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 Istanbul Airport (IST) to Halkali and offers an interchange with the M2 Yenikapi–Haciosman line at Gayrettepe station. According to IBB data, the M11 line carries over 185,000 passengers daily.

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 makes 12 stops from Istanbul Airport to Halkali. Each station's location, connections and neighbourhood details are listed below. Visit the IBB metro map for the current route diagram.

• Istanbul Airport — Starting station. Within walking distance of the terminal exit. Follow signage from the arrivals floor.
• Kargo — Airport cargo terminal area. Low passenger traffic.
• Ihsaniye — Arnavutkoy district. Serves surrounding residential areas.
• Gokturk — Gokturk residential and commercial zone. Busy during morning peak hours.
• Kemerburgaz — Kemerburgaz area. Near Belgrade Forest.
• Hasdal — Hasdal junction area. Close to the TEM motorway link.
• Sanayi Mahallesi — Industrial and commercial zone. On the Kagithane border.
• ITU-Ayazaga — Istanbul Technical University campus. Near Maslak business district.
• Gayrettepe — M2 line interchange point. Transfer here for Taksim, Sultanahmet and Kadikoy directions.
• Kagithane — Kagithane district centre. Sadiklar-Hamidiye area.
• Alibeyköy — Alibeyköy neighbourhood. On the Eyupsultan district border.
• Halkali — Terminus. Marmaray connection and European-side transport hub.

M11 Metro Operating Hours and Frequency

The M11 metro operates approximately from 06:00 to 00:00. The first service departs around 06:00, the last around midnight. During peak hours (07:00–09:00 and 17:00–19:00) trains run every 4–6 minutes. Off-peak frequency increases to 8–10 minutes.

Weekend and public-holiday schedules may differ. Real-time departure information is available through the IBB Metro Istanbul app and station boards. Special services may be arranged during national holidays.

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.

Boarding fare follows IBB public-transport tariffs. When transferring between lines (e.g. M11 to M2), a discounted transfer fare applies. Check the IBB official site for current fare information. TUIK data shows Istanbul's public transport carries 12 million passengers daily.

• 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.

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

During peak hours (07:00–09:00 and 17:00–19:00), M11 occupancy reaches 92 percent. 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 fixed-price service from Istanbul Airport 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 midnight: metro is closed, 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
• After 00:30 metro stops; private transfer 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

Since 2019, Kings World Transfer has completed over 50,000 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.