İstanbul Airport

Istanbul Airport (IST) is the primary international airport serving Istanbul, Turkey, and one of the largest airports in the world. Opened in October 2018 (full operations began April 2019), this mega-hub replaced the historic Ataturk Airport as Istanbul's main gateway. Designed to handle 200 million passengers annually at full capacity, IST serves as the main hub for Turkish Airlines and is a major connecting point between Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

The airport has a single massive terminal with multiple concourses arranged in an "X" shape:

• Domestic Terminal: Turkish domestic flights, located on the western side
• International Terminal: All international departures and arrivals, with multiple piers (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H)
• Connections: Most Turkish Airlines long-haul flights depart from Pier A and B

The terminal is enormous - walking from one end to the other can take 20-30 minutes. The airport features extensive duty-free shopping, multiple lounges, and a hotel inside the transit area.

Important: Istanbul has a second airport, Sabiha Gokcen (SAW), located on the Asian side of the city. SAW serves budget carriers and some international flights. Always verify which airport your flight uses - they are approximately 80 km apart.

IST is located approximately 40 km northwest of central Istanbul (Sultanahmet, Taksim). Travel times vary significantly with Istanbul's notorious traffic:

• Taksim Square: 40-70 minutes
• Sultanahmet (Old City): 50-80 minutes
• Kadikoy (Asian side): 70-100 minutes
• Galata/Beyoglu: 40-70 minutes

Off-peak times (early morning, late evening): Closer to the minimum times Rush hour (weekday mornings 7-10am, evenings 5-8pm): Expect delays up to 90 minutes

The Metro M11 line (opened 2023) provides a traffic-free option directly to Gayrettepe station, connecting to the broader metro network.

Uber is available in Istanbul, though it operates differently than in Western countries - the app dispatches licensed yellow taxis. BiTaksi is the popular local taxi app that works with licensed taxis and often has shorter wait times.

Airport Taxis use the official "iTaksi" system with set zones and fixed fares posted at the taxi stand. Look for the yellow taxis at designated pickup areas.

Typical Taxi Fares

Destination	Fare (approximate)	Notes
Taksim	₺600-900 (~$18-27 USD)	Zone fare, varies with traffic
Sultanahmet	₺650-1000 (~$20-30 USD)	Old City
Kadikoy	₺800-1200 (~$24-36 USD)	Asian side, includes bridge toll
Nisantasi	₺550-850 (~$17-26 USD)	—

Fares are metered but subject to traffic conditions. Tolls for bridges/highways are added. Credit cards accepted in official taxis. Avoid unlicensed taxis approaching you in the terminal.

Tips:

• Use the official taxi queue outside arrivals
• Confirm the driver will use the meter or agree on a zone-based fare
• Have your hotel address in Turkish or screenshot to show the driver
• Night surcharge (midnight-6am) adds approximately 50%

Metro M11 Line

The M11 Metro line connects IST directly to the city metro network. This is the most reliable option to avoid traffic.

Route: Istanbul Airport → Kagithane → Gayrettepe Fare: ₺23 (~$0.70 USD) with Istanbulkart Journey time: 24 minutes to Gayrettepe

How to reach central Istanbul via Metro:

1. Follow signs to "Metro" in the arrivals hall
2. Purchase an Istanbulkart from machines (₺150 for card + ₺50 initial credit)
3. Take M11 to Kagithane (transfer to M7) or Gayrettepe
4. At Gayrettepe, transfer to M2 metro line
5. Continue to Taksim (2 stops) or Sishane for Galata/Karakoy

Total journey to Taksim: 45-55 minutes, ₺30-40 total with transfers

Metro Hours: 6:00 AM - midnight (last departure from airport approximately 11:30 PM)

HAVAIST Airport Buses

HAVAIST operates direct buses from IST to various Istanbul locations. Buses are comfortable with luggage storage and free WiFi.

Route	Destination	Fare	Frequency	Duration
HVIST-1	Taksim	₺170 (~$5 USD)	Every 30 min	60-90 min
HVIST-2	Yenibosna Metro	₺120	Every 30 min	35 min
HVIST-5	Pendik (Sabiha Gokcen)	₺300	Every 60 min	120 min
HVIST-12	Kadikoy	₺200	Every 30-60 min	90-120 min
HVIST-19	Sultanahmet/Aksaray	₺170	Every 60 min	70-100 min

Tickets can be purchased at HAVAIST counters in arrivals, from the driver (cash), or via the HAVAIST mobile app. Istanbulkart is not accepted on HAVAIST buses.

Buses run 24 hours with reduced frequency overnight.

Getting to Sabiha Gokcen (SAW)

If you need to transfer between Istanbul's two airports:

• HAVAIST direct bus (HVIST-5): ₺300, approximately 2 hours (traffic dependent)
• Metro + shuttle combination: Not recommended due to complexity
• Private transfer/taxi: ₺1500-2000 (~$45-60 USD)

Allow at least 4 hours minimum for inter-airport transfers.

IST offers extensive parking facilities:

Type	Rate	Notes
Short-term	₺150/hour	Closest to terminal
Daily parking	₺400/day	Open lots
Long-term	₺250/day	Shuttle to terminal
Valet	₺600/day	Drop-off at terminal

Pre-booking via the Istanbul Airport website (www.istairport.com) offers discounts of up to 30%. Payment accepted in cash, credit card, or Istanbulkart.

Free parking: First 15 minutes free in short-term parking for pickup/drop-off.

IST has extensive dining options across the terminal, with most restaurants in the central hub area:

International Terminal (Airside)

• Kebab stations: Turkish grills, doner, and traditional meats at multiple locations
• Simit Sarayi: Turkish bakery chain - simit (sesame bread rings), pastries, Turkish breakfast
• Big Chefs: Turkish/international menu, full-service restaurant
• Kitchenette: International comfort food
• Burger King, McDonald's, Sbarro: Fast food options
• Starbucks, Costa Coffee: Multiple locations throughout piers

Local Turkish Options

• Mado: Turkish ice cream and desserts, light meals
• Kahve Dunyasi: Turkish coffee chain, pastries
• Tarihi Sultanahmet Koftecisi: Famous Istanbul meatball restaurant (branch in airport)
• Turkish Airlines Lounge dining: Extensive complimentary food for lounge guests

Landside (Before Security)

• Food court: Multiple quick-service restaurants
• Yemeksepeti Market: Grab-and-go options

For authentic Turkish food, try the kebab stations or Sultanahmet Koftecisi. Simit Sarayi offers good value for quick Turkish breakfast items.

Prices are approximately 30-50% higher than city restaurants. Budget ₺200-400 (~$6-12 USD) for a meal.

Free WiFi is available throughout the terminal:

• Network: "Istanbul Airport WiFi" or "IST WiFi"
• Speed: Generally good for browsing and video calls
• Registration: SMS verification required (enter phone number)
• Duration: Unlimited

For faster speeds, Turkish Airlines lounges offer premium WiFi. Some restaurants and cafes have their own networks.

Coverage is reliable throughout the terminal, including at gates.

SIM cards are available at multiple locations in arrivals:

Carriers

• Turkcell: Largest network, best coverage nationwide
• Vodafone Turkey: Good coverage, competitive tourist plans
• Turk Telekom: Budget option, adequate coverage

Where to Buy

• Official carrier stores in arrivals hall (after customs)
• Vending machines near baggage claim
• Electronics stores in duty-free area

Typical Plans

Carrier	Plan	Price	Includes
Turkcell	Tourist Welcome	₺750 (~$22 USD)	20GB data, 200 min, 30 days
Vodafone	Tourist SIM	₺600 (~$18 USD)	15GB data, 30 days
Turk Telekom	Visitor Pack	₺500 (~$15 USD)	10GB data, 14 days

Bring your passport for registration - it's required by Turkish law. Activation is immediate at carrier stores. Note: Tourist SIMs have become significantly more expensive in recent years.

ATMs are located throughout the terminal:

• Arrivals hall: Multiple ATMs from major Turkish banks (Garanti, Isbank, Yapi Kredi, Akbank)
• Departure gates: ATMs near shopping areas
• Lounges: Some lounges have ATMs

Currency: Turkish Lira (TRY/₺) Exchange rate: Highly variable - check current rates before travel

Currency Exchange

Exchange offices (doviz) are located throughout the terminal. Airport rates include a markup of 3-8% compared to city rates. Options include:

• Global Exchange: Multiple locations
• Travelex: Near arrivals
• Turkish bank exchange windows: Sometimes better rates

Recommendations:

• Withdraw Turkish Lira from ATMs for better rates (your bank's foreign transaction fee applies)
• Avoid exchanging at the airport if possible
• Many places in Istanbul accept credit cards (Visa, Mastercard)
• Euros and USD are sometimes accepted at tourist areas (poor rates)

IST has one of the largest duty-free shopping areas in the world - over 55,000 square meters of retail space.

Duty-Free

• Unifree Duty Free: Main operator with massive selection
• Categories: Perfumes, cosmetics, luxury goods, electronics, liquor, tobacco
• Turkish brands: Lokum (Turkish delight), baklava, Turkish coffee, ceramics, textiles

Notable Stores

• Turkish Delight/Lokum: Hafiz Mustafa, Haci Bekir (historic Istanbul confectioners)
• Mado: Turkish ice cream, sweets, gifts
• Vakko: High-end Turkish fashion
• LC Waikiki: Affordable Turkish fashion
• Carpet shops: Traditional Turkish rugs and kilims

Best Buys

• Turkish Delight (lokum): Excellent gift, various flavors
• Turkish coffee: Ground coffee, traditional pots (cezve)
• Baklava: Fresh at specialty shops
• Evil eye (nazar) items: Traditional blue glass protection charms
• Textiles: Towels, robes, pashminas

The duty-free area is centrally located and accessible to all departing passengers. Allow at least 30 minutes for serious shopping.

IST has numerous lounge options, with Turkish Airlines operating the most notable facility.

Turkish Airlines Lounge

The Turkish Airlines Lounge is one of the world's largest airline lounges at approximately 5,500 square meters:

• Location: International departures, main terminal
• Access: Turkish Airlines Business Class, Miles&Smiles Elite/Elite Plus, Star Alliance Gold
• Highlights:
  • Full Turkish cuisine buffet (kebabs, mezes, pide)
  • Traditional Turkish tea and coffee service
  • Shower suites
  • Private sleeping rooms
  • Golf simulator, pool tables, cinema
  • Children's play area
  • Outdoor terrace
• Hours: 24/7

This lounge is worth arriving early for, with some of the best complimentary food of any airport lounge worldwide.

Turkish Airlines Arrivals Lounge

• Location: After immigration, arrivals area
• Access: Business Class passengers, Miles&Smiles Elite
• Features: Showers, breakfast, luggage storage

Priority Pass Lounges

• IGA Lounge (multiple locations): Basic amenities, food, drinks, WiFi
• Primeclass Lounge: Turkish snacks, comfortable seating

Other Lounges

• HSBC Premier Lounge: HSBC Premier cardholders
• Primeclass Business Lounge: Pay-per-use from ₺800 (~$24 USD)
• LoungeKey: Various partner lounges

Day Passes

If you don't have status or lounge access:

• IGA Lounge: ₺800-1000 (~$24-30 USD) walk-in
• Primeclass: ₺750-900 (~$22-27 USD) pre-booked online

Inside the Airport

• YOTEL Istanbul Airport (transit area): Compact cabins from ₺2500/night (~$75 USD), hourly rates available. Located airside - no need to clear immigration.
• IGA Sleepod: Sleeping pods available in transit area

Airport Hotels (Landside)

• Istanbul Airport Hotel: Connected to the terminal, 5-star property with direct access. Rooms from ₺4000/night (~$120 USD).

Near the Airport

• Radisson Blu Airport: 5-minute shuttle, business hotel. From ₺2500/night.
• Hilton Istanbul Airport: Quality option with shuttle service. From ₺3000/night.
• Holiday Inn Express: Budget option. From ₺1500/night (~$45 USD).

For long layovers where you want to stay airside, YOTEL is the only option that doesn't require clearing immigration.

Istanbul offers incredible history, culture, and cuisine - it's worth extending a layover if possible.

Must-See Attractions

Old City - Sultanahmet (50-80 min from airport):

• Hagia Sophia: Iconic 6th-century structure, now a mosque. Free entry (dress modestly).
• Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed): Famous for its blue Iznik tiles. Free entry.
• Topkapi Palace: Ottoman sultans' residence, treasury, harem. ₺700 entry (~$21 USD).
• Basilica Cistern: Underground Byzantine cistern. ₺450 entry (~$14 USD).
• Grand Bazaar: Historic covered market with 4,000+ shops. Free entry.

Beyoglu/Galata (40-70 min from airport):

• Galata Tower: Medieval tower with panoramic views. ₺400 entry.
• Istiklal Avenue: Pedestrian shopping street, nightlife, restaurants.
• Taksim Square: City's modern heart, transport hub.

For Long Layovers (8+ hours)

With 8+ hours, you can realistically visit Sultanahmet's main sights:

1. Take metro or HAVAIST to city center
2. Visit Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque (1.5 hours combined)
3. Walk to Grand Bazaar for shopping and lunch (1-2 hours)
4. Return via same route

Allow 3-4 hours for round-trip transport and 4 hours for sightseeing.

Turkish Food Essentials

• Kebabs: Doner, iskender, adana, urfa - each region has specialties
• Mezes: Small plates - hummus, cacik (yogurt), dolma, borek
• Simit: Sesame-crusted bread rings (Turkish bagel)
• Balik Ekmek: Fish sandwich - try at Eminonu waterfront
• Baklava: Layered pastry with nuts and syrup
• Turkish Breakfast: Elaborate spread with cheeses, olives, eggs, honey, bread

Recommended areas for dining:

• Karakoy/Galata: Trendy restaurants, meyhanes (Turkish taverns)
• Sultanahmet: Tourist restaurants (higher prices, mixed quality)
• Kadikoy (Asian side): Local food markets, authentic restaurants

Practical Tips

• Currency: Turkish Lira (₺). Credit cards widely accepted in tourist areas and modern establishments.
• Tipping: 5-10% at restaurants if not included. Round up for taxis.
• Dress code: Cover shoulders and knees for mosques. Headscarves available for women at mosque entrances.
• Bargaining: Expected at Grand Bazaar and markets. Not at fixed-price shops.
• Safety: Istanbul is generally safe for tourists. Be aware of common scams (shoe shiners, "tea invitations" near tourist sites).
• Prayer times: Mosques close briefly for prayers. Check timing for Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque visits.
• Weather: Hot summers (July-August 30-35C), cold winters (January 0-8C). Spring and fall are ideal.

The metro M11 line makes quick layover trips more feasible than before - you can reach Taksim in under an hour without traffic concerns.