The Istanbul Airport metro, which has been eagerly awaited to open for a long time, will open the section between Istanbul airport and Kağıthane on January 22, 2023, according to the latest information given by the Minister of Transport.
1. Overview of the Istanbul Airport Metro (M11):
Line Name: M11 Gayrettepe–Istanbul Airport–Halkalı Metro Line.
Inauguration: The metro line officially opened in January 2023.
Route: The M11 line connects Istanbul Airport with key locations in the city, including Gayrettepe (Phase 1) and Halkalı (Phase 2).
Operation Hours: Generally operates from 6:00 AM to midnight, but check for updated schedules.
2. Metro Route Highlights:
Phase 1 (Gayrettepe - Istanbul Airport):
Direct connection from Istanbul Airport to Gayrettepe, with several stops along the way.
Gayrettepe is a major transfer hub that links to other metro lines like the M2 (Yenikapı–Hacıosman).
Phase 2 (Istanbul Airport - Halkalı):
Links Istanbul Airport to Halkalı, a key hub for the Marmaray suburban train line, which connects the European and Asian sides of Istanbul.
3. Travel Time and Frequency:
From Istanbul Airport to Gayrettepe: Approximately 30 minutes.
From Istanbul Airport to Halkalı: Approximately 24 minutes.
Train Frequency: Every 10–15 minutes, depending on the time of day.
4. Ticket Prices and Payment:
Payment Method: The Istanbulkart, a rechargeable transportation card used for all public transit in Istanbul.
Cost: A single journey from the airport on the metro costs around 15–20 TL, much cheaper than taxis or shuttles.
5. Facilities on the M11 Metro:
High-speed trains with modern amenities.
Ample space for luggage storage.
Seamless connectivity with other metro and public transport lines.
6. Transfer Options:
At Gayrettepe: Connect to the M2 line for easy access to Taksim, Levent, and Şişli.
At Halkalı: Transfer to the Marmaray suburban line for travel to Asian-side destinations like Kadıköy and Üsküdar.
7. Reaching Tourist Spots by Metro:
If you want to visit Istanbul's touristic spots from the airport by metro, transfer at Gayrettepe to the M2 metro line, which is shown in green on the metro map. With the M2 line, you can access major tourist destinations:
Taksim Square and Istiklal Street: Get off at Taksim station.
Grand Bazaar and Sultanahmet Square: Get off at Vezneciler station.
8. Alternative Route via Halkalı and Marmaray:
You can also travel to Halkalı via the Istanbul Airport–Halkalı Metro, which is currently under construction. From Halkalı, transfer to the Marmaray line, which connects the European and Asian sides of Istanbul. By taking Marmaray, you can reach Sirkeci Station, formerly known as the Orient Express terminal, making it another efficient route from Istanbul Airport to central and historical parts of the city.
9. Why Choose the Metro?
Affordable: Significantly cheaper than taxis or private transfers.
Fast: Avoids traffic congestion, especially during rush hours.
Environmentally Friendly: Reduces your carbon footprint.
