Quick answer
- Line: M11 from Istanbul Airport to Gayrettepe (9 stations). Since 20 June 2026 it also runs to Halkalı.
- To Sultanahmet: M11 to Gayrettepe, M2 to Vezneciler, then the T1 tram. About 60 to 75 minutes plus changes.
- Pay: Istanbulkart or contactless bank card. About ₺80 to the old city.
- Night and big bags: roughly 06:00 to midnight only, and the changes mean long walks.
The M11 line at a glance
The M11 runs 69 km from Gayrettepe through Istanbul Airport to Halkalı, with a top speed of 120 km/h. From the airport, take the train towards Gayrettepe for central Istanbul.
| From the airport towards Gayrettepe | Useful for |
|---|---|
| İhsaniye, Göktürk, Kemerburgaz, Hasdal, Kağıthane | Northern suburbs |
| Gayrettepe | Change to the M2 metro for Taksim, Şişhane and the old city |
Going the other way, towards Halkalı, the line ends at Halkalı station, which has Marmaray suburban trains.
Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet by metro
- M11 to Gayrettepe
Follow the metro signs from arrivals. Ride to the last stop, Gayrettepe.
- M2 to Vezneciler
Change to the M2 towards Yenikapı and get off at Vezneciler.
- T1 tram to Sultanahmet
Walk to the nearest T1 tram stop (Laleli-Üniversite or Beyazıt-Kapalıçarşı) and take the tram towards Kabataş. Get off at Sultanahmet.
For Taksim, change at Gayrettepe to the M2 towards Yenikapı and get off at Taksim.
Paying and hours
- Istanbulkart or a contactless bank card at the gates.
- About ₺80 from the airport to Sultanahmet in 2026, far cheaper than Havaist or a taxi.
- Plan on trains from about 06:00 to midnight. Arriving at night? Take Havaist or a taxi.
Questions travellers ask
Is there a metro from Istanbul Airport to the city?
Yes. The M11 line runs from Istanbul Airport to Gayrettepe in the city, where you change to the M2 metro. Since 20 June 2026 it also runs the other way to Halkalı, where it meets the Marmaray line.
How long does the M11 metro take?
From the airport to Gayrettepe is 9 stations. To reach Sultanahmet with the M2 and the T1 tram, allow about 60 to 75 minutes plus time to change trains.
How do I pay for the Istanbul Airport metro?
With an Istanbulkart or a contactless bank card at the gates.
Does the airport metro run all night?
Plan on roughly 06:00 to midnight. At night use Havaist or a taxi.
Can I take big suitcases on the M11?
You can, but the changes at Gayrettepe and on the way to the old city mean long walks and stairs. With big bags Havaist or a taxi is easier.
Keep reading
Istanbul Airport layover
Can you leave, how long you need, and how to get to Sultanahmet and back in time.
Touristanbul free tour
Check in seconds if you qualify for the free Turkish Airlines city tour and which tour fits your times.
Havaist airport bus
Where to catch it, what it costs, how to pay, and when Havaist beats the metro or a taxi.
Turkish Airlines free stopover hotel
Free hotel nights in Istanbul on a long Turkish Airlines connection: who qualifies and how to apply in time.
Istanbul transit visa
Do you need a visa to change planes or leave Istanbul Airport? Check your passport in seconds.
Emirates baggage allowance
How many kg your fare includes, cabin bag size, and a checker for your own bags.
Qatar Airways baggage allowance
Your kg allowance by fare, cabin bag limits, and a checker for your own bags.
- Istanbul Airport, Airport transportation (M11 stations and opening dates), checked 16 October 2026.
- Wikipedia, M11 (Istanbul Metro) (length, speed, Halkalı extension).
- Lost in Istanbul, airport to Sultanahmet (route via M2 and T1, fare and hours, April 2026).