The new Istanbul Airport (IST) is as of 7 April 2019 the main international airport of Istanbul. The airport is located next to the Black Sea on the European side, about 40 km away from Taksim and 49 km from Sultanahmet. To reach your hotel, you have several options, each with their advantages and disadvantages. Here’s an overview to help you make the right choice based on your needs, preferences and budget. I have a similar article for people flying in at Sabiha Gökçen on the Asian side of Istanbul.
General Guidelines
- Get Turkish Liras – If you don’t have Turkish liras on you, use one of the many ATMs in the airport to withdraw some cash money. None of the transportation options mentioned below will accept credit cards, foreign currencies or big Turkish lira notes. Make sure you have some 5, 10, 20 or maximum 50 notes handy. Also, check out my Istanbul money strategy.
- Get an Istanbul Kart — If you plan to use public transportation, make sure to get an Istanbul Kart at the airport, and load sufficient funds on it. Using the card is not only cheaper, it’s also mandatory on most public transportation lines these days.
- Hotel Address – Make sure that you write down or print out the exact address of your hotel, together with its telephone number. Istanbul is a huge city with an uncountable amount of (small) hotels. Even locals don’t know them all by heart. So, if you need help, just hand over the piece of paper. It’s not unusual for a taxi driver to ask for directions at traffic lights or call the hotel. Don’t worry, he’ll get you there.
Taxi
A lot of tourists instinctively take a taxi to reach their hotel. But with the New Istanbul Airport being minimum 40 km away, you may want to give that some extra thought. A trip from the new Istanbul airport to Taksim will set you back for minimum 105 TL, and 135 to Sultanahmet. However, these are NOT fixed prices; if the taxi hits traffic, uses toll roads or takes a longer (but according to the taxi driver) quicker road, the fare may increase quickly. Even if you’re a party of four and the driver manages to fit all your luggage in the trunk, you’re still better off taking one of the options below.
In case you must take a taxi, just walk to the official taxi ranks located just outside the terminal. Never take a ride from the hustlers inside the airport terminal, and always ask to switch on the meter.
Havaist Airport Shuttle
Havaist is a new airport shuttle service operating several bus lines between the new Istanbul airport and spots all over Istanbul.
To reach Taksim, it’s really straightforward. You take the line IST 19: New Istanbul Airport – Beşiktaş – Taksim (which also stops at Zincirlikuyu and 4. Levent Metro) and you get off at the last stop, in front of the Point Hotel, close to Taksim square. From there you can either walk to your hotel, take a taxi or the metro.
To reach Sultanahmet, Beşiktaş, or Yenikapı, just take the line that has the respective districts as its (final) destination.
The fare for the bus lines is 18 TL per person, one way, luggage included. Trips take on average 100 minutes, more during rush hour. Luckily the buses have TV-movie-series services, WiFi, and USB charging units to make the trip a bit more enjoyable. You can find the timetables on the official Havaist website.
Private Shuttle
A private shuttle is a great alternative for both the taxi and the standard airport shuttle. They are more comfortable than taxis, have a fixed rate, hence offer a much more relaxed (and safe) drive to your hotel. Unlike the Havaist airport shuttle, private shuttles bring you to the hotel’s doorstep. They are also the best option when you travel with very young children. In case of the latter, ask for a child seat.
I recently booked a shuttle with KiwiTaxi to take me and two friends from the airport to their hotel. The driver was waiting for us in the arrival hall (1 hour waiting is included), holding a plate with my name on it. He was very kind and helped us with our luggage. The car was clean and comfortable, meeting basic expectations. We had quite a bit of traffic, but that didn’t bother us since we were paying a fixed price anyway. Nor did we have to deal with local currencies or getting an Istanbul Kart at the airport since we already paid in advance. He dropped us off nicely in front of the hotel lobby, and again was very helpful with our luggage. No need to say I gave him a nice tip.
I can really recommend KiwiTaxi. They have no less than 12 car classes, ranging from Micro for 3 passengers to Minibuses for 19 passengers. Just pick the most comfortable car for your needs. If you are traveling with children, don’t forget to order a child seat.
Public Transportation
Of course there is also regular public transportation, but there is a reason why I put this almost last in the list. Although a bit cheaper, it is rather adventurous. First of all, you may find yourself struggling with your luggage in crowded vehicles during rush hour. Secondly, the only line more or less suitable for tourists is the H2: New Istanbul Airport – Mecidiyeköy. From there you must either take a taxi or take the metro to reach your hotel, which may include taking some stairs in case elevators or escalators are out of order. Moreover, the operating hours are only between 6 am and midnight.
In the future, there will be a metro line. However, the M11 is still being constructed and planned to start operating at the end of 2019. It will start from Gayrettepe and integrate with the metrobus line, M2 Yenikapı-Hacıosman metro line (currently active) and M7 Kabataş-Mahmutbey line (still being constructed-first section, Mecidiyeköy-Mahmutbey, is projected to launch in the last quarter of 2019.
Hotel Airport Pick-Up
Most hotels will offer (upon request) an airport pick-up. These pick-ups are rarely free of charge, and often much more expensive than the options mentioned above. It’s up to you to calculate the difference and decide which option best suits your needs or preference.
Kavita says
Hello my hotel is booked in Sultanahmet area and i have a child.
How many hours it will take from new airport to reach hotel please?
Thanks
Erlend says
Hi Kavita,
It all depends on your day and time of arrival, and what means of transportation you plan to use. Provide me a bit more details and I’ll try to give you an estimate.
Cheers
Jay says
Hi.
How to get istanbulkart in New Istanbul Airport? Do u know what floor is it? Thankyou.
Erlend says
Hi Jay,
I’m afraid I don’t know. I assume there will be vending machines at the arrival floor or public transport area for sure.
Feel free to share here the exact location afterwards.
Have a nice stay.
DMM says
Where the Havaist Aiport Shuttle is located ( which exit door) ?
I’m not sure it’s easy to find it or not because this nee airport seems like it’s too big
Thank you in advance
Erlend says
Hi DMM,
It depends on where you exit. I’m sure if you ask any official working there he’ll be able to guide you into the right direction.
Have a nice stay.
EJ says
Hello
How much time should we allow from Sultanahmed to this airport around noon at a weekday?
Thanks
Erlend says
Hi,
That’s so hard to say, it all depends on traffic. Play safe and calculate between 1,5 and 2 hours. If you’re earlier, it’s not likely you’ll get bored at the new airport.
Have a nice flight.
Emmad Zahid says
Hi,
To go from New Istanbul Airport to SultanAhmet, you dont have to go to Yenikapı through Havaist. They directly take you to SultanAhmet. http://www.hava.ist/en/new-timetables/20
Please correct me if its wrong.
One more thing from where can I buy the Mobile SIM? and Do I need to take passport copy with me?
Erlend says
Hi Emmad,
You’re right, they added new lines/stops this weekend with the launch of the new Istanbul Airport.
I have no clue about the mobile sims for foreigners at the moment, but I assume you can buy them at the airport. You most certainly have to bring the original of your passport, and they will be prepaid.
K-R-1 says
Thank you for mentioning this, many websites are not updated including Google Maps ..
Simran says
Hi I’m travelling with 2 young kids in may
which mode will be best for me to get to sultanahmet hotel as we have luggage and how much will it cost
Erlend says
Hi Simran,
If I were you, I would take a private shuttle. For starters, safety first, you can ask for child seats while making reservations. Secondly, you’ll be dropped off in front of the hotel, not a luxury when traveling with two children on your own. I can recommend Kiwi Taxi as a reliable service. You can find the link in the article.
Have a nice stay.
Mandana says
Hii
I’ll reach istanbul tomorrow morning,and ,I should arrange a meeting in Istanbul would trade center!
Do you have an offer for transportation?
Tnx
Erlend says
Hi,
I think the easiest way is to use Havaist, the public shuttle service. They have a line to Bakırköy. Alternatively, you can take Kiwi Taxi, which may be quicker and it will drop you off in front of the door.
Have a nice meeting.
Jamie Balfour-Paul says
How long should I allow from Taksim to the new airport tomorrow arriving there by 1245?
Erlend says
Hi,
I would calculate 2 hours travel, just to be on the safe side. Also, you may want to be at the airport a bit more than 2 hours upfront for international flights. It’s all brand new, it may not be running smooth yet.
Good luck.
abed says
hello is the bus from the airport 24 hours ?
Erlend says
Yes, 24/24 but less rounds at night.
Anshu says
Hii
I have a flight to catch early morning 0700h on next Sunday from new ISTANBUL airport. Can you suggest if I can get any public transport in midnight say after 0200h AM from Taksim/Sultanahmet square to reach new airport latest by 0500h Early morning. Or I need to book any taxi in advance or I can get it easily from Taksim/sultanahmet
Plz suggest
Thx
Erlend says
Hi,
If you’re traveling single and you don’t mind walking with your luggage to the pick-up point at that time of night, I would suggest taking the Havaist shuttle since there won’t be any traffic. If you prefer to be picked up from the hotel, I would book a taxi with Kiwi Taxi. That way it’s prepaid, a fixed fee, no hassle/hustle, and secure. You can find links for both in the article above.
Have a nice trip.
Mark says
If I’m coming from Cevahir Shopping Mall going to the new airport, should I take the Havaist bus from Mecidiyeköy bus station? Where is the bus stop located exactly? I did a Google search and saw that there’s a bus stop in the middle of the big road. Is it the correct Havaist stop?
Erlend says
Hi Mark,
Cevahir is almost in between the Taksim and Mecediyeköy stops. The closest is Mecediyeköy, but traffic is a mess there. I would prefer going to the Taksim pick-up point for the ease of use.
Hope this helps.
Mark says
Thanks for the helpful tip! I checked Havaist website (http://www.hava.ist/en/find-your-stop) and I only see “ABDÜLHAK HAMİT CD.” station around Taksim area. Is this the bus stop you’re referring to?
Had Turkish Airlines not cancelled all Touristanbul trips this week, it would’ve been an easier transit for me. 🙁
Erlend says
Hi Mark,
That is indeed the street I’m referring too. But at a second glance, the Mecediyeköy is a lot closer. You may want to take that one instead.
Have a nice trip.
Narges says
Hi
I want to use public transportation based on your suggestion. How much does it cost from air port to mecidiyekoy?
Thanks
Erlend says
Hi,
To Mecediyeköy, it’s 16 TL, one way.
Have a nice trip.
Nadine says
Hi,
I am travelling to Istanbul in the net two weeks hopefully, and i was checking the the havaist bus option to go from the new airport to Taksim; however i did not find the timetable for Taksim route on the havaist website. Is the bus stop still available at that area??
Thank you
Erlend says
Hi Nadine,
Have you tried this link for the HavaIst timetables?
Nadine says
yes, i dont know if i am mistaken but taksim is not listed in this table.
Erlend says
It is listed in there, they’re in alphabetical order, so scroll down to the T of Taksim.
Alex says
HI Erlend,
Thanks for all this info. I am flying into turkey next week from Iraq. The Havaist timetable wont load on my computer. It may be an Iraq internet issue. Could you tell me how late the havaist bus runs in the evening to Taksim? My flight lands around 10pm. Also, what time does it leave from in front of the Point Hotel? I have a flight the next day at 13:20. I am looking for a shuttle around 9am.
Thanks!
Erlend says
Hi Alex,
There is a Havaist shuttle every 15 minutes to Taksim, except between 1 and 5 a.m., then there is only one every half hour, and only 1 trip between 3 and 4 a.m.
For the return, make sure to get their timetable when you’re on the bus or at the Taksim stop.
Have a nice trip.
Mahdieh says
Well you can also download an app called BiTaksi which is Turkish Uber. You could calculate the amount before and pay with your card so no nonsense of extra payment or anything.
Erlend says
Hi Mahdieh,
In Turkey Uber is operating in the grey zone, if not already completely illegal. For your own safety, I would strongly suggest to stay away from any Uber operations as regular taxi drivers have attacked Uber drivers and vehicles on many occasions.
Hope this helps.
Ameen says
Hi, I am looking to go to the Levent Metro stop (my hotel is near there) from the new Istanbul airport. From the looks of it, there is only a bus stop at the “4.Levent” station and I would have to take a metro or taxi from there. Is that correct? Also, which bus do I take from the Airport that would make a stop at “4.Levent”?
Thank you, your guide is very very helpful for tourists to Turkey!
Erlend says
Hi Ameen,
See my answer in the following reply.
Hope this helps.
Ameen says
Thank you Erlend. By any chance do you know which shuttle bus number that would be? Also, would that be faster than taking the shuttle that stops at “4.Levent”?
Erlend says
Hi Ameen,
I deleted my previous reply, since I wrote an error. So, from the airport take the shuttle in the direction of Beşiktaş. I assume it’s shuttle number IST-5, but double check to make sure before you get on. The second stop should be the 4. Levent stop. So, as you wrote, you should get off there and then either walk or take a taxi. Make sure you have the exact address of your hotel on a piece of paper to hand to the driver.
Have a nice trip.
Ameen says
Thank you!!
Munna says
Hi. We have just returned from Istanbul. We took the havaist shuttle from the lower ground floor of the airport. It cost 18tl each plus 6tl for the iatanbulkart. It took us 1 hour to get to sultanhamet ( we started our journey around 6.30pm). We were dropped right in the centre near hagia sophia and walked to our hotel about 8 mins away.
Our return flight was 5pm, so we took the 1pm coach back to the airport, again taking around 1 hour. It dropped us outside the departure terminal.
The coaches arrive and leave sultanhamet every 30mins, 24 hours a day. Very efficient, safe and comfortable journey. Just dragging the luggage to our hotel was a little trouble.
Erlend says
Hi Munna,
Exactly, the shuttles are great if you’re not pressed for time and if you don’t mind having no direct route to your hotel and drag your luggage around. Hence the price difference between the shuttle and (private) taxis. And if you plan to take a taxi, I definitely recommend the private one.
Glad to hear you had a nice experience.
Jb yusuf says
Göztepe Mahallesi, Batısehir 1. Caddesi Batısehir Projesi G3 Blok 184/9 34214, 34, Turkey
Hii
Which bus stop is closest to address if you gonna take the bus from Istanbul new airport. Thanks
Erlend says
Hi,
You should take the IST-14 bus to Başakşehir.