Istanbul metro luggage rules, as published by Metro Istanbul, say a suitcase must weigh no more than 30 kg and measure no more than 120 × 60 × 50 cm. You may carry one large suitcase plus either one cabin-size suitcase or one small or medium backpack without paying extra. Any other combination needs an additional journey fare.
Last checked: 26 October 2026 against the operator’s official passenger rules. These rules are Metro Istanbul’s. Other operators, such as ferries and buses, publish their own.
Istanbul metro luggage: size and weight limits
- Boarding with a suitcase over 30 kg or larger than 120 × 60 × 50 cm is prohibited.
- Loads that one person cannot carry are not accepted, even when packed so they cannot cause damage.
- An airline’s checked-baggage allowance does not apply here. The metro has its own limits.
Which bags can you take free on the Istanbul metro?
| What you carry | Extra fare? |
|---|---|
| One large suitcase and one cabin-size suitcase | No |
| One large suitcase and one small or medium backpack | No |
| More than one suitcase beyond the combinations above | Yes, one extra journey fare for each additional suitcase |
| A medium or large camping or mountaineering backpack | Counts as a suitcase, so it can travel only with one cabin-size suitcase or one small or medium backpack |
For example, two large suitcases and a backpack is not covered by the free allowance. Do not assume that “one large suitcase plus a small bag” means any two bags are free.
The rules also treat parcels and other loads separately. For more than one such item, passengers may travel outside 07:00–09:00 and 17:00–20:00 and pay one extra fare for each additional item. That wording is about loads, not suitcases, so read the official page if you carry anything unusual.
Where to put your luggage on the train
- Never place bags on seats or leave them where they block the gaps between seats.
- A suitcase too big to hold on your lap or keep at your feet belongs in the standing areas next to the doors, or in places marked as luggage areas on some trains.
- The areas reserved for wheelchairs and pushchairs give priority to passengers who need them, so move your bag if they are needed.
At rush hour a crowded carriage can make this hard. If you arrive with several suitcases, a less busy departure or another option may be easier. Our Istanbul Airport to city centre guide compares the airport options in detail.
Travelling by metro with luggage from the airports
From Istanbul Airport the M11 line is the rail link, and from Sabiha Gökçen it is the M4. Both routes usually need at least one change before the historic centre, which matters when you carry heavy bags. Read our Istanbul Airport guide and Sabiha Gökçen guide before you choose.
If your hotel is not ready for check-in, you can leave bags for the day. Our luggage storage guide explains your options. You will need an Istanbulkart or ticket for each trip; see how to buy and use an Istanbulkart.
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum suitcase size on the Istanbul metro?
120 × 60 × 50 cm and 30 kg.
Can I take two suitcases on the Istanbul metro?
One large suitcase plus one cabin-size suitcase is allowed without an extra fare, provided both are within the size and weight limits.
Do these rules apply to Marmaray and ferries?
Not automatically. They come from Metro Istanbul. Check the operator of each part of your journey.
