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Urban rail transport in three of Türkiye’s largest cities will be free of charge on Jan. 1, 2026, following an official decision announced by Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu. The measure applies to Ankara, Istanbul, and Izmir, offering residents and visitors free access to selected state-operated rail systems on New Year’s Day.
According to the minister’s statement, the decision is based on a presidential decree published in the Official Gazette. Under this decree, passengers will be able to ride several major urban and suburban rail lines without paying a fare on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026.
The free service will apply to Baskentray in Ankara, Marmaray in Istanbul, and IZBAN in Izmir. These lines function as high-capacity commuter rail systems, linking city centers with surrounding districts and playing a central role in daily urban mobility.
In addition to the main commuter networks, the decree also covers two Istanbul-based lines that serve different transport needs. One is the Sirkeci–Kazlicesme Rail System Line, which runs along the historic Golden Horn area and is often used for short inner-city trips. The other is the Gayrettepe–Istanbul Airport–Arnavutkoy Metro Line, a relatively new route that connects the city’s central business districts directly to Istanbul Airport, one of Europe’s largest aviation hubs.
By including these lines, the decision extends beyond daily commuting and also supports holiday travel, especially for passengers heading to or from the airport on New Year’s Day.
The announcement specifically refers to urban rail systems operated under the authority of the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure. This means that the free service applies only to the listed rail lines and does not automatically cover buses, ferries, or municipally run metro and tram services unless separately announced by local authorities.
For international visitors, expatriates, and residents unfamiliar with the local system, this means that access to key intercity-style commuter lines within Ankara, Istanbul, and Izmir will be available without charge throughout the day on January 1, making it easier to get around major metropolitan areas during the New Year holiday.
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