Sachin Walls
Istanbul Airport is a common stopover for flights from the Middle East to Europe, and with the city centre a considerable 50km away, it's worth knowing what to do during a layover. If you have a long layover, you can travel to Istanbul and explore the Turkish city that spans two continents. If you have less time, there are still plenty of shops, restaurants, and cafes to keep you occupied. You can also take advantage of the spa treatments, showers, lounges, and nap zones, or check into the airport hotel. Turkish Airlines offers free tours of the city for layovers between six and 24 hours, as well as free hotel stays.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Distance from Istanbul | 50km |
| Time to get to Istanbul | 50-100 minutes by taxi or bus |
| Visa requirements | Check the latest rules from the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs |
| Shopping | Turkish delicacies, trinkets, clothing, books, electronics, foreign-branded clothing, local Turkish products |
| Dining | Local and international options |
| Relaxation | Spa treatments, shower facilities, lounges, nap zones, day beds, lounge chairs, sleep pods |
| Accommodation | YOTEL Istanbul Airport |
| Tours | Touristanbul offers tours of Istanbul's notable historical sites and authentic Turkish cuisine |
| Internet | Free Wi-Fi for one hour; higher tariff for longer |
| eSIMs | Available for purchase during layovers |
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What You'll Learn
Eat and drink at the airport's restaurants and cafes
Istanbul Airport has a diverse culinary scene, offering a wide range of dining options. Whether you're craving local flavours or international cuisine, there's something for everyone. Here's a guide to help you navigate the best places to eat and drink at the airport's restaurants and cafes:
Turkish Specialties:
Istanbul Airport is renowned for its Turkish cuisine, offering a chance to indulge in the rich tastes and flavours of the region. Explore the Turkish kebap houses or çay bahçesi for an authentic experience. Try the signature baklava at Kasapoglu Bakery & Cafe, where you can watch pastry chefs prepare fresh treats daily. For a true taste of Turkey, sample the Anatolian breakfast, Serpme Kahvalti, at Cuisine Anatolia or Simit Sarayi network cafe. Don't forget to pair it with a cup of famous Turkish tea! If you're feeling adventurous, venture beyond the airport to Arnavutkoy, where you can savour kokoreç, a street food delicacy of lamb or veal cooked on a skewer and served with pickles and Ayran.
International Options:
If you're craving international fare, the Food Court at Istanbul Airport offers a diverse range of options. You'll find well-known fast-food chains like Starbucks, McDonald's, Burger King, and Subway. For a more upscale experience, indulge in luxury dining at The Dubai Club or Marhaba Lounge. Jack's Bar & Grill and The Daily are excellent choices for satisfying mid-range meals.
Tea and Coffee Breaks:
With Turkey being a predominantly Muslim country, you're likely to find an abundance of tea houses in the airport. Sip on traditional Turkish black tea, or if you're feeling adventurous, try Turkish coffee, prepared differently from its American counterpart and often served with a reminder to let the grounds settle. Head to Çay Saati in the main hall or gate D3 for a personalised coffee experience, or opt for one of the many other coffee shops scattered throughout the airport.
Quick Bites and Grab-and-Go:
If you're short on time, there are plenty of quick-service options available. Grab a sandwich, pastry, or bakery item, or choose from the array of food stands offering grab-and-go delights. Enud, Mvnch, and Cups and Clouds are popular choices for a quick bite.
No matter your taste or budget, Istanbul Airport has something to offer. Whether you're seeking local flavours, international fare, or simply a quick bite to eat, you're sure to find a dining experience to enhance your layover.
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Relax in the spa or a lounge
If you're looking to relax and unwind during your layover at Istanbul Airport, the airport lounges and spa facilities are ideal. Lounges can be found throughout the airport, offering a peaceful escape from the bustling airport environment. These lounges provide comfortable seating, work areas, and a variety of refreshments, ensuring a pleasant pre-flight experience. Some lounges even offer day beds and lounge chairs for the ultimate relaxation experience.
For those travelling business or first class, lounge access is typically complimentary. However, if you don't fall into this category, don't worry! Lounge access can still be purchased, and some airlines offer special rates for members of their loyalty programs. For example, Turkish Airlines provides access to their lounges for passengers with at least an 8-hour flight to/from Istanbul who have purchased a Business Class ticket or hold an Elite Plus Card, with a connection time between 4 and 9 hours.
The IGA Lounge at Istanbul Airport is a popular option, known for its spacious layout and variety of amenities. It offers a quiet retreat on the second floor of the airport, providing a much-needed escape from the busy travel environment. You can easily book your lounge access online in advance, receiving a QR code that allows you to skip the line and directly enter the lounge. The pass is valid for 4 uninterrupted hours and provides access to all the lounge amenities, including food, drinks, and relaxation spaces.
If you're looking for a more comprehensive spa experience, Istanbul Airport also offers spa treatments to help you truly rejuvenate during your layover. Indulge in some self-care and pamper yourself with the exhilarating and relaxing treatments available. Additionally, you can take advantage of the shower facilities to freshen up before your next flight.
For those seeking a longer rest, the YOTEL Istanbul Airport offers accommodation services, providing a comfortable stay within the airport premises. Whether you're looking for a quick nap or a longer sleep, Istanbul Airport has you covered with its range of lounge and spa options.
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Shop for Turkish products and designer goods
Istanbul Airport is a great place to shop for Turkish products and designer goods. The airport is home to a variety of shops, including duty-free stores, where you can find a wide range of Turkish products and souvenirs.
One of the most famous Turkish souvenirs you can buy at the airport is the blue eye, known as the "Turkish Evil Eye". You can also find a variety of other Turkish souvenirs, such as lokum, traditional sweets, and baklava, which make great gifts for friends and family. If you're looking for something more luxurious, WaxTime, located in the Domestic Departures Hall, offers designer watches from brands like Cartier, Armani, Gucci, Rolex, and more.
Istanbul Airport also has a variety of shops selling Turkish clothing and accessories. These items are often of high quality and can be found at cheaper prices than in other countries. You can also find bookstores and supermarkets, where you can buy snacks, chocolate, fruit juice, and more. Remember that prices at duty-free shops are typically based on Euros, but sellers may charge you based on Lira, so be sure to have both currencies and ask about the pricing before purchasing.
In addition to shopping, you can also enjoy a range of dining options at the airport, including local flavours and international cuisine. You can even find cafes like Kasapoglu Bakery & Cafe, where you can sip Turkish coffee and watch pastry chefs prepare fresh baklava. So, whether you're looking for traditional Turkish products, designer goods, or a delicious meal, Istanbul Airport has plenty to offer.
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Visit Istanbul's tourist attractions, such as the Hagia Sophia Museum
If you have a long layover at Istanbul Ataturk Airport, you might want to consider visiting Istanbul's tourist attractions, such as the Hagia Sophia Museum. The airport is located around 50km away from the city centre, so it's a bit of a trek, but it's definitely doable if you have the time.
The Hagia Sophia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, situated in the heart of Istanbul. It was first built in the 6th century as an Eastern Orthodox Cathedral but was later turned into a mosque during the Ottoman occupation. Today, it is a melting pot of cultures and one of the most visited sights in Turkey. To make the most of your visit, consider purchasing skip-the-line tickets in advance, as there can be long lines and a mandatory security check to pass through.
The Hagia Sophia is located in the Sultanahmet area of Istanbul, which is known for its original, oriental, and historical character. There are several other attractions in the vicinity, including the Blue Mosque, the Basilica Cistern, the Grand Bazaar, the Spice Market, and Topkapi Palace. The Blue Mosque and the Basilica Cistern are within walking distance of the Hagia Sophia, so you can easily visit them all in one go. The Grand Bazaar is a very famous tourist attraction, so prices might be high, but in the opposite direction, you can find the more affordable Spice Market and the impressive Topkapi Palace.
To get to Sultanahmet from Ataturk Airport, you have several options. You can take a taxi, which is the most convenient but also the most expensive choice. Alternatively, you can use public transportation, such as the underground metro M1a, but this will involve changing lines and dealing with crowds during rush hour. Keep in mind that you'll need Turkish liras for any transportation, as they won't accept credit cards or foreign currencies.
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Connect to the airport's free Wi-Fi
Istanbul Airport offers visitors one hour of free Wi-Fi access. To connect, you will need to authenticate your identity by providing a mobile number to which you can receive SMS or by scanning your passport at a free Wi-Fi kiosk. You will then receive a password that will grant you one hour of free internet access. If you need more time, you can purchase a longer package online.
If you are having trouble connecting to the airport Wi-Fi, there are other ways to get online. Some travellers have reported that they were able to connect to "TK WiFi" or "Turkish Airlines WiFi" near Gate D and Gate C1. This network may require a Turkish Airlines account, or your last name, flight number, and seat number to log in. Another option is to find a cafe or restaurant in the airport that offers Wi-Fi to customers. Finally, you can purchase or rent a mobile 4G internet device from several companies within the airport.
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Frequently asked questions
Istanbul Atatürk Airport is located 50km away from the city centre. If you have a long layover, you can take a taxi or bus to the city centre, which takes approximately 50-100 minutes. There, you can visit the Hagia Sophia Museum, the Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar, the Spice Market, and the Topkapi Palace. If you don't want to leave the airport, you can take advantage of the many shops and restaurants available, or relax in one of the lounges or nap zones.
Kasapoglu Bakery & Cafe is a popular choice, where you can watch pastry chefs prepare fresh pastries and listen to stories about their cakes.
Turkish Airlines offers complimentary tours of Istanbul for passengers with a layover between six and 24 hours. The Touristanbul desks can be found in the transfer area and on the arrivals floor.
Istanbul Airport provides free Wi-Fi for one hour for all passengers. For a longer connection, you can purchase a higher tariff. You can also purchase an eSIM, which will provide a connection even without a physical SIM card.
Yes, YOTEL Istanbul Airport offers accommodation options, and if you are travelling with Turkish Airlines, you may be able to request a free hotel stay during an overnight layover.
