To get around Istanbul from Sirkeci, start with the nearby stations and choose the rail connection that fits your destination.
The M4 metro line serves Kadıköy and Sabiha Gökçen Airport, with transfers to Marmaray, Metrobus and another metro line along the way. For the trip from the airport to Sirkeci, this route from Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Sirkeci covers the journey.
- The M4 runs between Kadıköy and Sabiha Gökçen Airport.
- İstanbulkart products include reusable cards and single- to multi-pass options.
Start with the Sirkeci connections
Sirkeci station and Gülhane and Eminönü stations are all within walking distance. For more neighborhood context, read what to know about Sirkeci.
From Sirkeci, first identify the station or line that serves your destination; the M4 information below describes connections on the Asian side, rather than a complete route from Sirkeci. For a trip that begins at the airport, the M4 section below covers the rail line serving Sabiha Gökçen Airport.
Using Istanbul’s rail and tram network
Metro Istanbul’s M4 is a 33.5 km line with 23 stations, running between Kadıköy and Sabiha Gökçen Airport. Its stops include Ayrılık Çeşmesi, Ünalan and Kozyatağı, where you can connect with other transit services.
At Ayrılık Çeşmesi, M4 connects with Marmaray; at Ünalan, it connects with Metrobus; and at Kozyatağı, it connects with the M8 Bostancı–Parseller Metro Line. Kadıköy is the M4’s western terminus.
The line opened between Kadıköy and Kartal in 2012, reached Ayrılık Çeşmesi in 2013 and extended to Sabiha Gökçen Airport in 2022. For the onward island connection, how to take a Princes’ Islands day trip from Sirkeci is a useful route to plan alongside these transfers.
Ferries from Eminönü
Eminönü is a station within walking distance of Sirkeci, but the available route facts do not establish ferry routes or schedules from there. At Kadıköy station, however, you can transfer between the M4 and city ferries, sea buses and sea motorboats.
Tickets, fares and transfers
İstanbulkart options include cards and passes for different numbers of rides. Prices are subject to change, so check the official site before you go.
- Standard İstanbulkart: ₺165; İstanbulkart Plus: ₺140.
- One- to five-pass products, BİRgeç through BEŞgeç: ₺65, ₺120, ₺185, ₺230 and ₺275, respectively.
- Six- to ten-pass products, ALTIgeç through ONgeç: ₺330, ₺385, ₺430, ₺480 and ₺530, respectively.
- SMS QR: ₺65.
Choosing a route for the historic centre
For a trip around Sirkeci, begin with the nearby stations; for a journey toward Kadıköy or Sabiha Gökçen Airport, the M4’s stations and transfer points can help you plan the rail portion.
Use current Metro Istanbul and İstanbulkart information to confirm operating details and fares before setting out. Sirkeci station is about a 1-minute walk from Viva Deluxe, a hotel in Istanbul.
FAQs
Where does the M4 metro line run?
The M4 runs between Kadıköy and Sabiha Gökçen Airport and has 23 stations.
Where can you transfer from the M4?
Transfers include Marmaray at Ayrılık Çeşmesi, Metrobus at Ünalan and the M8 at Kozyatağı. Kadıköy station also connects with ferries, sea buses and sea motorboats.
What İstanbulkart products are available?
Options include standard and Plus cards, passes covering one to ten rides, and SMS QR. Check the official İstanbulkart fare page for current prices.