Istanbul Underground and City Transport: metro lines, trams, ferries, Marmaray, Istanbulkart, airport rail and Night Metro explained for 2026.
Istanbul Underground and City Transport
Updated 2026 guide to metro, tram, ferry, bus and airport connections.
Istanbul’s network links Europe and Asia through metro lines, Marmaray, trams, Metrobus, funiculars, ferries and buses.
If you stay around Taksim, a few key connections — M2, F1, T1, M11 and Marmaray — make most of the city easy to reach.
Understanding Istanbul Underground and City Transport
Istanbul Underground and City Transport is a large system, but visitors do not need to learn every line. The key is knowing which mode suits each type of journey.
Metro lines are usually the fastest way through congested districts. Marmaray runs beneath the Bosphorus between the European and Asian sides, and trams are especially useful in the historic centre.
Ferries link waterfront districts such as Beşiktaş, Eminönü, Kadıköy and Üsküdar. Metrobus serves a long corridor on dedicated road lanes, while buses fill the gaps.
2026 update: the M11 airport line now runs the full route between Gayrettepe and Halkalı via Istanbul Airport, and the M5 line on the Asian side has been extended to Sultanbeyli.
Key Metro Lines in Istanbul Underground and City Transport
A handful of lines cover most visitor journeys.
Yenikapı–Hacıosman
Serves Taksim, Şişhane, Şişli-Mecidiyeköy, Gayrettepe and Levent. Change at Gayrettepe for M11.
Gayrettepe–Istanbul Airport–Halkalı
Rail access to Istanbul Airport from both the Gayrettepe and Halkalı directions.
Kadıköy–Sabiha Gökçen Airport
Direct rail to SAW on the Asian side, connecting with Marmaray at Ayrılık Çeşmesi.
Yıldız–Mahmutbey
Useful for northern and western districts, connecting with M2 at Şişli-Mecidiyeköy.
Useful Connections at a Glance
| Line | Useful for visitors | Key connection |
|---|---|---|
| M2 | Taksim, Şişhane, Levent, Yenikapı | M11 at Gayrettepe |
| M11 | Istanbul Airport | Gayrettepe, Halkalı |
| M4 | Kadıköy, Sabiha Gökçen Airport | Marmaray at Ayrılık Çeşmesi |
| T1 | Kabataş, Eminönü, Sultanahmet | F1 at Kabataş |
| Marmaray | Europe–Asia rail crossing | Yenikapı, Sirkeci, Üsküdar |
| F1 | Taksim to Kabataş | T1 tram and ferries |
Important: the M1A still ends at the Atatürk Havalimanı station, but Atatürk Airport no longer handles scheduled passenger flights. Ignore old guides that suggest M1A for airport arrivals.
Paying With Istanbulkart
Istanbulkart is the main payment card for Istanbul Underground and City Transport. It works on metro, tram, buses, Metrobus, Marmaray, funiculars and participating ferries.
A physical card is the simplest option for most visitors. The Istanbulkart mobile app also supports QR-based payment for compatible users.
Card products, prices and discounts change from time to time, so this guide does not list fixed prices. Check the official Istanbulkart information before you travel.
Tapping out: standard metro and tram trips are validated on entry. Marmaray and Metrobus use distance-related fares, so follow the signs at those stations.
How to Use Public Transport Step by Step
These six steps make Istanbul Underground and City Transport straightforward on your first day.
Trams, Funiculars, Marmaray and Ferries
Kabataş–Bağcılar tram
Passes Karaköy, Eminönü, Sirkeci, Sultanahmet and Beyazıt — ideal for Old City sightseeing.
Taksim–Kabataş funicular
A short underground link from Taksim down to the T1 tram and ferries.
Tünel
The historic funicular between Karaköy and the southern end of Istiklal Avenue.
Marmaray
Rail under the Bosphorus, with stops including Yenikapı, Sirkeci, Üsküdar and Ayrılık Çeşmesi.
Ferries between Eminönü, Beşiktaş, Kadıköy and Üsküdar are often a pleasant alternative to road travel. Metrobus is fast on its corridor but can be very crowded at peak times.
Airport Links in Istanbul Underground and City Transport
Istanbul Airport (IST)
From Taksim, take M2 to Gayrettepe and change to M11 for Istanbul Airport. The airport line has its own tariff, which can differ from standard metro fares.
Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW)
From Taksim, take M2 to Yenikapı, MR Marmaray to Ayrılık Çeşmesi, then M4 to the airport. Ferry combinations via Kadıköy can also work.
With heavy luggage or late arrivals, a taxi or transfer may be easier. See our guide to Uber in Istanbul for app-based taxi options.
Getting Around From Taksim
Several useful connections meet at Taksim, making it one of the easiest bases for Istanbul Underground and City Transport.
Old City
Funicular to Kabataş, then tram to Sultanahmet, Sirkeci or Eminönü.
Istanbul Airport
Metro to Gayrettepe, then the airport line.
Asian side
Metro to Yenikapı and Marmaray under the Bosphorus, or F1 and a ferry from Kabataş.
Şişli & Levent
Direct metro north to Osmanbey, Şişli-Mecidiyeköy, Gayrettepe and Levent.
Taksim Square
Taksim station connects the M2 metro with the F1 funicular and Istiklal Avenue.
Night Metro and Late Travel
On weekdays most metro lines run from early morning until around midnight. On the nights from Friday to Saturday and Saturday to Sunday, Night Metro runs on seven lines:
Night services run less often than daytime trains, and some stations or entrances may be closed. Trams, funiculars and airport lines may not run all night, so check every part of your route.
Fares in Istanbul Underground and City Transport
Fares are revised periodically and depend on the mode, distance and card type, so fixed price lists quickly go out of date.
| Mode | How the fare works |
|---|---|
| Metro & tram | Paid on entry with Istanbulkart |
| Metrobus | Distance-related rules can apply |
| Marmaray | Distance-based pricing |
| Ferries | Depends on route and operator |
| Airport rail | Separate tariff for the airport line |
Check the latest official tariff shortly before travelling rather than relying on old blog prices.
Practical Tips for Visitors
- Keep enough balance on your card
- Check the direction before boarding
- Allow time at large transfer stations
- Watch belongings in crowded vehicles
- Avoid peak hours when possible
- Check service notices before airport trips
Like any big-city network, Istanbul Underground and City Transport can change at short notice. Central stations can occasionally close, or trains may pass without stopping, during major events or for security reasons. Check official announcements if your journey is time-sensitive.
Istanbul Underground and City Transport FAQ
01What is the easiest way to use Istanbul Underground and City Transport?
Use an Istanbulkart with the metro, tram, Marmaray and ferries. Check your route and the direction of travel before entering the station.
02Which metro line serves Taksim?
Taksim is on the M2 Yenikapı–Hacıosman line and connects with the F1 funicular to Kabataş.
03How do I get from Taksim to Istanbul Airport by metro?
Take M2 to Gayrettepe and change to M11 for Istanbul Airport.
04Does the metro go to Sabiha Gökçen Airport?
Yes. The M4 line serves Sabiha Gökçen. From Taksim, you can use M2, Marmaray and M4.
05Does the Istanbul metro run all night?
On Friday and Saturday nights, Night Metro runs on seven lines: M1A, M1B, M2, M4, M5, M6 and M7. Other services may stop earlier.
06Can tourists use Istanbulkart?
Yes. It is widely used by visitors. Card products and prices can change, so check official information when you travel.
07Do I need to tap out?
Standard metro and tram trips use entry validation. Marmaray and Metrobus have distance-related fares, so follow the signs at those systems.
08How do I get from Taksim to Sultanahmet?
Take the F1 funicular to Kabataş, then the T1 tram toward Sultanahmet.
Final Thoughts
Istanbul Underground and City Transport becomes simple once you know a few key links: M2 for Taksim, F1 down to Kabataş, T1 for the Old City, Marmaray between continents, M4 for Sabiha Gökçen and M11 for Istanbul Airport.
Use Istanbulkart, check official schedules before important journeys and avoid outdated fare tables or airport advice. Transport details may change after publication.