Istanbul Metro Lines (2025)

Istanbul metro 2025 offers one of the fastest and most affordable ways to explore the city. With new stations, airport links and easier access to museums, this updated network saves both time and money. Whether you are heading to the Old City or catching a flight, the metro system in 2025 makes your trip smooth.

Key Metro Lines and Airport Access

M11: Istanbul Airport to Gayrettepe

The new M11 line connects Istanbul Airport to Gayrettepe in about 24 minutes. This line opened in phases and now offers direct service every few minutes.
If you’re arriving at IST Airport, taking M11 is the fastest way to reach the city without sitting in traffic. From Gayrettepe, you can easily transfer to M2 or the Metrobus system.

M4: Kadikoy to Sabiha Gokcen Airport

Travelers heading to Sabiha Gokcen Airport can now use the M4 line. It runs across 33.5 km on the Asian side and includes 23 stations.
This line is great for tourists staying around Kadikoy or exploring the Asian neighborhoods.

European and Asian Side Lines Overview

Istanbul now has 11 active metro lines, with 159 stations open and over 30 still being built.

• On the European side, lines include M1A, M1B, M2, M3, M6, M7, M9 and M11.
• The Asian side features M4, M5 and M8.

The Marmaray line connects both sides under the Bosphorus. You can cross continents in just a few minutes.

If you're planning Small Group Tour, use Marmaray to reach Sultanahmet faster and avoid traffic delays.

Tourist and Museum Transfers

M2: Yenikapi to Haciosman

This is the best metro line for tourists. It passes key areas such as Taksim, Sisli and Levent.
From Yenikapi, you can walk to the Marmaray or ferries. Stops like Vezneciler and Sultanahmet are close to Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Grand Bazaar.
You can also switch to the F1 funicular at Taksim to go down to Kabatas and catch ferries or trams.

Tram Connections: T1 and T5

Tram T1 is very useful for visiting museums and historical sites. It goes through Eminonu, Gulhane, and Sultanahmet.
T5 runs along the Golden Horn, passing by Eyup and Balat.

Save Time and Money on Public Transport

To save money, always use an Istanbulkart. This single card works on all buses, trams, ferries, and metro lines. You can top it up at any station.
Avoid peak travel hours from 7 to 9 AM and from 5 to 7 PM for a more comfortable ride.
On weekends and holidays, some lines also offer night service. This is great if you are planning a late dinner or nightlife activity.

City Development and Future Extensions

By mid-2025, Istanbul’s metro system has expanded even more.
The M11 line is being extended from Arnavutkoy Hospital to Halkali. This will connect western suburbs directly to the airport.
New lines like M5 to Sultanbeyli and M12 to Camlica are also under development on the Asian side.
The goal is to reach 717 km of metro lines by 2030. This will make Istanbul one of the top cities in the world for fast urban transport.

If you plan to visit the Camlica Mosque, the future M12 line will make the journey easier.

How to Use the Expanded Network Efficiently

• Plan your route before starting

Use mobile apps or ask station staff for maps. Always check which lines are faster.
For cross-city trips, combine Marmaray with the metro.

• Use the M11 line from Istanbul Airport

Avoid taxi queues. M11 takes you to Gayrettepe quickly, where you can transfer to many other lines.

• Reaching Sabiha Gokcen

Take Marmaray to Ayrilik Cesmesi, then switch to M4. It’s fast and much cheaper than private transfers.

• Explore historical areas with metro + tram

Take M2 to Vezneciler or Haliç, then walk or hop on T1. It saves time and avoids long traffic routes.

• Connect to Kadikoy for food and shopping

Use M4 or Marmaray to Kadikoy. You’ll find local markets, street food and seaside views.

Istanbul Metro in 2025 is modern, clean and reliable. It connects airports, museums, shopping streets and neighborhoods easily. You don’t need to spend hours in traffic or waste money on taxis. The updated network brings comfort to your city trip.

For the best experience, always carry your Istanbulkart and download a transit map on your phone. If you want to explore deeply and comfortably, book a tour that includes public transport routes. It will save your energy and make your visit richer.

Need help planning your route or want to enjoy a local experience without stress? Contact us for private tours that use Istanbul’s smart metro system. We’ll make your trip smoother, faster and full of real city life.