Istanbul metro map: a simple map and line guide for visitors

Which lines matter for visitors?

Istanbul’s rail network is huge, but only a handful of lines are useful to a visitor. Our map shows just those, plus the stations closest to the sights:

• T1 tram (Kabataş – Bağcılar): Sultanahmet’s line. The Grand Bazaar (Beyazıt-Kapalıçarşı), the Spice Bazaar and ferries (Eminönü), Karaköy, Galataport (Tophane), and Dolmabahçe Palace and the island ferries (Kabataş) are all on it.
• M2 metro (Yenikapı – Hacıosman): Vezneciler near Süleymaniye, Şişhane near Galata Tower and the lower end of İstiklal Avenue, Taksim, and Gayrettepe for the M11.
• Marmaray (Halkalı – Gebze): runs from Sirkeci under the Bosphorus to Üsküdar in about 4 minutes; change to the M4 at Ayrılık Çeşmesi.
• M11 (Gayrettepe – Istanbul Airport – Halkalı): the Istanbul Airport metro.
• M4 (Kadıköy – Sabiha Gökçen Airport): the main Asian-side line and the Sabiha Gökçen metro.
• F1 funicular (Kabataş – Taksim): about 3 minutes up to Taksim Square.
• T5 tram and TF2 cable car: from Eminönü along the Golden Horn to Balat, Fener and Eyüp; from Eyüp by cable car up to Pierre Loti Hill.
• M1A / M1B: from Aksaray to the main intercity bus terminal (Otogar).

How do you get from Sultanahmet to the metro?

There is no metro station in Sultanahmet; the area’s rail link is the T1 tram. Change from the T1 to the metro and commuter lines at these stops:

• Sirkeci: Marmaray (towards Üsküdar, Ayrılık Çeşmesi and Sabiha Gökçen). The platforms are deep, so allow a few minutes on the escalators.
• Beyazıt-Kapalıçarşı: a 5–10 minute walk to the M2 at Vezneciler (towards Taksim, Gayrettepe and Istanbul Airport).
• Kabataş: F1 funicular to Taksim.
• Yusufpaşa: a few minutes’ walk to the M1 at Aksaray (bus terminal).
• Eminönü: T5 tram (Balat, Eyüp) and the ferries.

Step-by-step routes to Taksim, Galata, Kadıköy, Eyüp and both airports are in our guide getting around Istanbul from Sultanahmet.

Where is the official Istanbul metro map?

The official network map with every station and the lines under construction is on the “Network Maps” page of Metro Istanbul, the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality’s rail operator. Metro Istanbul holds the copyright, so we link to it rather than copy it. The map above is a simplified diagram we drew ourselves, focused on the lines visitors actually use; the colours are there to tell the lines apart.

Marmaray is run by TCDD Taşımacılık; check its website for timetables, and Şehir Hatları for ferry times. Up-to-date line maps are also posted in stations and on trains.

How do you pay on the metro?

Turnstiles take an Istanbulkart or a contactless bank card; no cash. The Istanbulkart is sold and topped up at machines in stations, and one card can be tapped separately for several people, while a contactless bank card covers one passenger each. With an Istanbulkart, transfers are discounted. See our guide to the Istanbulkart and the T1 tram for details.

Tips for the metro with kids and a stroller

• Avoid rush hour: on weekdays between 07:00–10:00 and 17:00–20:00 trains are packed.
• Find the lift first: most stations have one, but sometimes only at one entrance, and it may be out of service; allow extra time at deep stations (Sirkeci Marmaray, Şişhane).
• The T1 is low-floor: easy to board with a stroller; use the space by the doors.
• Mind the gap: hold small children’s hands when getting on and off.
• Walk short distances: most Sultanahmet sights are 5–15 minutes apart; see our Sultanahmet sightseeing map.

Can I download and use this map?

Yes. Use the button under the map to download it as a PNG, save it on your phone or print it; personal use is free. If you would like to use it on a website or in a post, a link back to this page is all we ask. We update the map when lines change; the date is printed under it.