How to Get from Bakirkoy to Istanbul Expo Center (IFM)

The most practical way from Bakırköy to the Istanbul Expo Center (IFM, Yeşilköy) is to take the Marmaray train heading for Halkalı and get off at Yeşilköy; the trip takes about 30–40 minutes including the walk. By taxi or car you arrive in 15–25 minutes depending on traffic, and the second rail option is the M1A metro from İncirli to the DTM-İstanbul Fuar Merkezi stop.

The details below are for guests setting out from our address in Zeytinlik, Bakırköy (Fazılpaşa Sokak No:4). The expo area is about 7 km away.

Three options at a glance

Step by step on the Marmaray

1. Walk from the address to Marmaray Bakırköy station: about 600 metres, 8 minutes.
2. Board the train heading for Halkalı. Trains heading for Gebze go to Yenimahalle, Zeytinburnu and Kazlıçeşme; that direction takes you away from the expo.
3. The train passes Ataköy and Yeşilyurt in that order; get off at Yeşilköy, the third stop.
4. Check the way from the station to the expo entrance on a map beforehand. Which hall entrance you use can vary with the event you are attending.

Because the Marmaray is not affected by traffic, it is the most predictable option for teams that have to be there for a morning opening. For current timetables and frequency, check TCDD Taşımacılık / Marmaray sources.

Step by step on the M1A metro

1. Walk from the address to İncirli: about 1.4 km, 18 minutes. The metro stop is called Bakırköy-İncirli.
2. Board the train heading for Atatürk Havalimanı.
3. After Bahçelievler, Ataköy-Şirinevler and Yenibosna, get off at DTM-İstanbul Fuar Merkezi.
4. The stop carries the name of the expo centre, but check the way to the hall entrance beforehand all the same.

The last stop on this line is Atatürk Havalimanı, and that airport is closed to passenger flights; for the expo you simply get off at DTM-İstanbul Fuar Merkezi. The M1A is a good backup plan when there is a disruption on the Marmaray, or when you are already on the İncirli side during the day.

By taxi or in your own car

By car the journey takes about 15–25 minutes; in the morning and evening rush it can take longer. Taxis in Istanbul run on the meter. If you are carrying sample cases, catalogue boxes or stand materials, the taxi is the least tiring option. If you are coming in your own car, plan the parking layout at the expo area in advance from IFM and organiser announcements, and the parking on the Bakırköy side from the car parks around the neighbourhood.

Which one to choose?

• Alone or as a pair with light luggage: the Marmaray. Eight minutes from the door to the station, and independent of traffic.
• Carrying heavy materials: a taxi or a car.
• If there is a disruption on the Marmaray: the M1A to DTM-İstanbul Fuar Merkezi.
• If the whole team leaves at the same time: take the Marmaray together; if the evening returns are scattered, everyone can choose their own route.

The evening return

On the way back you use the same routes in reverse. At Yeşilköy station, board the train heading for Gebze; after Yeşilyurt and Ataköy you get off at Bakırköy and walk for 8 minutes. If you are returning on the M1A, take the train in the opposite direction from DTM-İstanbul Fuar Merkezi and get off at Bakırköy-İncirli; from there the walk to the address is about 18 minutes. Stations can be crowded when the expo closes, so leave some margin for the return if you have an evening appointment.

Common mistakes

• Taking the wrong direction: from Bakırköy to IFM, the right direction is Halkalı on the Marmaray and Atatürk Havalimanı on the M1A.
• Missing the stop: on the Marmaray, Yeşilköy is the third stop after Bakırköy; count Ataköy and Yeşilyurt as you go.
• Looking for the entrance at the last minute: checking the way to the hall entrance on a map the night before saves time in the morning.

Payment and practical notes

• Istanbulkart is valid on the Marmaray, the metro and buses. Having your card ready before the expo morning saves time at the turnstiles.
• Taxi fares vary with traffic; keep an eye on the meter.
• For a detailed plan of the expo morning, see our expo day morning plan article.
• Other distances around our address are on the location page.

Choose your stay with the journey in mind

During expo week you make the same trip every morning. Staying an 8-minute walk from the Marmaray station keeps both public transport and taxis within reach. Teams of 4–5 can stay together in a Two-bedroom apartment (2+1) and take the same train in the morning; the building has a lift, so heading out with sample boxes is easy too. Take a look at our apartment options; to ask about your dates and the number of guests, call 0532 655 43 32 or send us a message on WhatsApp in English.

Common questions