Istanbul Airport Metro Line M11
The long-awaited Metro Line M11 finally started its routes in January 2023. Giving Istanbul airport’s passengers the possibility to travel super-fast and comfortably to the city of Istanbul, the airport subway is expected to become the most popular transportation mode among IST passengers. The driverless M11 covers a 51.5-km/32-mile distance from Gayrettepe Station to Halkalı. It runs underground along its entire route and is regarded as the second-longest subway line in Europe.
Metro Line M11 is the fastest subway line in Turkey, traveling at 120km/h (74.5mph). Estimated to be able to handle up to 800.000 passengers per day, it combines speed with low prices. On the other hand, comfort is among its advantages as well. Trains are brand-new, equipped with all the latest tech systems, and designed to offer a pleasant transfer experience.
The Istanbul airport metro line serves 10 subway stations. Hence, after leaving the airport (IST terminal and Cargo terminal stations), M11 calls at İhsaniye, Göktürk, Kemerburgaz, Hasdal, and Kâğıthane before ending its route at Gayrettepe Station. Moreover, it also links IST Airport to Taşoluk and Arnavutköy (in the opposite direction).
Our Tip: Gayrettepe Station also serves Metro Line M2 and the Metrobüs network (Zincirlikuyu Metrobüs Station).
The Time Schedule of Istanbul Airport Metro Line
Metro Line M11 leaves the airport every 20 minutes, heading to Gayrettepe and providing frequent transfer services from Istanbul Airport to Istanbul. However, it is expected to operate at an 8-minute frequency. Overall, it runs from the airport from approximately 06:15 am to 00:15 am to Gayrettepe and from 06:43 am to 01:23 am to Arnavutköy. Hence, unfortunately, Istanbul airport metro doesn’t run at night.
Line M11 is scheduled to make a few stops on its way to minimize its traveling time. Thus, the subway journey from Istanbul International Airport to Gayreteppe lasts 24 minutes, while the Istanbul airport metro line needs only 12 minutes to get to Göktürk in the Eyüp district.
The Istanbul Airport Metro Station
The new subway station of Istanbul International Airport lies opposite Exit 11, on the front side of the car park. Being within a 300-meter distance from the terminal’s entrance, it is easy to locate. Nevertheless, as the IST terminal is vast, reaching the metro station can be tedious and time-consuming. In the future, a second station is expected to be added to the airport’s complex. However, no further info is to be found about the exact timeline of this project.
Our Tip: The IST airport metro station offers its passengers all the necessary facilities and amenities. Thus, baby care rooms, a health room, prayer rooms, a money exchange office, and a lost and found kiosk are to be found within its premises.
Subway Fares & Prices from and to Istanbul Airport
To begin with, subway tickets can’t be bought via cash or bank cards. On the contrary, you’ll have to buy a rechargeable card -Istanbulkart- and top it with money. Hence, Istanbul airport metro tickets can be purchased only via Istanbulkart. Costing 130₺ (3.46€/3.83$), Istanbulkarts can be purchased and loaded at the automatic machines lying at the airport subway station (some automatic devices accept only cash payments whereas others only accept card payments). The ticket’s cost depends on the number of traversed stops. The price for a 1-3-stop journey is 20₺ (0.53€/0.5\8$), while if your destination lies 4-6 stations from IST airport subway station, you’ll pay 22.81₺ (0.61€/0.67$). Moreover, longer metro rides (7-8 stations) are charged at 25.80₺ (0.69€/0.76$), and journeys that include 9-10 stations come with a 28.95₺ (0.77€/0.85$) fee. That being said, the longer route from Istanbul Airport (to Gayrettepe) includes 7 stations. In any case, children under the age of 6 travel for free. It’s important to remember that your card will be charged the maximum fare at the beginning of the ride. However, if the fee to your alighting station is lower, the extra amount will be refunded when you exit the disembarking station.
Our Tip: Istanbulkart isn’t a personal pass. One Istanbulkart can be used to buy tickets for multiple passengers (up to 5). Therefore, if traveling with a company, you can buy only one card and use it for both your transfers. That being said, you should bear in mind that a 500₺ (13.29/14.67$) monthly limit applies to Instanbulkarts.
FAQs
Is there a metro line from Istanbul Airport?
In January 2023, the long-anticipated Istanbul airport Metro Line M11 began its operation. Running from the airport to Gayrettepe Station, it provides fast and comfortable transfer services. In the opposite direction, it reaches Taşoluk and Arnavutköy.
How do you pay for the metro in Istanbul?
Tickets for the Istanbul airport metro line are available via the rechargeable Istanbulkart. Thus, you’ll have to purchase an Istanbulkart from the airport station’s automatic machines and load it with money in order to pay for your subway tickets.