Istanbul Airport to the city by metro and bus
The M11 metro runs to Istanbul Airport (IST). How long it takes from every part of the city, how many transfers, which lines, first and last train, fares and the Havaist airport buses.
Last checked: · Source: TCDD Taşımacılık, Ministry of Transport: Gayrettepe–İstanbul Havalimanı 30 dakika (29.01.2024), Ministry of Transport: Halkalı–Arnavutköy hattı açılışı (19.06.2026)
- Rail to the airport: M11 metro (Gayrettepe – Halkalı).
- Taksim: ~41 min, 1 transfer, 88.54 TL
- Sultanahmet: ~61 min, 2 transfers, 122.94 TL
- Kadıköy: ~65 min, 2 transfers, 141.35 TL
- Yenikapı: ~50 min, 1 transfer, 88.54 TL
- First train from the airport 06:10, last 00:21 (weekdays).
Travel times to Istanbul Airport
Fastest rail and Metrobus route, in-vehicle and transfer time.
| From | Time | Transfers | Lines | Full fare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Halkalı | ~33 min | — |  | 47.89 TL |
| Mecidiyeköy | ~37 min | 1 |  | 88.54 TL |
| Zincirlikuyu | ~37 min | — | | 42.34 TL |
| Levent | ~37 min | 1 | | 88.54 TL |
| Taksim | ~41 min | 1 | | 88.54 TL |
| Altunizade | ~47 min | 1 |  | 88.54 TL |
| Kabataş | ~47 min | 2 | F1 | 122.94 TL |
| Yenikapı | ~50 min | 1 | | 88.54 TL |
| Eminönü | ~55 min | 3 |  F2 | 149.36 TL |
| Söğütlüçeşme | ~57 min | 1 | | 95.15 TL |
| Avcılar | ~57 min | 2 |  | 131.49 TL |
| Üsküdar | ~58 min | 2 |  | 134.74 TL |
| Bakırköy | ~58 min | 1 | | 95.63 TL |
| Bus Terminal (Esenler) | ~60 min | 3 |    | 149.36 TL |
| Sultanahmet | ~61 min | 2 | | 122.94 TL |
| Cevizlibağ | ~63 min | 1 | | 100.34 TL |
| Kadıköy | ~65 min | 2 |  | 141.35 TL |
| Bostancı | ~72 min | 2 | | 132.55 TL |
| Beylikdüzü | ~79 min | 2 | | 143.29 TL |
| Kartal | ~85 min | 2 | | 141.35 TL |
| Sabiha Gökçen Airport | ~99 min | 2 | | 141.35 TL |
Times exclude waiting; add about half the interval between trains for each boarding. "—" fare: the trip includes a line with a separate (TCDD) tariff.
Airport station
Istanbul Airport station: M11 metro. During the day there is a train about every 15 minutes.
In the terminal, follow the "Metro" signs.
First and last train
| First from airport | Last from airport | First from Gayrettepe | Last from Gayrettepe | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weekdays | 06:10 | 00:21 | 05:58 | 23:58 |
| Saturday | 06:10 | 00:21 | 05:58 | 23:58 |
| Sunday | 06:10 | 00:21 | 05:58 | 23:58 |
Source: TCDD Taşımacılık, 13.10.2026 itibarıyla.
Fare
The M11 metro fare depends on the number of stations: with an Istanbulkart, full fare 1–3 stations 37.40 TL, 4–6 stations 42.34 TL, 7–8 stations 47.89 TL, 9–10 stations 53.74 TL, 11–12 stations 59.90 TL, 13–14 stations 66.39 TL, 15–16 stations 73.19 TL; student 18.13–33.72 TL. The highest fare is charged when you enter; tap your card when you exit and the difference is refunded (İBB Assembly decision no. 813 of 17 July 2026).
Havaist buses: times and fares
| Route | To the airport | From the airport | Time | Fare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HVİST-7 Silivri / Çatalca | 05:30–21:15 | 07:15–23:15 | 120 min | 450 TL |
| HVL-1 Aksaray | 24 hours | 24 hours | 90 min | 470 TL |
| HVL-2 Avcılar/Beylikdüzü | 24 hours | 24 hours | 90 min | 460 TL |
| HVL-3 Otogar (Esenler) | 24 hours | 24 hours | 75 min | 370 TL |
| HVL-4 Merter/Bakırköy | 24 hours | 24 hours | 80 min | 420 TL |
| HVL-6 Kadıköy | 24 hours | 24 hours | 120 min | 515 TL |
| HVL-7 Bahçeşehir | 05:00–03:20 | 04:50–00:00 | 80 min | 350 TL |
| HVL-8 Halkalı | 05:50–03:30 | 04:40–02:20 | 90 min | 350 TL |
| HVL-9 Taksim | 24 hours | 24 hours | 90 min | 470 TL |
| HVL-11 Sabiha Gökçen HL | 24 hours | 24 hours | 120 min | 515 TL |
| HVL-13 Çatladıkapı (Sultanahmet) | 04:00–03:00 | 05:00–23:45 | 110 min | 470 TL |
First–last departure (daily). The fare is the operator's own ticket, not the Istanbulkart tariff. All departures on the route pages.
Other options
- To the other airport: by rail ~99 min, 2 transfers · Sabiha Gökçen Airport guide.
- Airport buses: 11 Havaist routes; times and fares above.
- Taxi: yellow taxis wait outside arrivals and use the meter; see the official tariff on our fares page.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a metro from Istanbul Airport to the city centre?
Yes, the M11 metro. From Taksim ~41 min (1 transfer), From Sultanahmet ~61 min (2 transfers), From Kadıköy ~65 min (2 transfers).
What time does the Istanbul Airport metro start and stop?
On weekdays the first train from the airport is at 06:10 and the last at 00:21. From Gayrettepe to the airport the first train is at 05:58 and the last at 23:58.
How much is the metro to Istanbul Airport?
The M11 metro fare depends on the number of stations: with an Istanbulkart, full fare 1–3 stations 37.40 TL, 4–6 stations 42.34 TL, 7–8 stations 47.89 TL, 9–10 stations 53.74 TL, 11–12 stations 59.90 TL, 13–14 stations 66.39 TL, 15–16 stations 73.19 TL; student 18.13–33.72 TL. The highest fare is charged when you enter; tap your card when you exit and the difference is refunded (İBB Assembly decision no. 813 of 17 July 2026).
How do I get from Istanbul Airport to Sabiha Gökçen Airport?
By rail about 99 minutes with 2 transfers: M4 → Metrobus → M11.
Can I take the metro with luggage?
Yes. Transfer stations are crowded in the morning and evening rush hours; avoid them with large suitcases if you can.
Do I need an Istanbulkart?
It is the cheapest way to pay. You can buy and top up an Istanbulkart at the yellow Biletmatik machines found in most metro stations. A single-ride card costs 65.00 TL, and contactless bank cards are accepted at many gates.
Related
Geldik is not an official transit operator site. Information is compiled from official sources and dated; check the operator's site before you travel.
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