Marmaray Metro Istanbul: 2025/2026 Guide to Stations, Map & Prices

The Marmaray isn’t just a train line; it is an engineering marvel that fundamentally changes how you navigate Istanbul. While ferries are romantic and bridges are iconic, the Marmaray is the only way to cross from Europe to Asia in four minutes flat, completely bypassing the city’s legendary traffic jams.

Running deep beneath the Bosphorus Strait, this commuter line is the backbone of the city’s transit system. Whether you are a daily commuter or a tourist trying to see both sides of the city in one day, mastering the Marmaray is essential. If you need a broader look at how this connects to ferries and buses, check out our master guide to Transportation in Istanbul.

What is the Marmaray?

The Marmaray line spans 76.6 kilometers, connecting Gebze on the far Asian side to Halkalı on the European side. As of 2025, it serves 43 stations, acting as the primary artery for Istanbul’s workforce.

The core of the system is the immersed tube tunnel under the Bosphorus. It renders the crossing weather prooffog, storms, and snow don’t stop the Marmaray. This reliability has made it a magnet for business; many of the largest companies in Turkey have established headquarters along this route to ensure their employees can actually get to work on time.

The Scale: In 2024 alone, over 220 million passengers used the line. By December 2024, daily ridership hit a record 740,000 people. It’s crowded, it’s fast, and it works.

A 150-Year Old Dream

Connecting the continents underground wasn’t a modern idea. It was first dreamed up in 1860 during the reign of Sultan Abdülmecid. French engineers even drew up blueprints in 1892 for Sultan Abdülhamid II, but the technology simply didn’t exist to build a tunnel that deep underwater.

The vision sat on paper for over a century until the 1980s, when Istanbul’s traffic became unbearable. In 2004, with funding from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the European Investment Bank, construction finally began. On October 29, 2013, the dream became reality as the first section opened. Today, it is as vital to the city as the Bosphorus itself.

Stations & Key Connections

There are 43 stops, but as a visitor, you only need to memorize three key hubs:

• Yenikapı: The “Grand Central” of Istanbul. Transfer here for Metro M1 (Airport line) and M2 (Taksim/Şişli).
• Sirkeci: The heart of the Old City. Step out here for the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and the T1 Tram.
• Üsküdar: The gateway to Asia. Transfer here for Metro M5 or walk out to the seaside for sunset views of the Maiden’s Tower.

Operating Hours:
Trains generally run from 06:00 to 23:00. On weekends (Friday and Saturday nights), service often extends until 01:20 AM. Trains run frequently, every 8 to 15 minutes depending on the time of day.

Marmaray Ticket Prices (2025)

The Marmaray uses a “Pay for-Distance” system. This confuses many first time users. When you tap your Istanbulkart at the entrance, the system deducts the maximum possible fare (for the full 43 stops).

The Golden Rule: When you exit at your destination, you must tap your card again at the “İade Makinesi” (Refund Machine) located near the turnstiles. The machine calculates your actual distance and instantly refunds the difference to your card. If you walk past this machine, you have paid for a trip to Gebze, even if you only went one stop.

Current Standard Fares (as of January 2025):

Students and teachers enjoy discounted rates ranging from 13.18 ₺ to 27.00 ₺. Note that the standard “transfer discount” (Aktarma) used on buses does not apply to the Marmaray in the same way due to this tiered pricing structure.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Ride

• Don’t Forget the Refund: We cannot stress this enough. Look for the small silver machines that say “İade” before you leave the station.
• One Card, One Refund: If you are using one Istanbulkart for a group (tapping for 3 people), only the first person gets the refund. The other two will be charged the maximum fare. It is cheaper for everyone to have their own card.
• Airport Security Style: Marmaray security is tighter than the metro. Expect metal detectors and bag scanners at the entrance.
• Personalized Cards: If you are a resident using a discounted card (Student/Teacher), never let anyone else use it. The fine is steep, and they will confiscate your card immediately.

Bringing Your Bike

Istanbul is slowly becoming more cycle friendly. The Marmaray supports this, but with strict timing rules to avoid crushing commuters.

• Folding Bikes: Allowed anytime, free of charge, as long as they are folded.
• Standard Bikes: Allowed only during off peak hours (09:00-16:00 and 20:00–End of Service).
• Weekends & Holidays: You can bring your bike anytime on Sundays and national holidays. This is a great way to explore the Public Holidays in Turkey by cycling along the coastal promenades of the Asian side.

Travelling with Pets

Istanbul loves its animals, but the subway has rules:

• Small Pets: Cats, small dogs, and birds are welcome if they are in a carrier cage (max dimensions 55x35x30 cm).
• Guide Dogs: Assistant dogs are allowed anytime without a cage but must be leashed and wear their vest.

Living Along the Line

The Marmaray connects vastly different worlds, from the historic peninsula to the modern residential towers of Halkalı and the quieter, greener Asian suburbs like Suadiye and Maltepe. For expats, living near a Marmaray station is a strategic moveit gives you easy access to the city center without the chaotic rental prices of Beyoğlu.

If you are considering settling down in these areas, check out our guide to Renting in Istanbul to understand the different neighborhoods this train line unlocks.

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