
Istanbul Airport, located outside the city, is accessible via the Metro Line M11, which began operating in January 2023. The metro station is situated on the front side of the car park, opposite Exit 11, within 300 meters of the terminal entrance. The M11 line connects Istanbul Airport to Gayrettepe Station, covering a distance of 37.5 kilometers. It is the second-longest subway line in Europe and the fastest in Turkey, with a passenger capacity of up to 800,000 passengers per day. Tickets for the metro can be purchased using the Istanbulkart, Istanbul's electronic fare card system, at a cost of around $0.90 per person.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Istanbul International Airport |
| Metro Line | M11 |
| Speed | 120 km/h |
| Frequency | Every 8 minutes |
| Distance Covered | 34 km (expected to expand to 37.5 km) |
| Number of Stations | 9 or 10 |
| Ticket Price | 9.90₺ (one-way) |
| Ticket Purchase | Istanbulkart (60₺) or Istanbulkart app |
| Station Amenities | Baby care rooms, health rooms, prayer rooms, money exchange offices |
| Accessibility | 300 meters from the terminal entrance |
| Related Lines | M7, M2, T1 Kabataş-Bağcılar tram |
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What You'll Learn

Istanbulkart for tickets
The Istanbulkart is a rechargeable card used to purchase tickets for the Istanbul metro. It is the only way to buy tickets for the metro, as cash and bank cards are not accepted. The Istanbulkart can be purchased from automatic machines at the airport subway station. The card costs 60₺ (approximately 2.94€ or $3.10), and the price of a one-way ticket is 9.90₺ (about 0.48€ or $0.50). As the metro line expands, ticket prices will increase to up to 12₺ (about 0.59€ or $0.70). The Istanbulkart can also be used for other forms of transport, including the metro, tram, bus, and ferry.
The Istanbulkart can be used by up to five people at once, but only the first person will receive a discounted rate when interchanging to other forms of transport. The card can be topped up with cash at automatic machines near the airport subway stations, and some machines also accept credit cards.
Istanbulkart activation requires a HES code, which can be obtained via the HES App. This system was introduced during the pandemic to control the risks associated with public transportation in Istanbul.
The Istanbulkart is also available as an anonymous card, a student card, a monthly card for Turkish citizens, and a free pass for Turkish citizens over 65 years old.
The Istanbul Airport Metro Line M11 is a fast and comfortable way to travel to and from the airport. It is the second-longest subway line in Europe and travels at approximately 120km/h, serving around 800,000 passengers per day. The line connects Istanbul Airport with Gayrettepe and Kagithane, providing easy access to other areas of the city. The metro station at Istanbul International Airport is located on the front side of the car park, opposite Exit 11, and is within a 300-meter distance from the terminal entrance.
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M11 line
The M11 metro line, also known as the Istanbul Airport Metro, is a fast, comfortable, and modern way to get to Istanbul Airport. It is the second-longest subway line in Europe, with the entire line laid underground. The M11 line started its operation in January 2023 and is expected to become the most popular transportation mode among Istanbul Airport passengers.
The M11 line currently covers a 34-km distance from Istanbul Airport to Kâğıthane, with a further expansion planned to connect to Gayrettepe Station, extending the line to 37.5 km. The line is designed to minimise travel time, with the journey from Istanbul International Airport to Kâğıthane taking 24 minutes, and only 12 minutes to reach Göktürk in the Eyüp district. The M11 line runs every 8 minutes and operates from approximately 6:00 am to midnight, providing frequent transfer services from the airport to the city of Istanbul.
The M11 metro trains are brand-new, modern, and equipped with the latest technology, providing a comfortable and pleasant transfer experience for passengers. The line can handle up to 800,000 passengers per day and travels at a speed of 120 km/h, making it the fastest subway line in Turkey. The M11 line serves 10 stations, including Istanbul Airport, Ihsaniye, Gokturk, Hasdal, and Kagithane. It also connects to Tasoluk and Arnavutkoy in the opposite direction.
Tickets for the M11 line can be purchased using a rechargeable Istanbulkart, which can be loaded with money at automatic machines located near the airport subway stations. The cost of a one-way ticket is around 9.90₺ to 12₺, with the price depending on the number of stops travelled. The M11 line provides easy access to other areas of Istanbul through connections with other metro lines, making it a convenient option for travellers.
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Station locations
The Istanbul Airport Metro Line M11 is a fast, comfortable, and cost-effective way to get to and from Istanbul Airport. The M11 line is the second longest subway line in Europe and the fastest means of public transport in Turkey, travelling at 120km/h. The line covers a distance of 34km from Istanbul Airport to Kâğıthane, with a further expansion linking Istanbul Airport to Gayrettepe Station, giving the line a total length of 37.5km. The M11 line connects Istanbul Airport with nine stations in total, including Ihsaniye, Gokturk, Hasdal, Kagithane, Tasoluk, and Arnavutkoy. The metro station at Istanbul Airport is located 300 meters from the terminal entrance, opposite Exit 11 on the front side of the car park.
The M11 line offers a seamless and comfortable travel experience with modern trains equipped with the latest technology. The stations along the line are designed with functionality and aesthetic appeal in mind, featuring amenities such as high-speed Wi-Fi, interactive kiosks, and retail spaces. The line is also environmentally friendly, providing a sustainable alternative to road-based transport, which helps reduce the city's carbon footprint.
To access the Istanbul Airport Metro, passengers need to purchase an Istanbulkart, a rechargeable card that can be loaded with money. The Istanbulkart can be bought from automatic machines at the airport subway station and costs around 2.94€ to 3.83$. The one-way ticket price starts at 0.48€/0.50$ and can go up to 0.59€/0.70$, depending on the number of stops travelled.
The M11 line runs every 8 to 20 minutes during the day, but it does not operate at night. It provides easy access to other areas of Istanbul through metro transfers, making it a convenient option for travellers.
The Yenikapi-Ataturk Airport Metro Line is another option for travellers. This line includes tunnel/underground stations such as Yenikapi, Aksaray, Emniyet - Fatih, Topkapi - Ulubatli, Bakirkoy - Incirli, and Bahcelievler, as well as viaduct stations like Davutpasa, Merter, and DTM - Istanbul Fair Centre.
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Timings and frequency
The Istanbul Airport Metro Line M11 began operating in January 2023, providing a fast and comfortable transfer service from Istanbul Airport to the city. The M11 line is the second-longest subway line in Europe and the fastest means of public transport in Turkey, travelling at 120km/h. It is estimated to be able to handle up to 800,000 passengers per day.
The M11 line runs from Istanbul Airport to Kâğıthane, with a further expansion in 2023 linking the airport to Gayrettepe Station, giving the line a total length of 37.5km. The metro leaves the airport every 8 minutes, and the journey to Kâğıthane takes 24 minutes. The metro also connects Istanbul Airport with Tasoluk and Arnavutkoy in the opposite direction. The Istanbul Airport to Gayrettepe route includes seven stations, and the entire journey takes 30 minutes.
The Istanbul Airport Metro operates from 6 am to midnight each day. During peak hours, trains run every 3 to 5 minutes. Late evening and weekend schedules are less frequent, with trains running about every 10 to 15 minutes. Wait times between trains are typically 5 to 10 minutes, and the metro station is located 300 meters from the terminal entrance.
Tickets for the Istanbul Airport Metro Line can only be purchased via the Istanbulkart, a rechargeable card that can be loaded with money. Istanbulkart cards can be purchased from automatic machines at the airport subway station for 60₺ (2.94€/3.10₺), and the price for a one-way ticket is 9.90₺ (0.48€/0.50₺). As the line expands, ticket prices will increase to 12₺ (0.59€/0.70₺).
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Connections and transfers
Metro
The Istanbul Airport Metro Line M11, which began operating in January 2023, is a fast, comfortable, and inexpensive way to travel to and from the airport. The driverless M11 covers a 34-km distance from Istanbul Airport to Kâğıthane, with a further expansion planned to link the airport to Gayrettepe Station, for a total length of 37.5 km. The M11 is the fastest subway line in Turkey, travelling at 120 km/h, and can handle up to 800,000 passengers per day. The metro station is located on the front side of the airport's parking lot, opposite Exit 11, and is just 300 meters from the terminal entrance. Tickets for the M11 can be purchased via the rechargeable Istanbulkart, which can be bought from and loaded at the automatic machines at the airport subway station. The M11 runs every 8 to 20 minutes during the day but does not operate at night.
Bus
For those transferring to or from the airport by bus, there is a large international intercity bus terminal in the centre of Istanbul. To reach the bus terminal from the airport, passengers can take the M11 metro line to Kâğıthane, followed by the M7 Mahmutbey-Yıldız line to Mecidiyeköy, and then the M2 line to Yenikapı. From there, the M1A or M1B lines go directly to the bus terminal.
Tram
Istanbul's tram system can also be used for connections to and from the airport. From the M11 metro line, passengers can transfer to the T1 Kabataş tram line at the Vezneciler stop, which is accessible via the M2 metro line. The tram provides access to several locations, including Sultanahmet Square, Sirkeci Station, Eminönü ferry docks, Galata Bridge, Karaköy ferry docks, and Kabataş ferry docks.
Train
Istanbul's Marmaray cross-Bosphorus trains currently terminate on the European side at Kazlıçeşme, which is 7.4 km west of Sultanahmet. A taxi ride from the airport to the Kazlıçeşme Marmaray station is a cheaper option than a taxi to the city centre.
Transfer Services
For those who would prefer a private transfer service, companies such as Efendi Travel offer convenient and comfortable transportation to and from the airport. These services can be especially beneficial for families or large groups travelling with children, as they provide professional drivers, security, and ample luggage space, which is often lacking in taxis.
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Frequently asked questions
The Ataturk Airport metro station is located 300 meters from the terminal entrance, opposite Exit 11 on the front side of the car park.
You can take the M11 line from the airport towards Kağıthane and get off at the Kağıthane stop. From there, you can transfer to the M7 line towards Yıldız and get off at Mecidiyeköy. Then, transfer to the M2 line towards Yenikapı and get off at Istanbul University. Finally, take the T1 tram towards Kabataş or Eminönü and get off at Sultanahmet.
The Istanbul airport metro uses the Istanbulkart, an electronic fare card system. A one-way ticket costs 9.90₺ (approximately $0.50 to $0.70), and the Istanbulkart itself costs 60₺ to 130₺ (approximately $2.94 to $3.83).
The metro runs every 8 to 20 minutes from the airport, but it does not run at night.
The Ataturk Airport metro station provides baby care rooms, health rooms, prayer rooms, and money exchange offices. All stations on the M11 line are also equipped with modern amenities such as high-speed Wi-Fi and interactive kiosks.











































