Istanbul International Airport Turkey (IST)

Istanbul Airport Overview (Istanbul Ataturk International Airport)

Istanbul Airport opened in April 2018, İt has swiftly established itself as the primary aviation hub on the European side of Istanbul, following the closure of the iconic Atatürk Airport. Spanning over 76.5 million square meters, it has been envisioned to house not only two terminals and six runways but also an expansive 'Istanbul Airport City' project that is currently under development. This ambitious venture will feature hotels, residences, business centers, a hospital, cultural centers, and a fairground. Explore Istanbul Airport in 360°

Istanbul Airport Duty Free

Istanbul Airport is a haven for travelers, offering a wide range of dining and shopping experiences. With over 150 eateries, including fast food, coffee shops, and gourmet restaurants, there’s something for every taste. The Duty-Free stores in the international terminals feature a vast selection of luxury perfumes, cosmetics, electronics, and fashion items, while domestic travelers enjoy shops with cosmetics, entertainment, and apparel. The exclusive 'Bazaar' section celebrates Turkish culture with handcrafted products. Cutting-edge innovations like 3D holograms, smart shopping carts, and the 'Magic Mirror' app redefine shopping, offering a personalized experience. For culture enthusiasts, the Turkish Culture Promotion Museum, launched in 2020, showcases Turkey's rich heritage with rotating exhibitions of artifacts and replicas. With modern retail innovations and a cultural journey, Istanbul Airport ensures that your transit time is both enjoyable and enriching.

Istanbul Airport Visa

Travelers from countries requiring a visa to enter Turkey can obtain it at one of two visa counters located before passport control after disembarking. To avoid delays, it is advisable to apply in advance through the e-Visa Turkey.

Transit Visa Information: International passengers transiting through Istanbul Airport do not need a visa but must pass through a security check to reach their connecting flight. If traveling with checked luggage, passengers must claim it before proceeding.

Assistance Services by Turkish Airlines (THY): Turkish Airlines offers specialized assistance for elderly, disabled, or visually impaired passengers, as well as those with language barriers or travel anxieties. Pre-arranging these services ensures a smoother experience, and call phones are available at the entrance gates to request assistance.

Facilities for Passengers with Disabilities: The airport provides rooms equipped with charging stations for electric wheelchairs, secluded areas for prostheses storage, and two service points for disabled travelers in the B and M check-in areas. Additionally, free Wi-Fi is available for one hour through SMS verification or passport registration, ensuring travelers can stay connected.

Airport Transfer From Istanbul Airport

Istanbul Airport offers convenient transfer options for all passengers. Whether you're looking for private car services, shuttles, or taxis, there are plenty of choices to suit your needs. Enjoy the comfort and reliability of pre-booked transfers, or opt for on-demand services directly from the airport. With multilingual drivers, luggage assistance, and a range of vehicle options, getting to your destination from Istanbul Airport is easy and hassle-free. Online airport transfer page lets you easily book a ride.

Istanbul Airport Shuttle

Havaist Shuttle:

1. Accepts both İstanbul cards and credit cards on-board and at designated ticket sale points.
2. Located on the transportation floor, which you can access by taking the elevators in front of the passenger arrival floor's entrance doors and following the "Transportation Floor" signs.
3. Havaist buses connect Istanbul Airport with various city centers such as Taksim, Kadıkoy, Besiktas, Yenikapi, Pendik, and Mecidiyekoy.
4. As of January 2024, Havaist prices range from 120 TL to 250 TL, depending on travel distance. They operate 24/7.

IETT Services:

• IETT offers a cost-effective transportation solution with four different lines serving only on the European side:
  1. H-1: Mahmutbey metro - Istanbul Airport
  2. H-2: Mecidiyekoy - Istanbul Airport
  3. H-3: Halkali - Istanbul Airport
  4. H-4: Ataturk airport - Istanbul Airport

Airport Transfer Istanbul

Companies such as Baf Turizm, By Coach Travel, Carme Turizm, Donat Turizm, Easy Transfer, Mokan Tur Turizm, Murat Turizm, Royalvan, and Yusra Tourism are available. Cab Istanbul is also growing in online services and offers diverse transportation solutions.

Istanbul Airport Taxi

Istanbul Airport provides taxi services for passengers, offering a convenient way to reach your destination. Taxis are available 24/7 at designated taxi ranks, ensuring a hassle-free ride. Licensed and metered taxis guarantee fair pricing, with options for standard or larger vehicles depending on your needs. With experienced drivers and direct routes, Istanbul Airport taxi services offer comfort and ease, taking you wherever you need to go efficiently.

Istanbul Airport Taxi Fare 

Note: Tolls for bridges and highways are not included in these taxi fares. If your route includes toll bridges and highways, additional costs will be added to the calculated fare.

Metro Istanbul Airport

The M11 Metro Line, launched in January 2023, offers fast and comfortable transport from Istanbul Airport to the city. Covering 34 kilometers, it connects the airport to Kağıthane, with an extension to Gayrettepe planned for mid-2023, increasing the line to 37.5 kilometers. The M11 currently serves seven stations, including the IST Terminal and Cargo Terminal, and stops at İhsaniye, Göktürk, Kemerburgaz, Hasdal, and Kağıthane.

Once in Kağıthane, passengers can transfer to the M7 Metro Line, and when the line extends to Gayrettepe, it will connect to the M2 Metro Line and Metrobus network. The metro runs every 8 minutes from 06:00 to midnight, but it does not operate at night.

Fares are paid via the Istanbulkart, which costs 90₺ (€2.94/$3.10), and a one-way trip is currently priced at 29.90₺ (€0.48/$0.50). Children under six travel free of charge. The M11 is a quick and affordable way to reach Istanbul from the airport.

Istanbul Airport offers its travelers a variety of lounge experiences tailored to meet diverse needs.

IGA Lounge: This is the primary common lounge at Istanbul Airport. Access is granted to passengers who either purchase the IGA Lounge service directly or have an IGA Pass membership. Additionally, travelers flying with certain affiliated airlines, or those who are privileged customers of partnered institutions that offer IGA Lounge access, can also enjoy its services.

THY Domestic CIP Lounge: Specifically for domestic flights, this lounge welcomes Turkish Airlines' Business Class passengers and those holding Frequent Flyer cards.

Turkish Airlines International Lounge: Intended for international travelers, this lounge is accessible to Business Class passengers of Star Alliance as well as to those with Frequent Flyer cards.

Skyteam Lounge: Serving international flights, this lounge primarily caters to passengers of Skyteam member airlines.

Remember, lounge policies and access criteria might change, so always check with your airline or the airport's official site before your trip.

Iga Pass

Feel special at Istanbul Airport with İGA PASS's tailor-made premium services.

For travelers seeking convenience, staying near Istanbul Airport is ideal for early flights or resting after long journeys. The area around the airport offers a range of top-quality hotels that provide comfort and luxury just minutes from your departure gate. Whether you're on a layover, business trip, or starting your Turkish adventure, these handpicked hotels ensure a seamless and relaxing experience with easy access to the airport, combining convenience and comfort for every traveler.

Istanbul Airport Hotels