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In Istanbul, the official opening of the Gayrettepe metro station took place, significantly improving access to the city’s New Airport. Turkey’s President, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, attended the ceremony in person, highlighting the importance of this event for Istanbul’s transport network.
Gayrettepe is now the end station of M11
It replaces Kağıthane as the line’s terminal station.
One of the deepest stations on the line
The station is 72 meters deep and features 32 escalators and 8 elevators.
Closer access to the New Airport terminal
Reportedly opposite exit 11 and about 300 meters from the terminal entrance.
Travel time mentioned: ~30–40 minutes
The city-to-airport trip is described as 30 minutes, and 40 minutes in the reverse direction.
M11 now totals 37.5 km
Extensions are also planned toward Sabiha Gökçen Airport and the suburban area of Beylikdüzü.
Gayrettepe: a new terminal station—and the deepest on M11
Gayrettepe has become not only the new end station of the M11 line—replacing Kağıthane—but also the deepest station on the line, at 72 meters. It is equipped with 32 escalators and eight elevators, ensuring comfortable passenger movement.
A simpler transfer: fewer surface crossings
Located opposite exit 11 and only 300 meters from the entrance to the New Airport terminal, the station has significantly simplified transfers for passengers. Previously, to switch metro lines, passengers had to go up to street level and cross roads, which created inconvenience. Now, thanks to the new station, the trip from the city to the airport and back takes only 30 and 40 minutes, respectively.
M11: 37.5 km—and more expansion on the horizon
The total length of the M11 line has now reached 37.5 kilometers, representing a significant improvement for urban transport. In addition, there are plans to extend the metro toward Sabiha Gökçen Airport and the suburban area of Beylikdüzü.
A step toward a more modern transport system
This event not only improves mobility for Istanbul residents and visitors, but also highlights the city’s ambition to develop and modernize its transport infrastructure.
What to do (quick, practical ideas)
Plan a calmer airport run
If you’re traveling with luggage, give yourself extra time for navigation, elevators, and platform access.
Keep transfers simple
Try to avoid unnecessary line changes before you connect to M11, especially during peak hours.
Travel essentials within reach
Keep your transit card, documents, and small essentials easy to access so you can move faster through stations.
1-day itinerary (if your flight is later in the day)
Morning
Choose one main plan that won’t force you into multiple transfers, so you keep the day relaxed.
Midday
Have lunch closer to your return route—so the airport ride doesn’t turn into a rush.
Afternoon
Head toward Gayrettepe early, then take M11 and keep a comfortable buffer for check-in.
2-day itinerary (slower pace + easier airport departure)
Day 1
Pick a highlight and keep the rest flexible—your goal is to finish the day energized, not exhausted.
Day 2
Short visits and light shopping, then transition smoothly toward Gayrettepe for the M11 segment.
Comfort note
With a deep station and busy passenger flow, it helps to plan time for escalators/elevators and wayfinding.
How to get to the airport (as described)
1) Reach Gayrettepe
The station is positioned to simplify the airport transfer, with a short walk to the terminal entrance.
2) Take M11 toward the New Airport
The text mentions a ~30-minute ride to the airport and ~40 minutes in the opposite direction.
3) Keep a buffer
Peak hours and luggage can affect your pace—leave extra time and check local updates on the day of travel.
Source: travel.yandex.ru
FAQ — quick questions before you head to the airport
Where is Gayrettepe relative to the airport terminal?
The article says it’s about 300 meters from the New Airport terminal entrance and opposite exit 11.
Which metro line does the station serve?
Gayrettepe is described as the new terminal station for the M11 line.
How long does the city-to-airport ride take?
The piece mentions about 30 minutes to the airport and about 40 minutes in the reverse direction.
Who attended the opening ceremony?
It states that Turkey’s President, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, attended personally.
How deep is the station?
The depth is given as 72 meters, making it the deepest station on the line.
Is it convenient for travelers with luggage?
The station reportedly has 32 escalators and 8 elevators, designed for comfortable passenger flow.
What was inconvenient about transfers before?
Passengers previously had to go up to street level and cross roads to change lines.
Which station did Gayrettepe replace as the terminal?
The text says Kağıthane used to be the terminal station before Gayrettepe.
How long is the M11 line now?
It reports a total length of 37.5 kilometers.
Are there plans to expand Istanbul’s metro further?
Yes—extensions are planned toward Sabiha Gökçen Airport and the Beylikdüzü suburban area.
What’s the main benefit for passengers?
A simpler transfer and easier access to the airport, with fewer awkward street-level crossings.
What does this opening signal for Istanbul?
It emphasizes the city’s push to modernize and improve transport infrastructure.
