A Guide To The Marmaray Train in Istanbul
This guide provides all the essential information about using the Marmaray, the convenient commuter train in Istanbul, Turkey.
About the Marmaray train
The Marmaray is a commuter train line that connects Halkalı on the European side of Istanbul with Gebze on the Asian side.
Although much of the railway runs above ground, the most notable section is the 13.5 kilometre-long (8.4 miles) underground Marmaray Tunnel, which connects the European railway network with the Asian one.
The frequent trains on this line can be especially useful for tourists in Istanbul, particularly those staying outside the old city centre.
Travellers needing to reach Istanbul’s mainline railway stations — Söğütlüçeşme for trains to Ankara and beyond, or Halkalı for the night train to Sofia or Bucharest — will also find the Marmaray highly useful, as this commuter line connects the city centre with both of these suburban stations.
Marmaray trains at Istanbul Halkalı station. ©AndyBTravels
Taking the train
I’ve created a special YouTube video guide showing what it’s like to take the Marmaray commuter train, which you can watch below.
In this video, I take a ride on the commuter train from Yenikapı station to Söğütlüçeşme.
Have a watch to see what the ticket-buying process is like, and to get a glimpse of the stations and trains!
Buying tickets for the Marmaray train
At the station, you will find a staffed ticket office and automated ticket machines available in several languages, including English.
International Visa and MasterCard debit and credit cards are accepted, as well as contactless payments via Google and Apple Pay.
You can buy either a 3-trip ticket for 110 Turkish lira or a rechargeable Istanbulkart (Istanbul card) for 130 lira.
The latter is useful if you plan to spend some time in Istanbul, as the Istanbulkart can also be used for other forms of public transport, such as buses, trams, metros, and even the ferries across the Bosphorus.
The exact ticket price for a ride on the Marmaray train depends on the distance travelled, with the maximum fare being 46 Turkish lira for a journey from one end of the line to the other.
On board one of the commuter trains. ©AndyBTravels
Hours of operation
The Marmaray trains operate seven days a week, from approximately 06:00 until midnight on weekdays, and from 06:00 until 01:30 on weekends.
Trains depart every 5 to 10 minutes for most of the day, although late at night the interval increases to every 20 minutes.
Conclusion
The Marmaray Line is a commuter railway in Istanbul, with frequent train departures throughout the day.
It is especially convenient for visitors who need to reach the city’s main stations when travelling further into Turkey or to Bulgaria by train.
For those staying longer in Istanbul, it is highly advisable to buy an Istanbulkart rather than individual tickets, as this rechargeable card can be used on all public transport across the city.
