The 75-kilometer-long Marmaray railway line seamlessly connects Istanbul’s European and Asian sides, making it a model of engineering. From the first station to the final one, the trip takes 108 minutes.

Engineering and Safety Features

Marmaray’s installation under the Bosphorus Strait using tubes buried beneath the seafloor is truly distinctive. Contrary to popular belief, these tubes are not in direct contact with the water, thereby preserving the system’s durability and safety.

The Marmaray was built to resist earthquakes of up to magnitude 9 in order to prioritize passenger safety and ensure its resilience to natural disasters. This was done in consideration of Istanbul’s location close to fault lines.

Passengers need an Istanbulkart to ride the Marmaray

Those who want to take Marmaray must obtain an Istanbulkart first. The full fare for one way is ₺33. The distance and trip length are factors in determining the cost. So, passengers with a personalized Istanbulkart can use the refund machines at the arrival station to get a refund for any travel distance that was not used. Bear in mind that only the residents

💡Bear in mind that only residents, whether they are Turkish citizens or foreigners, can personalize their cards.

Up-to-date Information

The official Marmaray website has the most up-to-date timetable.

Schedule (tcddtasimacilik.gov.tr)

Cover photo (retouched) by Btian P. Dorsam