On October 23, 2026, a significant announcement was made in the Official Gazette. Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu informed the public that, starting on October 29, the 29th of the month, certain major rail and metro lines in Turkey’s largest cities would be free for the day. This decision was part of the government’s plans to celebrate Republic Day, a national holiday commemorating the founding of the Republic of Turkey in 1923.
The free travel would apply to several key lines in Ankara, Istanbul, and İzmir. In Istanbul, the Marmaray, Sirkeci-Kazlıçeşme rail line, and the Gayrettepe-İstanbul Airport-Halkalı metro line would be included. In Ankara, the Başkentray would be free, while in İzmir, the İZBAN service would be open to all. These lines are crucial for daily commuting and tourism, making their free operation a significant event for the millions of residents and visitors in these cities.
The decision to offer free travel was based on a Presidential Decree. Uraloğlu emphasized the convenience and cost-effectiveness of the measure, stating, 'Söz konusu hatlarımız tüm vatandaşlarımıza gün boyunca hızlı, kolay ve ekonomik bir ulaşım imkânı sağlayacak.' This translates to, 'These lines will provide our citizens with a fast, easy, and cost-effective transportation option for the day.'
The move aligns with the government’s commitment to providing a convenient and cost-effective transportation experience, especially during national holidays.
The decision to provide free travel on these lines is expected to have a significant impact on daily life in these cities. For Istanbul, the Marmaray line connects the city’s historic center with its modern suburbs, while the Gayrettepe-İstanbul Airport-Halkalı metro line serves as a vital link between the city’s main airport and its bustling business district. In Ankara, the Başkentray is a key line for both commuters and tourists, while in İzmir, the İZBAN service connects the city’s historic center with its port and airport.
This decision is part of a broader effort by the Turkish government to improve public transportation and make it more accessible to all citizens. The move aligns with the government’s commitment to providing a convenient and cost-effective transportation experience, especially during national holidays. The free travel on these lines is seen as a way to celebrate the day and encourage more people to use public transportation.
On the day of the free travel, citizens and visitors can expect a day of smooth and efficient transportation. The Marmaray line, for instance, is a vital link between the city’s historic center and its modern suburbs, while the Gayrettepe-İstanbul Airport-Halkalı metro line serves as a vital link between the city’s main airport and its bustling business district. In Ankara, the Başkentray is a key line for both commuters and tourists, while in İzmir, the İZBAN service connects the city’s historic center with its port and airport.
While this decision is a significant step, it is part of a broader effort to improve public transportation in Turkey. The government has announced plans to expand and modernize the rail and metro systems in these cities, making them more efficient and reliable for the future. The free travel on these lines is seen as a way to encourage more people to use public transportation and reduce the reliance on private vehicles, which can help alleviate traffic congestion and reduce pollution.
On October 29, 2026, the Republic Day, Turkey’s major cities will see a day of free travel on key rail and metro lines, as the government aims to provide a convenient and cost-effective experience for its citizens. The decision to offer free travel on these lines is expected to have a significant impact on daily life in these cities and is part of a broader effort to improve public transportation and make it more accessible to all citizens.