Jazmin Li
Istanbul Airport offers a variety of options for travellers with layovers, including sleep pods, sleep cabins, and hotels. The airport features an expansive terminal with eight concourses, over 150 restaurants and cafes, and plenty of shopping options. For those seeking a comfortable place to rest, the airport offers sleep pods or iGA Sleepods, located in the quietest areas of the airport near Gates D. These pods can be rented hourly, with rates varying between €12 and €18 per hour depending on the time of day. Additionally, there are hotels located both inside and outside the airport, such as YOTEL Istanbul, which offers sleep cabins and lounge access. For longer layovers, Turkish Airlines offers the Stopover in Istanbul program, providing passengers with a connection period of at least 20 hours the opportunity to stay in partner hotels free of charge and explore the city.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sleeping options | Sleep pods, sleep cabins, hotels, lounges, semi-reclined seats, couches, and lounge chairs |
| Sleep pod locations | Airside, near Gates D |
| Sleep pod pricing | €12 per hour between 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM and €18 between 7:00 PM – 7:00 AM |
| Sleep pod amenities | Blankets and pillows available for €6 |
| Hotel pricing | Between €150 and €300 |
| Lounge pricing | €35+VAT for IGA Lounge; €45 for Revolve lounge access; €65 for lounge access only |
| Lounge amenities | Food and drinks available 24 hours a day; showers available for €15 |
| Free sleep options | Semi-reclined seats, couches, and lounge chairs |
| Free hotel options | Turkish Airlines offers free hotel stays for eligible passengers with a minimum layover of 4 hours and a maximum of 9 hours; the Stopover in Istanbul program offers free hotel stays for passengers with a connection period of at least 20 hours |
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What You'll Learn
Sleep pods, sleep cabins, and hotels
Istanbul Airport offers sleep pods, sleep cabins, and hotels for travellers seeking comfort during long layovers or stopovers. Here's what you need to know about each option:
Sleep Pods and Cabins
The airport has introduced dedicated sleep pods, known as "iGA Sleepods," located airside near the "D" gates. These pods provide a quiet and private space for travellers to relax, nap, or reset between flights. They are rented by the hour, with rates ranging from €10 to €18 per hour, depending on the time of day. Each pod features a retractable roof to block out light and noise, a luggage compartment, and clean bedding. However, there is no dedicated Wi-Fi, and you'll need to rely on the airport's public network. Additionally, these sleep pods cannot be booked in advance and are subject to availability.
Sleep Cabins
Istanbul Airport also offers sleep cabins, which are similar to the sleep pods but may offer slightly more space and privacy. These cabins are available at the YOTEL Istanbul Hotel, located in the landside/public zone of the airport. While they may provide a more comfortable experience, they are likely to be more expensive than the sleep pods.
Hotels
For travellers seeking a more traditional accommodation option, there is an on-site hotel called YOTEL, located both landside and airside within the airport. This hotel offers compact yet stylish rooms, high-speed Wi-Fi, 24-hour room service, and smart TVs. However, it is important to note that the prices for this convenience can range from €150 to €300 or $200 to $350, which some may consider expensive. If you're looking for a cheaper alternative, there are off-site hotels near the airport, but they may require you to pass through security again. Additionally, if you're flying with Turkish Airlines and have a layover between four and nine hours, you may be eligible for a free stay in a sleep cabin, so be sure to check with the airline.
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Lounge access
The iGA Lounges are accessible to all passengers, regardless of airline or ticket class, and offer pay-per-use options. Prices typically range from €35 to €85 + VAT for a single visit, depending on the specific lounge and current promotions. The iGA Lounges offer complimentary food and beverages (including alcoholic drinks), massages, Wi-Fi, shower facilities, sleeping pods, and more. You can book directly upon arrival if spaces are available, but it is recommended to book in advance to secure your spot.
Turkish Airlines lounges are not available for direct paid access. However, if you are flying with Turkish Airlines and have a layover of at least four hours and a maximum of nine hours, you may be eligible for a free stay in a sleep cabin. This offer is available to passengers with a Business Class ticket or an Elite Plus Card, and both flights must be international.
In addition to the above, Istanbul Airport also provides Nap Zones in the International Terminal, equipped with semi-reclined seats. These can be found near Gates A, B, C, D, E, F, and G. There are also lounge chairs with bamboo privacy walls near Gates E1/E2.
If you are looking for a more extended stay or prefer a private space, there are also sleep pods and cabins available for purchase.
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Food and drink options
Istanbul Airport offers a variety of dining options, ranging from lounges to restaurants, that can give you a taste of Turkish cuisine and culture. Here is a list of some food and drink options:
Lounges
- IGA Lounge: Located in the international terminal, the iGA Lounge is open 24 hours and offers food, drinks, showers, and ample seating. It also features a duty-free shop, prayer rooms, a children's area, and a smoking terrace. You can access this lounge by purchasing a Priority Pass membership or paying a $65 walk-in fee.
- IGA Pop-Up Lounge: Past security around Gate A5, this lounge offers similar amenities to the main iGA Lounge, including food, drink, and daybeds. During its grand opening, access was available for 33 euros.
- SkyTeam Lounge: Located in Terminal A, Level H, the SkyTeam Lounge offers food, drinks, showers, and plenty of seating with power outlets. Access to this lounge requires signing up for one of their membership programs.
- YOTELAIR Istanbul Airport: Located inside the terminal, YOTELAIR offers the Revolve hotel lounge, which provides food and drinks around the clock. The lounge features continental breakfast, all-day food selections, and late-night snacks. Access to the lounge costs €45 per person, and you can book it separately or add it to your cabin reservation.
Restaurants
- Simit Sarayı: A popular spot for a quick bite, Simit Sarayı offers a range of Turkish pastries, including the famous simit, a sesame-encrusted bread ring often enjoyed with tea or Turkish coffee.
- Big Chefs: Big Chefs offers a variety of dishes, from traditional Turkish meals to international fare, in a comfortable sit-down setting.
- Street Foods: For a quick and authentic taste of Turkish street food, Street Foods offers options like Döner, Kumpir (stuffed baked potatoes), and gözleme (Turkish flatbread).
- Mantı & Künefe: This restaurant specialises in traditional Turkish cuisine, serving mantı (Turkish dumplings) and künefe (a sweet cheese pastry) for dessert.
- Nusr‒Et: This famed restaurant, known for its burgers and other menu items, is famous for its "#saltbae" internet craze.
- Tadinda Anadolu and Cuisine Anatolia: These restaurants feature a Turkish menu with staples like kebab, meze (small appetizer plates), and soups.
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Exploring the city
If you have a long layover at Istanbul Airport, you may want to consider leaving the airport to explore the city. The airport is located on the European side of Istanbul, about 35 minutes (without traffic) from the city centre. It takes at least 45 minutes without traffic to get between the airport and the city centre. If you have a shorter layover (around 8 hours), you can explore the central Beyoglu district.
Istanbul is known for its rich culture and history and offers a variety of attractions that can be easily visited in a few hours. You can explore iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Topkapi Palace, all within reach via taxi or public transportation. The Grand Bazaar is one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets, with a labyrinthine network of alleyways overflowing with spices, carpets, jewellery, antiques, and traditional Turkish handicrafts. Another option is to visit the Spice Bazaar (Misir Carsisi) and indulge your senses.
For art lovers, Istanbul Modern showcases renowned Turkish and international artists. For dinner, Mikla offers one of the best fine-dining meals in the city, with an unrivalled view from atop the Marmara Pera Hotel. For a more budget-friendly option, Aheste serves modern Turkish classics. You can also wind down the evening with a Whirling Dervish show at Galata Mevlevihanesi Müzesi, a historic dervish hall. Before returning to the airport, you can experience a traditional Turkish bath at Kalic Ali Pasa or Hürrem Sultan Hamamı.
If you decide to leave the airport, you will need to apply for an e-visa in advance if you plan to enter Turkey. Additionally, if you don't want to haul your luggage around the city, there are lockers available for rent near gates 1 and 6 on the departures level.
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Layover and connection times
Istanbul Airport (IST) has plenty of options for those with a long layover or connection time. The airport features one expansive terminal with eight concourses (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H) and has space for over 150 restaurants and cafes, as well as plenty of shopping options.
If you're looking for a quick nap, the airport has "Nap Zones" in the International terminal equipped with semi-reclined seats. These can be found at Gates A, B, C, E, F, G, and a few other areas. There are also round couches at Gate B9, B17, and B18, and 20+ lounge chairs with a bamboo privacy wall at the upper level of the E1/E2 section.
For those with longer layovers, there are sleep pods, or "iGA Sleepods", located airside in the international area of Istanbul Airport, next to the "D" gates. These can be rented hourly, with rates of 12 EUR per hour between 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM and 18 EUR between 7:00 PM – 7:00 AM. Blankets and pillows cost an extra 6 EUR.
If you're looking for more traditional accommodation, there are hotels located both airside and landside. YOTELAIR Istanbul Airport is located inside the terminal, offering comfort and convenience for those with busy schedules or tight connections. They offer hourly rates, as well as overnight stays. There is also the option to add lounge access when you book your cabin for an additional cost.
For those with a connection period of at least 20 hours, Turkish Airlines offers the Stopover in Istanbul program, which provides free accommodation in partner hotels. Economy Class passengers may stay one night in a 4-star hotel, while Business Class passengers may stay two nights in a 5-star hotel free of charge.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can stay overnight at Istanbul Airport. The airport features Nap Zones in the International terminal equipped with semi-reclined seats. These can be found at Gates A, B, C, E, F, and G. There are also sleep pods, or "iGA Sleepods", available for rent.
The iGA Sleepods are located airside in the international area of Istanbul Airport, next to the "D" gates. There are about 25 of them in a segregated area within the main concourse. Access is through a manned counter that acts as a reception. The pods can be rented hourly at a rate of 12 EUR per hour between 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM and 18 EUR between 7:00 PM – 7:00 AM.
Yes, there are hotels located both airside and landside in Istanbul Airport. YOTELAIR Istanbul Airport is located inside the terminal and offers hourly rates. There is also the IGA Lounge, which offers lounge access for €35 + VAT. For longer stays, there are off-site hotels near the airport.
