Istanbul Airport Metro Line M11 — Stops, Schedule, Fares 2026

What Is the M11 Metro Line and Where Does It Go?

Istanbul Airport metro, known as the M11 line, is one of Istanbul's newest and longest metro lines. The line runs from Gayrettepe through Istanbul Airport (IST) to Halkalı, where it meets Marmaray at Halkalı station, and offers an interchange with the M2 Yenikapi–Haciosman line at Gayrettepe.

The airport metro provides low-cost transport to the city centre. However, it has notable drawbacks for passengers with heavy luggage, families and those arriving on overnight flights. This guide covers every M11 stop, operating hours, fare information and a detailed comparison with VIP private transfer.

All M11 Metro Stops — Station by Station

The M11 metro line has 15 stations in operation, from Gayrettepe through Istanbul Airport to Halkalı. Most visitors only ride the section between the airport and Gayrettepe. Visit the IBB metro map for the current route diagram.

• Gayrettepe — Interchange with the M2 line for Levent, Şişli and Taksim.
• Kağıthane
• Hasdal
• Kemerburgaz
• Göktürk
• İhsaniye
• Istanbul Airport — Below the terminal; follow the metro signs from the arrivals floor.
• Kargo Terminali — Airport cargo area.
• Taşoluk
• Arnavutköy Hastane
• İbn Haldun Üniversitesi
• Kayaşehir
• Olimpiyatköy
• Halkalı Stadı
• Halkalı — Connection to Marmaray and mainline trains at Halkalı station.

M11 Metro Operating Hours and Frequency

TCDD Taşımacılık, which runs the M11, publishes the first and last departures for each station, and weekend and public-holiday schedules can differ. The M11 is run by TCDD Taşımacılık, not Metro Istanbul, and it is not on Metro Istanbul's 24-hour weekend night-metro list. If your flight lands late in the evening or before dawn, check the current timetable before you plan on the metro.

Weekend and public-holiday schedules may differ. Departure times are shown on the station boards.

Istanbulkart Information and Metro Fares

Payment on the M11 metro is made with Istanbulkart. Single-use tokens or QR tickets may be available at some stations. Istanbulkart can be purchased from sales points and automated top-up machines inside the airport terminal.

The M11 is priced by distance: from 20 July 2026 a full Istanbulkart fare is 37.40 TL for 1–3 stations and up to 73.19 TL for 15–16 stations (IBB tariff). The maximum is charged when you enter and the unused part is refunded when you tap out at the exit. When transferring between lines (e.g. M11 to M2), a discounted transfer fare applies. Check the IBB official site for current fare information.

• Istanbulkart available at airport sales points
• Automated top-up machines inside the terminal
• Discounted fare for line-to-line transfers
• Current fare set by IBB tariff schedule
• QR ticket option active at select stations

How to Reach Taksim and Sultanahmet by Metro

For Taksim, ride M11 to Gayrettepe, transfer to the M2 line and exit at Taksim station. Total time including interchange is 50–65 minutes. For Sultanahmet, take M2 from Gayrettepe to Vezneciler or Yenikapi, then switch to the T1 tramway to Sultanahmet stop. Total time is 60–80 minutes.

For Kadikoy (Asian side), ride M2 from Gayrettepe to Yenikapi, take Marmaray to Ayrilikçesme, then M4 or ferry to Kadikoy. This route requires at least three interchanges and takes 70–90 minutes. For Sisli-Levent, Gayrettepe provides direct M2 access.

The number of changes is what decides it: With just a backpack, the metro is fast and practical. If you would rather not make two or three changes with large suitcases, with children or after a long flight, the route pages show the option of going to your hotel in one vehicle: Istanbul Airport – Taksim, Istanbul Airport – Sultanahmet, Istanbul Airport – Kadikoy. Each page shows the vehicle options and the fixed price before you book.

Metro vs VIP Transfer — Full Comparison

If you want a fixed-price airport transfer instead of switching between lines, check availability and reserve in advance.

Metro and VIP transfer serve different needs. For budget-focused, light-packing travelers within metro hours, M11 is efficient. For families with heavy luggage, corporate travelers, overnight arrivals and comfort seekers, VIP transfer is clearly superior.

Tips for Traveling on the M11 Metro

Traveling with large suitcases at these times is challenging for you and fellow passengers alike. If possible, plan your metro journey outside peak periods.

At Gayrettepe interchange, a walking distance and stair use are required to reach the M2 platform. Elevator capacity is limited and queues may form during busy hours. Ensure your Istanbulkart has sufficient balance — insufficient credit blocks turnstile entry.

To reach the metro station from the airport, follow signs from the arrivals floor. Walking distance is approximately 5–8 minutes. Istanbulkart sales and top-up points are located inside the terminal and at the metro entrance.

Booking and Pricing

If you prefer VIP transfer over the metro or need transport outside metro hours, Kings World Transfer offers a fixed-price Istanbul Airport transfer to all city destinations. Mercedes Vito, Sprinter and sedan options with 24/7 operation. Getting a quote is free. Check DHMI for flight status before booking.

M11 Metro or Private Transfer? Which Is Right for You?

The M11 metro line offers a fast and affordable connection between Istanbul Airport and the city center. However, it's not the ideal choice for every type of traveler. If you have large or multiple bags, are traveling with children, or want to reach your hotel door directly, private transfer is far more practical and comfortable. For business travelers, being able to work productively during the journey is a significant advantage over metro travel.

• 1–2 passengers, light luggage, central location: M11 metro is economical
• Families, children, or passengers with mobility needs: choose private transfer
• Large or multiple bags: private transfer takes luggage directly to your door
• After the last metro: Kings Transfer operates 24/7
• Business travel: work comfort and invoice option favors private transfer
• Groups (3+ people): per-person cost drops — choose Vito or Sprinter

M11 Metro Line Practical Comparison

• Private transfer offers door-to-door service; metro requires walking to/from stations
• Traveling with multiple bags makes metro use quite challenging
• For strollers and wheelchairs, private transfer is far more practical
• Metro hours are limited; private transfer is available 24/7
• For corporate travel, a pre-booked airport pickup provides a more professional appearance
• For group transfers, per-person cost in a private vehicle can match metro fares

Our Experience & Customer Reviews

For five years, Kings World Transfer has completed successful transfers from Istanbul, Antalya, Bodrum, Dalaman and Izmir airports. With our TURSAB #14519 licence, professional Mercedes fleet and round-the-clock support, we have become one of Turkey's most trusted transfer brands.

Explore all our Istanbul airport transfer routes on the transfer routes page. VIP vehicles, Mercedes Vito & Sprinter options available.

The most common questions about the Istanbul Airport M11 metro line with up-to-date answers.