How to Get from Bakirkoy to Istanbul Aquarium

From Bakırköy to Istanbul Aquarium (Florya), the most practical route is the Marmaray: take a Halkalı-bound train from Marmaray Bakırköy station and get off at Florya Akvaryum. From our address in Zeytinlik, the total journey is about 30 minutes, including the walk to the station; by car it takes 15–20 minutes depending on traffic.

Below we explain both routes step by step and list the points that make a journey with children easier. Aquarium opening hours and ticket information are updated seasonally, so check the official Istanbul Aquarium website before your visit for the most accurate details.

Step by step by Marmaray

1. Walk to the station. It is about 600 metres from Fazılpaşa Sokak to Marmaray Bakırköy station, an 8-minute walk.
2. Have your card ready. Istanbulkart is valid on the Marmaray. If you are a large family, decide before the turnstile who will use which card.
3. Take the right direction. Board a Halkalı-bound train. Trains towards Gebze take you the opposite way, to Yenikapı and Sirkeci.
4. Count the stops. After Bakırköy, the stops are Ataköy, Yeşilyurt and Yeşilköy. The fourth stop is Florya Akvaryum.
5. Get off and follow the signs. The stop takes its name from the aquarium; follow the directions when you leave the station.

On the way back, return to the same stop and board a Gebze-bound train; get off at Bakırköy after Yeşilköy, Yeşilyurt and Ataköy. Check current timetable information from TCDD Taşımacılık / Marmaray sources.

By car or taxi

It is about 9 kilometres from our address to Istanbul Aquarium, and the drive takes 15–20 minutes depending on traffic. Taxis in Istanbul run on the meter. If you are driving yourself, check parking options around the aquarium in advance; weekends and public holidays can be busier.

Which option should you choose?

In short: if you want to know the journey time in advance, choose the Marmaray; if you want to minimise transfers and walking, a car is more suitable.

Tips for travelling with children

• Avoid peak hours. The Marmaray can be crowded on weekday mornings and evenings; choosing times outside these hours makes the journey to the aquarium easier.
• With a stroller, check the accessible entrances and exits at the stations in advance.
• Bring water and a snack; children are often tired on the way back from the aquarium.
• Get ready to leave early. After Yeşilköy, move towards the door; it is important not to rush when getting off with a child.
• Plan the return. If you are going to have dinner in Bakırköy in the evening, you can walk from the station to the market area.

Where does the 30 minutes come from?

About 8 minutes of the total journey is the walk from the accommodation to Marmaray Bakırköy station. The rest is waiting on the platform, the four-stop train ride and the walk from Florya Akvaryum stop to the aquarium entrance. Platform waiting time can vary with the frequency of trains, so treat this as a planning guide. If you are travelling with children, allowing a few extra minutes when you set off can make the morning less stressful.

Common mistakes first-time visitors make

• Taking the wrong direction. If you board a Gebze-bound train at Bakırköy, you will head towards Yenikapı. Do not board without seeing Halkalı on the platform.
• Going one stop too far. Florya stop is close to the beach; for the aquarium, get off at the previous stop, Florya Akvaryum.
• Leaving without checking the time. Check the aquarium's opening hours and ticket status on its official website before you set off.
• Returning at rush hour. To avoid standing with tired children in the evening rush, return a little earlier or later.

How to combine your aquarium day

If you want to go to the beach after the aquarium, you can get off one stop further at Florya on the Marmaray; if you plan to walk, check the route on a map. To plan the whole day, see our article on a family day out in Florya; if you will return to shopping after the aquarium, see the guide the aquarium and the Bakırköy market on the same day. We describe the stops on this part of the line in detail in Florya by Marmaray.

Staying in Bakırköy

We are in Zeytinlik, Bakırköy; you can reach the aquarium by Marmaray in about 30 minutes, and in the evenings you are close to the market, the seafront and the lines into the city centre. The building has an elevator and security cameras; getting in and out with a stroller and luggage is easy. For families, the Two-bedroom apartment (2+1) for 4–5 people and the One-bedroom apartment (1+1) for 2–3 people are suitable; both have their own kitchen. Just send your dates and number of guests, and we will confirm the right apartment and current rate right away: 0532 655 43 32. You can write to us in English on WhatsApp.

Common questions