Üsküdar.
Unlike central transit hubs, this station is primarily a local transport node. It serves residents commuting inbound rather than tourists exploring the city. The station sits under Fatih Boulevard in the Mehmet Akif neighbourhood, connected by bus lines and minibus routes that fan out into the surrounding districts.
Lines and interchanges: M5. Interchange: Sultanbeyli (M5).
Quick Facts
| Turkish name | Sultanbeyli |
|---|---|
| Built / opened | 2026 |
| Address | Mehmet Akif Mahallesi, Fatih Bulvarı, 34920 Sultanbeyli Google MapsApple MapsYandex Maps |
| District | Sultanbeyli |
| Interchanges | Sultanbeyli (M5, Main entrance in Mehmet Akif Mahallesi) |
| Opening hours | Daily 06:00-00:00; Saturdays-Sundays additional night service 00:00-06:00 |
| Best time to visit | Weekday mornings (after 09:30) and afternoons (before 16:30) are least crowded. Avoid 07:00–09:30 and 17:00–19:00 on weekdays when commuters surge into the city centre. Weekends see lighter traffic overall. |
Why Visit Sultanbeyli?
Most international visitors have no reason to visit this station; it sits far from sightseeing zones and serves the outer sprawl of the Asian suburbs. However, travellers planning to stay in outlying areas, attend events on the eastern edge, or exploring beyond central Istanbul may pass through here. It offers a real glimpse of how modern metro infrastructure reaches into newer residential districts where most tourists never venture.
Atmosphere
Sultanbeyli station is utilitarian and modern, with a stark underground layout typical of newly built metro infrastructure. The ticket hall and platform areas are clean but minimal—there are no cafes, shops or aesthetic flourishes. During rush hours, the station fills with local commuters; outside peak times it feels quiet and purposeful. The electronic barriers and modern signage reflect the driverless automatic operation of the M5 line, creating a sense of functional efficiency rather than bustle.
History of Sultanbeyli
Sultanbeyli station opened on 22 May 2026 as the final phase of the M5 line extension eastward. The M5 itself began service in December 2017 running from Üsküdar to Yamanevler, then expanded in stages through the eastern Asian districts over the following years. The extension to Sultanbeyli represents the system’s reach into one of Istanbul’s furthest suburban areas, a 30.9-kilometre line that now spans from the Bosphorus shore at Üsküdar all the way to this outer terminus.
The M5 is notable as Turkey’s first driverless rapid transit line, operating with automatic train operation (ATO) systems. Sultanbeyli’s construction was part of the final stage from Samandıra Merkez, completed in spring 2026. The station serves as a modern transport anchor for a rapidly developing residential district.
Tickets and Booking for Sultanbeyli
Istanbul Metro tickets and passes work at Sultanbeyli station. Foreign tourists can purchase single journey tokens or rechargeable contactless cards at ticket machines in the station entrance hall. Cards can also be loaded with travel credit at ticket windows. Payment options include cash (Turkish lira) and some cards accept certain international payment methods depending on your bank and card type.
The M5 operates between 06:00 and midnight with trains every 4 minutes 40 seconds during rush hours (approximately 07:00–09:30 and 17:00–19:00 weekdays) and every 7 minutes at other times. Night metro service runs 00:00–06:00 on Saturdays and Sundays only, with trains every 30 minutes. Check the official Metro Istanbul website (metro.istanbul) for current fares, which differ for Turkish residents and concession holders.
How to Get to Sultanbeyli
By metro: Sultanbeyli is the eastern terminus of Line M5. From central Istanbul, take M5 from Üsküdar or any intermediate station heading east. The journey from Üsküdar takes approximately 40–45 minutes. Exit at Sultanbeyli station.
Surface exit: The single station entrance opens onto Fatih Boulevard in the Mehmet Akif neighbourhood. Above ground, the area is residential with local shops and businesses nearby.
Bus connections: Multiple İETT buses serve Sultançeşme bus stop near the station, including routes 11ÜS, 122H, 131SB, 132C, 132P, 132YS, 14KS, 14S, 18A, 18D, 18K, 18Ü, 18UK, 522ST and others. Minibuses run to Dudullu–Viaport and Sultanbeyli–Kartal routes.
Accessibility
The station is fully accessible to wheelchair users. There are four elevators and six escalators within the station. Tactile guidance is provided for visitors with visual impairments. No paid companion tickets are required.
Food Nearby
The immediate vicinity offers local kebab shops, tea gardens and small cafes typical of suburban Istanbul. No international chains or notable restaurants are within walking distance of the station. Visitors should eat before arriving or purchase snacks from the small vendors in the surrounding streets.
What to Bring
Contactless payment cards or cash in Turkish lira for metro tickets. A phone with internet to check the metro schedule (service runs 06:00–00:00 daily, with weekend night service). Comfortable walking shoes, as the area is suburban and not pedestrian-oriented.
Photography Rules
Photography is allowed throughout the station. No drones, tripods or flash photography are permitted in the station hall. The modern architecture and signage are visually clean but offer little of tourism interest—the station is functional rather than photogenic.
Family Suitability
The station is suitable for families with children and pushchairs. Elevators are available at the entrance for pram access. However, there is nothing of interest to children at the station itself—it is purely a transit hub. The surrounding neighbourhood has no playgrounds or attractions within immediate walking distance.
Istanbul Vibes Tips
- This is the end of the line; if you board an M5 train eastbound, it terminates here. Plan your return journey before boarding, especially in the evening.
- Night metro only runs Saturdays and Sundays. If you arrive during the week after midnight, standard metro service will have ended and you will need a taxi or late-night minibus.
- Sultanbeyli station is rarely crowded compared to central hubs. If you are taking the metro during peak hours and want breathing room, this is the quietest line in the system—though the trade-off is a 40-minute journey from central Istanbul.
- The station opened very recently (May 2026). Some signage and wayfinding may still be under refinement—look for digital displays and coloured platform edge markings.
Explore Nearby Sultanbeyli
Metro stations near Sultanbeyli
Samandıra Merkez – about 4.0 km awayOpen daily 06:00–00:00Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Ümraniye – about 17.1 km awayOpen daily 06:00–00:00Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
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T1 TopkapıOpen daily 05:30–00:30Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
AşiyanOpen daily 06:00–00:00Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Bayrampaşa-MaltepeOpen 24 hoursMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
EsenlerMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
YenisahraMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Browse more: More in Sultanbeyli · All Metro Stations · All Other Hubs
FAQ: Sultanbeyli
Is Sultanbeyli station in central Istanbul?
No. Sultanbeyli is far in the eastern suburbs, approximately 30 kilometres from the historic centre. It is primarily a local commuter station, not a tourist destination.
How long is the journey from central Istanbul to Sultanbeyli?
From Üsküdar (the western terminus of Line M5) to Sultanbeyli takes approximately 40–45 minutes, depending on time of day and train frequency.
Can I buy metro tickets at Sultanbeyli station?
Yes. Ticket machines accept cash in Turkish lira and some cards. You can purchase single journey tokens or load rechargeable cards. Ticket windows are also available during daytime hours.
Does the metro run all night from Sultanbeyli?
No. Standard metro service runs 06:00–00:00 daily. Night metro (00:00–06:00) operates only on Saturdays and Sundays on the M5 line, with trains every 30 minutes.
What is there to see near Sultanbeyli station?
The station serves a residential district with local amenities—shops, cafes, and neighbourhoods—but no major tourist attractions. This is a commuter hub, not a sightseeing destination.
Is Sultanbeyli station wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The station has four elevators and is fully accessible to wheelchair users. Tactile guidance is provided for visitors with visual impairments.
When did Sultanbeyli station open?
The station opened on 22 May 2026 as the final terminus of the M5 line extension, completing the system's reach into the outer eastern suburbs.
Are there bus connections at Sultanbeyli?
Yes. Multiple İETT buses and minibus routes serve Sultançeşme bus stop near the station, connecting to other districts and neighbourhoods on the Asian side.
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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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