03 · Istanbul Airport Transit

Istanbul Airport Metro & Bus: M11, M4, Havaist & HAVABUS

The cheapest Airport Istanbul transfer — and often the most reliable way into the city. The M11 metro covers Istanbul Airport (IST) to Gayrettepe in ~25 minutes for ~₺50, and the M4 connects Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) to Kadıköy in ~50 minutes. Pay-as-you-go with İstanbulkart or any contactless bank card — fares from ~₺27 to ~₺250 depending on the route.

Updated

M11 metro train — the dedicated Istanbul Airport line connecting IST to Gayrettepe
M11 metro train (2024) — the dedicated Istanbul Airport line. Image via Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA).

From Istanbul Airport (IST)

M11
Metro to Gayrettepe Transfer M2 to Taksim, Şişhane, Vezneciler. Trains every 8–10 min.
~25 min · ~₺50
HVIST-1
Havaist coach to Taksim Direct, runs 24/7, luggage racks. Ticket from machine or driver.
~60 min · ~₺200
HVIST-12
Havaist coach to Sultanahmet Best for old-city hotels. Pay by contactless or İstanbulkart.
~70 min · ~₺220
HVIST-14
Havaist coach to Kadıköy Crosses to the Asian side via the Eurasia Tunnel.
~90 min · ~₺250
İETT
City buses H-2, H-3 For nearby districts (Mahmutbey, Mecidiyeköy). Cheapest option.
~50 min · ~₺27

From Sabiha Gökçen (SAW)

M4
Metro to Kadıköy Transfer ferry to Eminönü or Karaköy on the European side.
~50 min · ~₺50
HAVABUS
Coach to Taksim The classic SAW airport bus. Frequent departures around the clock.
~75 min · ~₺180
HAVABUS
Coach to Kadıköy Faster than the metro if your hotel is near the ferry side.
~50 min · ~₺140
İETT
City bus E-10 to Kadıköy Cheap option, runs day and night. Limited luggage space.
~75 min · ~₺27
İETT
City bus MR-60 to Pendik metro Connect to M4 metro for cheaper onward travel.
~20 min · ~₺27

İstanbulkart — your single ticket

Where to buy

Vending machines at every metro station, kiosks at IST & SAW arrivals.

How much

~₺130 for the card itself, then top up any amount. Fares deducted per tap.

Where it works

Metro, tram, bus, ferry, funicular, Marmaray and the Havaist/HAVABUS coaches.

Travelling solo for a day or two? Skip the card — most lines now accept any contactless bank card directly at the turnstile.

M11 metro stops — Istanbul Airport to Gayrettepe

The M11 is the dedicated Istanbul Airport metro line. It opened in 2023 and runs entirely underground after the airport stop. Direction: İstanbul Havalimanı → Gayrettepe.

  • İstanbul HavalimanıInside IST terminal, lower levelStart
  • GöktürkNorthern suburb, residential~8 min
  • KağıthaneInner-city transfer hub, M7 connection~18 min
  • HacıosmanM2 northern terminus connection (Sarıyer direction)~22 min
  • GayrettepeM2 transfer for Taksim, Şişhane, Vezneciler~25 min

From Gayrettepe, the M2 takes you to Taksim in two more stops (~6 min). Total Istanbul Airport → Taksim by metro: ~35 min.

M4 metro stops — Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Kadıköy

The M4 is the Sabiha Gökçen Airport metro line on the Asian side, extended to SAW in 2022. Direction: Sabiha Gökçen Havalimanı → Kadıköy.

  • Sabiha Gökçen HavalimanıSAW terminal entrance, follow signsStart
  • Tavşantepe / Yayalar / KurtköyEastern Asian-side districts~10 min
  • PendikMajor Marmaray transfer for Halkalı / Gebze~18 min
  • Maltepe / Bostancı / SuadiyeCoastal Asian-side neighbourhoods~30 min
  • Ayrılık ÇeşmesiMarmaray transfer to Yenikapı / European side~45 min
  • KadıköyFerry terminal for Eminönü / Karaköy on European side~50 min

From Kadıköy, the ferry to Eminönü or Karaköy takes ~20 min and runs every 15–20 min during the day.

FAQ · Istanbul Airport Metro & Bus

Istanbul Airport metro & bus — frequently asked

Common questions about getting from IST and SAW by metro, Havaist or HAVABUS coach. Click any item to expand.

What metro line goes to Istanbul Airport?

The M11 line connects Istanbul Airport (IST) to Gayrettepe on the European side. Trains run every 8–10 minutes from inside the terminal. Transfer at Gayrettepe to the M2 line for Taksim, Şişhane and Vezneciler.

How long does the metro take from Istanbul Airport to the city centre?

The M11 covers Istanbul Airport (IST) to Gayrettepe in about 25 minutes. Add another 10 minutes for the M2 transfer to Taksim. Total journey roughly 35–40 minutes door-to-door including walking and transfer.

How much does the Istanbul Airport metro cost?

Around ₺50 per ride with İstanbulkart or any contactless bank card (Visa/Mastercard). Pay at the turnstile by tapping. The same rate applies to onward transfers within the metro network for about 2 hours.

What are the operating hours of the M11 Istanbul Airport metro?

The M11 runs roughly 06:00 to 00:00 every day. There is no overnight service. If your flight lands between midnight and 06:00, use the Havaist coach (24/7) or an official taxi from the rank outside arrivals.

What metro line goes to Sabiha Gökçen Airport?

The M4 line connects Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) to Kadıköy on the Asian side in about 50 minutes. From Kadıköy you can take a ferry to Eminönü or Karaköy on the European side.

Is there a bus from Istanbul Airport to the city?

Yes. Havaist coaches run 24/7 from IST to Taksim (HVIST-1), Sultanahmet (HVIST-12), Kadıköy (HVIST-14) and other major districts. From SAW the HAVABUS coach goes to Taksim and Kadıköy. İETT city buses (H-2, H-3, E-10) cover nearby districts for ~₺27.

How do I get to Taksim from Istanbul Airport by metro?

From Istanbul Airport (IST): take the M11 to Gayrettepe (~25 min). Transfer to the M2 line and ride two stops to Taksim. Total journey roughly 35–40 minutes. Cost ~₺50 with İstanbulkart.

What is the cheapest way from Istanbul Airport to the city?

The İETT city bus (lines H-2 or H-3) at ~₺27 is the cheapest option from IST — but slow, and luggage space is limited. For most travellers the M11 metro at ~₺50 is the best value: fast, predictable and step-free with dedicated luggage space.