How to get from Istanbul Airport to City Centre (2024)
Last updated 13th March 2024
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Have you just booked your flights to Istanbul and are now wondering how to get from Istanbul airport to the city centre?
Let us help!
In this Istanbul Airport to city centre transport guide, we’ll cover all the different ways you can get to the centre of Istanbul, from using the newly opened metro to airport shuttle buses and private transfers.
Whether you’re a budget traveller who uses public transport or someone who prefers a bit of luxury and wants to travel in style, we promise there is a transport option that will suit you.
Ready to dive in?
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Why Should You Listen to Us?
We’ve visited Istanbul four times and have lived here for four years. This means we’ve made many, MANY trips back and forth from Istanbul Airport over the years and can honestly say we’ve used all the transport options we’ve suggested on this list.
What does this mean for you? For a start, it means we can definitely advise you on the best ways to get from the airport to the city centre depending on your travel budget, how much luggage you have and who you are travelling with.
Secondly, because we live here we can also update this article and let you know if anything changes or if there are any new transport options.
🛫 How to Get from Istanbul Airport to City Centre
Where is the centre of Istanbul?
Istanbul is a huge city and you might be wondering where we are talking about when we say “Istanbul city centre”. For the purposes of this article, we are referring to the main tourist areas of Taksim and Sultanahmet. However, we’ve also given extra tips if you are staying in Karaköy, Galata or Kadıköy.
Where is Istanbul Airport located?
The new Istanbul Airport (IST) is located about 50km from Istanbul city center, on the European side of the city in Arnuvutköy (not to be confused with the pretty coastal neighbourhood of Arnuvutköy with its wooden Ottoman mansions!).
Opened in 2018, Istanbul Airport became Turkey’s largest international airport and the main hub for passenger flights in and out of Istanbul after Ataturk Airport closed in 2019.
Ataturk Airport now only serves business and private jets, so unless you’re dripping in them dollar dollar bills don’t make the mistake of going there to catch your flight home - as my sister almost did!).
Whilst the main international airport might seem quite far from Istanbul centre, it is actually really well connected to public transport including the airport metro line, dedicated airport shuttle bus services, municipal buses as well as private airport transfers and taxis.
💡 Top tip: In this article we have recommended a few ways of getting to Istanbul using public transportation. For this you will need to purchase an Istanbulkart transport card at the airport. We’ve detailed how you do this in the sections about using the metro and public buses.
🚇 Istanbul Airport Metro: The Cheapest & Fastest Way to Get From Istanbul Airport to City Center (Updated March 2024)
Suitable for: budget travellers, those travelling light, groups or families.
Istanbul’s metro system is already an excellent way to get around the city and I’ll admit that I did a little whoop of excitement when the IST airport line (officially called the M11) opened on the 22nd of January 2023.
(Admittedly I am a slight train geek and love figuring out the metro system in different countries so this was exciting news for me…make of that what you will. Vincent definitely wasn’t as excited as I was.)
The M11 line connects the Istanbul Airport metro station to Gayrettepe and is Turkey’s fastest metro line. There will eventually be a train every 8 minutes (see notes below): the line has 8 stops and only takes around 30 minutes. From Gayrettepe you can connect to other metro and tram lines that take you directly into the city centre.
📝 Update: Initially the M11 line connected to Kağıthane and you had to change twice to get into the city centre. On the 29th of January 2024, the extension of the line to Gayrettepe opened, making it much easier to get from the airport to areas like Taksim and Sultanahmet.
It also meant that I had to do some serious updates to this blog post - but I didn’t mind checking out the new station!
⏰ Train times: The M11 airport train currently operates 3 times an hour. From Istanbul Airport at 03, 23 and 43 minutes past the hour and from Gayrettepe on the hour and at 20 and 40 minutes past the hour. This is because the line is currently still on a single track in some sections - work is underway to change this and eventually the train should run every 8 minutes as advertised.
The shiny new Istanbul Airport Metro.
Using the metro means that you can get from Istanbul airport to downtown Istanbul in under 1 hour!
This method of transport from Istanbul airport to city centre is also great because you can totally avoid Istanbul traffic, which can be horrendous, especially during rush hour.
If you are on a budget, it’s also the cheapest way to get to Istanbul from the airport. You can download an Istanbul Rail Systems map here.
How to Get from Istanbul Airport Arrivals to the Airport Metro Station (M11 line)
The M11 Istanbul Airport metro station is connected to the airport via a long walkway with travelators (aka moving walkways).
When you exit the airport through the one of the arrivals doors, follow the signs for the metro. Currently exit door 9 and 13 have symbols for the metro on them.
The symbol for the airport metro is a white ‘U’ on a red background. You’ll see it on the blue sign outside arrivals and there are larger signs a little further on, including a huge signboard and signs pasted on columns. They are pretty hard to miss!
Sign for the metro outside of Istanbul Airport arrivals.
These big metro signs are everywhere so it’s difficult to get lost!
You’ll then need to turn and enter the walkway to the metro. If you have mobility issues or are disabled, there are a few options for transport to the metro station from here.
Firstly, there is a type of shuttle buggy with space for up to 12 passengers plus luggage that can transport you to the metro station.
The driver told us that the bus is for everyone (not just travellers with mobility issues) so if you are travelling in a large group and have lots of luggage, this could also be a good option for you.
The shuttle bus that takes visitors to the metro station at Istanbul Airport.
If you require dedicated assistance, there is a call point at Gate 11 (basically opposite the entrance to the metro walkway) where you can request this.
If you are walking, enter the walkway and continue towards the metro station either using the travelators or walking with your luggage.
The assistance call point for disabled passengers.
The walkway to the metro station.
At the end of the walkway, there are two entrances to the metro station. Depending on how much luggage you have you can either take the escalators down to the station or use the lifts (asansör in Turkish).
The metro is several escalator journeys below ground level, so if you have large suitcases or are travelling with many bags, we'd recommend waiting for the lift, as it's easier.
The escalators and stairs down to the Istanbul Airport Metro station.
Buy Your Istanbulkart (City Transportation Card) at the Airport Metro Station
Once you are at the metro station, you will need to buy an Istanbulkart (a contactless, prepaid transportation card) to be able to use the metro and other public transportation services (tram, bus, Metrobus and ferry) in Istanbul. You can even use it to pay for public bathrooms!
Up to 5 people can use one Istanbulkart, so this can be useful if you are travelling as a family or in a group.
All public transport in Istanbul requires an Istanbulkart (or a contactless credit/debit card but see note below) - you cannot use cash. We’d advise buying an Istanbulkart when you arrive as it’s the cheapest way to travel around the city. Of course, if cash monies are no object to you, you can take taxi or Uber everywhere (but this is expensive and unnecessary when the public transport is so good!)
ℹ️ In 2023 Istanbul introduced contactless debit/credit card payments for the metro, buses, trams, ferries and Metrobuses.
However this is more expensive: when you use a credit/debit card you will be charged double the standard fare for using the metro, bus, ferry and tram and triple the price for using the Metrobus.
Contactless card payments are not yet available on the Marmaray line so you still need an Istanbulkart. Taking all of this into account we would still recommend buying an Istanbulkart!
There are four yellow and black Istanbulkart vending machines available on either side of the metro station plus a blue and yellow Istanbulkart machine. Two machines now take credit and debit cards and the others only take Turkish lira (TL) in cash. There is often a queue for the machines, so you might have to wait a little while.
Several other Istanbulkart vending machines in the metro station will eventually take debit/credit cards, but these have not been activated yet.
💡 Top tip: It’s useful to have local currency on you before you leave the airport. We don’t recommend exchanging Turkish lira (TL) at the airport as the currency exchanges offer terrible rates.
All of the 28 ATMs at Istanbul Airport accept foreign cards, however many also charge extortionate withdrawal fees (and they don’t always tell you first!).
In our experience (using a UK credit card), the only one we’ve found that doesn’t charge fees in Turkey is ING bank, but they don’t have an ATM machine in Istanbul Airport. HSBC bank ATMs reportedly also don’t have withdrawal fees, but we haven’t tried this.
These pesky fees can become very expensive which is why we also decided to get an international Wise debit card and account. With a Wise card, you get the best exchange rate and free or low cash withdrawal fees when you take out local currency from ATMs.
Istanbulkart machines like this one are all over Istanbul.
Passengers waiting to buy Istanbulkarts inside the airport metro station.
If you want to pay for your Istanbulkart using your credit/debit card, then you also have the choice of buying a card from the vending machines on -2 level of the arrivals hall in Istanbul Airport before you walk to the metro station. All the machines here now take credit and debit cards, including foreign cards.
The Istanbulkart machines on the -2 level of Istanbul Airport arrivals. These machines now take credit or debit cards.
Buying an Istanbulkart from the machine is simple - instructions are available in English plus a number of other languages. The card you buy will be a red-coloured Istanbulkart, also known as an 'anonymous' Istanbulkart.
❗Note: A reader has informed me that some of the machines at Istanbul Airport (possibly the ones marked with the PTT logo or the U symbol) are offering a different type of transport card called a PTT card. Do not buy this card - it only works on the M11 Airport metro line and nowhere else! (There is also a whole Reddit thread about this.) Only buy a card from the machines that offer the option for an Istanbulkart.
An Istanbulkart costs 70TL (£1.70/$2.20. After you have purchased the card, you can use the same machine to top-up your card.
We’d recommend topping up a minimum of 70TL per person on the card for travelling to Taksim, Sultanahmet, Karaköy or Galata by metro. For Kadiköy you should top up at least 100TL.
The journey from Istanbul Airport to Gayrettepe station currently costs 22.83TL.
You can also purchase an Istanbul transportation card pre-loaded with 5, 10 or 20 rides in advance and pick it up from the airport. Click here to book this pre-charged travel card .
📝 Update: Recently a few changes have been made to the ‘anonymous’ red Istanbulkarts that are available for tourists to buy:
There is now a top-up limit of 500TL per month - this can be difficult if more than one person is travelling on the same card as the limit will be reached quite quickly.
Discounts for transfers (e.g. if you use the metro, then change lines or get the tram or bus) are now only available for Turkish citizens and residents using registered Istanbulkarts. Therefore the full fare is charged each time you tap your card (currently 17.70TL for regular metro, buses and trams) and slightly more for the Metrobus, the Marmaray Line (around 39.16TL) and the M11 Istanbul Airport Line.
Refunds for travel on the Marmaray Line, Metrobus and the M11 Istanbul Airport line are now unavailable for anonymous cards. (Basically, you are charged the full fare when you use any of these services but with a registered Istanbulkart you can receive a refund directly onto your card at the station you get off at, so you are only charged for the number of stops you travelled).
I don’t know if these restrictions are here to stay as they seem to make using public transport more challenging! Despite this, I think using an Istanbulkart is still the most budget-friendly and useful way to get around the city as you can use it everywhere.
Istanbul Airport to Taksim by Metro
From Istanbul Airport metro station take the M11 line (purple line on the rail map) six stops to Gayrettepe station. (Note that the train does not stop at 'Terminal 2' of Istanbul Airport - this station is currently under construction.)
At the M11 Gayrettepe station, you will see signs for the escalators, the lift and the exits. You need to follow the signs for Cıkıs 3 (Exit 3) as this will lead you to the M2 metro line (the green line on the Istanbul metro map) that takes you into the city centre.
❗ Important: The M11 Gayrettepe metro station and the M2 Gayrettepe metro station are linked by a series of escalators and travelators. You do not need to leave the station to transfer between the lines.
Passengers getting off the Istanbul airport train at the very swish M11 Gayrettepe station.
When you get down at the M11 Gayrettepe station there will be escalators on the left and right-hand sides of the platform.
In the centre there is also a lift (asansör) that takes you to the ‘passenger corridor’ - you will see signs for this on both sides of the platform. If you are disabled, elderly or travelling with a stroller, this might be a better option as you have to take a lot of escalators to get to the floor where you connect to the M2 line.
The escalators at platform level at Gayrettepe Station. The different exits are clearly signposted - keep following the signs for Exit 3.
Signs for the lift at Gayrettepe station.
The lift at platform level at Gayrettepe station.
If you’re using the escalators, just follow the signs for the exits and particularly Exit 3. This sign also says 'AVM/Metrobüs' on it.
The station platform is far underground (it feels like you are coming up from the centre of the earth!) and in total we counted 5 escalators to get from the platform to the exits and connection to the M2 line.
The escalators at platform level at Gayrettepe Station.
Vincent riding the first of MANY escalators at Gayrettepe station.
If you’re using the lift, you will be taken to a ‘passenger corridor’ and then you have to walk to another lift down a long corridor that will take you to the ‘fare gates’ i.e. the level of the station that leads to the exits.
This is signposted and there are also toilets (including a disabled toilet) on this level as well. (Note: this walk felt quite long and it may be difficult if someone has mobility issues and is just using the aid of a walker or a stick).
The lifts to the faregates and the toilets are clearly signposted in the passenger corridor.
The lifts to the fare gates at the end of a long pedestrian tunnel at Gayrettepe station.
When you get to the exit level floor you will need to pass through some turnstiles and then continue to follow the signs for Exit 3 to connect to the M2 metro line. You’ll know you’ve reached the exit level floor because there is this cool 3D panorama of Istanbul with moving water and sky!
Again the signs for Exit 3 and the M2 metro Line are signposted (there’s a green M2 sticker on the signs).
This is the sign you will see when you exit the station via the escalators. Notice the small green ‘M2’ sticker for the M2 Metro line.
You will be going down this corridor when you leave the station.
💡 Tip: If you haven’t travelled the whole length of the Istanbul Airport line and are a Turkish citizen/resident and have a registered Istanbulkart, you can receive a refund on your journey from the refund machines on this floor.
Refund machines at Gayrettepe station - you just tap your Istanbulkart on the machine to receive a refund. (This works for Turkish citizens and residents with registered Istanbulkarts only).
Follow the signs for Exit 3 and the M2 metro line down the corridor. There are several Istanbulkart machines in this area, so if you need to top up your card, you can do that here. You’ll see signs for the green M2 Yenıkapı-Haciosman metro line pointing left.
You then continue your journey towards the M2 metro line station via several travelators and pedestrian tunnels. There are a couple of shops along the way, where you can buy water or food if you’re hungry after your flight.
Keep an eye out for the red and blue ‘M’ signs for the Istanbul Metro. They will say Gayrettepe Istasyonu (Gayrettepe Station) on them and you will see that you are getting closer to the metro station.
You’ll also see signs for the M2 line and Gayrettepe Station in green along the way. This is leading you to the same place as the red and blue M signs so don’t get confused.
After the last travelator, you will come to an intersection that looks like this:
Turn left and follow the green signs to take an escalator down to the fare gates for the M2 Gayrettepe station.
From the M2 Gayrettepe station take the M2 metro line going in the direction of Yenikapı three stops to Taksim station.
This journey from Istanbul airport to Istanbul city centre should take under 1 hour, which includes the time you take to transfer between the M11 airport line and the M2 metro line.
Walking between M11 Gayrettepe station and the M2 Gayrettepe station took us around 15 minutes but we were taking pictures and stopping to look around, so I think it can be much quicker than that.
Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet by Metro Followed by Tram
Follow the instructions above until you get to the M2 Gayrettepe station. From here take the M2 line towards Yenikapı and ride six stops, getting off at Vezneciler station.Follow the signs that direct you towards the exit near Istanbul University. You’ll need to walk for about 5 minutes past the arch-shaped entrance to the university to reach the Laleli-Istanbul Üniversite tram stop.
(This might sound complicated but I promise this is a simple straightforward walk from the station plus the tram stop is also well signposted).
Look out for these signs for the tram.
This university building will be on your left as you walk to the tram station.
Catch the T1 tram (navy blue line on the rail map) that is heading in the direction of Eminönü or Kabataş. Ride the tram for three stops to get to Sultanahmet.
This journey should take around 1 hour and 15 minutes, including the time transferring between different lines.
Alternatively, if you are worried about the walk from Vezneciler station, you can get off the M2 line at Taksim and follow the signs for the F1 funicular line (olive green line on the rail map) that connects Taksim metro station with Kabataş on the T1 tram line.
Ride the funicular line to Kabataş (the funicular only travels to one stop) and change to the T1 tram going in the direction of Bağcılar or Cevizlibağ. Ride the tram for seven stops, getting off at Sultanahmet.
Getting from Istanbul Airport to Blue Mosque is now a cinch!
A T1 tram in Istanbul
Istanbul Airport Train to City Centre: Galata & Karaköy
If you are staying in Galata or Karaköy, then good news - you can still use the Istanbul Airport to city metro!
For Galata:
Follow the instructions above until you get to the M2 Gayrettepe station. From here take the M2 line travelling in the direction of Yenikapı and ride four stops, getting off at Şişhane station.
Depending on where you are staying, you can follow the exit signs for Istiklal Street which will bring you out at the top of Galata near the end of Istiklal Street.
Alternatively, follow the exit signs for Kasımpaşa which will bring you out on a street that leads directly to Galata Tower. Follow the brown signs for Galata Tower and you will arrive into the centre of the Galata area.
The journey from the airport to Istanbul city center and the Galata area should take just over 1 hour including transfers.
For Karaköy:
Follow the directions above for getting to Galata from Istanbul Airport and get off at Şişhane station. Follow the signs for the F2 Funicular line or Tünel (the second oldest underground in the world). There will be a little walk but there are escalators and travelators along the way.
You will exit the station at the bottom of Istiklal street and then walk across to the Tünel/F2 station. This line will take you directly to Karaköy.
Alternatively you can follow the directions above for getting to Taksim from Istanbul airport. From Taksim station transfer to the F1 Funicular line (it is signposted) and get off at Kabataş tram station.
Take the T1 tram heading towards Bağcılar or Cevizlibağ. Ride the tram for three stops and get off at Karaköy. This route requires three changes so is a little slower than our first suggestion.
This journey should take just over 1 hour including transfers.
Istanbul Airport to Kadikoy by Metro
If you are staying on the Asian side of Istanbul in Kadıköy then you can still use the metro system, but it will take a bit longer and involve more changes.
You will need to follow the directions above to get from Istanbul Airport to the M2 Gayrettepe station.
From the M2 Gayrettepe station take the M2 line seven stops all the way to the last stop of Yenıkapı station.
An M2 metro line train to Yenikapı.
Follow signs for the Marmaray line which will take you to the Asian side.
Jump on a Marmaray line train heading towards Gebze and ride for three stops, getting off at Ayrılık Çeşmesi station. Remember to tap your card on the refund machine to get cashback on your fare!
Change to the M4 line (dark pink line on the rail map) and ride one stop to Kadıköy.
This journey will take you around 1 hour and 45 minutes, including transfers.
The train from Istanbul airport to city centre makes getting into Istanbul easy and convenient. It’s the best way to travel in Istanbul!
Pros of using the metro:
It’s fast - journeys into the city take under 1 hour and you won’t get stuck in Istanbul’s notorious traffic.
It’s cheap - currently the fare on the airport metro is 22.83TL (£0.56/$0.72). On other lines the price is 17.70TL per trip (£0.43/$0.55)
It’s convenient - there is a train every 8 minutes.
It takes you directly to the city centre.
It's accessible - from the airport to the metro station there are shuttle buses, lifts and travelators for people with disabilities. Please see further information below regarding lifts at Gayrettepe station.
Cons of using the metro:
You have to make one transfer from the M11 to the M2 line.
Lines running into the city centre can be crowded during rush hour.
The Istanbul Airport to city metro is not suitable if you have huge amounts of luggage because changing lines could be stressful.
The M11 airport line currently only operates from 06.00 - midnight. (In the future there may be a 24-hour service on Friday and Saturday to match the hours of other metro lines in the city).
Metro Istanbul Airport: Things to Know Before You Go
💷 Buy an Istanbulkart: You will need to buy an Istanbulkart (city transportation card) at the airport to use the metro.
🆙 Lift access: There are lifts in the M11 Gayrettepe station which take you to the floor connecting to the M2 line (via travelators). I wasn’t clear if there were lifts that subsequently connected to the M2 line directly - it seems like everyone has to use the travelators. There are some staff around - I found someone who told me he was available to help disabled passengers find the lifts and get to where they needed to go.
Ⓜ️ Be aware of the recently introduced limitations on anonymous Istanbulkarts: a 500TL monthly top-up limit, no refunds on Metrobus or Marmaray lines and no discounts on transfers between lines.
🚍 Havaist Buses: Istanbul Airport Shuttle to the City Centre
Suitable for: budget travellers, those travelling light, and travellers looking for a no-fuss journey from the airport to their hotel.
Havaist airport shuttle buses are another very convenient way to get to and from Istanbul Airport IST.
Each Havaist bus operates according to a set timetable and a particular route, leaving Istanbul airport and going to different areas of the city. They run 24/7, with buses leaving every 30 minutes (during peak hours) to every hour. Perfect if your flight arrives in the early hours of the morning!
Havaist buses only make a few stops and drop you off close to tourist areas like Taksim and Sultanahmet so they are a good option if you want a fast and efficient way to get from IST airport to city center.
Before the metro opened, we used Havaist buses to go back and forth to the airport whenever we left Istanbul. We still use them if our flight arrives/leaves in the early hours of the morning when the metro is closed.
Havaist buses leave from the transportation floor at Istanbul Airport.
To catch the Havaist Istanbul Airport Shuttle bus you need to go down to -2 level of the Istanbul Airport arrivals hall.
Near the escalators and lifts you will see a huge map showing the different platforms/bus stops and the destinations (there is actually a map near each set of lifts and escalators). The bus stops shown in white are for Havaist buses only.
One of the maps also shows a price list for Havaist bus services, public buses and for airport taxis.
There are currently 11 Havaist shuttle buses that leave from Istanbul Airport and each bus has a unique number. The following are the ones you are most likely to be taking:
HVIST-16 goes to Taksim Square and leaves from platform 16.
HVIST-12 goes to Aksaray-Beyazit Meydan (close to Sultanahmet) and leaves from platform 12.
HVIST-14 goes to Kadıköy and leaves from platform 14.
A map of all the bus services that leave from the public transportation floor.
Before you jump on the bus, you’ll need to buy your ticket from the Havaist ticket office which is near the largest public transportation map. The ticket office accepts credit cards and cash in TL.
You can sometimes buy your ticket on the platform or on the bus from Havaist staff, however, this really depends on who you are dealing with.
We’ve sometimes been able to buy our tickets after we’ve boarded and at other times the bus conductor insisted that we could only buy our ticket from the Havaist office so we had to run back before our bus left!
If you want to buy your ticket in advance, you can do this on the Havaist website or via the app. Be aware that you won’t be able to make a reservation for a bus leaving at a particular time, the booking is just for the route.
If you have a suitcase or large backpack you will need to store this in the bus's luggage hold. The conductor will ask you where you are getting off and give you a ticket for your luggage.
The Havaist ticket office.
Havaist Bus from Istanbul Airport to Taksim, Galata & Karaköy
The HVIST-16 bus to Taksim makes three to four stops and at the time of writing costs 170TL (£4.14/$5.30). Click here to find the Havaist timetable, stops and current price for this route.
The average journey time from Istanbul Airport to Taksim is 1.5 hours, depending on traffic.
In our experience, if there isn’t much traffic you can get into the city centre in 30-40 minutes. However, during rush hour, everything crawls to a stop and the journey has sometimes taken us two hours.
The bus will drop you off outside the Point Hotel in Taksim, just 500 metres from Taksim Square.
You can also take the HVIST-16 bus if you are staying in Galata or Karaköy.
For Galata:
Walk to Taksim metro station and take the M2 line from Taksim to Şişhane station and either exit at Istiklal Caddesi or Kaşımpaşa. For more details see above instructions for taking the metro to Galata.
For Karaköy:
From Taksim metro station take the F1 funicular line to Kabataş and catch the T1 tram heading towards Cevizlibağ or Bağcılar. Ride three stops and get down in Karaköy.
Reasonably priced, convenient and comfortable, the Havaist Istanbul Airport bus to city centre is really a great choice if you don’t want to take the metro.
Havaist Bus from Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet
If you’re wondering how to get from Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet using Havaist buses, the answer is the HVIST-12.
The HVIST-12 bus to Aksaray - Beyazit Medan (Beyazit Square) makes five stops and currently costs 170TL (£4.14/$5.30).
Whilst this bus doesn’t go directly to Sultanahmet, it drops you close enough to be able to get there easily. You can check out the Havaist bus timetable and prices for this route here.
Like the bus to Taksim, this journey should take 1.5 hours at most.
The HVIST-12 bus usually drops passengers off at Beyazit Square, however, due to roadworks, the drop-off point is currently in front of the Aksaray metro station.
From here, you need to walk around 9 minutes to Yusufpaşa T1 tram station and catch the T1 tram heading towards Kabataş or Eminönü. Sultanahmet is only five stops away and the journey on the tram should take around 11 minutes.
When the roadworks are over the HVIST-12 will drop passengers off at Beyazit Square which is around 15 minutes walk from Sultanahmet.
Alternatively, the Beyazit tram stop is a two-minute walk from the square - jump on the T1 Kabataş or Eminönü tram and ride for two stops to reach Sultanahmet.
The HVIST-12 bus is also a good option if you want to get from Istanbul Airport to Grand Bazaar (Kapaliçarşı). You can follow the instructions above from Yusufpaşa tram station and just get off after three stops at the Beyazit tram stop - the bazaar is just a one-minute walk away.
This picture of Havaist and taxi prices was taken in March 2023 - the Turkish lira is very volatile and prices are constantly changing.
Havaist Bus from Istanbul Airport to Center - Kadıköy
The HVIST-14 bus to Kadıköy makes five stops and takes around two hours. The buses leave Istanbul airport regularly at 45-minute to one-hour intervals and the trip currently costs 186TL (£4.53/$5.80).
You will be dropped off close to the ferry terminal in Kadıköy and near the bus stops for the IETT public buses. It’s very easy to make your way onto another bus or walk to the centre of Kadıköy or the Moda area from here.
If you are looking for comfortable, stress-free and straightforward Istanbul Airport to city transport, definitely consider Havaist buses.
Pros of using Havaist:
Budget-friendly - although tickets on these services are around three times more expensive than using the metro, it’s still a very affordable way to travel for most visitors.
Convenient - it’s easy to catch a bus from the arrivals hall at Istanbul Airport and buses leave frequently.
The buses take you directly into the city centre and close to tourist areas.
Comfortable - all the buses feature comfortable seating, air conditioning, USB chargers and Wi-Fi.
Various routes available from Istanbul Airport to center.
Cons of using Havaist:
You can get stuck in traffic at rush hour, so your journey might take you longer than you think.
Luggage limit: passengers are allowed two pieces of luggage as long as this does not exceed 30kg. Extra luggage is subject to an additional charge.
To get to Sultanahmet, Galata or Karaköy you will also need to use the metro or tram.
Havaist Buses - Things to Know Before You Go
💷 Buy an Istanbulkart: If you’re travelling to Sultanahmet, Galata or Karaköy you should purchase an Istanbulkart at the airport before you board the Havaist bus as you’ll need it to use the tram and metro after the bus drops you off.
🚐 Private Airport Transfers From Istanbul Airport to the City Centre
Suitable for: mid-range to luxury travellers & budget travellers in a group (you can split the transfer cost and make it cheaper); travellers with lots of luggage; families or large groups who want to travel together easily; travellers with mobility issues.
Does the idea of getting off your flight and navigating your way around Istanbul using public transport fill you with dread? If you answered yes, then we’d recommend using a private Istanbul Airport transfer service.
We’ve booked several private Istanbul Airport transfers for our families when they’ve come to visit and have always found them to be comfortable, safe and convenient.
A private transfer is especially useful if you are travelling with a lot of luggage (like when my parents and sister travelled with an extra suitcase and duffel bag just filled with British goodies like Jaffa Cakes, fruit cake and Yorkshire Gold tea…yums).
Organising private airport transfers in Istanbul is incredibly easy. You just book the private shuttle online in advance and include your flight details, estimated arrival time and where you will be staying in Istanbul.
When you arrive, your driver will be waiting to greet you at the Istanbul Airport arrivals area with a sign bearing your name. You’ll be taken to your vehicle (usually a luxury minivan with free Wi-Fi and bottled water) and then driven straight to your hotel. No fuss, no muss.
Be like this guy and take the stress out of travel with a private Istanbul Airport transfer.
Private Istanbul airport transfers to city centre are available 24/7. Most airport transfer companies also use flight tracking, so you don’t need to worry about your flight being delayed or arriving early - your driver will already be aware!
Wondering how much it costs? It’s actually not as expensive as you might think. Transfers from Istanbul airport to city centre are usually charged at a fixed price for a group or a per person basis.
If you’re travelling in a group it can work out to be an extremely cost-effective option. This airport transfer. for a group of 7 people costs as little as £5.70/$7 per person. Basically, just a little more than using Havaist and you’re dropped off at your hotel!
Private transfer services that we’ve used in the past:
1) Private Transfer from or to Istanbul Airport (⭐4.8/5) - a fixed price transfer for groups of up to 4 people. This Istanbul Airport transfer to city centre is fantastic - they can transfer you from the airport to your accommodation in any district of Istanbul. Prices vary depending on the destination but are still very reasonable.
Their clean and comfortable vehicles have free Wi-Fi and complimentary bottled water - the latter was a godsend for my parents who were parched after their flight. The Wi-Fi also helped them keep in touch with me, so they didn’t go MIA (which has happened previously because my Dad couldn’t work out how to switch on roaming on his phone).
Estimated transfer times are as follows: Sultanahmet (45-50 minutes); Taksim (50-60 minutes); Beşiktaş (60-70 minutes); Asian side of Istanbul (1.5-2 hours). Obviously, this all depends on traffic.
If you’re wondering how to get to Istanbul Airport at the end of your trip, consider booking a return transfer with them as they offer a 10% discount!
According to my parents (who now consider themselves airport transfer pros) this is the best private airport transfer Istanbul has to offer! Click here to book this transfer.
Two very happy parents laden with gifts for us!
2) Istanbul Airport Private Transfer Service (⭐4.8/5) - this transfer price is on a per person basis and is offered by the same company that operates the transfer above. They offer transfers from Istanbul Airport to hotels on the European and Asian sides of the city.
Like the previous transfer, you can enjoy a comfortable vehicle with Wi-Fi and complimentary bottled water. Click here to book this transfer.
3) Istanbul Transfers: Airport, Hotel or Return Trip (⭐ 4.5/5) - a fixed price transfer for groups of up to 7 people. The transfer time is approximately 45 minutes to one hour, but remember that with traffic it can take longer.
This company offers an Istanbul Airport to hotel transfer service specifically for Sultanahmet (the Old City) and Taksim on the European side. If you are staying elsewhere, we’d advise checking with the company before booking as there may be additional fees.
It’s a great choice if you are travelling in a group as the cost of the transfer is extremely reasonable. Click here to book this transfer.
Pros of private transfers:
- Hassle and stress-free - you can book in advance and be picked up at the airport.
- The transfer drops you directly to your accommodation.
- You don’t have to navigate an unfamiliar public transport system.
- Comfortable, safe and clean.
- Easy option if you have a lot of luggage.
- Cheap if you are travelling in a group.
Cons of private transfers:
- Expensive if you are travelling alone.
- Prices of the transfer increase slightly if your accommodation is not in Sultanahmet or Taksim.
- You’re still at the mercy of Istanbul traffic if you arrive during rush hour!
Private Transfers Istanbul Airport to City Centre - Things to Know Before You Go
🛬 Flight details: Make sure you have provided your flight details (flight number and landing time) in advance.
⏱ Journey time: The transfer times are estimates - the journey can take much longer if there is traffic.
📝 Double check: Make a note of where you will be meeting your driver at the airport.
🚍 Istanbul Airport Buses - Public IETT Buses From Istanbul Airport to the City Centre
Suitable for: budget travellers, travellers staying in other areas of Istanbul, travellers arriving after midnight.
It’s also possible to get a municipal IETT bus from Istanbul IST airport to city centre - but let me just preface this by saying that this method is neither fast nor convenient.
IETT buses from Istanbul Airport to Istanbul mainly travel to the suburbs, away from the main city centre.
No public buses go directly to Taksim or Sultanahmet - you will have to transfer from the bus to the metro, tram, Metrobus or (depending on the time) a taxi to get to these destinations. The same applies if you are staying in Galata or Karaköy.
If you are staying on the Asian side of Istanbul in Kadıköy, you will have to transfer to the Marmaray line.
If you want to use public transport to get into the city centre we recommend choosing the metro over the public buses.
However, IETT buses are a good backup option if the metro is out of action for some reason or you arrive in the early hours of the morning after the metro has closed.
You’ll see IETT buses all over Istanbul.
There are currently six municipal bus lines that leave from Istanbul Airport to various locations around the centre:
H-1 to Mahmutbey Metro (operating from 07.10-21.10)
H-2 to Mecidiyekoy Metrobus station (operating 24 hrs)
H-3 to Halkalı Marmaray line train station (operating from 06.00-20.40)
H-6 to Yunus Emre Mahallesi (operating from 00.10-22.40)
H-8 to Haciosman Metro (operating from 07.20-20.35)
H-9 to Cevizlibağ (operating from 08.30-21.00)
For the purposes of this article, the most useful lines are the H-2 and H-9. You can find the current timetable for these buses on the IETT site here.
IETT buses leave from the -2 public transportation level of arrivals at Istanbul Airport. You will need to buy an Istanbulkart (a contactless city transport card) or a contactless credit/debit card to travel on public buses - cash payments are not accepted.
You can purchase an Istanbulkart from the machines on the -2 level: all the machines here now take credit or debit cards. A single journey on an IETT bus costs 17.70TL.
The large transport maps on the -2 floor show you where the Istanbulkart machines are.
For more details on using Istanbulkart, refer to the earlier section about buying an Istanbulkart to travel on the metro. There is also some additional information here about using contactless credit/debit cards on public transport in Istanbul.
It’s much easier to buy and top up Istanbulkarts using your credit or debit card on the new Istanbulkart machines.
1) How to Take the IETT Bus From Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet
Using the H-9 bus:
Your first choice is to take the H-9 bus from platform 2 and get off at the last stop of Cevizlibağ. Then transfer to the T1 tram heading towards Eminönü or Kabataş. Ride the tram for 11 stops and get down at Sultanahmet.
The H-9 bus only runs four times per day from Monday - Friday, from 8.30 am to 9.00 pm, every 2 - 6 hours. The journey is supposed to take just over 1 hour 15 minutes but with normal traffic it usually takes 2-2.5 hours.
As the H-9 bus runs so infrequently and not at all on weekends, we’d recommend taking the H-2 bus, followed by the tram and metro instead. (Unless your arrival coincides perfectly with the arrival of the H-9 bus of course!)
Using the H-2 bus:
The H-2 bus to Mecidiyeköy runs 24/7, every 25-35 minutes during the day. From midnight to 6.00 am it runs less frequently, around every 1-2 hours.
Take the H-2 bus from platform 4 and jump down at the final stop of Mecidiyeköy. From here walk about 10-15 minutes to Şişli-Mecidiyeköy metro station to take the M2 metro line (green line on the rail map). You’ll see blue and red ‘M’ signs directing you to the station, so you won’t get lost.
At Şişli-Mecidiyeköy station jump on an M2 line train heading towards Yenikapı. Ride five stops and get off at Vezneciler station.
At Vezneciler station follow the exit signs for Istanbul University/the T1 tram service. When you come out onto street level, walk for about 5 minutes to reach the Laleli-Istanbul Üniversite T1 tram stop. You’ll know you’re going the right way because you’ll pass the back entrance to a faculty of Istanbul University on your left.
The back of the Istanbul University faculty building that you will pass on your way to the tram stop.
At the Laleli-Üniversite tram stop catch the T1 tram travelling in the direction of Eminönü or Kabataş. Ride three stops and you will be at Sultanahmet!
This journey can take around 2.5 hours depending on traffic. If this sounds complicated don’t worry - Istanbul public transport actually works pretty seamlessly and is really easy to use.
Although the H-2 bus operates 24/7, the metro and tram services finish at midnight from Monday-Thursday and on Sunday. If you arrive in the early hours of the morning on these days you will need to take a taxi from Mecidiyeköy to your accommodation.
On Fridays and Saturdays, the M2 metro operates for 24 hours. The train fare at this time is double the price (at the time of writing this will be around 40.00TL).
On these days you will be able to travel as far as Vezneciler station on the metro. However, the tram service still stops at midnight, so you will have to take a taxi from Vezneciler station to Sultanahmet (a journey of around 20 minutes depending on traffic).
How to Get the IETT Bus from Istanbul Airport to Taksim (plus Galata & Karaköy)
Getting to Taksim using the IETT buses is much easier. Jump on the H-2 bus and get down at the last stop of Mecidiyeköy.
Follow the red and blue ‘M’ signs for Şişli-Mecidiyeköy metro station and then take the M2 metro line towards Yenikapı. Ride two stops and get off at Taksim.
If you follow the exit signs for Taksim Meydanı (Taksim Square) you will come out right in the centre of Taksim Square.
This journey will take around 2 hours, depending on traffic.
For Galata:
Follow the above instructions for Taksim until you arrive at Şişli-Mecidiyeköy metro station. Take the M2 line towards Yenikapı and ride three stops and get off at Şişhane.
Journey time: around 2 - 2.5 hours
For Karaköy:
Follow the above instructions for getting to Taksim. At Taksim metro station, follow the signs for the F1 Funicular line. Take the funicular one stop and get off at Kabataş tram station.
From Kabataş catch theT1 tram towards Bağcılar or Cevizlibağ. Ride the tram for three stops and get down at Karaköy.
Journey time: around 2 - 2.5 hours
How to Get the IETT bus from Istanbul Airport to Kadıköy
If you’re staying in Kadıköy on the Asian side and wondering how to get from Istanbul Airport to city center by bus, then the H-2 bus is your best option again.
Follow the instructions for getting to Taksim until you reach Şişli-Mecidiyeköy metro station. Take the M2 line towards all the way to the last stop of Yenikapı.
At Yenıkapı, change to the Marmaray line and catch a train heading towards Pendik or Gebze. Ride three stops and get off at Ayrılık Ceşmeşi.
At Ayrılık Ceşmeşi station make sure to tap your Istanbulkart on the refund machine to get money back on your fare (Turkish citizens and residents only).
Then transfer to the M4 metro line (dark pink on the rail map). It’s only one stop to Kadıköy from here.
Journey time: around 2.5 - 3 hours
Pros of using IETT public buses:
- It’s cheap - you can use your Istanbulkart.
Cons of using IETT public buses:
Not efficient - it takes a long time to get to the city centre.
You have to make a few transfers - not suitable if you have a lot of luggage.
It can take even longer if you get stuck in traffic.
The buses don’t take you directly to the city centre, you have to also use the metro, tram or Marmaray line.
IETT Public Bus from Airport to City Centre - Things to Know
💷 Buy an Istanbulkart: You need to use an Istanbulkart to travel on IETT buses. You will also need it to transfer to the metro, tram or the Marmaray line.
🚖 Istanbul Airport Taxi to City Centre
Suitable for: mid-range to luxury travellers, travellers looking for convenience, last-minute travellers.
If money ain’t no thang, then you could also consider getting a taxi from Istanbul airport to city centre.
It’s certainly a convenient option as there is a taxi rank right outside the arrivals hall so it’s very easy to get one almost straight away. You can also find them at Istanbul airport departures on the second floor. Istanbul airport taxis are available 24/7.
Three types of taxis leave from the rank outside the arrivals area:
“E” type luxury black taxis - usually Mercedes minivans or cars.
“D” type blue taxis - a bit nicer and more comfortable than ordinary taxis.
“C” type yellow/orange taxis - the standard Istanbul taxi.
“D” taxis are around 15% more expensive than ordinary yellow taxis. “E” taxis are 70% more expensive.
A luxury “E” type taxi at Istanbul Airport.
Taxi Price - Istanbul Airport to City Centre
The starting price on the meter for yellow taxis is 24.55TL, increasing to 28.23TL for blue taxis and 41.74TL for black taxis.
Once your ride begins, you will be charged a further 17.61TL per kilometre for yellow taxis. The price per kilometre is 20.25TL for blue taxis and 29.94TL for black taxis.
The journey from Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet Square is around 50km. Based on the above prices, a journey in a yellow taxi should cost you around 885TL (£22/$28).
However, it’s important to remember that the Istanbul Airport to city centre taxi cost will really depend on how much traffic is on the road.
If you end up in one of Istanbul’s crazy traffic jams during rush hour, your taxi fare is likely to be much higher than the prices quoted above. This is one of the reasons we wouldn’t recommend taking a taxi from the airport.
Standard yellow and orange taxis and the more comfortable blue taxis waiting for passengers at Istanbul Airport.
Unfortunately, Istanbul is also notorious for taxi scams - another reason why we avoid taking taxis in the city whenever possible. These scams include taking massive detours to get to your destination, thereby increasing the journey time and your fare!
If you arrive late at night, some drivers will also insist that there is a higher ‘nighttime’ fare, which isn’t true - the day and night taxi rates are now the same.
This is why we’d recommend choosing a private airport transfer over a taxi.
Remember that toll fees for bridges or tunnels will also be added to your final fare.
At the time of writing (updated March 2024) the average taxi cost from Istanbul Airport to city centre according to Istanbul Airport’s website is as follows:
For Sultanahmet:
Yellow “C” Taxi: 1050TL (£26/$33)
Blue “D” Taxi: 1018TL (£29/$37)
Black “E’ Taxi: 1750TL (£43/$54)
For Taksim:
Yellow “C” Taxi: 950TL (£23/$30)
Blue “D” Taxi: 1050TL (£26/$33)
Black “E’ Taxi: 1550TL (£38/$48)
In our opinion these average prices give you a much better idea of what your journey should cost. You can check current prices for taxis from Istanbul Airport to various destinations (including Kadıköy) here.
The travel time from Istanbul Airport to the city centre will be around 1-1.5 hours depending on traffic.
There is also an information booth near the taxi rank, just outside of airport arrivals.
If you have mobile data, you could also try calling Uber or Istanbul’s own ride-hailing app Bitaksi.
Pros of using Istanbul Airport Taxis:
Convenient - the taxi rank is right outside airport arrivals.
Several types of taxi available - from ordinary cars to luxury vehicles.
Available 24/7.
Cons of using Istanbul Airport Taxis:
Expensive especially if you get stuck in traffic.
Drivers can scam unsuspecting tourists by taking a longer route or overcharging them.
You are still at the mercy of Istanbul’s traffic.
Taxi Istanbul Airport to City Centre - Things to Know
💰 Cost: Have an idea of how much the taxi to your destination should cost in case your taxi fare ends up being ridiculously expensive.
🏠 Where to Stay in Istanbul
If you haven’t booked a hotel in Istanbul yet, we’d recommend reading our guide to the Best Areas to Stay in Istanbul. Covering 6 districts and over 15 different neighbourhoods, it features hotels suitable for every budget plus the top highlights of staying in each area.
This is without doubt, the most comprehensive guide on the internet - we actually live here so we know what we’re talking about!
If you’re in a hurry, we’ve also recommended some areas and hotels below - there’s something to suit every budget so pick one that fits yours.
Photo courtesy of NOA Luxury Apartments from Booking.com
OVERALL TOP PICK (GALATA): NOA Luxury Apartments (⭐ 9.5)
Featuring a fully equipped private kitchen, washing machine, tumble dryer, flat-screen TV and free Wi-Fi, these bright and clean apartments are a stone's throw away from Galata Tower. Some units have garden access or a balcony. There is a fully equipped gym and staff are very helpful.
Photo courtesy of Çırağan Palace Kempinski from Booking.com
BEST LUXURY OPTION (BEŞIKTAŞ): Çırağan Palace Kempinski (⭐ 8.9)
Possibly the most luxurious hotel in Istanbul, this converted Ottoman palace offers guests plenty of amenities including a heated indoor pool, an outdoor infinity pool with Bosphorus views, a spa, fitness centre, a bar and several restaurants. You won't want for anything during your stay!
Photo courtesy of Boutique Saint Sophia from Booking.com
TOP BOUTIQUE CHOICE (SULTANAHMET): Boutique Saint Sophia (⭐ 9.0)
With breathtaking views of Hagia Sophia, this boutique hotel features gorgeous ensuite rooms with luxurious Bulgari toiletries, flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. The sights of Sultanahmet are just steps away and there is also a fantastic a la carte breakfast.
Photo courtesy of Ayramin Hotel Taksim from Booking.com
BEST MID-RANGE PICK (TAKSIM): Ayramin Hotel Taksim (⭐ 9.3)
Only 1 minute from the buzz of Istiklal Street, this hotel offers stylish and comfortable rooms with an ensuite bathroom, free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TV. There is a generous breakfast buffet that changes daily. Some rooms have a private Turkish hamam!
Photo courtesy of Fener Sweet from Booking.com
TOP BUDGET CHOICE (BALAT): Fener Sweet (⭐ 9.5)
Your home away from home! This friendly homestay offers clean and cosy rooms with a private bathroom, tea/coffee making facilities and free Wi-Fi. Guests can make use of the shared lounge and fully equipped kitchen (including a washing machine). The location is superb: right in the centre of Balat and the famous coloured houses!
Photo courtesy of Hostel Le Banc from Booking.com
BEST HOSTEL (GALATA): Hostel Le Banc (⭐ 9.5)
A superb choice for travellers on a budget, this hostel offers super clean, mixed and female-only dormitories with air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi. Guests can enjoy the shared lounge, terrace and a well-equipped kitchen. There's a fabulous daily buffet breakfast. Private ensuite rooms are also available.
✋ Istanbul Airport - City Center: FAQs
What is the best Istanbul Airport transport to city centre?
Our top choices would be to use the metro, Havaist buses or to book a private airport transfer .
How much is a taxi from Istanbul Airport to city centre?
This really depends on traffic. The average Istanbul Airport to city centre taxi cost is 885TL (£22/$28) for Sultanahmet and 730TL (£18/$23) for Taksim. These prices are for yellow taxis.
How to get around Istanbul using public transport?
Buy an Istanbulkart! You can use it on all the public transport in the city: ferries, trams, funiculars, metro, Marmaray line trains and Metrobus! It’s also cheaper than buying single tickets as you get 50% discount (compared with buying single tickets).
Can I book a private transfer from Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet?
Of course. Click here to book our favourite airport transfer . You can also read about other private transfers that we recommend here.
How much is Istanbul Airport transportation to city centre?
Metro and public IETT buses are the cheapest - starting at just over 60TL (£1.45/$1.90) for a trip. Havaist buses are around three times this price, but still extremely reasonable for all travellers.
Taxis are very expensive and you never know exactly what the fare is going to be. Private airport transfers are better as the price is set and if you’re travelling in a group it can be quite reasonable.
Click here to book this private transfer - Istanbul airport to city centre .
How long does it take to get from Istanbul Airport to centre?
Metro: 1-1.5 hours
Havaist buses: 1.5 hours depending on traffic
Private transfer: 1-2 hours depending on traffic
Public buses: 2-2.5 hours (depending on traffic)
Taxis: 1-2 hours depending on traffic
What is the Istanbul Airport to city centre distance?
Istanbul airport is approximately 50km from the city centre.
🚆 And we’ve reached the end of the line!
Yep, we couldn’t resist using a transport-related pun to end this post!
We hope this article has given you a much better idea of how to get from Istanbul Airport to the city centre and has made planning your trip to this incredible city much easier. Let us know in the comments below!
Before you go, make sure to check out some of our other Istanbul and Turkey guides:
🏠 Best Areas to Stay in Istanbul: Coolest Neighbourhoods & Top Hotels
🌟 22 Best Hotels in Istanbul With a View
🗓 The Ultimate Turkey Itinerary 10 Days
🇹🇷 The Best Places to Visit in Turkey
🏖️ Where to Stay in Izmir: Best Izmir Districts, Top Hotels + Useful Tips
🌷 Visit the Istanbul Tulip Festival
✈️ How to Get From SAW Airport to Istanbul City Center
🎪 18 Best Festivals in Istanbul
🏔 Cappadocia in Winter: 7 Reasons to Visit + 16 Amazing Things to Do
🎄 Christmas in Istanbul: All You Need to Know for a Magical Stay
⛄ 9 Awesome Reasons to Spend Winter in Istanbul
🍳 Best Breakfast in Istanbul - 16 Incredible Places to Try
✅ 12 Things You Need To Do in Istanbul
🔎 Explore Balat Istanbul: An Insider's Guide to One of Istanbul's Most Unique Neighbourhoods
🍟 Best Vegan Fast Food in Istanbul
🥑 Where to Find the Best Vegan Turkish Breakfast in Istanbul
🖼️ 14 Top Things To Do in Gaziantep
🍔 Off the Eaten Track: The Best Street Food in Istanbul
🥦 Vegan Istanbul: The Best Under-the-Radar Restaurants
Find more travel tips and useful information on Turkey here.
Looking for more travel inspiration? Click here to discover more of our favourite places around the world.
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