Marmaray Istanbul – Routes, Stations, Transfers, Schedule, and 2025 Fares

Get a reloadable Marmaray fare card and tap-on/tap-off every ride to speed entrances, avoid queues, and keep your travel simple across Europe and Asia. Use it on the underwater line and connected links for a smooth start to the day.

The Marmaray line runs from Halkalı in the European west to Gebze on the Asian side, crossing the Bosphorus via an underwater tunnel. This setup lets you reach central districts in a single ride and connects with major hubs like Yenikapı for easy transfers to other rail or metro services.

For transfers, use central interchange points such as Yenikapı to switch to other metro or tram lines, and plan routes to reach districts like Bakırköy, Kadıköy, or Tuzla without leaving the network.

Schedule and frequency show trains daily from early morning to late evening, with headways around 4–6 minutes during peak periods and 8–12 minutes off-peak. Weekend maintenance may cause short gaps; consult the official timetable and real-time updates in the app.

Fares in 2025 are distance-based with a zone structure. A reloadable card covers Marmaray and linked networks, while tariff tables appear in the official app and on the website. Expect clear pricing for short hops and longer traverses, with discounts for frequent travelers when using the reloadable card.

Pro tip: For comfortable boarding during busy times, choose cars near the doors where foot traffic is lighter and you can reach a place to settle more quickly. Keep your card handy for seamless taps at the readers as you pass through entry points.

Marmaray Routes: Core Lines, Corridors, and Interchanges

Choose Halkalı-Gebze Marmaray as the backbone for daily commutes and cross-city trips. This multiple-line network runs with high frequency during peak hours and offers seamless access at Yenikapı, Sirkeci, Üsküdar, and other major interchanges. For travellers starting from kadıköy-tuzla or Kadıköy, the Marmaray tunnel delivers fast links to Halkalı or Gebze with minimal transfers; kadıköy-tuzla is listed in city policies as a priority corridor for future rail access expansion.

Key interchanges in the core network vary by corridor but share a single aim: fast transfers and broad access. Yenikapı links Marmaray with metro and tram connections, while Üsküdar connects with ferries and regional buses. Kazlıçeşme offers western access, and the Gebze area integrates with suburban lines.

Core lines form the Halkalı-Gebze spine across the city, delivering a rapid cross-city loop under the Bosporus via the Marmaray tunnel. An envisioned extension toward kadıköy-tuzla would widen access for multiple districts and support local mobility. City policies vary in timing and funding, yet planners prioritize seamless interchange design and service reliability.

Fare policies vary by zone and ticket type, and refunds depend on the issued product. Visit offices at major interchanges for service, while online options offer schedule details and refunds. Public travel operates under the Marmaray company, which operates across a global transit network and maintains offices to handle inquiries and refunds. Public options offer flexibility for travelers.

Demand remains high during morning and evening peaks; when you can, ride during shoulder times to reduce crowding. If you travel with family or luggage, a single public card offers access across lines and speeds up turns at gates. Visitors with a visa can use the same card system, and offices provide guidance on routes and refunds. In neighborhoods surrounding central mosques, note market hours and plan transfers accordingly.

Stations: Complete List of Marmaray Stops on the North–South Corridor

Book your bookings in advance through official channels to secure a seat and avoid queues. When planning direction, know where to board and use the ground line to cross the city efficiently. sirkeci serves as a convenient transfer point for connections into the tram network and other urban services.

West to east, the North–South Corridor stops include Halkalı, Kirazlı, Bakırköy, Yenikapı, Sirkeci, Üsküdar, Kadıköy, Maltepe, Kartal, Pendik, and Gebze.

Each station offers modern facilities and on-board devices that display real-time calling notices. The line supports multiple trains per hour, with well-coordinated schedules that keep you up to date using mobile apps, station boards, or announcements.

Discounts and opportunities exist for frequent travelers, students, and senior riders, and business users can benefit from priority seating and flawless service. The network provides reliable transport for work trips and daily commuting, which strengthens the economy.

Connections to airline terminals are straightforward when you plan a city trip that combines Marmaray with a flight. Use the line to reach airport-area hubs or intercity rail links; choose from multiple routes to reach your destination with minimal transfers. For care about ease, the system offers clear boards and multilingual announcements, while bookings remain the simplest path to a smooth ride.

Transfers: How to Connect Marmaray with Metro, Tram, and Other Rail Services

Get an Istanbulkart and use it for Marmaray, Metro, and Tram; online top-up options let you load fares before you arrive, and policies behind transfers keep you riding with a single tap. Tap on boarding and enjoy a flawless experience as you cross the Bosphorus that separates the sides of the city. Their system operates across both sides, and you just need to follow clearly marked signs to transfer within the window set by the fare rules behind the scenes. Storage lockers are available at many hubs for istanbulites who need to pace between trains, and security checks are routine but quick.

Key transfer hubs include Yenikapı on the European side, where Marmaray connects directly to the M2 metro, letting you reach districts like Şişli, Beşiktaş, and Bakırköy without backtracking. On the Asian side, Üsküdar links Marmaray to ferries and local rail options, expanding your choices beyond rail. Sirkeci Station on the European side provides a short walk to T1 tram connections, so you can reach the Historic Peninsula and beyond without a long transfer. These hubs minimize miles traveled across the city, and you can stay on a single card, just following the signs to the right platform.

fridays and peak hours bring higher passenger volumes, so check online timetables in advance and plan your transfers with extra time. Trains operate with frequent headways, and a transfer between Marmaray and a tram or metro remains straightforward behind clear signage. The window for completing a transfer is designed to be simple, so you can switch without paying extra if you stay within the policy limits. They maintain security while keeping lines moving, allowing you to board quickly even during busy periods.

Practical tips for istanbulites and business travelers: review the 2025 fares online and note that the same Istanbulkart applies everywhere, with adjustments by distance rather than by line. Their storage options let you keep bags safe while you test routes, and you can conduct a quick check online before you travel. Use the sides of Marmaray to explore across the Bosphorus without worrying about separate tickets. For a smooth experience, map your route by districts and check which connections are direct or require a platform change, especially on Fridays when crowds gather at key hubs.

Boarding reminders: approach the platform edge, tap your Istanbulkart at the reader, and board directly onto Marmaray. Keep baggage storage minimal and follow public announcements for the next stops. After alighting, use the signs to reach M2, T1, ferry piers, or other services, and repeat the tap if required. By planning ahead, every boarding becomes efficient and you stay within the fleet’s safety and security guidelines while enjoying seamless transfers between the sides you travel.

Schedule: Train Frequencies, Operating Hours, and Peak Times

Plan today around peak windows to minimize waits: dont miss the 07:00–09:00 and 17:00–20:00 periods, during which Marmaray offers every 4 minutes on the core line, offering fast connections across the Bosphorus. Today, always check the information line at the station for any starting-time tweaks tied into seasonal schedules.

• Operating hours: First trains start around 05:30–06:00 from key hubs on both sides of the Bosphorus; last trains run roughly 23:30–00:30, varying by day and holiday. Weekends may extend service later in the evening, so check today’s posted times at your station.
• Stations and access: The schedule covers the main sides–center, Sirkeci on the European side and Kadıköy on the Asian side–tied into the ground level concourses. Ground and field signage directs you to the right platform, and information desks host real-time updates.

• Peak times: The two busiest windows are 07:00–09:00 and 17:00–20:00. In these periods, trains run every 4 minutes on the core Marmaray metro line, reducing waiting times across the Bosphorus sites.
• Off-peak and late hours: Off-peak intervals are 6–8 minutes, with occasional 9–10 minute gaps toward outer sides or branches. Late evenings and Sundays may show 6–10 minute intervals depending on the area and day.

• Transfers and coverage: If you start at Sirkeci or Kadıköy, you can reach many international connections and local metrolines smoothly, with most transfers well integrated into the line’s rhythm. Information desks at each station provide which sides and which platforms are tied into your destination.
• Tips for planning: Use the information line to confirm today’s exact first/last trains, especially during holidays.Dont forget to factor in walking times between platforms at busy centers, and allow a few minutes for any crowding during peak lines.
• On-site amenities: Cafes and small shops on the ground floor areas near Sirkeci and Kadıköy offer quick bites during waits, a useful bonus when you have extra time today.

Helpful notes: Start early if you want the smoothest journey across the Bosphorus. The schedule is designed to serve both sides of the center and its surrounding areas, with information and sales desks ready to assist. Each station hosts clear boards that indicate which line is in operation and which direction you’re headed, making it easy to plan a trip that fits your day.

2025 Fares: Ticket Types, Prices by Zone, and Pass Options

Use Istanbulkart and load a 7-day pass if your plan includes several Marmaray rides this week.

Ticket Types

• Single-ride tickets: valid for one journey on the Marmaray line or connecting metro lines; payable with Istanbulkart or cash at entry turn and gates. These are suitable for human travelers who make occasional trips or start a new route from Sirkeci.
• Time-based passes: 24-hour and multi-day options that allow unlimited rides within the purchase window on the Marmaray line and other metro networks. Prices vary by zone and date; consult the official источник for exact values.
• Multi-ride cards: 10-ride or 20-ride packets that offer discount per trip and are convenient for frequent travelers in several districts. These are included in the balance you carry across line transfers.
• Discount options: reduced fares for students, seniors, and people with eligible status; require valid documentation at purchase or on entry, depending on the sales point.
• Refund policy: unused value can be refunded at staffed kiosks within a defined period; keep the sales receipt in case of a refund request.

Prices by Zone (2025)

1. Zone 1 – central districts (including Sirkeci and adjacent metro areas): single-ride fares generally sit in the lower end of the scale; 24-hour passes and short-term options provide the best value for a day of city travel, especially on weekends.
2. Zone 2 – outer urban districts: fares increase modestly for a single ride; day passes remain a solid option for visitors touring the Bosphorus corridor and airport-access routes with several transfers.
3. Zone 3 – farthest districts and cross-bosporus routes: expect the highest per-ride price; a weekly or multi-day pass often saves more on a full itinerary that includes flights connections and airport transfers.

Pass Options

• Best for occasional travelers: a single-ride ticket or a small multi-ride card; useful when you turn to the metro only a few times a day.
• Best for frequent travelers in these areas: a 24-hour pass or 7-day pass tied to Istanbulkart; provides included access across the metro network and Marmaray line, which helps with full-city exploration.
• Student and senior passes: include status-based discounts; apply at point-of-sale and at entry kiosks, with proof of eligibility.
• Airport and connections: if your plan includes airport flights and line transfers, a zone-appropriate pass can cover most moves in a single purchase; check the date and the exact zone map to avoid overpayment.
• Refunds and issues: if you encounter a faulty card or faulty turn, report the issue at the nearest sales point; refunds are issued for unused value or damaged cards according to the policy from the official sales channels.

Tips for planning your fare strategy

• Identify your district focus: jika you stay in Zone 1, a daily pass often beats multiple single rides, especially on weekends.
• Verify the date and fare status: these values vary seasonally; always check the latest schedule at the official source (источник).
• Consider parking and first-mile options: if you combine Marmaray with bus or metrobus legs, a bundled pass can reduce overall cost.
• Factor food and rest stops: many stations include nearby food vendors and seating; plan your route to minimize backtracking and maximize time in your destination district.
• Sales points and refunds: buy at official kiosks to ensure you can refund or adjust your pass if plans change.

Notes: these figures are indicative and may vary by date; verify exact fares, zones, and pass inclusions with the official Marmaray fare table and источник before purchase. If you need help with a specific route, tell me your start and end stations, and I’ll map the most cost-efficient option using the current 2025 fares.

Distance Between Marmaray Stops: Typical Stop-to-Stop Distances and Travel Times

To plan efficiently, youll know typical stop-to-stop distances and travel times across Marmaray. This helps you arrive on time and enjoy a seamless ride between pendik, söğütlüçeşme, and other stations. Use these numbers as a detailed baseline for your schedule and live departures planning.

Distances cluster around 1.5–2.5 km in the urban core and extend to 3–7 km on outer segments. Typical speeds yield 3–5 minutes per nearby stop and about 8–12 minutes for longer hops. In the Bosphorus-crossing portion, expect roughly 9–15 minutes for that single pass, depending on dwell times and service frequency. pendik is part of the eastern corridor and often sits 6–9 km from neighboring stops; routes toward söğütlüçeşme add 20–30 minutes in lighter traffic. This field of data supports efficient transfers and smoother planning.

Accessibility remains a priority, with step-free access at major stations and clear paths for pedestrians and cyclists. Departures are published in real time, and the policy framework aims to support businesses and retail clusters that line the Marmaray corridor.

Segment	Distance (km)	Travel time (min)	Notes
Urban core–adjacent stops	1.5–2.5	3–5	Short hops; good accessibility for retail and offices near stations.
Bosphorus crossing–central segment	8–12	9–15	Underground tunnel portion; dwell times influence timing; live departures help.
East suburban cluster	3–5	6–9	Pendik area; moderate demand with steady flow of passengers.
Pendik to söğütlüçeşme corridor	20–30	25–35	Longer run toward Kadıköy; plan for transfers and local activity.
Long west–east mainline	40–50	40–55	Largest span; align with multiple departures for efficiency.
Central loop–short hops	2–3	4–6	Typical for business trips and routine errands.

If you need a quick example, think about using pendik as a reference point and tracking the range to söğütlüçeşme. Youll access detailed planning data and tailor your routine to match live conditions while enjoying a smooth, rail trip with reliable schedules.

Accessibility and Station Facilities: Elevators, Ramps, Restrooms, and Info Points

Starting your Marmaray ride, check the information desk or station app for accessibility details before you go. Choose a starting station with elevators and ramps in the area you enter, so you can reach the transfer area with minimal stairs and maximize comfort with luggage or strollers.

Elevators and ramps are included in several stations, but coverage can vary by station age. Look for elevator icons on platform maps; if an elevator is out of service, information points can suggest a nearby alternative transfer area with a direct connection to another platform.

Restrooms near concourses include accessible options at most newer stations. Some restrooms require staff assistance or a key; plan for weather or crowds during busy periods, and use information points to request help.

Info points provide information on maps, weather, and service changes, with multilingual staff in european stations and those used by passengers from several continents. Use the information to explore routes, find food options nearby, and learn about emergency procedures. For planning your route, information points can offer starting transfer areas and potential connection times. If you need refunds or assistance for a disrupted trip, staff at information desks can offer help and explain passes.

As you travel, note the difference between stations: some have direct access from street level, others require a step or two. For a smooth transfer, check the starting area and the connection to related lines; some routes are tied to a single transfer area, which reduces extra walking and helps you explore the network efficiently. If you see mr20 signage near elevators, follow the code to reach the right level quickly.