Ünalan metro station sits underground at the Uzunçayır Interchange in Hasanpaşa, on the M4 line, and opened in 2012 as part of Istanbul’s rapid expansion across the Asian side. The station connects the working neighborhoods of Kadıköy with nearby districts and provides essential access to a major transport hub where multiple bus lines and Metrobus services meet.
For visitors, Ünalan serves primarily as a transit point rather than a destination in itself, but it anchors a neighborhood with residential areas, small shops, and local eateries. The station is wheelchair accessible and functions as an interchange with extensive bus connections.
Lines and interchanges: M4. Interchange: Ünalan (M4).
Quick Facts
| Turkish name | Ünalan |
|---|---|
| Built / opened | 2012 |
| Address | Uzunçayır Kavşağı, Hasanpaşa Mah., 34722 Kadıköy Google MapsApple MapsYandex Maps |
| District | Kadıköy |
| Interchanges | Ünalan (M4, Uzunçayır Interchange) |
| Opening hours | Daily 06:09-00:09 |
| Best time to visit | No particular season affects the station itself. Weekday mornings (7:00–9:00) and evenings (5:00–7:00) are busier with commuters. Mid-morning and afternoon are quieter times to pass through. Weekend traffic is generally lighter. |
Why Visit Ünalan?
Ünalan offers connections to the Istanbul Metrobus, making it useful for reaching destinations across the Asian side without transferring lines. The station is practical for bypassing traffic in this congested commercial area and for accessing neighborhoods beyond the main tourist zones. Travelers heading to upper Kadıköy, Üsküdar suburbs, or onward to Sabiha Gökçen Airport will find it a straightforward transit hub.
Tickets and Booking for Ünalan
Trains run from 06:09 until 00:09 daily. Single journey tickets and rechargeable cards (Istanbulkart) are available at ticket machines in the station; visitors can use the same payment methods as any metro station. Rush hours, especially mornings and late afternoons on weekdays, can be crowded. Foreign visitors may purchase cards and tickets without restrictions. Check the official Metro Istanbul website (metro.istanbul) for current fares and ticketing details.
How to Get to Ünalan
The station entrance is located at Uzunçayır Interchange in Hasanpaşa, Kadıköy. Exits and stairs lead directly to the interchange level where buses, Metrobus, and dolmuş minibuses depart. Street level offers taxi access and connection to local bus stops. The area is compact; from the interchange, most nearby cafes and shops are within a 5–10 minute walk.
Accessibility
The station is wheelchair accessible. Elevators and accessible facilities are available within the station. Island platform design with protective gates allows safe boarding and alighting.
Food Nearby
The Uzunçayır Interchange area has small cafes, kebab stands, bakeries, and tea vendors typical of working Kadıköy. No major restaurants or chains directly inside the station; nearby commercial streets offer basic quick meals.
What to Bring
Standard items for metro travel: a card or coins for ticket purchase, phone for checking metro apps or maps. In summer, sunglasses and light layers for changing temperatures between underground and street level.
Photography Rules
No special restrictions. Flash photography is not needed underground and may disturb other passengers. Photography for personal use is permitted throughout the station.
Family Suitability
The station is straightforward for families with children or strollers. Underground access and lifts mean no steep outdoor stairs. The interchange is busy and can be noisy during peak hours; younger children should stay close to adults.
Istanbul Vibes Tips
- Ünalan is often confused with Acıbadem station just one stop toward Kadıköy. Check the platform signs carefully; if heading toward Sabiha Gökçen Airport, you are going east (toward Göztepe).
- The Uzunçayır Interchange handles multiple transport types (metro, bus, Metrobus, minibus) in one compact space. If using a bus or minibus after the metro, exit onto the street level at the correct sign for your service.
- Buy an Istanbulkart (reusable transit card) here if you plan more than two metro or bus journeys; individual tickets are less economical for multi-leg trips.
- Avoid the station during rush hour (7–9 AM, 5–7 PM weekdays) if you are not in a hurry; it can become crowded and slow.
- The station is deep underground; allow extra time for climbing stairs or waiting for the lift during your first visit if unfamiliar with the layout.
Explore Nearby Ünalan
Sights near Ünalan
Üsküdar District – about 5.0 km away · typical visit: 3–4 hours (half day minimum)Open 24 hoursMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Müze Gazhane – about 1.4 km away (~22 min walk) · typical visit: 1.5–2.5 hours9 min on foot from Acıbadem metro, Open 10:00–18:00, closed MonMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Metro stations near Ünalan
Göztepe – about 1.0 km away (~16 min walk)Open daily 06:00–00:00Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Acıbadem – about 1.2 km away (~20 min walk)Open 24 hoursMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
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Browse more: More in Kadıköy · All Metro Stations · All Other Hubs
FAQ: Ünalan
Does Ünalan station have a direct connection to other metro lines?
Ünalan is on the M4 line only. There is no direct interchange to other metro lines within the station. To transfer to another line, you must exit the station, travel separately, and re-enter a different metro station.
What buses connect at Ünalan?
The station connects to Metrobus lines 34A, 34G, 34Z, and 34AS at the Uzunçayır stop, plus numerous municipal (İETT) buses and minibus routes. Details on specific routes are listed at the interchange or on the Metro Istanbul website.
How far is Ünalan from Sabiha Gökçen Airport?
Sabiha Gökçen Airport is reachable via the M4 line; Ünalan is several stations westbound (toward Kadıköy) from the airport terminal stop. A full journey takes roughly 30–40 minutes depending on traffic and boarding delays.
Is the station crowded for tourists?
Ünalan is primarily a local commuter hub, not a tourist destination. The area is much quieter than central Sultanahmet or Beyoğlu and is rarely crowded with international visitors.
Can I leave luggage or large bags at Ünalan station?
No luggage storage or lockers are available at Ünalan. Carry your bags through the station or leave them securely stored elsewhere before traveling.
What is near Ünalan that a visitor might want to see?
Ünalan is mainly a transit point in a residential and commercial area. The nearest tourist attractions require further travel via bus or metro (such as visiting central Kadıköy or heading to Üsküdar).
How do I buy a metro ticket or card at Ünalan?
Ticket machines and card refill kiosks are located in the station ticket hall. Instructions appear in Turkish and English. Cards and tickets are also sold at nearby booth counters during opening hours.
Is the station accessible for people with limited mobility?
The station is wheelchair accessible. Elevators serve the platform level, and staff can assist with inquiries at the ticket hall.
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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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