How to get from Istanbul Airport to the city center by metro — schedule and tips
From messages by 8 participants in 1 source · Last activity: 26 days ago
At the airport, head for Exit 9, marked in yellow. Turn right immediately outside and follow the red U metro signs; many passengers usually walk in the same direction.
27 days ago Exit 9 → red U metro signs
It is straightforward to transfer from the metro to tram T1 for Sultanahmet, but the tram is usually very crowded. Traveling with two suitcases can be particularly uncomfortable.
43 days ago T1 tram to Sultanahmet: crowded with luggage
The last M11 metro train from Gayrettepe to Istanbul Airport (and back) departs at approximately 23:55. Keep this in mind when planning late-night departures or arrivals.
M11 last train ~23:55 from Gayrettepe
When taking the metro from the city center to the airport, board the last car — upon exiting you'll see a mall with a cafeteria on the ground floor and a Carrefour supermarket on the basement level (−1).
Last car → mall exit, Carrefour on −1 floor
Metro fares, including to and from the airport, are paid exclusively via Istanbulkart. Top up the card in advance — cash is not accepted at metro gates. One card cannot be used for two passengers; each traveler needs their own card.
Istanbulkart only — no cash, one card per passenger
During a temporary metro closure, replacement shuttle buses were operated to the airport. However, boarding mid-route (e.g., from Sultanahmet) was unreliable — buses filled up at the first stop. It's safer to board from the route's starting point.
Replacement shuttle: board from the first stop