Getting Around
Istanbul offers a diverse range of public transport options, making it easy for tourists to navigate the city. The Istanbulkart, a rechargeable pass, provides discounted access to buses, trams, metro lines, ferries and funiculars. The metro system, continuously expanding, connects key areas such as Aksaray, Taksim and the Levent district, while the Marmaray line links the European and Asian sides through an underwater tunnel. Trams, including the popular T1 line, are ideal for exploring historical areas such as Sultanahmet and Beyoğlu. Buses, although slower and often crowded, can be accessed via Istanbulkart, while dolmuses (shared minibuses) offer an affordable, more comfortable alternative. Taxis are plentiful, but it's advisable for tourists to call one through their hotel to avoid overcharging, with night rates being higher. For scenic views, ferries offer a pleasant way to cross the Bosphorus or visit the Princes' Islands. Ridesharing services such as Uber and BiTaksi are also available, providing convenient options for those seeking comfort or privacy. With the city's heavy traffic, driving isn't recommended, making Istanbul's public transport network a reliable and efficient choice for exploring.
Airports
Istanbul Airport
The airport is situated 25 miles (40km) northwest of Istanbul.
Istanbul Airport (IST)
Location
The airport is situated 25 miles (40km) northwest of Istanbul.Getting to the city
While there are plans to connect the railway, shuttles are currently the only form of public transport serving the airport. Havaist and IETT offer shuttle services, and tickets can be purchased at the airport. Taxis are also readily available.
Time
GMT +3Car rental
Car rental companies include Europcar, Avec, Enterprise, Garenta, Hertz, Budget, Avis, and Cizgi.
Airport Taxis
Istanbul Airport is northwest of Istanbul and it takes around 45 minutes to an hour to reach the city centre by taxi. There are three main taxis: orange economy taxis, blue comfort taxis, and black premium taxis.
Transfer between terminals
There's one large, modern terminal at the airport, consisting of seven entrances. Gates 1 and 2 serve domestic flights, while the rest serve international flights.
Facilities
The airport has shops, banks, a bureaux de change, prayer rooms, a large range of food and beverage outlets, bars, a duty free, and passenger lounges. It also offers an airport hotel and tourism information centres.
Parking
Istanbul Airport boasts one of the largest multi-storey carparks in the world, consisting of five blocks with low-cost to premium options.
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport
The airport is 22 miles (35km) south-east of Istanbul.
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Location
The airport is 22 miles (35km) south-east of Istanbul.Getting to the city
Buses connect the airport to various parts of Istanbul, including shuttle services to the historical centre. Additionally, the M4 metro line has been extended to the airport, providing a direct connection to the city.
Time
GMT +2 (GMT +3 from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October).Car rental
Rental companies operating at the airport include Sixt, Payless, Central, Hertz, Europcar, Nord Travel, Budget, Avis, and Bostanci.
Airport Taxis
Round-the-clock taxi service can be found outside the arrivals section of the airport.
Transfer between terminals
The airport has a single terminal building that serves both domestic and international flights.
Facilities
The airport offers a range of facilities, including ATMs, shops, restaurants, a first aid centre, pharmacies, a prayer room, hair salon, shoeshine stand and meeting facilities. Currency exchange facilities and a post office are also available, along with a left-luggage desk.
Parking
The airport's multi-level car park has a capacity of 4,718 vehicles and 72 buses. There's also valet parking service with a capacity of 400 cars.