You have multiple options to reach or leave Istanbul Airport. Shuttle bus, yellow taxis, metro, rent a car and private transfer options. We decided to prepare a detailed guide for you so that you can make the right and quickest decision.
Especially travelers traveling with a low budget can reach the airport and the city center with the most economical option by using connecting options.
Istanbul Aiport Shuttle ; HAVAİST
HAVAIST shuttle service provides service from Istanbul Airport to almost every corner of Istanbul at short intervals. Of course, it also offers comfortable travel options to the airport from all over Istanbul.
If you are an arriving passenger, you can find Havaist station on the -2 Transport floor. Each bus line leaves its designated area. For this reason, it is useful to note the line code you will use. This way, you can easily find where the bus you will take will depart from the direction signs.
If you will come to Istanbul airport by bus for a departure flight, be sure that you take the correct bus, as passengers often confuse this.
HAVAİST will drop you off at the Istanbul Airport Departure Terminal, close to Doors 1,2,3 and 4. If you are a domestic passenger, you can use #1 and # 2, and if you are an international passenger, you can use the other gates. Don’t worry, they all open to the same hall inside.
If you would like to have detailed information about the Istanbul Airport Departure Terminal, you can review our Departure Terminal guide.
How to pay for HAVAIST ? They accept online payment, cash, credit card and QR code payment.
You can buy your ticket for Havaist in advance. However, this will not be a seat reservation. You will just have made your payment in advance. The ticket you purchase online will be valid for 72 hours.
You can find routes, stops, time table, prices and more on our detailed HAVAIST guide. Please click read more button
Yellow and Black Taxis
As in all airports, yellow taxis are one of the fastest and easiest transportation options at Istanbul Airport. Yes, you may have to wait 10-15 minutes in the taxi queue during busy hours. But taxi transportation will cover this loss of time.
In addition to yellow taxis, there are also luxury black taxis with large seating capacities at Istanbul Airport. It is especially suitable for families of 6-7 people, but luggage capacity is limited to 4-5 luggage. These taxis are fewer in number, and you may not always be able to find a suitable black taxi.
Important !
Before getting in the taxi, make sure that the taximeter has returned to zero.
Give the taxi driver a clear description of your destination.
Follow the taximeter during the trip.
Don’t forget to request a receipt or invoice from the taxi driver.
Yellow taxis at Istanbul Airport
- Most common and cheapest option
- Economical cars
- Can seat up to 4 passengers with limited luggage
- Ideal for short trips within the city
Black taxis at Istanbul Airport
- Luxury option with spacious interiors
- High-end cars like Mercedes-Benz
- Ideal for larger groups or passengers with significant luggage
- Most expensive taxi option at Istanbul Airport
Metro / Subway / Tube
Istanbul Airport Metro came into service in 2023 and is now the fastest and cheapest way to reach the city center. Istanbul Airport – Gayrettepe Metro (M11), which you can reach in just 10 minutes by walking from the arrivals floor, takes you to the city center in just 35 minutes.
On the route, you can connect to the Yıldız-Mahmutbey (M7) Metro line from the Kağıthane stop.You can connect to the Yenikapı – Hacı Osman (M2) metro line and Beylikdüzü – Söğütlüçeşme Metrobus line from the last stop, Gayretepe station.
M2 line, which takes you to Taksim Square and other central areas of Istanbul. If you are going to travel to the Asian side of Istanbul, the Metrobus line carries hundreds of passengers to the Asian continent every 3 minutes via the 15 Temmuz Şehitler Bridge (formerly Boğaziçi bridge ). However, we would like to remind you that it will be difficult to travel with luggage on the Metrobus line during busy hours (07:00 – 09:00 / 17:00 – 19:00).
Gayrettepe – Istanbul Airport Metro ticket price is 12 TL.
The travel time between Gayrettepe and Istanbul Airport is approximately 35 minutes. Trains operate every 8 minutes.
At Gayrettepe station, you can easily transfer to the . With the completion of the line to Halkalı, there will also be a connection to the Marmaray line, which provides access to the Asian side of Istanbul.
ISTANBULKART
You can easily buy ISTANBULKART, which you can use on the Metro and all other public transportation vehicles in Istanbul, from the ticket machines at the airport and load money into it.
Istanbul card purchase fee is 70 TL. You can load as much money into it as you want.
Private transfer service
Private transfer services from Istanbul Airport offer a convenient and comfortable way to travel from the airport to your destination in the city center or other locations. These services typically involve a professional driver picking you up directly from the airport and taking you to your desired destination in a private vehicle.
Rent a Car service
Renting a car from Istanbul Airport is a convenient option for travelers who want flexibility and independence during their stay.