The new metro line extension, officially opened with the honor of President Erdoğan, on Sunday October 2, 2023. This line spans 7.4 kilometers and includes four additional stations that connect Sabiha Gökçen Airport to the Kartal metro line. The connected line is planned to serve 1.2 million passengers per day which starts from Pendik Tavşantepe and reaching Sabiha Gökçen airport.

New M4 stations
The M4 line, which has previously been terminated at Tavşantepe station, has been extended to reach the Sabiha Gökçen airport directly. This new extension makes travel to and from Sabiha Gökçen much more convenient for both locals and tourists.
The M4 line runs from Kadıköy on the Asian side of Istanbul, passing through major districts like Maltepe and Kartal before reaching the airport. The journey from Kadıköy to Sabiha Gökçen takes approximately 50 minutes, offering a cost-effective and traffic-free alternative to taxis or buses. This train is working frequently throughout the day, starts working at early morning and stops late night.
Do I need to pay extra for airport station ?
The metro system in Istanbul charges a standard fare based on your journey, and the Sabiha Gökçen Airport (M4 extension) is included in the regular fare structure. You don’t need to pay extra for the Sabiha Gökçen airport station metro if you’re already using the Istanbulkart.
Even If you have used your IstanbulKart before entering to M4 metro, you may benefit from a discounted transfer fare.
Cost and Duration
The M4 underground, unlike the Marmaray, has a fixed fare system. You pay a single fee upon entering through the gates, allowing you to travel the entire route for the same price. The entry fee is €0.55, and the journey from Kadıköy to Sabiha Gökçen airport takes approximately 45 minutes, and you should pay the fee using Istanbulkart.
M4 working hours
The M4 Metro Line in Istanbul operates daily and the trains run from early morning to late at night, ensuring accessibility throughout the day. Typically, the service starts around 6:00 AM and continues until midnight, with trains running at regular 7-minute intervals. During peak hours, the frequency increases to help higher passenger demand.
Which stations does the M4 stop at?
The M4 in Istanbul start its path from Kadıköy to Sabiha Gökçen airport and stops at 22 different stations to connect key areas and neighbourhoods. The underground approximately goes through the E5 highway to help passengers during rush hours. Whether you’re commuting or heading to the airport, this metro line is a reliable choice. This metro line has three joints with other metro lines which you can find them at Ayrılık cesmesi, Ünalan,Yenisahra, Kozyatağı stations.
To learn more about the metro lines, I have added the complete map in the image below and M4 is shown in red color at the right side of this map.

Final Thoughts
The extension of the M4 metro line to Sabiha Gökçen airport was a game-changer for Istanbul’s public transportation network that connects the city to its second airport, significantly reducing travel times and easing traffic congestion. With frequent trains, affordable fares, and smooth connections to other metro lines, the M4 is a reliable choice for both locals and tourists.

Hi, I’m Sofia, a passionate travel writer who traded the cold Russian landscapes for the vibrant streets of Istanbul. As the writer in here, I’m on a mission to unveil Turkey’s hidden gems and share my personal journey of discovery.
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