Marmaray or Metrobus in Bakirkoy: Which Line to Take

If you are starting out from Zeytinlik, the short answer is this: Marmaray for points on the Marmaray line such as Yenikapı, Sirkeci and Üsküdar, and for the Asian side through the tunnel; the Metrobus for an address along the E-5 (D-100); and the M1A metro for the bus terminal, Merter and the Aksaray direction. Marmaray Bakırköy station is an 8-minute walk from us, and the Metrobus and M1A stops in İncirli are 18 minutes away.

Three lines, three different jobs

Marmaray

Marmaray is the suburban line running between Halkalı and Gebze, linking the European and Asian sides through a tunnel under the Bosphorus. Heading east from Bakırköy it passes Yenimahalle, Zeytinburnu, Kazlıçeşme, Yenikapı and Sirkeci; after the tunnel come Üsküdar and Ayrılık Çeşmesi. At Yenikapı you can change to the M1 and M2 metros, and at Ayrılık Çeşmesi to the M4 metro.

Metrobus

The Metrobus runs on the D-100 (E-5) between Beylikdüzü and Söğütlüçeşme; its stop in Bakırköy is İncirli. It crosses the Bosphorus on the 15 July Martyrs Bridge. It is very practical for addresses along the E-5; for Yenikapı and the airports, Marmaray or other lines are used.

M1A metro

The M1A runs between Yenikapı and Atatürk Airport; its stop in Bakırköy is Bakırköy-İncirli. Towards Yenikapı the line serves Zeytinburnu, Merter, Otogar and Aksaray; in the other direction Bahçelievler, Ataköy-Şirinevler and Yenibosna are on it. Atatürk Airport is closed to passenger flights.

Side-by-side comparison

Criterion	Marmaray	Metrobus	M1A
Walk from our place	8 min (600 m)	18 min (1.4 km)	18 min (1.4 km)
Stop in Bakırköy	Bakırköy station	İncirli	Bakırköy-İncirli
End points	Halkalı and Gebze	Beylikdüzü and Söğütlüçeşme	Yenikapı and Atatürk Airport
Bosphorus crossing	through the tunnel	15 July Martyrs Bridge	stays on the European side
Where it is strongest	Yenikapı, Sirkeci, Üsküdar	addresses along the E-5	Otogar, Merter, Aksaray

Choosing by destination

The times below are approximate; they vary with waiting and walking.

Destination	Suggested route	Approximate time
Yenikapı	Marmaray	15 min
Sirkeci and Eminönü	Marmaray	20 min
Sultanahmet	Marmaray (Sirkeci) and a walk or the T1	35–45 min
Taksim	Marmaray (Yenikapı) and M2	40–50 min
Kadıköy	Marmaray (Ayrılık Çeşmesi) and M4	40 min
Istanbul main bus terminal (Esenler Otogar)	M1A, Yenikapı direction	15 min and a walk
An address on the E-5	Metrobus	depends on the address

Four questions to ask when deciding

Which line is my destination on? If the address is near a Marmaray station, Marmaray; if it is near the E-5, the Metrobus; if it is near an M1A stop, the metro.
How much do I want to walk? Marmaray is an 8-minute walk, İncirli 18 minutes. With luggage, that difference matters.
How will I cross the Bosphorus? Marmaray goes through the tunnel, the Metrobus over the bridge. If your destination is around Üsküdar or Ayrılık Çeşmesi, Marmaray takes you there without changing.
What time is it? All three lines get crowded during the morning and evening rush. For early or late journeys, check the first and last departure times on the current timetable; for Marmaray, look at TCDD Taşımacılık sources.

Using the lines together

If you are heading in different directions during the day, you can combine the lines. For example, you could take Marmaray to Yenikapı in the morning and change to the M2, then come back to İncirli by Metrobus from an appointment on the E-5 in the evening. Marmaray and the M1A meet at Yenikapı; this station at the eastern end of the M1A is where you change between the two lines. Istanbulkart is valid on all three.

If it is your first time on the Metrobus, see the İncirli Metrobus stop guide; for the order of stops on the M1A, the İncirli metro stop guide; and for travelling west and to the Asian side by Metrobus, the Metrobus direction guide.

Which one with luggage?

With luggage, walking distance and the number of changes are what count. Because the Marmaray station is closer to us, getting to a destination on the Marmaray line with a suitcase is usually less tiring. If you are going to the bus terminal, the M1A runs without a change, but you need to allow for the 18-minute walk to İncirli; with heavy bags, a short taxi ride for that stretch is worth considering. The Metrobus can be the hardest option with luggage at peak times, when the vehicles get very crowded. Whichever line you choose, our building has a lift; you go straight up to your floor with your suitcase.

What changes with your schedule

What staying in Zeytinlik means for transport is that all three lines are within walking distance: 8 minutes to Marmaray, 18 minutes to the Metrobus and the M1A. If your schedule is mostly on the Marmaray line, that closeness saves you a few minutes every day; if it is mostly the E-5 and the bus terminal, the walk to İncirli becomes part of your daily routine.

If you would like to think through your route with us, call 0532 655 43 32.

Common questions

Are Marmaray Bakırköy station and İncirli the same place?

They are two separate points serving different lines. Marmaray Bakırköy station is an 8-minute walk from us, and the Metrobus and M1A stops in İncirli are 18 minutes away; you can use either comfortably.

Which should I choose to cross to the Asian side?

Marmaray goes through the tunnel and reaches Üsküdar and Ayrılık Çeşmesi without a change; the Metrobus crosses the bridge to Söğütlüçeşme. Whichever line's stop is closer to your destination usually means fewer changes.