The distance from Istanbul Airport to the city centre is approximately 40 km, and it takes around an hour to get there. In this article, you'll learn about the quickest and most affordable ways to get from the airport to your hotel in Istanbul or the city centre, the costs of different modes of transportation, and the duration of the journey. By following these guidelines, you'll be able to choose the best transport option to get from Istanbul Airport to the city centre or your hotel.
From this article, you will get to know:
- The Fastest Way to Get from Istanbul Airport to Your Hotel
- How Much Is a Transfer from Istanbul New Airport
- Metro from Istanbul Airport
- The bus is the cheapest way to get from the new Istanbul Airport to the city
- What type of transport to choose to get from the airport to a hotel (table)
- How to get from Istanbul Airport at night
book a taxi from the airport to your hotel find interesting tours in Istanbul
Please note that this article is specifically about the main Istanbul Airport (IATA code - IST). For information about all Istanbul airports, including their names, locations on the map, and airport hotels, please check out our article All Istanbul airports.
The Fastest Way to Get from Istanbul Airport to Your Hotel
Undoubtedly, the quickest and most convenient way to get to your hotel from Istanbul Airport is by taxi or transfer.
At the airport, you can take a metered taxi:
- premium-class black taxis being more comfortable but more expensive,
- economy-class yellow taxis being more modest and cheaper.
If the taxi driver doesn't start the meter, make sure to mention it right away.
Although official taxi prices are unavailable, according to traveller forums, a taxi ride from the airport to the centre of Istanbul costs about €24 - €56 in Turkish Lira, with some reports of much higher fares due to closed roads or traffic jams.
However, experienced travellers know that taxi drivers at the airport can be opportunistic and may try to overcharge tourists.
Therefore, it's much safer to pre-book a taxi transfer from the airport to your hotel and back:
- Transfer prices are fixed and cannot increase during the trip.
- A driver will meet you near the arrivals area exit, saving you time looking for a taxi.
- You can pay for the transfer online, eliminating the need to change money at the airport at an unfavourable rate.
- You can add a child seat for a small passenger while booking your taxi transfer.
To book a taxi or transfer from Istanbul New Airport to your hotel, click here.
If you're traveling with a big group or family, you can find some great options here.
How Much Is a Transfer from Istanbul New Airport
The cost of an individual transfer (taxi) from the airport to the hotel starts from €45 per car and varies depending on the distance between the airport and the hotel, the class, and the size of the car.
You can check the price and book a transfer on this trusted website.
Metro from Istanbul Airport
The metro from Istanbul Airport to the city was launched on January 21, 2023.
However, the metro line from Istanbul Airport (M11) doesn't go directly to the city centre. To get there, you'll need to make at least two train changes:
- Take the new metro line from Istanbul Airport to Kağıthane station.
- Transfer to the M7 line, but please note that the M7 doesn't go directly to the centre of Istanbul.
- To reach the city centre, you'll need to transfer again to the M2 metro line or T1 tram.
Also, keep in mind that you'll need to walk about one kilometre from the airport exit to the metro station.
Tip: The quickest and easiest way to get from the airport to your hotel in Istanbul is by booking a taxi transfer.
The duration of the metro ride from Istanbul Airport to Kağıthane Station is 30 minutes.
- Trains run every 30 minutes.
- Metro hours are from 6 am to midnight.
- The fare is about 13 lira, and you'll need an Istanbulkart to pay for the fare.
The bus is the cheapest way to get from the new Istanbul Airport to the city
The bus is, of course, cheaper, but it is also the most unpredictable option to get from the airport to a hotel in Istanbul. Because even the information on the official websites of transport companies does not always correspond to reality.
Bus routes have been added and cancelled since the launch of the Istanbul Airport. At first there were 8 of them, then 23, then 19. The bus numbers and the trip routes themselves were changed and redrawn at least 4 times.
For more details you can find the article Buses from New Airport to Istanbul or vice versa.
The fare on the bus ranges from 20 to 100 TL. The method of payment for the fare depends on the transport company.
The duration of the bus ride from the airport to the final stop is from 1 to 2.5 hours.
What type of transport to choose to get from the airport to a hotel (table)
Overall, it's important to consider your priorities and needs when deciding which mode of transport to take from the Istanbul Airport to the city.
While a taxi transfer may be more expensive, they offer convenience and reliability, especially for those with large luggage or travelling in a group.
On the other hand, bus and metro are the cheapest options, but they can be unpredictable with route changes, necessary transfers and stops.
When taking an airport taxi, it's recommended to have Turkish lira in cash for payment, and be aware that there are no clear tariffs, so the cost may vary.
| Transport | Features |
|---|---|
| Metro |
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| Buses |
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| Airport Taxi |
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| Transfer |
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Pre-ordering a taxi transfer online can be a great option, as the price is fixed and can be paid in advance, saving time and hassle upon arrival.
Ultimately, starting your visit to Istanbul with a positive mood and stress-free transportation can make all the difference in enjoying your trip.
How to get from Istanbul Airport at night
The following modes of transport are available from Istanbul Airport to the city at night:
- buses - read more in the article Buses from New Airport to Istanbul or vice versa,
- taxis at the airport,
- ordered in advance taxi transfer.
The article 5 best budget hotels in Istanbul tourist city centre may be useful to you.
