The Marmaray Tunnel is a 13,6 km tunnel, partially running under the Bosphorus, and connecting the existing train railways on Istanbul’s European and Asian side. This public transportation project, inaugurated in October 2013, is another attempt to ease the traffic over both Bosphorus bridges by offering people an alternative on rails. So, how can this be of any use for tourists?
The Marmaray Line – Now and Later
The Marmaray Project is a rail transportation project to connect the existing suburban train networks on the Asian and European side of Istanbul with a 13,6 tunnel. Hence the name Marmaray, a combination of the Sea of Marmara and ray, rail in Turkish.
This tunnel runs from Kazlıçeşme on the European side to Ayrılık Çeşmesi on the Asian side, with a 1,4 km stretch under the Bosphorus. For this purpose, the government also created five new (underground) stations or platforms: Kazlıçeşme, Yenikapı, Sirkeci, Üsküdar, and Ayrılık Çeşmesi. This part of the project is finished, operational and takes 16 minutes in total. You can take trains between 6:00 and midnight, and catch one every five minutes during rush hour, every 7-10 minutes otherwise. A ride costs 2,15 TL per person with Istanbul Kart, 4 TL if you buy a single ticket or token.
However, to integrate the Marmaray line into the existing suburban or banlieu train network, those old trains, rails, and stations need to be modernized. This upgrade is still a work in progress, with no estimate on the completion date. Eventually, you will be able to take the train from Halkalı on the European side to Gebze on the Asian side. But for now, the train only runs between the above mentioned five stations. You can find more information on the official Marmaray website (Turkish)
Marmaray for Tourists
Let’s first go over the current stops in a bit more detail (also see map):
- Kazlıçeşme — Kazlıçeşme
- Yenikapı — interchange station to M1a and M2
- Sirkeci — Sirkeci train station, Eminönü, ferry docks
- Üsküdar — Üsküdar
- Ayrılık Çeşmesi — interchange station to M4 metro line (to Kadıköy)
Scenario 1: Atatürk Airport to Eminönü, Üşküdar or Kadıköy
By all means, if you arrive with the M1a metro from the airport in Yenikapı and are heading for Sirkeci, Eminönü, Üsküdar, or Kadıköy then there is no quicker way by public transport. To reach Kadıköy, take the Marmaray all the way to Ayrılık Çeşmesi and transfer to the M4 metro for one stop to Kadıköy.
Scenario 2: Eminönü to Kadıköy
You’re just sightseeing, hence not carrying any luggage, and want to get to Kadıköy. In this case, you could take the route described above, or take a ferry from Eminönü. I suggest to do the latter, which offers much nicer views and a more romantic experience.
Izzy says
Hi, I love your site, it has been so helpful in helping me plan my trip to Istanbul/Turkey.
Thanks for the good content!
I would very much appreciate your input shall you have the time to help me out. I will be arriving in Turkey at midday next week and looked up your info on IST airport-Sultanahmet via Hava bus. You’ve mentioned that to get to Sultanahmet (I need to get to Divan Yolu) one should stop at Beyazit Meydan. My questions are :
1) What’s the easiest way via public transport? Is it to take the T1? If so, how safe would I be by myself to do this trip with a massive backpack?
2) Is it a confirmed thing that it’ll only be around 20TL to Divan Yolu? Where are these taxis? Are they near the stop at Beyazit Meydan?
3) I would like to book a train to Ankara from Istanbul. Which train station is the nearest for me to get to from Divan Yolu?
Thanks so much for your time in advance.
Erlend says
Hi Izzy,
Yes, the cheapest way is to take the HVIST-12 to Beyazit Meydan (35 TL) and from there you can either walk (1 km) or take the T1 tram for 2 stops (4 TL, less with Istanbul Card). It’s safe to take that tram, certainly at midday. But of course, keep an eye on your luggage, as you would do all over the world. You can take a taxi from Beyazit Meydan (there will be no shortage) but be prepared to pay the minimum fare if your hotel is very close by.
The closest train station is Sirkeci Train Station (where the Orient Express used to stop) in Eminönü. You can reach it again with the same tramway or walk down the hill for about 15 min.
Have a nice stay