Marmaray is a commuter rail service that connects the European and Asian sides of Istanbul, Turkey, under the Bosphorus Strait. It’s considered to be one of the most ambitious transportation projects in the city, and it offers a fast and convenient way to travel between the two sides of the city. In this article, we will provide an overview of the Marmaray service, including its route, hours of operation, and tips for using it.

Marmaray runs between the Asian side of Istanbul and the European side, passing through a tunnel that runs under the Bosphorus Strait. The route starts from Kazlıçeşme on the European side and ends at Ayrılıkçeşme on the Asian side, and it stops at various stations along the way, including Sirkeci, Üsküdar, and Yenikapı. The Marmaray service also connects to the Istanbul metro and suburban rail services, allowing passengers to easily transfer to other forms of transportation.

Marmaray operates daily from 6:00 am to 12:00 am, with trains running every 10-15 minutes during peak hours and every 20-30 minutes during off-peak hours. The journey from one end of the line to the other takes around 90 minutes, depending on the time of day and traffic conditions. Keep in mind that during peak hours, the Marmaray service can be quite crowded, so it’s best to plan your journey in advance and allow extra time for delays. Additionally, the service is not available during weekends and public holidays, so plan accordingly.

Overall, Marmaray is a fast and convenient way to travel between the European and Asian sides of Istanbul. It offers a unique and efficient way to cross the Bosphorus Strait, and it’s a great option for those looking to avoid the city’s traffic and crowded streets. Whether you’re commuting to work or exploring the city, the Marmaray service is a great option for getting around Istanbul.