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Just in time for the summer 2023 travel season, two new metro lines have opened in Istanbul — finally connecting the city’s two airports with its mass public transportation system.
Gone are the days when travelers to and from Istanbul’s two airports have to sit for hours in traffic on their way to the popular city center districts for tourists.
Tourists tend to like Taksim, Sultanahmet, and Galata on the European side of the city. Kadikoy is popular with tourists on the Asian side of Istanbul.
The New M11 Kagithane-Istanbul Airport Line
Istanbul Airport (IST), one of the world’s biggest airports and Europe’s busiest airport in 2022, is now connected by a 34- kilometer (approx. 21 miles) fast train to the Kagithane station.
It’s now Turkey’s fastest metro! Trains speed towards the city center at up to 120 kilometers per hour.
The new M11 Kagithane-Istanbul Airport line has a daily capacity of carrying 800,000 passengers quickly to and from the airport, and will totally change the game for upcoming travelers.
Why You Should Use The High-Speed Metro Line
If you are thinking about opting for a 10-12 hour layover or making Istanbul a longer stop, choosing to take the new fast trains from the airport is smart. Most importantly, it saves you the hassle of sitting in the back of a taxi, bus, or private shuttle van.
Istanbul is consistently ranked at or near the top as one of the most congested cities in the world. In 2021, it had a congestion rate of 62%!
So this means Istanbul’s population spends an average of 19 minutes longer in traffic for every 30-minute ride.
Why You Should Travel to Istanbul
Stradling Europe and Asia, Istanbul is a massive city of over 15 million people. Istanbul’s historical importance means it is a bucket-list destination for millions of tourists every year.
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UNESCO world heritage sites such as 6th century Hagia Sophia to the 15th century Topkapi Palace highlight the lasting influence on both Europe and Asia over the past 2,000 years.
In addition to its rich history and culture, Istanbul is a kind of heaven for shoppers. The Grand Bazaar, also located in Sultanahmet, is one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. You can find jewelry, spices, textiles, and more.
When it comes to cuisine, the food in Turkey is renowned for its rich flavors and variety – from mouth-watering kebabs to yummy baklava.
It’s safe to say Istanbul’s food scene is a foodie’s delight, with tasty dishes around every corner of the city.
New Metro Lines Conveniently Transport Visitors With Ease
Note you will still have to transfer lines to get to the tourist districts of the city, like Taksim or Sultanahmet.
However, the 47- kilometer distance from Sultanahmet to Istanbul Airport (IST), which used to take at least an hour and a half by taxi or private shuttle (and much longer during the morning and evening rush hours), now only takes around an hour.
How To Travel From Istanbul Airport (IST) To Sultanahmet
To get to Sultanahmet from Istanbul Airport (IST):
- Take the M11 Kagithane – Istanbul Airport Metro line to the Kagithane Station.
- Transfer to the M7 Yildiz – Mahmutbey Metro Line.
- In 2 stops, get off at the Mecidiyekoy station.
- Take the M2 Yenikapi – Haciosman Metro Line to the Taksim station.
- Then take the F1 Taksim – Kabatas Funciular line to Kabatas.
- Lastly, take the T1 Kabatas – Bagcilar Tram line 7 stops to the Sultanahmet Station.
How To Travel From Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) To Sultanahmet
Likewise, Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW), located on the Asia side of the city, is now directly connected to the metro lines too.
You can easily reach Sultanahmet by taking the M4 Kadikoy – Sabiha Gökçen Havalimani Metro Line to the Ayrilik Cesmesi Station and switching to the Marmaray train.
In two stops, you can reach the Sirkeci Station near Sultanahmet.
Traveling Inter-City From The Two Istanbul Airports
Traveling onwards by high-speed train to destinations such as Ankara, Eskesehir, and Konya is easily and quickly reached via the Asian side of the city as well by taking the M4 Kadikoy – Sabiha Gökçen Havalimani Metro Line to the Pendik Station.
It is a one-kilometer walk to the Pendik Turkish State Railways Station (TCDD).
Hours Of Operation And Cost
Istanbul’s metro system is open from 6 am-midnight daily, and the fare is currently less than a dollar USD per metro line and payable by cash or credit card in kiosks located within each station.
The metro system guarantees you will beat the street traffic that experts warn is threatening to hit traffic deadlock if more measures to thwart it aren’t implemented soon.
Plan on arriving at the airport at least 1.5 hours before domestic flights and 2.5 hours before international flights.
Be aware that Istanbul Airport (IST) is massive, and distances inside the airport are far apart.
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This article originally appeared on outoftownblogs.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
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