🚇 Istanbul Metro Guide (Metro Istanbul)

The Istanbul Metro is fast, affordable, and helps you avoid heavy traffic. Operating hours are usually from 06:00 until 00:00 (may vary slightly by line/station).

🗺️ Key Lines for Visitors

• M2 (Hacıosman ⇄ Yenikapı): Passes through Taksim, Şişli, Levent — most useful for tourists.
• M11 (Gayrettepe ⇄ Istanbul Airport): Connects IST Airport with the city.
• M4 (Kadıköy ⇄ Sabiha Gökçen): Links to SAW Airport on the Asian side.
• M1A (Yenikapı ⇄ Former Atatürk Airport): Useful to reach Aksaray and connections.
• Tram T1 (Bağcılar ⇄ Kabataş): Not a metro, but essential for Sultanahmet, Spice Bazaar.

💳 How to Use the Metro

1. Buy an Istanbulkart from machines or kiosks at stations.
2. Top up your card with cash at loading machines (accepts Turkish Lira).
3. Tap your card at the gate — fare is deducted automatically. Transfers are discounted within 120 minutes.

🌐 Useful Links

• Official Metro Website: metro.istanbul
• Maps & Service Status: Service Updates
• Istanbulkart (purchase/top-up): istanbulkart.istanbul
• Navigation Apps:
  Moovit, Citymapper
• IST Airport Metro (M11): IST Metro
• SAW Airport Metro (M4): SAW Transportation

💡 Quick Tips

• Avoid rush hours (08:00–09:30 & 17:00–19:00) if possible.
• Keep your Istanbulkart — it works on metro, trams, buses, ferries.
• To visit Sultanahmet, take Tram T1 and get off at Sultanahmet Station.
• Some stations are large — follow signs carefully and allow extra time for transfers.