How to Get from Istanbul Airport to Eyup Sultan Mosque: Metro, Tram and Taxi Guide
04 November 2026 - Eyüp Sultan Camii
If you are flying to Istanbul to visit Eyup Sultan Mosque, you will most likely land at Istanbul Airport (IST) in Arnavutköy. There is no direct line between the airport and Eyup Sultan, but you can get there by rail with two transfers, without getting stuck in traffic. This guide explains the most practical route step by step.
Option 1: Metro + Tram (Recommended)
The most reliable route, unaffected by traffic, combines the M11, M7 and T5 lines:
- Take the M11 metro: Follow the "Metro" signs on the lower level of the terminal to the M11 Istanbul Airport station and board a train towards Gayrettepe.
- Get off at Kağıthane: Kağıthane station is the interchange between the M11 and M7 lines. The ride from the airport to Kağıthane takes about 25-30 minutes.
- Transfer to the M7: Follow the transfer signs to the M7 station. There is a walk of a few minutes between the two stations.
- Ride the M7 to Alibeyköy: Board the M7 towards Mahmutbey and get off at Alibeyköy station.
- Take the T5 tram: At Alibeyköy, board the tram towards Eminönü from the T5 stop called "Alibeyköy Metro".
- Get off at Eyüpsultan Teleferik: This is the closest tram stop to Eyup Sultan Mosque.
Total time: About 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes including transfers. This route is also suitable for travellers with luggage, as the stations have lifts and escalators.
Option 2: Taxi
If you have heavy luggage, are travelling with a large family or land late at night, a taxi is the most comfortable option. The distance between the airport and Eyup Sultan is about 40 km. Depending on traffic, the journey can take from 40 minutes to over an hour, and longer during morning and evening rush hours.
- Only take a taxi from the airport's official taxi ranks.
- Make sure the meter is on and give "Eyüp Sultan Camii" or "Eyüpsultan Meydanı" as your destination.
- Bridge and motorway tolls may be added to the fare.
Option 3: Airport Bus (Havaist) + Transfer
Havaist buses run from the airport to many central points of the city. Since there is no direct Havaist line to Eyup, you can take a line to a point near Eminönü and transfer to the T5 tram. Havaist routes and stops change from time to time, so check the current list at the airport information desk or on Havaist's official channels. Because buses can get stuck in traffic, the metro option is usually faster.
Time Comparison
- Metro + tram: About 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes (independent of traffic)
- Taxi: About 40 minutes to 1 hour+ (depending on traffic)
- Havaist + tram: 1.5 hours or more (depending on traffic)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a direct metro from the airport to Eyup Sultan?
No. There is no direct line. The most practical rail route is M11 → M7 at Kağıthane → T5 at Alibeyköy.
What should I do if I land at night?
Metro and tram services stop after a certain hour at night. If you land very late at night or very early in the morning, a taxi is the safest option.
Should I go to my hotel first?
If you have a lot of luggage, we recommend checking in to your hotel first. If you would like to stay near Eyup, see our Hotels and Accommodation Guide Around Eyup Sultan.
The Last Step: From the Stop to the Mosque
For those arriving by the T5 tram, the closest stop to Eyup Sultan Mosque is Eyüpsultan Teleferik. From this stop it is a short walk to the mosque, the tomb and the Eyup bazaar; simply follow the signs or your map app. The lower station of the cable car to Pierre Loti Hill is also in this area. Those arriving by ferry reach the mosque with a short walk from Eyup Pier.
Important: The M7 metro line does not have a station next to Eyup Sultan Mosque. Metro travellers should transfer to the T5 tram at Alibeyköy station.
Before You Set Off
- Get an Istanbulkart: The Istanbulkart is valid on metros, trams, buses and ferries. Card sale and top-up machines are available at airports, major stations and piers.
- Check current information: Timetables and routes can change. Before travelling, check Metro Istanbul, Şehir Hatları (city ferries) or IETT, or use apps such as Moovit, Google Maps or İstanbul Senin.
- Know the busy times: The area is very crowded before Friday prayer, on weekend afternoons, on holy nights (kandil) and during Eid holidays.
- Plan around prayer times: If you want to arrive in time for a prayer, check our prayer times page. For tomb visiting hours, see Tomb Visiting Hours and Rules.
- Dress modestly: Women are expected to cover their hair when entering the mosque, and both men and women should wear clothing that covers the shoulders and knees.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair users can read our guide Accessibility and Facilities.