From Istanbul Otogar to Bakirkoy: Metro and Taxi

The most straightforward way from Istanbul main bus terminal (Esenler Otogar) to Bakırköy (Bakirkoy) is the M1A metro: board at Otogar station heading towards Atatürk Havalimanı and get off at Bakırköy-İncirli; the metro ride is about 15 minutes. From İncirli it is 1.4 kilometres, roughly 18 minutes on foot, to our address in Zeytinlik; with luggage you can cover this last stretch with a short taxi ride.

The bus terminal is about 8 kilometres from Bakırköy. A taxi straight here is also possible; the time depends on traffic.

Step by step on the M1A

1. Go to the Otogar metro station. After getting off the coach, follow the metro signs. The station's name on the M1A line is “Otogar”.
2. Take the right direction. The M1A runs between Yenikapı and Atatürk Havalimanı. For Bakırköy, board the train towards Atatürk Havalimanı and check the direction before you get on. Atatürk Havalimanı is closed to passenger flights, but that is the name of the line's terminus.
3. Follow the stops. A few stops follow Otogar; after Merter and Zeytinburnu the next stop is Bakırköy-İncirli.
4. Get off at Bakırköy-İncirli. From there it is an 18-minute walk to the address, or a short taxi ride.

From İncirli to the address

İncirli is where the Metrobus and M1A metro stops in Bakırköy are located. The 18-minute walk to Zeytinlik is comfortable with light luggage. If you do not know the way, put the address into the map on your phone: Zeytinlik neighbourhood, Fazılpaşa Sokak No:4, Bakırköy. With heavy luggage, in the rain or late at night, a short taxi ride is easier.

At the door, the building has a lift, so getting heavy suitcases upstairs is effortless. Security cameras add extra reassurance if you arrive early in the morning or late at night.

Once you are settled, everyday needs are close by: Bakırköy Freedom Square (Özgürlük Meydanı) and İstanbul Caddesi are a 6-minute walk away, Capacity shopping mall 9 minutes. If you are heading into the city centre the next day, Marmaray Bakırköy station is 8 minutes away.

Arriving by taxi

A taxi from the bus terminal is direct, which makes it handy with a lot of luggage and for night arrivals. Taxis in Istanbul work on the meter; check that it is running when you set off. The time depends on traffic; at peak hours the metro is more predictable.

Don't mix it up with the Metrobus

İncirli has both a Metrobus and an M1A stop, which is why the two are often confused. Between the bus terminal and Bakırköy we recommend the M1A metro. The Metrobus is a separate system running along the D-100 (E-5) between Beylikdüzü and Söğütlüçeşme. Coming from the bus terminal, follow the M1A signs.

Common mistakes

1. Taking the wrong direction: the Yenikapı-bound train takes you to Aksaray and Yenikapı. For Bakırköy the direction is Atatürk Havalimanı.
2. Confusing the two “Bakırköy” stops: the M1A's Bakırköy-İncirli stop and the Marmaray's Bakırköy station are in different places. The Marmaray station is an 8-minute walk from our address, the İncirli stop 18 minutes.
3. Missing the stop: start getting ready after Zeytinburnu; the next stop is Bakırköy-İncirli.
4. Underestimating the last walk: 1.4 kilometres can feel long with luggage. If you are tired, take a short taxi ride from İncirli.

Heading back to the bus terminal

On the way back you take the same line in the opposite direction: board the M1A at Bakırköy-İncirli towards Yenikapı and get off at Otogar. Leave a generous margin before your coach; tickets, the platform and luggage handling can take time. Check-out is at 11:00; if your coach is in the evening, ask about a late check-out in advance, as it depends on availability.

For those arriving on a night coach

Long-distance coaches can arrive in the early hours or late at night. Check-in starts at 14:00; early check-in depends on availability and has to be requested in advance. Just let us know beforehand about a late-night arrival. Our phone and WhatsApp line is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so you can tell us about any delay on the road straight away. Check the first and last M1A departure times in the current timetable.

For other lines around Bakırköy see our transport guide; for the Studio apartment (1+0), One-bedroom apartment (1+1) and Two-bedroom apartment (2+1) options see the apartments page. What you need at check-in is on the FAQ page. Message us on WhatsApp in English or call before you leave the bus terminal: 0532 655 43 32.

Common questions