Destination Istanbul
Istanbul Havalimani Airport (IST) is situated to the north-west of the city. It is the main hub for Star Alliance mega carrier Turkish Airlines and is served by numerous European Oneworld and Star Alliance airlines. Istanbul connects to Africa, Asia, Australasia, Europe, North America and South America.
Istanbul Havalimani officially opened on April 6th 2019 when it replaced Istanbul Ataturk as the main passenger airport. Ataturk (ISL) is now a cargo airport. A third airport, Sabiha Gokcen (SAW), is mainly served by low-cost airlines.
Airport Code – IST
Distance to Central Istanbul – 25 Miles
Istanbul Population – 16,000,000
Language – Turkish
Currency – Turkish Lira (TRY)
Voltage – 230v
Plug – Types C and F.
Credit Cards – Accepted in larger outlets.
LGBTQ Friendly – No.
Istanbul Airport to City Transport Options
Metro
Car & Pick Up
Bus
The M11 Metro line operates from Istanbul airport to Gayrettepe station. From here connect to the M2 line to Taksim for the city centre.
From the arrivals area follow the red Metro signs.
Purchase and top up an Istanbulkart from the ticket office or machines at the station. Use this card to tap in and tap out of the system. The fare from the airport to Gayrettepe is TRY62 (as of 25th September 2025)
Havaist operate 11 routes from Istanbul airport to the city. Tickets can be purchased at machines at the bus station at Level -2 or direct from the driver using contactless cards.
Full route and fare details can be found here.
Taxi
Official taxis are available outside the arrivals hall. Taxis are metered, expect to pay TRY1,300 – 1,700. Journey time is 45-75 minutes.
There are three types of taxi; standard Type C taxis are orange, Type D taxis are turqoise and tend to be bigger vehicles, Type E taxis are black and are luxury cards. Fares rise accordingly.
The usual ride hailing apps are in operation.
Welcome To Istanbul
Istanbul is a city where continents meet, a place where layers of history and culture create an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the world.
A visit begins with the skyline itself: domes and minarets rising over the Bosphorus, where ferries cross between Europe and Asia in minutes. Start your exploration in Sultanahmet, the heart of the old city. Here you can wander through the magnificent Hagia Sophia, once a Byzantine church, later an Ottoman mosque, and now a museum and mosque again. Just across the square stands the Blue Mosque, its cascading domes and six slender minarets reflecting centuries of Ottoman artistry. Nearby, the ancient Basilica Cistern, with its forest of columns and cool underground waters, offers a mysterious contrast to the bustling streets above.
From the old city, step into the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s largest covered markets. The maze of thousands of shops is filled with carpets, ceramics, jewelry, spices and colorful textiles. Even if you are not shopping, the atmosphere of bargaining merchants and the scent of tea is unforgettable. Outside the bazaar, the Spice Market near the Golden Horn tempts visitors with aromatic blends of saffron, sumac and dried fruits.
To experience the city’s European side, cross the Galata Bridge into the lively neighborhoods of Karaköy and Beyoğlu. The Galata Tower offers panoramic views of the city, while Istiklal Avenue is lined with cafés, art galleries and music venues. At night, these streets fill with locals and travelers enjoying meze plates and live music. For a quieter moment, take the historic tram up to Taksim Square or explore the side streets where small wine bars and bookstores create an intimate atmosphere.
No trip to Istanbul is complete without a journey along the Bosphorus. Whether by public ferry or private cruise, gliding past Ottoman palaces, wooden yalı mansions and fishing villages reveals the city’s unique geography. You can disembark on the Asian side to stroll through Kadıköy or Üsküdar, neighborhoods with vibrant markets and waterfront promenades that feel worlds apart from the bustle of the old city.
Istanbul’s culinary scene is another essential part of the journey. Start your morning with a traditional Turkish breakfast of cheeses, olives, bread and honey. Savor fresh fish sandwiches along the Galata Bridge or indulge in rich dishes like lamb kebabs and meze in a meyhane. End the evening with a cup of strong Turkish coffee or a glass of tea served in tulip-shaped glasses, watching the city lights flicker across the water.
Throughout your visit, the rhythm of Istanbul reveals itself in contrasts: ancient stones and modern art, calls to prayer and contemporary music, bustling streets and quiet courtyards. It is a city that rewards slow exploration, inviting you to cross its bridges, linger in its cafés, and discover how Europe and Asia, past and present, come together in one unforgettable place.
Getting Around Istanbul
Getting around Istanbul can feel daunting at first, but the city’s extensive public transport network makes it surprisingly manageable once you know the basics.
The system is unified by the Istanbulkart, a rechargeable smart card that works on almost every mode of transport, from metro lines to ferries. You can buy one at kiosks or machines in most stations and top it up easily with cash or a card.
The metro is the backbone for longer journeys, with modern trains connecting major districts on both the European and Asian sides. Key lines include the M2, which runs from Yenikapı through Taksim to Hacıosman, and the Marmaray, a remarkable rail tunnel beneath the Bosphorus that links the continents in just a few minutes.
Trams are equally important, especially the T1 line that glides past many of the city’s top sights such as the Grand Bazaar, Sultanahmet, and the Spice Market before heading to the ferry docks in Kabataş.
Buses reach almost every neighborhood and run late into the night, though Istanbul traffic can slow them down. Metrobus vehicles, operating in dedicated lanes along the main highway, offer a faster way to cover long distances across the city, especially during rush hours when surface streets are crowded.
Ferries provide one of the most scenic and enjoyable forms of transport. Regular services cross the Bosphorus between Eminönü, Beşiktaş, Üsküdar, and Kadıköy, offering sweeping views of the skyline for the price of a regular ticket. For a small supplement you can also take longer commuter routes up the strait toward the Black Sea or along the Golden Horn.
Taxis and ride-hailing apps exist, but for visitors the public system is usually cheaper, more predictable, and often faster, especially with the dedicated rail lines. If you plan to explore late at night when metro services end around midnight, night buses and shared minibuses known as dolmuş fill the gap, following set routes until the early morning.
With a charged Istanbulkart in your pocket, a good transit map on your phone, and a little patience during peak hours, navigating the city becomes not just practical but part of the adventure.