How to get from Istanbul Airport to the city center
Are you wondering how to get from Istanbul Airport to the city center? Deciding on the best option once you arrive can be confusing. In this article, I’ll explain all options so you can reach the city center hassle-free.
All information in this article and more is also included in my YouTube video:
Overview transportation options from Istanbul Airport
I recommend flying to Istanbul Airport, if you’ve booked your hotel on the European side of Istanbul.
Keep in mind, there’s another airport on the Asian side called Sabiha Gökçen Airport.
From Istanbul Airport, you have four options to get to the city center:
- Metro
- Bus
- Taxi
- VIP shuttle
1st option: Metro underground
Let’s start with the metro underground. After you exit the terminal, walk straight to the metro entrance. The walk takes around 10 minutes.
Firstly, you need to buy an Istanbulkart. You can purchase it from any of the machines in the metro station.
The Istanbulkart costs around 4 Euros and a ride with the Istanbul Airport metro around 1.20 Euro. (All prices in this article are as of summer 2024.)
The Istanbul Airport metro line terminates at Gayrettepe station. If you want to get from Istanbul Airport to Taksim square, you’ll need to transfer to the M2 metro line at Gayrettepe.
In order to to get from Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet, get off at Taksim square and change to the funicular line till Kabataş. From Kabataş station, you can get the T1 tram to the historical peninsula.
The biggest advantage of the metro is low cost and avoiding traffic. However if you have a lot of luggage and need to change the metro a few times, then it might be quite strenuous.
2nd option: Bus ride
The second option is a bus ride from Istanbul Airport to several destinations in the city center. Head downstairs using the lift inside the arrival terminal.
For example, a bus ride from Istanbul Airport to Taksim square costs around 5 Euros.
You can buy a ticket at one of the sales booths.
There are several buses which can take you to different areas in central Istanbul. If you want to get from Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet, the closest destination is Aksaray.
The biggest advantage of the bus is a direct connection to many central places in the city. But please check beforehand if buses go to your destination.
Please check the available destinations at this website www.hava.ist
3rd option: Taxi ride
Next are taxis at the Istanbul Airport. There are actually three categories you can choose from: yellow, turquoise, and black taxis.
- Yellow taxis are the standard option. For example, a taxi ride from Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet on the historical peninsula will cost around 28 Euros. Keep in mind the trunk space is limited, so fitting more than two large suitcases is difficult.
- Turquoise taxis are bigger than yellow taxis and offer a more secure feeling. They cost 15% more than yellow taxis. For a ride from Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet, you’ll pay around 32 Euros.
- Black taxis are the luxury option. They come in two varieties. Firstly an executive version and secondly as a minivan. Both cost 70% more than yellow taxis, so a ride from Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet will set you back 47 Euros.
Remember, all taxis in Istanbul operate on standard tariffs. So there’s no need to haggle. Just wait in line for the next available taxi.
4th option: VIP shuttle
Finally, there are VIP shuttle services at the Istanbul Airport.
These vehicles offer more comfort and can accommodate up to 8 people.
Many of them even have entertainment systems for passengers.
For a ride from Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet, you’ll pay around 50 Euros, which is almost the same as for black taxis.
You can arrange a VIP shuttle at one of the service desks in the arrival terminal. Or you can book a shuttle with your hotel before you fly to Istanbul.
You can explore other articles about Istanbul by clicking on one of the following categories: