The Istanbul Airport (IST), which opened on April 7, 2019, has established its place as Istanbul's top international airport.
Situated alongside the beautiful Black Sea on the European side, it boasts a convenient location approximately 40 km from Taksim and 49 km from Sultanahmet. Upon arrival, visitors are faced with the task of selecting the most suitable transportation option to their respective hotels.
In this comprehensive guide, we present an overview of the available choices, highlighting their individual merits and drawbacks. By considering your specific requirements, personal preferences, and financial considerations, you will be empowered to make an informed decision.
General Guidelines
To ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience during your visit to Istanbul, here are some essential tips to keep in mind:
- Get some Turkish Liras: Don't worry if you come without Turkish Liras. There are several ATMs conveniently located throughout the airport that allow you to withdraw cash. Many transportations do not accept credit cards or foreign money. As a result, it's best to keep banknotes on hand, such as 20, 50,100 Lira.
- Get an Istanbul Kart: If you want to use public transit, getting an Istanbul Kart at the airport is a must. This reloadable card not only provides cheaper prices, but it is also required on most public transport routes nowadays. Load enough money onto the card to guarantee smooth travel across the city. Buy your Istanbul transportation card here. (for 5% discount use code ITI5)
- Hotel location: Before your departure, make sure you have the exact location and phone number of your hotel written down or printed out. Istanbul is a massive metropolis filled with hotels, many of which are small-scale. Even locals are not able to be familiar with all of them. As a result, having the hotel's information easily available, whether in writing or on your smartphone, will be helpful. Taxi drivers are not unusual in seeking directions at traffic signals or contacting the hotel for clarification.
- Maintain Crisis Management Awareness: While Istanbul is typically a secure city for visitors, staying attentive and mindful of your surroundings is a good idea. This is particularly important while taking public transit or hiring a cab. To guarantee your safety and peace of mind, keep an eye on your valuables and be aware of any potential suspicious behavior.
- Communication: Consider obtaining a local mobile phone SIM card or eSIM card with internet access to stay connected and navigate Istanbul with ease. While Wi-Fi availability may not always be reliable, it is prevalent at most airports and public areas within the city. Having a means of communication at your fingertips will prove invaluable in case of emergencies or for accessing the information on the go. Check out our SIM Card article.
Following these tips will improve your entire experience in Istanbul, allowing you to explore the city with ease while maximizing your comfort and security.
1. Hotel Airport Pick-Up
Most hotels will provide airport pickup (upon request). These pick-ups are rarely free and are frequently significantly more expensive than the choices suggested below. It is your choice to analyse the difference and choose the one that best meets your needs or preferences.
2. Public Transportation
If your hotel does not provide free pick-up, regular public transportation is available, although cheaper:
If your hotel is located in Taksim:
- Take the M11 metro (which runs every 20 minutes) to Gayrettepe.
- Transfer to the M2 metro line in the direction of Yenikapı and exit at Taksim.
- If your hotel is near Taksim, walk there or can take a taxi.
If your hotel is located in Sultanahmet:
- You stay on the M2 metro line for three more stops and get off at the Istanbul University stop.
- From there you either walk to your hotel or take the T1 tramway (direction Kabataş or Eminönü) for a few stops until you reach your destination: Sultanahmet, Gülhane, Sirkeci, Eminönü.
Recommendation
- During rush hour, you may find yourself struggling with your luggage in crowded public transportation.
- To go to Taksim, change lines three times, and four or five times to get to Sultanahmet.
- If the lifts or escalators are not working, you may have to use the stairs with your luggage.
- The operation hours are just from 6 a.m. to midnight, which is especially inconvenient if you are travelling with children, many people, or a large amount of luggage.
3. Havaist Airport Public Shuttle
Havaist is a new airport shuttle service that operates many bus lines connecting the new Istanbul airport and several locations across Istanbul.
- To Taksim, it is quite simple. You take the HVIST-New Istanbul Airport-Taksim line to the last stop, which is in front of the Point Hotel, near Taksim Square.
- From there you can either walk to your hotel, take a taxi or use the metro.
There used to be a line that went to Sultanahmet. Unfortunately, due to low demand, this line has been temporarily terminated.
- To Eminönü, you can take the HVIST-İstanbul Havalimanı – Beyazıt Meydan line to Beyazıt Meydan (last stop)
- Switch to the T1 – Kabataş-Bağcılar tram in the direction of Eminönü or Kabataş until you reach Sultanahmet.
This is far from an ideal option because getting to the T1 platform and using the often busy tram line with (a lot of) luggage is a challenge. Another option is of course a private shuttle (see below).
- To Kadıköy, you can take the HVIST-İstanbul Havalimanı – Kadıköy line to Kadıköy Rıhtım (last stop)
- You can walk, you can take a taxi, bus or historical moda tram to reach your hotel.
Nowadays, you have just one choice: Havaist. It's a trustworthy airport shuttle service and your best alternative to reach your hotel via public transit. Depending on your location, either direct or in combination with public transit.
The Havaist service costs range from 200 TL to 300 TL per person, depending on where you are going, and include one-way transportation and two pieces of baggage.
You can purchase a ticket with cash at the sales booth, or with a credit card or bank card on the bus. Trips take an average of 100 minutes, with longer times during rush hour. The timetables and tariffs are available on the official Havaist website.
4. Taxi
A lot of travellers immediately hire a taxi to reach their hotel. But with the New Istanbul Airport being a minimum of 40 km distant, you may want to give it some more thinking.
A ride from the New Istanbul airport to Taksim will set you back for a minimum of 1000 TL, and 1100 TL to Sultanahmet. However, these are NOT set costs; if the taxi encounters traffic, utilises toll roads, or takes a longer (but according to the taxi driver) quicker road, the fare may climb significantly. Even if you’re a group of four and the driver manages to fit all your bags in the trunk, you’re still better off selecting one of the alternatives below.
In case you must take a taxi, please walk to the official taxi ranks located directly outside the terminal. Never take a ride from the hustlers within the airport terminal, and always ask to switch on the meter.
5. Private Shuttle
A private shuttle is a good option compared to the cab and the normal airport shuttle. They are more pleasant than taxis and have a fixed fee, which allows for much more peaceful (and safe) travel to your accommodation.
Unlike the Havaist airport shuttle, private shuttles carry you to the hotel’s doorstep. They are also the ideal alternative when you travel with children. In this scenario, ask for a kid's seat.
It's simple to reserve a seat on our Express Shuttle. Simply select your chosen time period from the various options, and your transportation needs are easily met with a few clicks. Accept the peace of mind that comes with knowing your transfer is pre-booked, allowing you to concentrate on the thrill of your impending Istanbul experience.
How to Access the Express Shuttle:
Please follow these simple guidelines upon your arrival at Istanbul Airport to locate our Express Shuttle counter:
- Proceed through customs after getting your bags.
- Turn right at Burger King and continue straight until you reach the lift.
- Using the lift, descend to the -2nd Transportation Floor.
- After exiting the lift, turn right and proceed to Gate B.
- Keep a look out for the highly recognised "Havalines" kiosk, where our friendly and welcoming staff is waiting for you.
- Present your confirmation to our personnel, and you will be assisted in boarding the
- shuttle as soon as possible.
Following these instructions will allow you to easily locate our Express Shuttle counter, providing a smooth and convenient start to your journey.
This is the best option as HAVAIST buses don’t have direct transfer to Sultanahmet.
Skip the hassles and choose our Istanbul Airport Express Shuttle to Sultanahmet Old City for a stress-free, direct journey saving you money and time.
How it works:
- Right after booking, you will get a confirmation and the number of your driver
- When you arrive at Istanbul Airport go to the meeting point in the Transportation Floor
- Your driver assistant will be waiting for you to help you with your luggage and bring you to the Shuttle
- Please do not forget to mention your flight number and arrival time in the booking notes
If you are interested in an Express Shuttle, you can learn more and make a reservation by clicking on the following link.
Additional Information
Included and Not Included:
For your convenience, the Express Shuttle service includes a one-way transfer from Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet Old City. You are allotted space for one suitcase and one handbag. However, please note that the shuttle service is not available from SAW Sabiha Gökcen Airport.
Roundtrip Option and Savings:
For those planning a roundtrip journey, they also offer an exclusive 20% discount when you book the roundtrip option. Take advantage of this fantastic opportunity to save while enjoying the convenience and comfort of our Express Shuttle service for your entire Istanbul adventure.
6. Renting a Car
Renting a car at Istanbul Airport has both benefits and drawbacks. The final selection is based on your personal travel needs, preferences, and budget. Renting a car may be a reasonable alternative if you value flexibility, freedom, and the opportunity to travel outside the city limits.
However, if you are experienced with public transit and prefer to avoid the problems of driving in a busy city, depending on alternate ways of transportation may be more appropriate.
Take these factors into consideration to guarantee a great and stress-free trip to Istanbul.
Pros of Renting a Car:
- Flexibility & Independence: Renting a car allows you to explore Istanbul at your own leisure, allowing you to visit off-the-beaten-path places and sights that are out of reach of public transit.
- Convenience: Having your own automobile reduces the need to rely on public transportation timetables and routes. It enables you to go to remote locations, suburban areas, and neighbouring destinations without being constrained by established timings.
- Accessibility: Renting a car allows you to easily reach sights like the Kilyos or explore the gorgeous countryside around Istanbul, which includes lovely towns and scenic coastline locations.
Cons of Renting a Car:
- Traffic Congestion: Istanbul is well-known for its high traffic, especially during rush hours. Driving on crowded highways may be frustrating and time-consuming, negatively impacting your whole travel experience.
- Parking: Finding parking places in Istanbul, particularly in popular areas, can be difficult. Be prepared to spend time looking for suitable parking locations or paying parking fees, which might add to your expenditures.
- Cultural Differences and Road Conditions: Istanbul's driving culture may differ from what you are used to, with unexpected or problematic local driving practices. Furthermore, certain Istanbul roads may have uneven surfaces or lack sufficient signs, necessitating extra attention when driving.