Marmaray, the rail line connection between European and Asian Istanbul via a tunnel beneath the Bosphorus, joins the stations at Halkalı, Kazlıçeşme, Yenikapı, and Sirkeci in Europe with the stations at Üsküdar, Ayrılık Çeşmesi and other stations in Asia all the way to Gebze, making it possible to cross from Old Istanbul in Europe to the Asian shore of the Bosphorus in a matter of minutes.
Marmaray has 43 stations in total, spanning from Gebze Station to Halkalı Station on the European side of Istanbul. Marmaray commuter trains cross the Bosphorus in 4 minutes and complete the 76.6-kilometer total running distance between Gebze and Halkalı Stations in 108 minutes.
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Marmaray Hours of Operation
Every day, 149 trips are operated on the Marmaray suburban railway with 10-car sets between Halkalı-Gebze-Halkalı and 138 trips with 10-car sets between Ataköy-Pendik-Ataköy. Marmaray begins running at 6:00 am. Trains run every 5 to 10 minutes during most of the day, and every 15 to 20 minutes late at night. (On Sundays and holidays, trains run every 10 minutes all day.) The last trains run at 24:00 (12:00 midnight) on weekdays and around 01:30 (01:30 a.m.) on weekends.
Marmaray Fares
When entering Marmaray for the first time without a transfer, the longest distance fee, which is double the normal transportation fare in Istanbul, is charged. After you get off at your stop, you can use the "İade Cihazı" device, which you will spot people placing their cards and taking them off quickly, at the exit and if there is any remaining amount, it is refunded by the fee return. This fee refund system mainly operates with Marmaray and Metrobüs, so pay special attention when using them. You can also use your monthly transportation card (Blue Card) in Marmaray.
How to Pay Marmaray Transportation Fare
To pay your fare for the Marmaray, you will first need to get a transit card. In Turkey, each city has its own specific transportation card. In Istanbul, you will need an Istanbulkart. You can purchase an Istanbulkart from the Biletmatik ticket machines located at the stations or from small kiosks. Alternatively, there is a one-time-use transit card available specifically for the Marmaray. However, if you plan to use public transportation frequently in Istanbul, it may be more beneficial to get an Istanbulkart as it offers discounts on transfers.
After getting your transportation ticket/card, you can simply place it on the turnstile sensor at the entrance and the required amount will be reduced from your account. Please note that while you cannot use your credit card to pay for fares on the Marmaray, it is accepted on buses, metro lines, and trams.
You can also use the Istanbulkart mobile application to create a digital card and pay with QR codes while using public transportation in Istanbul.
If you lose your card or have any complaints regarding it, please contact “ALO 153 BEYAZ MASA” with your card information.
Marmaray Train Stations
The Marmaray is used for one of the main suburban railway lines and as a result, it may become crowded at times, especially during peak commute hours in the early mornings and late evenings. However, as a traveler, you will mostly use Marmaray to cross the Asian and European sides of Istanbul or transfer between transportation methods. Below is a map of the center of Istanbul's rail transit system showing the Marmaray stations.
Marmaray is used to transfer to other popular transportation methods in Istanbul. The underground stations at Kazlıçeşme, Yenikapı, Sirkeci, Üsküdar, and Ayrılık Çeşmesi make it easy for Marmaray passengers to connect to Istanbul's metro, city bus, tram, and ferryboat networks. At Pendik, you can connect to the YHT High-Speed Trains to Eskişehir, Ankara, Konya, and other destinations. At Halkalı, you can connect to trains to Edirne, the Balkans, and Europe.
Here is the full list of Marmaray train stations and transfer options:
All Marmaray Train Stations and Transfer Options
| No | Stop | Transfer Options |
| 1 | Gebze Station | YHT, M Darıca Metrosu |
| 2 | Darıca Station | — |
| 3 | Osmangazi Station | — |
| 4 | GTÜ – Fatih Station | — |
| 5 | Çayırova Station | — |
| 6 | Tuzla Station | — |
| 7 | İçmeler Station | — |
| 8 | Aydıntepe Station | — |
| 9 | Güzelyalı Station | — |
| 10 | Tersane Station | — |
| 11 | Kaynarca Station | — |
| 12 | Pendik Station | YHT, İDO, (M4, 1 km) |
| 13 | Yunus Station | — |
| 14 | Kartal Station | — |
| 15 | Başak Station | — |
| 16 | Atalar Station | — |
| 17 | Cevizli Station | — |
| 18 | Maltepe Station | — |
| 19 | Süreyya Plajı Station | — |
| 20 | İdealtepe Station | — |
| 21 | Küçükyalı Station | — |
| 22 | Bostancı Station | YHT, M8, İDO |
| 23 | Suadiye Station | — |
| 24 | Erenköy Station | — |
| 25 | Göztepe Station | — |
| 26 | Feneryolu Station | — |
| 27 | Söğütlü çeşme Station | YHT, Metrobüs |
| 28 | Ayrılık Çeşmesi Station | M4 |
| 29 | Üsküdar Station | M5, İDO |
| 30 | Sirkeci Station | T1, T6, İDO, BUDO |
| 31 | Yenikapı Station | T6, M1A, M1B, M2, İDO |
| 32 | Kazlıçeşme Station | T6 (U3) |
| 33 | Fişekhane Station | — |
| 34 | Yenimahalle Station | — |
| 35 | Bakırköy Station | YHT, M3, Özg. Meyd. |
| 36 | Ataköy Station | M9 |
| 37 | Yeşilyurt Station | — |
| 38 | Yeşilköy Station | — |
| 39 | Florya Akvaryum Station | — |
| 40 | Florya Station | — |
| 41 | Küçekmece Station | Metrobüs (300 m) |
| 42 | Mustafa Kemal Station | — |
| 43 | Halkalı Station | YHT, B2 |
Istanbul Railway Network Map- Click for Full Size
Popular Marmaray Train Stations for Tourists
Here are the most popular Marmaray train stations near popular tourist destinations:
1. Bostancı Station
Bostancı Station is a good starting point if you wish to visit the popular Prince Islands. You can also use Bostancı Station to transfer to YHT Trains, M8 Metro Line, and İDO Ferries.
2. Söğütlüçeşme Station
Söğtülüçeşme station is a popular station for those who want to visit the lively Kadiköy district where you can find many amazing restaurants, bars, and local shops. Söğütlüçeşme Station also connects to the YHT Trains, Metrobüs.
3. Üsküdar Station
Üsküdar Station is located right at the Asian shore of the Bosphorus near the Maiden’s Tower. It is also possible to transfer to either YHT or IDO Ferries through Üsküdar Station.
4. Sirkeci Station
Sirkeci Station is close to many tourist destinations in the historical Sultanahmet district, such as; the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace. You can also visit the popular ancient shopping districts in Istanbul; Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar.
You can also get off at the Sirkeci Station to transfer to the T1 Tramway, T6 Tramway, İDO and BUDO ferries.
Private Transfers
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—by Ismail Can Turan
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