Ruth Haines
Istanbul Airport offers a wide range of transportation options for travellers to reach their final destination. Whether you're looking for private transfers, car rentals, taxis, buses, subway, or shuttle services, there are plenty of choices to suit your preferences and budget. The airport is easily accessible by car or public transportation, with frequent routes available almost 24/7. Istanbul Airport is located on the D20 highway in the Tayakadın area of the Arnavutköy district, and it serves as a gateway not only to Turkey but also to various international destinations. With its modern architecture, cutting-edge technology, and efficient security screening, it provides a memorable travel experience for all visitors.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Transport Options | Taxis, Buses, Shuttles, Trains, Metro, Car Hires |
| Taxi Options | Orange (cheaper), Blue (more expensive), Black (luxurious) |
| Taxi Fares | €17 / $16.90 / 310₺ |
| Taxi Duration | 40 minutes |
| Bus Operators | H-1, H-2, H-3, H-6, H-8, Havaist, IETT |
| Bus Fares | 15.33₺-85₺ / 0.84€-4.66€ / 080$-4.60$ |
| Metro Line | M11 (M11 Gayrettepe – Istanbul New Airport) |
| Private Transfer Operators | Safe Airport Transfer, Transfeero, Turkish Airlines, Klook |
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What You'll Learn
Taxi
Istanbul Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, so it can be quite overwhelming to navigate. A taxi from Istanbul Airport is the best way to start your trip and make your way into the city. You can get a taxi from Istanbul Airport 24/7, and there are several official taxi ranks. These are located outside the domestic and international arrivals areas in the Plaza section, on the Departures floor, and on the Other Arrival floor. Taxis are also available 24/7 at the airport, providing door-to-door services from the airport to your hotel, ensuring a relaxed and stress-free journey.
There are three types of taxis available at the airport: orange or yellow "C" taxis, blue or turquoise "D" taxis, and black "E" taxis. Each will have a sign on its roof that clearly identifies it as a taxi. The type of taxi you choose will depend on your budget and travel needs. Orange or yellow "C" taxis are the cheapest option and can typically seat up to four passengers, but they have limited space for luggage. Blue or turquoise "D" taxis are larger, more comfortable, and pricier, and you can expect to pay roughly 15% more than the rate for an orange or yellow taxi. Black "E" taxis are the most luxurious and expensive option, offering plenty of luggage space, and you will pay twice the fare of an orange or yellow taxi.
The base fare for an orange taxi is €0.51 (TRY 18), and the rate per kilometre is €0.32 (TRY 11.30). These rates remain the same throughout the day. Turquoise taxis are 15% more expensive, while black taxis are 70% more expensive than orange taxis. You can expect to pay around €26 (TRY 950) for a ride from the airport to the city centre in an orange taxi, €30 (TRY 1050) in a turquoise taxi, and €43 (TRY 1550) in a black taxi.
It's important to note that most Istanbul taxi drivers don't accept credit or debit cards, so it's recommended to have cash with you in Turkish Lira, the local currency. You should also be aware of the potential for scams or overcharging, so it's best to use an official taxi operator from the taxi rank and avoid drivers approaching travellers with private transfer offers. To ensure a smooth journey, it's a good idea to have your address written down in Turkish, as many taxi drivers in Turkey don't speak English.
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Bus
Istanbul Airport (IST) is located about 50km from Istanbul city centre, on the European side of the city in the Arnavutköy district. The airport is well-connected to the city centre via various modes of transport, including bus, metro, taxi, and private transfers.
Two bus companies handle transportation to and from Istanbul International Airport: Havaist buses and IETT public buses. The luxurious Havaist buses offer a direct connection to the famous Sultanahmet, with spacious luggage storage and fewer stops, while the IETT buses serve mostly less popular parts of the city.
The IETT H-2 or H-9 buses can be taken, but you will need to use other bus and metro lines to reach your final destination. The H-2 bus is the best option if you are staying in Kadıköy on the Asian side. The HAVIST-15 bus also goes to Besiktas and Taksim.
Havaist airport buses provide comfortable transfer services from Istanbul Airport to 50 major city hubs. The buses are always on time, can handle up to 46 passengers, and are equipped with TV screens, Wi-Fi, and USB charging points. Tickets can be purchased online via the Havaist App or by using a QR code. Pre-booking tickets offers bonuses and discounts. An Istanbulkart is not valid for the Havaist buses; you must purchase a ticket from the Havaist ticket office in the arrivals hall.
The IETT public bus transfer costs 15.33₺ (0.84€ / 0.80$), and an Istanbulkart is required for payment. These can be purchased from automatic vending machines near the bus station.
The bus station is located on the -2 floor of the Istanbul airport terminal and can be easily accessed by elevators and escalators from both the Departures and Arrivals levels.
Other Transport Options
The metro offers a cheap and quick way to reach the city, although it is not direct and requires changing from the M11 to the M2 line at Gayrettepe metro station. A one-way journey on the metro costs 7.50TL, and an Istanbulkart can be used for payment.
Istanbul airport taxis are metered, so there is no set price for the transfer to the city centre, but you can expect to be charged approximately 350₺ (19.18€/19.10$) if traffic levels are low.
Private transfers are also available and offer a convenient, comfortable, and stylish option for travellers.
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Subway
The Istanbul International Airport is connected to the city centre via subway. The subway ride is expected to be the most popular transportation mode among passengers as it combines speed, low prices, and comfort. The Istanbul airport subway station is located right outside Exit 11, on the front side of the car park.
The M11 line (purple line) connects the airport to the city. The M11 line is driverless, covers a distance of 34 kilometres, and is the fastest subway line in Turkey, travelling at 120 kilometres per hour. The M11 train has a capacity of 800,000 passengers per day and is equipped with the latest technology, offering a pleasant transfer experience. The M11 line serves seven subway stations, including İhsaniye, Göktürk, Kemerburgaz, and Hasdal, before ending at Kâğıthane.
To get to the city centre, you will need to transfer to another line at Kâğıthane Station or Gayrettepe Station, depending on the date of your travel. As of January 2023, the M11 line ends at Kâğıthane Station, and passengers need to change to Bus 41St and then to Tram Line T1 at Topkapi. This adds considerable time and inconvenience to the journey. However, it is expected that by mid-2023, the M11 line will be extended to Gayrettepe Station, where passengers can transfer to the M2 line (green line) to reach the city centre. The M11 and M2 stations at Gayrettepe are linked by escalators and travelators, so you won't need to exit the station to transfer between the lines.
The total journey time on the metros is approximately 40 to 42 minutes, excluding waiting and transfer time. The cost of a metro ticket on the M11 is €0.50 (TRY 9), and on the M2, it is €0.35 (TRY 7), making the total journey cost €0.85 (TRY 17). However, you must also purchase an Istanbulkart, a rechargeable card, to pay for your metro tickets. The Istanbulkart costs €3 (TRY 60) and can be used by multiple passengers, making it a more economical option if you plan to make frequent journeys.
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Car hire
There are 22 car rental companies at the airport, including:
- Avec
- Payless
- Elitcar Rental
- Ülger Rent A Car
- Sixt Rent A Car
- Green Motion
The cost of renting a car in Istanbul can vary depending on the type of vehicle, rental duration, time of year, and insurance options. On average, prices range from $30 to $100 per day. You will need a valid driving licence from your home country, and you may also need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
The airport is located about 50km from the city centre, and the journey by car should take around 50 minutes in normal traffic conditions. You will need to follow highway O-7 to reach Sultanahmet, the historic centre of the city. The nearest petrol station to the airport is located along the D020 highway, the main route connecting the airport to the city, and there are multiple stations along this route.
Driving in Istanbul can be challenging due to busy traffic conditions, especially during peak times, and adverse weather can further complicate driving. Istanbul is known for its hectic streets, so renting a car may be most suitable for those who are comfortable driving in such conditions or who plan to explore areas outside the city.
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Private transfer services
Transfeero is one such company, offering tailored services, including private transfers, shuttle services, and chauffeur options. They promise a seamless journey from the airport to your destination, with an easy online booking system and a commitment to punctuality.
Istanbul Private Transfers also offers a range of comfortable vehicles to suit different budgets and group sizes. Their services include a meet-and-greet at the airport, where an English-speaking assistant will greet you with a sign in the arrivals hall. They also provide free drinks and snacks during your trip.
Safe Airport Transfer is another option, catering to tourists, corporate groups, and families. They offer clear and straightforward pickup instructions, with communication via WhatsApp, and their drivers are described as courteous, punctual, and helpful.
For those seeking luxury, a private car service with a chauffeur can be arranged. This option offers sophistication, convenience, and flexibility, particularly for those travelling with larger groups or on a tight schedule.
Overall, private transfer services provide a stress-free and comfortable journey from Istanbul Airport, allowing you to relax and enjoy your trip without the hassle of navigating public transport or haggling with taxi drivers.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to transfer from Istanbul Airport, including by taxi, bus, subway, train, metro, car hire, or shuttle.
The cost of a taxi from Istanbul Airport depends on the type of taxi you choose. Orange taxis are cheaper, blue taxis are more expensive, and black taxis are the most costly. A ride in a black taxi to your hotel in Istanbul will cost around 17€/16.90$ (310₺) and will take about 40 minutes.
The best way to transfer from Istanbul Airport depends on your preferences for time, money, comfort, and quality. If you are looking for a fast, cheap, and comfortable option, the subway or metro is a good choice. If you want a more seamless and luxurious experience, you can book a private car, taxi, or limo service.
