The İzmir Metro is a light metro system in İzmir, Turkey, and a key part of the city transport network. Its current route runs from Narlıdere Kaymakamlık in the southwest to Evka 3 in Bornova in the northeast. As of 4 March 2024, the line is 27 kilometres (16.8 miles) long and serves 24 stations. The metro opened in May 2000 after construction began in 1995, uses 750 V DC third rail power, carries about 30 million passengers per year, and connects with İZBAN at Halkapınar and Hilal for wider transportation in the city.
| Key | Information |
|---|---|
| System | İzmir Metro (İzmir Metrosu) |
| Type | Light metro |
| Route | Narlıdere Kaymakamlık to Evka 3 |
| Line length | 27 kilometres (16.8 miles) |
| Stations | 24 |
| Opening | May 2000 |
| Power supply | 750 V DC third rail |
| Annual ridership | About 30 million passengers |
| Main rail connections | İZBAN at Halkapınar and Hilal |
Izmir Metro Map
Map of Izmir Metro showing different lines and stations. Click on the map to enlarge it or download the Izmir Metro map in PDF format.
Lines and Stations
The İzmir Metro currently has one active line, M1. This route links Narlıdere Kaymakamlık with Evka 3 and crosses important parts of the city. For many trips, it works as the backbone of local transport, with easy transfers to bus, tramway, ferry, and regional rail services.
Key interchange stations include Halkapınar and Hilal for İZBAN. Tram connections are available at Fahrettin Altay, Konak, Çankaya, Halkapınar, and Güzelyalı. Basmane connects with national rail, while Konak also provides access to ferry services. If you are checking a stations map or planning a route plan, these are the stops to keep in mind.
Active Stations
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Evka 3 | Eastern terminus of the active line. |
| Ege Üniversitesi | Station on the M1 route. |
| Bornova | Located in a splitting tunnel. |
| Bölge | At-grade station. |
| Sanayi | At-grade station. |
| Stadyum | Station on a viaduct. |
| Halkapınar | Major interchange for bus, tram, and İZBAN. |
| Hilal | İZBAN interchange; station on a viaduct. |
| Basmane | Connection to national rail services. |
| Çankaya | Tram connection. |
| Konak | Connections to tram and ferry services. |
| Üçyol | Station on the M1 route. |
| İzmirspor | Station on the M1 route. |
| Hatay | Station on the M1 route. |
| Göztepe | Station on the M1 route. |
| Poligon | Station on the M1 route. |
| Güzelyalı | Tram connection. |
| Fahrettin Altay | Tram connection. |
| Balçova | Station on the M1 route. |
| Çağdaş | Station on the M1 route. |
| Dokuz Eylül Üniversitesi Hastanesi | Station on the M1 route. |
| Güzel Sanatlar | Station on the M1 route. |
| Narlıdere İtfaiye | Station on the M1 route. |
| 100. Yıl Cumhuriyet Şehitlik | Station on the M1 route. |
| Narlıdere Kaymakamlık | Southwestern terminus of the active line. |
The line includes underground, at-grade, viaduct, and splitting-tunnel sections. Most stations are underground or listed in the station data without a special structural note.
Schedule and frequency
The İzmir Metro timetable changes slightly by day, but service runs every day. Regular operating hours are 06:00 to 00:20 on weekdays and Saturdays, while Sunday service also starts at 06:00 and ends at 00:20. Some materials mention opening times until 00:22, so timings today may vary on holidays or special-event days.
On weekdays, the starting time is 06:00. Trains run every 7.5 minutes from 06:00 to 06:30, every 4 minutes from 06:30 to 09:00, every 5 minutes from 09:00 to 16:00, and again every 4 minutes from 16:00 to 20:00. After 20:00, frequency drops to about 10 minutes until the last train and closing time.
Saturday follows a similar schedule: every 7.5 minutes from 06:00 to 06:30, every 5 minutes from 06:30 to 20:00, then every 10 minutes until close. On Sundays, trains run every 7.5 minutes from 06:00 to 20:00 and every 10 minutes after that.
| Service detail | Timings |
|---|---|
| Monday to Friday operating hours | 06:00-00:20 |
| Weekday frequency, 06:00-06:30 | Every 7.5 minutes |
| Weekday frequency, 06:30-09:00 | Every 4 minutes |
| Weekday frequency, 09:00-16:00 | Every 5 minutes |
| Weekday frequency, 16:00-20:00 | Every 4 minutes |
| Weekday frequency, after 20:00 | Every 10 minutes until last train |
| Saturday operating hours | 06:00-00:20 |
| Saturday frequency, 06:00-06:30 | Every 7.5 minutes |
| Saturday frequency, 06:30-20:00 | Every 5 minutes |
| Saturday frequency, after 20:00 | Every 10 minutes until close |
| Sunday operating hours | 06:00-00:20 |
| Sunday frequency, 06:00-20:00 | Every 7.5 minutes |
| Sunday frequency, after 20:00 | Every 10 minutes until close |
For most daytime trips, the train schedule is frequent and easy to use. Late in the evening, the running time between trains gets longer, so it is smart to check the route timetable and schedule today before heading out.
Izmir Metro Fares, tickets and cards
İzmir public transport uses the Izmirim electronic card and Bilet35, a single-use paper ticket available for 3, 5, or 10 trips. There are also special cards for students and public servants. If you plan to use the metro more than once or connect to other city transport, the Izmirim card is the more practical pass.
You can buy or top up cards and tickets at Konak and Karşıyaka Ferry Terminals, major metro stations such as Konak, Fahrettin Altay, Bornova, Halkapınar, and Şirinyer, and airport stations during office hours. Charging machines are also available at stations, and some booths in the city and at the Intercity Bus Terminal offer card sales and top-ups.
The source material says current fare details can change, so no fixed ticket price is confirmed here. In the city center, the fare depends on the passenger group, and transfer rules apply within 90 minutes when using the Izmirim Card on metro, tram, suburban rail, and ferry services. The second and following rides within that period are free.
One confirmed price is the Izmirim Card itself, which costs 6 Turkish lira, about $0.19 USD. A current fare calculator or official fare notice is still the best way to check the latest travel cost before you go.
- Bilet35 does not include transfer rights or discounts.
- Do not fold Bilet35, and note that its use is limited to a certain number of days.
- Charging machines sell 3-use card tickets for subway and urban transport only.
- Night services under the Owl Tariff and airport shuttles use different fare tariffs.
- Online top-up is available, but activation takes one hour.
The Izmirim Card can also be used for some municipal services, including parking garages, bicycle rentals, lift access, the İzmir Wildlife Park, Aşık Veysel Recreational Area Ice Rink, and Smart WCs. In other words, it is more than just a metro ticket.
The source mentions discounted travel in the early morning and evening, with extra discounts for students, seniors, and passengers with disabilities. On the suburban rail system, the fare is distance-based and refunds are handled through the tap-out process after you exit.
Connections to other systems
İzmir Metro is part of an integrated public transport system, and that makes getting around much easier. Since the metro network itself is fairly compact, many trips continue by bus, tram, ferry, or İZBAN.
Buses connect to almost every metro station, with Hilal listed as the exception in the source material. Most bus services are operated by ESHOT, with additional routes by İzulaş.
İZBAN connects with the metro at Halkapınar and Hilal. These two stations are the main rail interchange points in the network and are especially useful if you are planning a longer cross-city route.
Tram connections are available at Halkapınar and Konak. In the map scheme described in the source, places such as Alaybey, Karşıyaka, and Mavişehir appear as walking transfers with dotted lines and approximate walking times rather than standard interchange stations.
Ferry transfers are also part of the system. The source notes ferry connections at Üçkuyular and Alsancak, and says Konak is very close to a ferry link.
For long-distance rail, Basmane is the key station. From there, passengers can reach regional and longer-distance TCDD Taşımacılık services.
The same ticket system across metro, bus, tramway, and ferry services makes transfers more straightforward, which is one of the strongest points of transportation in İzmir.
Connections to the airport
Adnan Menderes Airport is south of the city and can be reached by public transport, including bus and suburban rail connections linked to the metro. A taxi is also an option from any part of İzmir.
For bus service to the airport, the municipality operates these routes:
- 202 departs from Gazi Osmanpaşa Bulvarı near Cumhuriyet Square and runs via Konak, Mustafa Kemal Sahil Bulvarı, Çevre Yolu, and Gaziemir.
- 200 runs from Mavişehir Interchange Station via Karşıyaka.
- 204 departs from Bornova Merkez subway station and continues via the bus terminal to the airport.
Bus travel can be paid with an electronic card using the airport tariff, or with a Bilet35 card charged as two tickets. On the suburban rail line, the fare is pay-as-you-go from the station where you board, so make sure your card has enough balance.
To reach the airport by rail, take the metro to Hilal or Halkapınar, or use Alsancak interchange station, then continue south on the suburban line and get off at the airport station.
Coming back into the city, the same suburban rail link gives access to the wider network. Hilal and Halkapınar are the key transfer stations for the metro, while Alsancak Gar is a central suburban stop with trains in both directions.
System regulations
İzmir Metro A.Ş. applies system regulations across stations, trains, and paid areas to keep the service safe, reliable, and comfortable. Passengers are expected to follow staff instructions, station announcements, and security procedures at all times.
To enter the system, you need a valid travel card approved by the Metropolitan Municipality. Children aged 0 to 6 travel free when accompanied by a parent. Students need a personalized photo student İzmirim Card for discounted travel. Passengers with disabilities may travel with the appropriate electronic card issued by the Transportation Cards Directorate and Application Centers, and where applicable, a Companion İzmirim Card.
Invalid, expired, counterfeit, or borrowed cards are not accepted. Unauthorized photo and video recording is prohibited unless permission is obtained from İzmir Metro A.Ş. Public Relations.
Smoking is not allowed in stations, trains, or other closed areas. Eating and drinking are also prohibited except for water. Passengers should let others get off first, avoid blocking doors, move toward the center of the car, and never interfere with door operation. Traveling while heavily intoxicated or in a condition that could endanger others is also forbidden.
Only pets in secured cages may enter the paid area. Guide or assistance dogs may travel if the passenger presents the required Disabled İzmirim Card and the dog’s identification or certificate. The dog must be clean, leashed, muzzled, and stay next to its owner during the trip.
Passengers must not disturb others with shouting, loud phone calls, or disruptive behavior. Sitting or waiting in paid areas for long periods without traveling is not allowed, and passengers should not take up more seating space than one person needs.
Removing posters, posting banners, distributing leaflets, organizing gatherings or illegal demonstrations, gambling, street vending, and begging are prohibited in stations and trains. Transfer rights also cannot be used by someone else.
Damaging equipment, crossing the yellow line, entering the track area, or misusing emergency devices is forbidden. Security officers may inspect suspicious persons or packages and can deny entry if necessary, with police informed when required.
Except for licensed firearms, weapons, ammunition, and sharp tools may not be taken into stations or paid areas. Large items, explosives, flammable materials, and spillable substances are also prohibited.
Scooters, skateboards, skates, and similar devices may not be used inside station limits or paid areas, except for wheelchairs and baby strollers. Lost items should be handed to security officers or station managers.
Bicycles may be carried free of charge. Foldable bicycles, electric bicycles, and scooters are also allowed unless they are motorcycle-sized or motorcycle-weight. Bicycle users must use the marked spaces in the first and last cars, keep out of the aisle, and follow station rules. No more than two bicycle passengers may enter each carriage, depending on crowding. Children under 12 may only bring a bicycle if accompanied by a parent.
Only authorized personnel may enter technical rooms or areas marked No Entry. Outside working hours, entering, hiding, sleeping, or waiting in trains, stations, or nearby areas is prohibited.
Passengers can report suggestions, requests, or complaints verbally or in writing to station managers.
Future expansions
Expansion has been part of the İzmir Metro story for years, but progress has been uneven. The network has already grown in stages, including an eastern extension in 2012 and western extensions in 2014 and 2024. More projects are planned, though several remain delayed or inactive.
The main expansion projects mentioned in the source are:
- Evka 3 – Bornova Merkez: 1 station; tenders completed, but construction was halted by court order.
- Üçyol – Fuar İzmir: 13 stations; construction started in 2022.
- Narlıdere Kaymakamlık – Zeytinalanı: 11 stations; no progress reported.
- Konak – Menderes: 18 stations; approved by the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure.
- Bornova Merkez – Menemen Plastik OSB 1: 33 stations; no progress reported.
- Halkapınar – Otogar (Intercity Bus Terminal): 5 stations; planned as an İZBAN line instead of a metro and evaluated together with the Ankara-Izmir High Speed Rail Line.
A western extension to Güzelbahçe is also planned as a 13.6-kilometre line, about 8.5 miles, with 11 additional stations. Earlier material says two originally planned western stations were removed from the 2024 extension because expected demand was too low.
Tips
The easiest way to use İzmir public transport is with an Izmirim Card. It works on the metro, tram, ferry, bus, suburban rail, and even some extra services, so it is a handy all-around card for getting across the city.
Bilet35 is available if you want a single-use option, but it does not include free transfers. For most visitors and regular riders, the Izmirim Card offers better value and more flexibility.
You can buy or top up your card at major metro stations, ferry terminals, ticket booths, and charging machines. The card costs 6 Turkish lira, about $0.19 USD. If you are using the suburban train, remember to tap out at the orange refund machines when you leave, otherwise you may be charged the full fare.
Before you travel, check that your card balance is enough for the whole trip. That matters even more on suburban rail, where the final cost depends on distance.
A transport app can help with route planning, station names, timetable information, and schedule today updates. That is especially useful if you are new to the city and want a quick path train connection without guessing your way around.
- Use the Izmirim Card for the best value and easiest transfers.
- Top up at stations, ferry terminals, or charging machines before you travel.
- Tap out on the suburban rail system to avoid paying more than necessary.
- Keep cash if you plan to use dolmuş minibuses.
- Check for holiday service changes before setting out.
Interesting Facts
İzmir Metro was an important moment in the history of urban rail in Turkey. Its engineering success helped inspire later systems in cities such as Adana, Bursa, Antalya, and Eskişehir.
The system was developed because rapid population growth put heavy pressure on the city’s transport network. İzmir had about 1 million residents in the 1960s, and that number tripled over the next 30 years. By 1990, the existing network could no longer handle daily demand in the city center.
The metro was originally planned as a 43-kilometre rail network, about 26.7 miles, around İzmir Bay in four stages. The first 11.5-kilometre section, about 7.1 miles, went to tender in 1992, the contract was signed in 1993, and construction began in 1995. Service started in May 2000.
The original turnkey project cost US$600 million. Yapi Merkezi handled design and civil works, while AdTranz was responsible for rolling stock, signalling, power supply, and communication systems.
Construction had to deal with local geology, topography, and earthquake risk, so special engineering measures were used. The tunnel-boring machine for the project was designed specifically for İzmir’s conditions.
Operationally, the system uses 750 V DC third rail power, trains can reach 80 km/h, and peak capacity is 45,000 passengers per hour in each direction. A train can have three to five cars, and the original fleet included 45 cars.
Today the metro is closely integrated with buses, trams, ferries, long-distance rail, and İZBAN. That tight fit within the city transport system is one of the reasons it remains so useful.
Passenger demand has stayed strong. The metro carries about 30 million passengers a year, and more than 150 million people had used it in the years after opening.
Sightseeing via the Izmir Metro
The İzmir Metro makes sightseeing simple. It connects central districts and puts several well-known attractions within a short walk of a station, which is great if you want to combine public transport with a day on foot.
- Saat Kulesi (Clock Tower): One of the city’s best-known landmarks, reached from Konak station with a short walk.
- Tarihi Asansor: A historic elevator that rises about 40 metres, around 0.04 kilometres or 0.02 miles, to hilltop viewpoints over the bay. The nearest metro stop is Üçyol, followed by a short walk toward the waterfront.
- Kizlaragasi Han Bazaar: A medium-sized bazaar with a wide range of goods, located next to Çankaya station.
If you are short on time, the Konak, Üçyol, and Çankaya area gives you several highlights in one trip. It is an easy, efficient way to explore some of the city’s most recognizable places without depending too much on other transport.