Travel Tips to Get to Istanbul Airport using Metro Line 11
A modern and quite comfortable way of getting to Istanbul Airport is the metro, the M11 line which is the newest addition to the transportation means in the city. You now can get a direct efficient and cheap means from some of the strategic points in Istanbul to the airport; whether you are a tourist or just a civilian who wants to take an early morning flight on a business matter, taking the metro is much easier than having to go through traffic jams.
Istanbul Airport Metro Line M11: Routes and Features
The most anticipated Metro Line M11 started its operation in January 2023. The M11 Metro Line is also called the Istanbul Airport Metro and it is an amazing addition to the already spectacular array of transport options in Istanbul. This line is planned to link IST and Istanbul through the city and is very popular among the tourists and residents of the city.
The M11 is an automated without-operator train and the length is 51.5 km/32 miles that connect to Gayrettepe Station in Istanbul and Halkali. It is the second longest subway line in Europe as the whole line is laid underground.
The m11 metro travels at approximately 120km/h (74.55mph). The transportation line is the fastest means of public transport in Turkey. It has a passenger throughput of up to 800000 passengers per day. Comfort is also a benefit. The trains are quite modern, equipped with all the newest features and provide a rather comfortable means of transfer.
Connectivity: Istanbul M11 Metro Stops
Istanbul Airport Metro Line serves 10 stations. After leaving the airport, M11 stops at Ihsaniye and Gokturk before continuing to Hasdal and Kagithane. Moreover, the M11 also connects IST Airport with Tasoluk and Arnavutkoy in the opposite direction. The m11 metro stations are:
- Gayrettepe
- Kağıthane
- Üniversite-Hasdal
- Kemerburgaz
- Göktürk
- İhsaniye
- Istanbul Airport
- Kargo Terminali
- Taşoluk
- Arnavutköy
The M11 line connects Istanbul Airport with Gayrettepe as well as Kagithane. This allows easy access to other areas of the city through metro transfers. The new line will make travel to and from Istanbul Airport much easier. Passengers can easily switch to other metro lines or buses, as well as regional trains.
The Istanbul Airport Metro Station
The new metro station at Istanbul International Airport is located on the front of the parking lot, opposite Exit 11. It is easily accessible as it is only 300 meters from the terminal entrance. Despite the fact that the IST terminal can be large, it is difficult to reach the metro station. IST airport Metro station provides all amenities and facilities for its passengers. There are baby care rooms, health rooms, prayer rooms and money exchange offices within the station's premises.
The Schedule of Istanbul Airport Metro Line
The m11 metro line runs every 15-20 minutes. This makes it easy for passengers to get a ride no matter when they arrive at Istanbul Airport. Istanbul airport metro doesn't run at night.
Line M11 will make several stops to reduce its travel time. The subway ride from Istanbul International Airport takes 24 minutes. However, the Istanbul Airport Metro line only needs 12 minutes to reach Gokturk, in the Eyup District. During off-peak hours, trains run less frequently but still at reasonable intervals, every 15-20 minutes.
- Istanbul Airport to Gayrettepe: runs between 06.15 and 00:15
- Istanbul Airport to Arnavutkoy: runs between 06.43 and 1:23
- Gayrettepe - Istanbul Airport: operates between 06:00 and 00:40
Metro Fares & Prices from and to Istanbul Airport
No cash or bank cards can be used to buy subway tickets; instead, a rechargeable Istanbulkart card must be purchased and loaded up. Istanbul airport metro tickets can only be obtained with this card. Each Istanbulkart costs 130L (3.46EUR/3.83$). You can load up your Istanbulkart with automatic machines located near airport subway stations - some devices accept cash while others only credit card payments.
The cost of the ticket depends on how many stops you have traveled:- 1-3 stop journey costs 20L (0.53EUR/0.58$)
- 4-6 stops costs 22.81L (0.61EUR/0.67$)
- 7-8 stops costs 25.80L (0.69EUR/0.76$)
- 9-10 stations costs 28.95L (0.77EUR/0.85$)
The longer route (from Istanbul Airport to Gayrettepe), however, includes seven stations. Children under 6 years of age travel free. Remember that the full fare will be charged to your card at the start of the journey. If the fare to your alighting point is less, you will receive the difference when you leave the disembarking area.
Istanbulkart doesn't work as a personal ticket. A single Istanbulkart card can be used for up to five passengers. If you are traveling in a group, then only one card can be purchased and used for both transfers. Istanbulkarts have a monthly limit of 500L (13.29/14.67$).
Please note that the timetables, prices and schedules may change at any time. You can download Moovit or the official Istanbul Metro app to get real-time updates on schedules, service changes and other information.
Future Expansion Plans of M11 Line
Istanbul is expanding its transportation infrastructure and the M11 line is a part of it. Istanbul Airport's connectivity will improve as more stops and lines are added.
The modern metro line is not only a quick and efficient option for taxis or shuttles, but it's also a cost-effective alternative. This makes it a great choice for budget-conscious travellers. Compare the different transport options available from Istanbul Airport into the city centre:
M11 Metro: Approx. 44 Minutes will take you to Gayrettepe for a cost of approximately 25,62 Turkish Lira.
Taxis: Approx. 40 to 70 minutes with prices ranging between 1,000 TL and 1,300 TL depending on traffic.
Havaist Bus: Approx. between 60 and 90 minutes. around 204 TL.
The line is the fastest and most affordable option for those who want to travel quickly and affordably, especially in rush hour when buses and taxis can be delayed by traffic.
