Here on this article you can find detailed information and answers to the most common question “How to get from the New Istanbul Airport (IST) to downtown Istanbul and vice versa?”. We have put together all the transportation alternatives with our insider tips, to help you easily plan your trip between the New Istanbul Airport (IST) and downtown Istanbul
Some Practical Information and Advice
The New Istanbul Airport (IST) is located in the northeastern part of Istanbul, in the Arnavutkoy district, near the Black Sea coast.
The average distance between the new Istanbul airport and the main areas of downtown Istanbul is about 45 km. Some distances to the districts; Avcilar 53 km. Atatürk Airport 40 km, Bakirkoy 42 km, Besiktas 41 km, Eminonu 40 km, Galata 38 km, Kadikoy 52 km, Kavacik 42 km, Levent 36 km, Maslak 35 km, Sabiha Gokcen Airport 85 km, Pendik 87 km, Sisli 37 km, Sultanahmet 45 km, Ortakoy 41 km. Sabiha Gokcen Airport 85 km, Pendik 87 km, Sisli 37 km, Sultanahmet 45 km, Ortakoy 41 km, Taksim 40 km and Uskudar 45 km.
It takes about 100 minutes to get to downtown Istanbul from IST.. You can travel between the new Istanbul airport (IST) and the city center directly by;
- IETT Municipal public bus,
- HAVAIST airport shuttle,
- Cab,
- Shared shuttle,
- Private shuttle.
HAVAIST airport shuttle is the most convenient way, shared shuttle or private shuttle is the most comfortable and convenient way to travel between the airport and central Istanbul.
There is NO direct METRO between the new Istanbul airport and the city center. However, the construction of a new metro line (M11 from Gayrettepe) for the new Istanbul airport is still underway and is expected to be completed by the end of 2021.
To get to the new Istanbul airport from the city center; we recommend that you plan your time to be at the airport at least 1.5 hours for domestic flights and 2.5 hours for international flights from the New Istanbul airport.
How far is the new Istanbul airport from the city center?
The new Istanbul Airport (IST) is located in the northeastern part of the city, close to the Black Sea coast and about 45 kilometers from the city’s many popular tourist areas and neighborhoods
How long does it take to get to downtown from the New Istanbul airport?
It will take about 1 hour and 40 minutes to get to downtown Istanbul from the new Istanbul airport.
By the municipal public buses of the IETT
The IETT municipal public buses operate on a regular fixed route from many downtown destinations.
IETT public buses currently have 7 routes with route numbers; H-1, H-2, H-3, H-6, H-7, H-8 and H-9. For more information and schedules, visit the municipality’s public bus to airports website.
Public buses operate mainly to non-tourist destinations. There are NO public buses to popular tourist areas and districts such as Sultanahmet, Taksim, Besiktas, Beyoglu, etc.
By Taxi
From the new Istanbul Airport (IST), you can take airport cabs. There are three types of cab services, including black type “E”, blue type “D” and orange type “C”.
Private & Shared Shuttles
If you are a group or a family with children or if you have a lot of luggage with you, we highly recommend taking private shuttle transfers to your hotel as they offer a flat rate, comfortable and safe transfer that includes airport pickup and luggage assistance to your hotel from airports or vice versa.
The IETT or HAVAIST airport shuttles will drop you off in the city center and you will have to take a cab or walk from there again, which will be more difficult for you with your children and luggage. But private transfers take you right to the entrance of your hotel.
Below, you can click on the destination for which you need an airport transfer or search in the search box below to find your private or shared shuttle transfer service between the airport and your hotel.
· Istanbul Airport <-> Sultanahmet (Old Town)
· Istanbul Airport <-> Taksim (Beyoglu)
· Istanbul Airport <-> Sabiha Gokcen Airport
· Istanbul Airport <-> Kadikoy – Atasehir – Bostanci – Umraniye
· Istanbul Airport<->Yenikapı-Aksaray ,Laleli,Beyazit
· Istanbul Airport <-> Besiktas – Ortakoy
· Istanbul Airport <-> Sisli – Mecidiyekoy – Bomonti – Caglayan
· Istanbul Airport <-> Bakirkoy – Yenibosna – Zeytinburnu
· Istanbul Airport <-> Karakoy – Galata
· Istanbul Airport <-> Sirkeci – Eminonu
· Istanbul Airport <-> Levent – Maslak – Etiler – Zincirlikuyu