Istanbul metro sets all-time daily record with 3.3 million passengers

Istanbul's metro network carried a record 3,301,070 passengers on Oct. 6, 2026, marking the highest single-day ridership in the history of Metro Istanbul, the rail operator owned by Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM).

The record coincided with the 103rd anniversary of Istanbul's liberation, when public transportation was offered free of charge following a decision by the municipal council. Increased travel activity following the start of the new academic year also contributed to passenger numbers.

Five metro lines set their own daily records on the same day, highlighting growing demand across the city's expanding rail network.

Commuters board a metro train at a station in Istanbul, where the city's rail network recorded its highest-ever daily passenger count on Oct. 6, 2026. (Photo via Metro Istanbul)

Five Istanbul metro lines reach record passenger numbers

Among the five record-breaking lines, the M5 Uskudar-Sultanbeyli route carried the most passengers, reaching 466,964 journeys, followed by the M4 Kadikoy-Sabiha Gokcen Airport line with 408,948.

The other three lines also registered their highest daily passenger figures:

• M3 Bakirkoy-Kayasehir: 208,217 passengers
• M8 Bostanci-Parseller: 112,191 passengers
• M9 Atakoy-Olimpiyat: 110,498 passengers

Passengers board a metro train at an Istanbul station, including a wheelchair user, as Metro Istanbul reports a record 3.3 million daily journeys. (Photo via Metro Istanbul)

Istanbul metro ridership rises nearly 40% since 2019

Metro Istanbul General Manager Ozhan Senol said the latest record reflected continued investment in rail infrastructure and the opening of new lines, which have expanded access to public transportation across the city.

Since 2019, the number of lines operated by Metro Istanbul has increased from 13 to 18, while stations have risen from 158 to 240. The network has also expanded from 154 kilometers (95.7 miles) to 245.75 kilometers (152.7 miles), with the number of rail vehicles growing from 839 to 1,015.

Over the same period, the operator's highest daily passenger count climbed from 2.36 million to 3.3 million, representing an increase of approximately 40%.

Senol said the company was working to improve the passenger experience alongside expanding its network and capacity.

Passengers wait for a train at an Istanbul metro station, with the city’s expanding rail network carrying more passengers than ever before. (Photo via Metro Istanbul)

Extended services respond to Istanbul's changing travel demand

Senol also pointed to the operator's efforts to adapt services to changing travel patterns, including additional departures during football matches, concerts and other major events.

Metro Istanbul provides 66 hours of uninterrupted service over weekends through its Night Metro program, covering Friday and Saturday nights, while adjusting operations during busy periods such as the beginning of the school year.

The operator also organizes music and cultural events at stations and uses passenger feedback to improve its services, Senol added.

October 10, 2026 01:56 PM GMT+03:00