Zeytinburnu: Metro and Tram Interchange in Bakırköy

Zeytinburnu metro station is a key transport hub on Istanbul’s M1A metro line, located in the Bakırköy district despite its name. The station sits at a major intersection of transport networks: it connects with the T1 tram line (which runs the entire length of the city from Bağcılar to Kabataş), metrobus rapid-transit routes, and numerous local bus lines. Opened in 1994 as part of the Otogar–Zeytinburnu extension, the station has grown into one of Istanbul’s busiest interchanges.

For visitors, Zeytinburnu metro station functions primarily as a transport connection point rather than a destination itself. The station is best known as a jumping-off point for the T1 tram (useful for reaching the historic Old City and Beyoğlu) and as a hub for reaching shopping malls in the southern suburbs, particularly Marmara Forum. The station is wheelchair accessible and features clear signage, making orientation straightforward for first-time visitors.

Lines and interchanges: M1A, T1 Tram. Interchange: Zeytinburnu (M1A), Zeytinburnu (T1 Tram).

Quick Facts

Built / opened	1994
Address	Osmaniye Mahallesi, E-5 Çırpıcı Yanyol Cd., 34146 Bakırköy, Istanbul, Turkey Google MapsApple MapsYandex Maps
District	Bakırköy
Interchanges	Zeytinburnu (M1A, Main entrance on E-5 Highway (Çırpıcı road)) Zeytinburnu (T1 Tram, Tram platforms accessible from metro station)
Opening hours	Daily 06:00-00:00
Best time to visit	Avoid weekday commute hours (07:00–09:00 and 17:00–19:00) if you prefer a less crowded experience. Midday hours are calmer for transit changes. The station and platform areas experience seasonal weather like the rest of Istanbul; no special seasonal closures affect the station itself.

Why Visit Zeytinburnu?

Use this station to connect between Istanbul’s metro and tram networks: the M1A metro runs south toward Atatürk Airport and north to central areas, while the T1 tram provides a scenic surface route through the city. The station serves as an efficient interchange for tourists planning to visit multiple neighborhoods in a single day without changing tickets. It is also the closest metro station for visitors heading to the shopping centers on the European side of southern Istanbul.

History of Zeytinburnu

Zeytinburnu metro station opened on 31 January 1994 as one of five stations on the Otogar–Zeytinburnu extension of the M1A line. This extension represented an early expansion of Istanbul’s metro network beyond the central city toward the airport and outer districts. The station was built at surface level (at-grade) rather than underground, typical of metro infrastructure serving the broader metropolitan area outside the historic core.

The T1 tram connection came later in stages. The tram line’s initial section between Sirkeci and Aksaray opened in 1992, with the extension from Topkapi to Zeytinburnu completed on 10 March 1994. This created the integrated interchange that serves the area today. The Zeytinburnu Transfer Center designation reflects the station’s role as a multimodal transport hub combining metro, tram, rapid-bus (metrobus), and local bus connections, which was formalized over subsequent decades as Istanbul’s transport network was rationalized under unified management.

Tickets and Booking for Zeytinburnu

Fares and Payment: A single metro ride on the M1A costs the standard single fare; the T1 tram uses the same fare. Foreign visitors may purchase an Istanbulkart (contactless transit card) at ticket counters or use a contactless credit or debit card where accepted. Single-journey tokens (jetons) are also available at some stations but cards are more practical. Istanbulkart can be topped up at ticket offices or automatic machines throughout the station.

Payment Methods: Both cards and tokens work on M1A and T1, though Istanbulkart is the most convenient for multiple journeys and transfers. Most Turkish banks and some international cards (Visa, Mastercard) work for contactless payment at readers on the turnstiles.

Rush Hours and Crowds: Expect heavy crowding on weekday mornings (07:00–09:00) and evenings (17:00–19:00), as the station serves commuters heading to and from the airport and outer residential areas. The tram tends to be busier during midday hours when tourists and shopping-mall visitors use it.

How to Get to Zeytinburnu

By foot: The station entrance is at the corner of the E-5 Highway (Çırpıcı road) in Bakırköy. Street signage clearly marks the M1A metro and T1 tram entry points. Both are on the ground level with open-air platforms.

From central Istanbul: If you are coming from Sultanahmet, Beyoğlu or central areas, take the M1A metro southbound toward Atatürk Havalimanı (toward the airport direction) and exit at Zeytinburnu. Alternatively, take the T1 tram from Sultanahmet or Eminönü and ride it toward Bağcılar; the station appears within minutes of leaving central Istanbul.

From Atatürk Airport: Take the M1A metro toward Yenikapı. Zeytinburnu is one of the final stops before the airport terminus.

Accessibility

The station is fully wheelchair accessible. The platforms are level with the boarding areas on both the M1A metro and T1 tram, and lifts or ramps are available where needed. A companion is not required for entry. Accessible restrooms and seating areas are provided. Tactile pathways assist visually impaired visitors in navigating the station.

Food Nearby

The station itself has small kiosks selling snacks, tea, and coffee, but options are limited. For meals, walk a few minutes toward the D.100 highway where local shops and fast-food chains are located. Marmara Forum shopping center (a short walk or metrobus ride away) offers a full range of restaurants, cafes and food courts.

What to Bring

Standard transit pass (Istanbulkart or token). During hot months, bring water and sunscreen, as the station has exposed platforms. The station is open-air, so dress for the season. Small bags are fine; no restrictions on typical day-bags.

Photography Rules

Photography is permitted in the station halls and on platforms. No restrictions on personal cameras* or smartphones. Avoid blocking other passengers or platform edges while taking photos.

Family Suitability

The station is family-friendly and straightforward to navigate. Children manage well on the tram and metro; the ground-level platforms require no climbing. Strollers are permitted on the tram but may be cumbersome during rush-hour crowding on the metro trains themselves. Families heading to shopping malls often use this interchange as a starting point.

Istanbul Vibes Tips

• Zeytinburnu sits on the boundary: despite its name, it is actually in Bakırköy district, not in Zeytinburnu proper. This matters for taxi drivers and for understanding Istanbul's geography, but it does not affect your visit.
• The T1 tram is one of the easiest ways to see Istanbul's length from end to end: from this southern station, you can ride all the way to Kabataş on the Bosphorus waterfront, passing through Sultanahmet, Eminönü, and Galata. Many first-time visitors use this single journey to orient themselves to the city's layout.
• Do not confuse this metro station with the separate Zeytinburnu railway station (Marmaray line) located in the actual Zeytinburnu district to the south. The two stations are not connected and serve different areas.
• The metrobus (lines 34, 34C, 34G, 34AS, 34BZ) connects here and runs dedicated lanes on the D.100 highway toward the city center—faster than regular buses during traffic, though they do not go to the historic Old City.
• If you plan a day visiting both the M1A metro (airport route) and the T1 tram (historic city route), get an Istanbulkart and load it with credit: both use the same card system, and transfers between lines within an hour cost less than two separate fares.

Explore Nearby Zeytinburnu

Metro stations near Zeytinburnu

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  Merter – about 800 m away (~13 min walk)Open daily 06:00–00:00
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  Bakırköy-İncirli – about 1.3 km away (~21 min walk)Open daily 06:00–00:30

Restaurants and cafes near Zeytinburnu

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  Özbek Sofrası – about 100 m away (~2 min walk)2 min on foot from Zeytinburnu metro, Open daily 09:00–21:00

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FAQ: Zeytinburnu

Can I connect between the M1A metro and the T1 tram at Zeytinburnu without exiting?

Yes. Both platforms are part of the same integrated Zeytinburnu Transfer Center. You can move directly between the metro platforms and the tram without leaving the station complex or needing a second ticket, as long as you use the same payment card or token.

Does this station have a connection to Atatürk Airport?

Yes, via the M1A metro line. The metro runs directly from Zeytinburnu toward the airport (the line is called M1A Yenikapı–Atatürk Havalimanı). The journey from Zeytinburnu to the airport takes approximately 20–25 minutes depending on the direction and stops.

Is there a night service at Zeytinburnu?

The M1A metro operates 06:00–00:00 (midnight). The T1 tram also runs 06:00–00:00. After midnight, neither line runs regular service, though night buses continue to serve the area. Check current schedules, as special night metro service on other lines (like M5) operates Fridays to Sundays but does not extend to this location.

What is the difference between Zeytinburnu metro station and the nearby Merter station?

Merter is the next metro stop toward the airport (approximately 2 minutes away by train). It serves a different neighborhood. Zeytinburnu has the additional advantage of the T1 tram connection and is closer to shopping malls. Both are on the M1A line; choose your stop based on which area or connection you need.

Can I get to the shopping centers from Zeytinburnu?

Yes. Marmara Forum (one of Istanbul's largest malls) is accessible by a short walk, or take a metrobus (lines 34 or 34C) for one or two stops. The station's main purpose for shopping visitors is as a jumping-off point for these destinations outside the historic city center.

Is the station wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the entire station is wheelchair accessible. There are level platforms on both the metro and tram, lifts where needed, accessible restrooms, and tactile pathways. A companion is not required.

What buses connect to Zeytinburnu?

Metrobus lines (34, 34C, 34G, 34AS, 34BZ) run dedicated rapid-transit routes, and numerous local İETT buses (31, 31E, 50B, 71T, 73, 73F, 82, 89, 92, 93, 97, etc.) also serve the station. Check the station signs or your transit app for current routes.

Which direction should I travel on the T1 tram to reach Sultanahmet or Beyoğlu?

From Zeytinburnu, board the T1 tram heading toward Kabataş. The tram runs toward the Bosphorus and historic areas. It passes through Aksaray, Beyazıt, Sultanahmet, Eminönü, Karaköy and ends at Kabataş. The opposite direction goes toward Bağcılar (southwest, away from the historic city).

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