Esenler Otogar to Bakirkoy
Esenler Otogar to Bakirkoy: Metro and Taxi Guide
From Istanbul main bus terminal (Esenler Otogar), the most practical route to our apartments in Bakırköy (Bakirkoy) is to board the M1A metro at the Otogar stop, get off at Bakırköy-İncirli and walk for 18 minutes from there. The metro ride takes about 15 minutes, and the distance between the terminal and Zeytinlik neighbourhood, Bakırköy is about 8 km.
Below, we explain this route step by step, with alternatives for travelling with luggage and arriving at night.
Step by step: by M1A metro
- After getting off the bus, follow the signs inside the terminal to the M1A Otogar stop.
- Go through the turnstile with your Istanbulkart. Check where you can get a card before you set off; the details are in our Istanbulkart guide.
- Take the train heading toward Atatürk Airport. The line is still named that way; passenger flights to Istanbul now operate from Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW). To make sure you are on the right train, check the final stop on the sign.
- Get off at Bakırköy-İncirli, the stop after Merter and Zeytinburnu.
- The walk from İncirli to our apartments in Zeytinlik is about 1.4 km and takes 18 minutes. If your luggage is heavy, you can take a short taxi ride from here.
Our address: Zeytinlik neighbourhood, Fazılpaşa Sokak No:4, Bakırköy. Save the address on your phone; it will be easier to follow on the map as you walk.
Compare the options
| Option | When it suits you | What to keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| M1A + walk | Light luggage, daytime arrival, budget first | About 18 minutes on foot from İncirli |
| M1A + short taxi | Travellers with luggage who want to keep costs down | A short taxi ride from İncirli |
| Direct taxi from Otogar | Heavy luggage, late at night, three people together | About 8 km; journey time depends on traffic |
Taxis in Istanbul run on the meter. Showing the address to the driver in writing helps avoid misunderstandings.
Finding your way around the terminal
The Istanbul main bus terminal (Esenler Otogar) is a large site and can feel confusing on a first visit. When you get off the bus, first look for the metro signs, then follow them. At busy times, keep your luggage close and make sure your phone has enough charge for the journey. If you have a question on the way, you can reach us by phone or send a WhatsApp message in English; our line is open 24/7.
Arriving with a suitcase: a building with an elevator and security cameras
Walking from İncirli to Zeytinlik takes about 18 minutes. With a wheeled suitcase, most people find this distance comfortable; if you have more than one heavy bag, a short taxi ride may make more sense.
When you reach the building, the hard part is over: the building has an elevator, so you can get your suitcase to your floor without effort. The building also has security cameras, which gives late-night arrivals peace of mind. Your apartment has a kitchen, a private bathroom and 24/7 hot water, so you can rest straight after a long bus journey.
If you arrive at night or early in the morning
Intercity buses often arrive at night or early in the morning. Check-in is from 14:00; if you need early check-in, ask in advance and we will arrange it subject to availability. Just let us know in advance about a late-night arrival; we will plan your check-in accordingly.
- Tell us your estimated arrival time before you set off.
- If the bus is delayed, send us a short WhatsApp message; our line is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Check the first and last metro times on the current timetable; outside service hours, take a taxi.
- If you want somewhere to spend time until your apartment is ready, Bakırköy Freedom Square (Özgürlük Meydanı) is 6 minutes away on foot.
Check your arrival point
This route is for the Istanbul main bus terminal (Esenler Otogar). If your ticket shows a different arrival point, the route changes too. In that case, tell us your arrival point by phone or WhatsApp and we will plan the route together. You can find other transport connections in Bakırköy on the location page.
What to have with you
- Passport: required at check-in; in Türkiye, accommodation properties are legally required to report every guest’s identity. Turkish citizens may also use a national ID card.
- A loaded Istanbulkart
- The address in writing and a phone with enough charge
- The written message confirming your reservation
The return journey
On the way back, retrace the route: walk to İncirli, take the M1A toward Yenikapı and get off at the Otogar stop. Allow enough time for the walk to İncirli, the metro ride and the walk inside the terminal to catch your bus; at busy times this can take longer. Check-out is until 11:00; if your bus is in the evening, ask about late check-out in advance and we will arrange it subject to availability. If you are returning after an exam or job interview, the planning tips in our exam and interview guide will also help.
Tell us your arrival time and how many people are travelling, and we will plan your arrival accordingly: 0532 655 43 32.
Common questions
How long does the metro take from Otogar to Bakırköy?
The M1A metro takes about 15 minutes from Otogar stop to Bakırköy-İncirli. The walk from İncirli to our apartments takes about 18 minutes.
What should I do if I arrive at the bus terminal at night?
Let us know your arrival time in advance; we plan late-night arrivals accordingly. Check the current timetable for metro times and use a taxi outside service hours.
Availability and rates for Bakırköy Budget Stay: 0532 655 43 32 (24/7)