Istanbul Airport (IST) is a world-class aviation hub that elevates the passenger experience, offering an impressive array of amenities within its sprawling 76,500,000 square-metre complex, making it one of the largest airports globally. Travelers can explore over 300 retail outlets, ranging from high-end luxury brands to local Turkish products, ensuring a diverse shopping experience. The airport also features over 100 restaurants, cafés, and bars catering to all tastes and dietary preferences. Passengers have access to numerous premium lounges, including the Turkish Airlines Lounge, one of the largest in the world, with relaxation areas, gourmet dining, and business facilities. The airport’s modern, spacious design minimises congestion, while its advanced technology streamlines check-in, security, and boarding processes. With connectivity to Istanbul’s city centre via the metro, buses, and taxis and direct flights to over 300 global destinations, Istanbul Airport combines convenience, luxury, and efficiency.
Location: Tayakadın, Terminal Caddesi No:1, 34283 Arnavutköy/İstanbul – Website: Istanbul Airport Official English Website
Istanbul Airport – Table of Contents
Istanbul Airport (IST) Overview
Opened in 2018 and fully operational since April 2019, Istanbul Airport (IST) replaced Atatürk Airport as the city’s main international gateway. It is managed by İGA (Istanbul Grand Airport) under a 25-year operating lease. Spanning approximately 76.5 million square meters, it is one of the world’s largest airports, with 143 boarding bridges and over 500 check-in counters. In 2023, Istanbul Airport (IST) handled around 76 million passengers, making it one of the busiest airports in Europe. It is the primary hub for Turkish Airlines, which operates most flights. Istanbul Airport’s busiest international routes include London, Dubai, Moscow, Frankfurt, and Paris, while its top domestic destinations are Ankara, Izmir, Antalya, and Trabzon.
Istanbul Airport (IST) is one of the largest and most advanced airports globally. It is designed to handle 90 million passengers annually in its current phase, with plans to expand to 200 million passengers upon full completion. It features six runways and a massive terminal, making it one of the world’s largest airports by size. Regarding passenger volume, IST ranks among Europe’s top 10 busiest airports and is a key global hub, particularly for travel between Europe, Asia, and Africa. The airport won several awards, including “Best Airport in Europe” at the Skytrax World Airport Awards 2023. It was listed among “The World’s Top 10 Airports of 2024”, recognising its state-of-the-art facilities, efficiency, and passenger experience. Its modern design, advanced technology, and strategic location solidify its leading global aviation hub status.
Passenger Services General
All prices quoted in this section are indicative and as listed in March 2025 – please check current prices.
Internet
A reasonably stable and functional unlimited free internet is available for passengers at Istanbul Airport with the options of ‘login with mobile’ or ‘login with access code’. To “Login with mobile”, select the iGA WiFi network, and enter your phone numbers by choosing the ‘Login with Mobile’ option from the portal that opens. You can access the internet by entering the password information sent to your mobile phones via SMS in the relevant field on the portal interface.
If you do not have SMS access in Türkiye, you can “Login with access code” with an access password acquired by scanning your passport or identity card information from the kiosk devices in the terminal. With this password, after selecting the İGA WiFi network, you can access the internet by choosing the ‘Login with Access Code’ option and entering the access code in the field opened on the screens. Numerous Wi-Fi kiosks are strategically placed throughout all terminal areas, including landside and airside, and include arrivals, departures, and transfers.
Drinking Water Fountains
Complimentary hot and cold water dispensers are available at 18 locations throughout the airport. These include the baggage claim areas, international arrivals at the bottom of the escalators (left side near carousel 20A), and domestic arrivals near the escalators (carousel 6A). In the international departures hall, one on the left side is near LC Waikiki, one on the right side is near Ecco, opposite Old Bazaar, and the domestic departs opposite gate G2A (near the AirClinic).
Retail and Duty Free
The international terminal airside at Istanbul Airport (IST) offers an extensive range of retail options, focusing on luxury brands, Turkish souvenirs, and duty-free shopping. The Unifree Duty-Free area, operated in partnership with Heinemann, spans over 53,000 square metres, making it one of the largest airport shopping zones in the world. Passengers can find cosmetics, perfumes, electronics, chocolates, and premium liquors at tax-free prices here. High-end fashion brands such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Prada, and Bvlgari have dedicated boutiques, while Turkish brands like Vakko, Mavi and LC Waikiki offer stylish and casual local fashion. For travellers looking for authentic Turkish products, stores like the “Old Bazaar” sell Turkish delight, baklava, spices, and handmade ceramics.
While duty-free items may offer some savings compared to city prices, luxury brands and fashion items tend to be just as expensive as in their flagship stores. Since democratic clothing brands such as Mavi and LC Waikiki are fairly priced by global standards, the airport does offer the last opportunity to take advantage of this value shopping. Turkish souvenirs and gourmet products are often priced considerably higher than in local markets, making places like the Grand Bazaar, Spice Market or supermarkets in the city more budget-friendly alternatives. In the airport, fresh baklava retails for as high as €110-€130 per kilo, compared to a maximum of the Turkish Lira equivalent of €50 per kilo in a high-quality baklava retailer such as Faruk Gūllüoğlu in the centre of Istanbul.
Since duties on electronics and alcohol are exceptionally high in Türkiye, electronics and premium alcohol are generally cheaper than in regular Turkish stores. However, to avoid an expensive impulse buy, comparing prices online before purchasing is advisable. Duty Free offers a range of high quality Turkish wines such as from Urla and Manisa, they are not inexpensive but they can offer unique souvenirs or gifts. The overall shopping experience is sleek and modern, designed for high-end travellers and casual shoppers looking for last-minute gifts or travel essentials. The shopping area is designed to provide a contemporary and comprehensive experience, with various outlets throughout the international departures and arrivals areas and a click-and-collect service.
Upon landing, while still airside, in Istanbul Airport international arrivals, there are several large and small duty-free stores mainly focused on alcohol, cigarettes, cosmetics and perfumes. Since Tūrkiye has very high duties on alcohol, it is worth considering purchasing drinks at these outlets. Prices are comparable to international duty-free prices but may be considerably lower than Turkish high street prices depending on the recent changes in the Turkish Lira exchange rates and respective increases in duties and taxes.
Food and Beverage Outlets
Istanbul Airport (IST) offers various restaurants and cafés across domestic and international terminals, catering to different tastes and budgets. In the landside (pre-security) area, travellers can find popular international chains like McDonald’s, Burger King, and Starbucks and Turkish favourites such as Simit Sarayı and Pide by Pide, which serve traditional Turkish baked goods and pastries. For those looking for a sit-down meal, options like HD İskender (kebabs) and Tavuk Dünyası (chicken dishes) provide hearty Turkish dishes, while Seferi Café and Greenport offer lighter meals, sandwiches, and salads. Prices in the landside area are higher than in the city but generally more reasonable compared to airside options.
In the airside (post-security) area, especially in the international terminal, dining options become more premium and expensive. Passengers can enjoy Turkish cuisine at Kaşıbeyaz (known for kebabs) or Tadında Anadolu (which showcases regional Turkish dishes). International chains like Shake Shack, Carluccio’s, and Yo! Sushi is also available alongside high-end cafés such as Gloria Jean’s and Illy Espresso. Those looking for a quick snack can opt for Grab & Go stations or gourmet bakeries like Simit Sarayı. Prices in the airside area are notably high, often double or triple what one would pay in central Istanbul. While the quality is generally good, travellers on a budget may prefer to eat before arriving at the airport or bring snacks to avoid the steep prices. By comparison, the Döner & Köfte Restaurant Istanbul Airport airside lists a 100g doner meat kebab plate at the Turkish Lira equivalent of €22.00, whereas at the same time, HD İskender in the centre of Istanbul lists a 120g doner meat kebab plate at the Turkish Lira equivalent of €8.50.
Airport Terminal Hotel and Resting Areas
The YOTEL at Istanbul Airport (IST) is a modern, high-tech hotel designed for transit and departing passengers who need rest without leaving the airport. It has two sections: the “Airside” (Transit) Hotel, located inside the duty-free area past passport control, and the “Landside” Hotel, situated before security near Entrance 7 in the main terminal. The hotel offers cabin-style rooms with smart beds, mood lighting, rain showers, and high-speed Wi-Fi. Rooms range from Solo Cabins of 4 square metres to Premium Plus Junior Suites at 44 square metres. Guests can book rooms hourly or overnight, ideal for layovers or early departures. Amenities include a gym, co-working spaces, a 24/7 restaurant, and self-check-in kiosks. The YOTEL is one of the largest airport hotels in the world, with 280 airside and 177 landside cabins/rooms.
YOTELAIR’s Recharge Cabins provide travellers with a space to stop, snooze, and go. The cabins can be rented by the hour and offer a private bed, TV, desk, and access to shared shower and bathroom facilities. They are located on the upper level of international departures, opposite the entrance to the IGA Lounge. They cannot be reserved in advance and are available for walk-in bookings only.
Additionally, iGA Sleepod cabins are available at the international terminal near gate D1. They can be rented by the hour at €12/hour during the day (07:00-1900) and €17/hour in the evening/night hours (19:00-0700). The Sleepod area offers 44 sleeping cabins. Pillows and blankets are available for purchase (€5-7), allowing passengers to rest comfortably until their flight departs.
There is ample seating throughout the domestic and international departure areas, some with “TV Viewing Zones” (Domestic: gate G10, International gate A1, AG1, B15, B18, areas B and F). Throughout Istanbul Airport (IST), passengers can find complementary “Nap Zones” with a total of 278 semi-reclined seats, including in the landside departure hall (near check-in zones B and S), the domestic terminal (near Sbarro) and the international terminal (near Gourmet Triology (far left of the terminal after security), and gates C4, C1, E1, and E4).
Business Lounges
Istanbul Airport (IST) offers six premium lounges for international travellers. The iGA Lounge International is the largest, accommodating over 600 guests. Services include food and beverages with an open buffet, showers, a smoking area, baby care rooms, workstations, a TV area, billiards, duty-free shopping, and a prayer area. After passport control, it is airside on the Mezzanine Floor to the right. For a quicker lounge experience, the iGA Pop-Up Lounge is airside near Gate A5 and provides snacks, Wi-Fi, and charging stations. Both are available to iGA PASS members and Priority Pass holders through individual purchases.
Turkish Airlines passengers can access two exclusive lounges: the Turkish Airlines Business Lounge, located airside near Gate E1, which features private suite rooms, shower facilities, relaxation areas, workspaces, prayer rooms, a children’s playground, Wi-Fi, and an open buffet with Turkish and international cuisine. It is exclusive to business class passengers of Turkish Airlines and Star Alliance member airlines. The Miles & Smiles Lounge, airside opposite Gate C1, includes a library, children’s playground, cinema, meeting rooms, private suite rooms, shower facilities, an open buffet, and Wi-Fi. It is available to Star Alliance Gold members, Turkish Airlines Miles & Smiles Elite and Elite Plus members, and Turkish Airlines Corporate Club cardholders.
Istanbul Airport provides two lounges tailored for comfort and efficiency for domestic passengers. The iGA Lounge Domestic, located in the departures area, accommodates 140 guests in a 700-square-metre area and is open to iGA PASS members and through individual purchases. Meanwhile, the Turkish Airlines Lounge Domestic, near Gates G6 and G7, offers free Wi-Fi, computers, televisions, fax services, accessible showers, facilities for disabled passengers, flight tracking screens, meeting rooms, and a children’s playground. The lounge is available to Turkish Airlines business class passengers and eligible Miles & Smiles members.
iGA Pass Services
Website Link for iGA Pass Services
The iGA Pass at Istanbul Airport (IST) is a membership-based program designed to enhance the travel experience within the airport with exclusive benefits. It offers various tiers, including iGA Pass Daily, Annual, and Premium, each providing access to luxury lounges, fast-track security and passport control lanes, buggy (golf cart) transport within the terminal, and priority check-in services. The iGA Lounge, accessible through the pass, features comfortable seating, gourmet food, shower facilities, and business areas. Members enjoy discounts at select airport restaurants and retail stores. Travelers can purchase an iGA Pass online or at the airport.
Daily and Annual iGA Pass Fees Table
| Service | One Use | Daily | Pass Plus | Pass Extra | Pass Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Package | – | €132 | €599 | €839 | €1,199 |
| iGA Lounge | €110 | yes | yes +1 | yes +1 | yes +2 |
| iGA Buggy | €15 | yes | yes +1 | yes +1 | yes +2 |
| iGA Fast Track | €26.50 | yes | yes +1 | yes +1 | yes +2 |
| Fast Check-in | – | yes | yes +1 | yes +1 | yes +2 |
| Pop-Up Lounge | €40 | – | yes +1 | yes +1 | yes +2 |
| 10% Duty Free | – | – | yes | yes | yes |
| Valé & Car Park | – | – | – | yes (30 days) | yes (90 days) |
| Transfer x10 | – | – | – | – | yes |
| iGA Meet&Greet | €249 | – | – | – | – |
| iGA Sleepod | €17/hour | -25% | -25% | -25% | -25% |
| iGA Shower | €17.50 | -25% | -25% | -25% | -25% |
Premium Services at Istanbul Airport include personalised assistance for passengers looking for a seamless airport experience. These services range from Meet & Greet, where a dedicated assistant guides travellers through check-in, security, and immigration, to VIP Terminal access, offering a private security and customs area with luxury lounges. Fast Track services allow passengers to bypass long lines at security and passport control, while luggage handling ensures that professionals take care of baggage. Premium services cater to business travellers, families, and those seeking maximum comfort and efficiency, providing a stress-free journey through one of the world’s busiest airports.
Showers
The iGA Shower service is on the upper international departure floor at the İGA Lounge. There are four shower cabins for men and two for women. The service fee of €17.50 for adults and €8.75 for children (3-12 years old) includes shampoo, hair dryer, disposable body, hair, and foot towels.
Business Room and Work Pods
The iGA Business Room provides a meeting setting within Istanbul Airport. The 40-square-metre room has a meeting table for up to 8 people, wi-fi, snacks and drinks, optional catering service (charged extra), and video and teleconferencing services. The meeting room is rented hourly at €100 + VAT.
The iGA Business Pod near gate D1 (Sleepod service point) offers soundproofed private one to four-person working cabins for an improved work environment. The pods may be rented hourly for €6.00, providing comfortable and easy-to-focus meetings in a private, high-quality place available 24/7.
Storage Lockers & Left Luggage
Istanbul Airport (IST) offers luggage lockers and storage facilities for passengers in the landside arrivals hall (2), landside departures hall (2) and airside in international departures (1). The storage areas on the landside arrivals floor of the terminal are opposite door (exit) 14, turn right when exiting international customs, and opposite door (exit) 8, turn left when leaving the domestic baggage claim hall.
On the landside departure level floor of the terminal building, there are two banks of luggage lockers. Near the toilets, close to door 1 (entrance), turn right after the initial security check, and door 6 (entrance), turn right after the initial security check in the corner of the terminal, close to the visa violation office/payment desk.
For passengers with extended layovers within the airside international departure terminal, the İGA Left Luggage service near the İga Lounge stairs on the international departures floor offers lockers to keep luggage and bags or use as a cloakroom.
The facility provides various locker sizes to accommodate multiple luggage types, including carry-ons and large suitcases. The services are available 24/7, and fees are based on storage duration and locker size. Passengers can pay using cash or credit cards, and the facility is equipped with security monitoring to ensure the safety of stored belongings. Priced in Turkish Lira, they have five sizes of lockers ranging from small lockers at approximately €4 to XXL lockers at approximately €20 per 24 hours.
Smoking Areas
As of March 2025, Istanbul Airport (IST) still offers several designated smoking areas for passengers who wish to smoke before or between flights. In the international terminal, multiple smoking terraces are located on the airside after security. These terraces are positioned near various gates, including A11, B1, B18, C1, D16, F8, and F13, providing smokers with several options depending on their departure location. These outdoor terraces offer a comfortable and well-ventilated space for smoking while allowing passengers to remain close to their gates. The Fresh Air Terrace near Gate B1 is a popular smoking area with seating and a relatively spacious environment.
The airport provides a few smoking areas on the airside for domestic travellers, such as the designated smoking terrace near Gate G11. Additionally, smoking areas near the entrances at Check-in Areas A and C on the departure floor are accessible before security checks.
Security and Passport Control
On departure, Istanbul Airport has two security check areas: one on the landside when entering the terminal and one on the airside after passport control in international departures and after ticket control in domestic departures. On some international flights to destinations such as the USA, UK or Israel, there is often a third security screening at the departure gate. Typically, allow at least 5 to 10 minutes for the first security check and 10 to 20 minutes for the second.
Istanbul Airport’s departure area features 68 passport control counters and 10 e-passport control points. Fewer than half of the counters are usually open, and queues and waiting times can occasionally be extended. Waiting times vary greatly depending on the season (summer can be substantially busier), time of day, and the number of passport gates open. Waiting times can be as short as 10 minutes or as long as 45 minutes, but typically allow at least 20-30 minutes. There are screens in the airport terminal that display estimated current waiting times.
Museum and Art Installations
Operating Hours: Daily 08:30-22:30 Price: Adult €13.00 (as of March 2025). Museum passes are no longer accepted.
Istanbul Airport (IST) features a modern and culturally rich museum, known as the Istanbul Airport Museum, located in the international terminal airside near gates F. Opened in 2020, this museum covers 1,000 square metres and showcases rotating exhibitions highlighting Türkiye’s rich history, archaeology, and artistic heritage. The inaugural exhibition, “Treasures of Turkey: Faces of the Throne,” displayed 316 artefacts from 29 different museums nationwide, including pieces from Göbekli Tepe, Troy, and the Topkapı Palace. The museum offers a multilingual digital guide, making it accessible to international travellers. It provides an immersive experience for those with layovers who want a glimpse into Tūrkiye’s deep cultural roots.
In addition to the museum, Istanbul Airport also hosts various art installations and mini-galleries throughout its terminals. These include sculptures, digital art screens, and photography exhibits celebrating Turkish and international artists. Some of these installations change periodically, ensuring a fresh experience for frequent travellers.
Transportation Services at Istanbul Airport (IST)
Multiple transport options facilitate access to Istanbul Airport (IST). The M11 metro line connects the airport to central Istanbul, with further extensions planned. Havaist and IETT buses operate frequent routes to districts like Taksim, Sultanahmet, Kadıköy, and Levent, while taxis and private transfers offer direct travel. Istanbul Airport (IST) also has extensive car rental services and parking facilities. Despite its distance from the city centre (35 km from Taksim), the modern infrastructure and well-organised transport links make reaching the airport relatively smooth.
Istanbul Metro Line (M11)
Location: Istanbul Havalimanı Metro Station, İmrahor, 34275 Arnavutköy/İstanbul – Operator: TCDD Taşımacılık A.Ş. (Turkish Railways) – Operating Hours: Daily 06:00-00:15/00:40 – Price: Cost of a single trip with IstanbulKart from Istanbul Airport (IST) to Gayrettepe TL equivalent of €0.90 (as of March 2025) + cost of acquiring the card approx. €3.50.
The Istanbul Airport (IST) Metro Station is part of the M11 metro line, which provides a fast and efficient connection between the airport and Istanbul’s city centre. The station is inside the airport complex, with direct access from the arrivals and departures halls via a covered walkway. The M11 line from Istanbul Airport currently runs to Gayretteppe (see route map below), where passengers can transfer to the M2 metro line for access to central areas like Şişli-Mecidiyeköy, Taksim, and Vezneciler (a short tram connection to Sultanahmet).
The Istanbul Airport metro station is about 300 metres directly in front of the airport terminal along a covered outdoor moving walkway (travelator). The ticket hall can be accessed by two banks of lifts or via a series of escalators (note it is much quicker by the lifts). The station opens at 06:00 (trains to the centre from 06:15), with the last train departing to the centre at 00:15. During the day, the metro operates every 20 minutes and is a reliable option compared to overland transport, which is subject to traffic congestion.
To access the metro, passengers can purchase an Istanbulkart or a Blue Istanbul City Card from the vending machines in the Istanbul Airport (IST) Metro Station ticket hall. The Istanbulkart is by far the most efficient way of travelling around Istanbul after purchasing the card (TL equivalent of around €3.50 in March 2025). The Istanbulkart can be topped up and used on metros, trams, trains, buses, metrobuses, ferries, funiculars, cable cars and services such as public toilets. It has been known that Istanbulkart is not always available at the airport, and to get the full benefits of the card, such as discounted shorter journeys, it should be registered with a Turkish resident. The Blue Istanbul City Card is more expensive but still good value for money and operates on a time allowance basis for unlimited travel with 1-day (≈€14), 3-day (≈€26), 5-day (≈€50), 7-day (≈€66), and 15-day (≈€99) passes.
Note that while the payment of Istanbul’s transportation system is integrated, the connections between lines and transport types are not. You need to exit the metro barriers for each metro line used and re-enter other lines through new barriers. On an Istanbulkart, a new charge is made, but these charges are discounted. Occasionally, the connections can be considerable, such as between Kağıthane M11 and Kağıthane M7, which requires an approximate 500-metre outside uncovered walk and crossing a main road.
Coach Services (Havaist)
Location: Istanbul Havalimanı, HAVAİST İGA OFİS 8-B, 34283 Arnavutköy/İstanbul – Operator Website: Havaist English Website – Operating Hours: 24/7 – Price: Cost of a single trip from Istanbul Airport (IST) to Taksim the TL equivalent of €7.00 (as of March 2025).
Havaist is Istanbul Airport’s official coach shuttle service, offering comfortable and frequent connections between IST and various central locations. These modern, air-conditioned coaches provide an affordable alternative to taxis, and unlike the M11 Metro, they have several departures during the night hours. Most of the routes serve the suburbs of Istanbul; however, those interesting to tourists wishing to access the centre of town include the HVIST-16 (Taksim via Beşiktaş), HVIST-12 (Aksaray Metro) and HVIST-14 (Kadıköy), taking approximately 60–90 minutes, depending on traffic. Other routes of interest are HVIST-13 (Sabiha Gökçen) for those transferring between airports and HVIST-5 (Esenler Otogar) for travellers transferring to intercity coach services.
Tickets can be purchased at Havaist kiosks at the airport, online via the Havaist app, or directly on the bus using a credit/debit card. Istanbulkart is not accepted on Havaist services. The buses depart from the -2 floor of Istanbul Airport’s transportation hub, easily accessible from the arrivals hall via elevators and escalators. Coaches are equipped with Wi-Fi and USB charging ports.
Bus Services (IETT)
The IETT (Istanbul Electric Tram and Tunnel Company) bus services provide a budget-friendly way to travel between Istanbul Airport (IST) and the city centre. Operated by the municipality, these public buses connect the airport to couple of key locations, though since the M11 metro was opened IETT has limited the services. The H-1 line to Mahmutbey Metro connects to the M3 and M7 metro lines and runs approximately every 75 minutes through the day from approximately 07:00-21:00. The H-3 line to Halkalı Marmaray connects to the Marmaray train line (onto the Sirkeci Marmaray station to the historical centre) and runs approximately every 90 minutes through the day from approximately 06:00-20:30. The H-8 line to Hacıosman Metro is useful to connect with the north area of Istanbul such as Sarıyer and İstinye, as well as the north end of the M2 metro line, but only operates four buses during the day, four hours apart between 08:00-20:30. The H-2 line to Mecidiyeköy no longer operates during the day, however, has three useful night buses that depart the airport at 01:10, 03:30 and 05:30 (as of March 2025) to Şişli-Mecidiyeköy, the Metrobus and the M2 metro line.
Although cheaper than Havaist shuttles, IETT buses make more stops and generally take longer to reach their destinations, with travel times depending on traffic conditions. These buses depart from the -2 floor of the airport’s transportation hub, near the Havaist platforms. To use IETT buses, passengers must have an Istanbulkart, as cash payments are not accepted on the buses. The card can be purchased and recharged at airport kiosks and vending machines.
Car Rental Services
The car hire desks at Istanbul Airport (IST) are conveniently located on the arrivals floor of the terminal, providing travellers with easy access to a wide range of international and local rental companies. Major brands such as Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Enterprise, Sixt, and Budget operate alongside well-known Turkish companies like Garenta, Central, and Cizgi Rent a Car. The rental offices are open 24/7, allowing passengers arriving at any time to arrange a vehicle. Staff at these desks typically speak English and Turkish, assisting with reservations, vehicle selection, and insurance options. Most companies offer a variety of cars, from economy models to luxury SUVs, catering to different budgets and travel needs.
To hire a car, travellers need a valid driver’s license, a passport, and a credit card (NOT a debit card, even if the booking was made with a debit card) for the deposit. Some companies may require an International Driving Permit (IDP) if the license is not in the Latin alphabet. Once booked, customers can pick up their vehicles from the designated car rental parking area, easily accessible via airport elevators and walkways. Istanbul Airport’s location near the Northern Marmara Highway makes it convenient for travellers heading to Istanbul’s city centre, as well as other destinations to the east like Bursa, Sapanca, and the Black Sea coast, or Tekirdağ and Çanakkale (The Gallipoli Peninsula) to the west. Driving in Istanbul can be challenging due to heavy traffic, complex road networks and limited parking options.
Taxi Services
At Istanbul Airport (IST), passengers can access three distinct types of taxis, each differentiated by colour and service level: Orange, Turquoise, and Black. These options cater to varying preferences and budgets. Taxes are usually readily available outside the arrivals hall except for peak times and holidays. Electronic signs in Turkish and English display the expected travel time and cost (in Turkish Lira) to 16 locations in and around Istanbul, including central locations such as Sultanahmet, Taksim, Beşiktaş, Şişli and Kadıköy and more remote destinations such as Sabiha Gökçen Airport and Tuzla. Taxis charge by distance with additional weighting/tolls, and the taxi meter clock must be activated by law (usually a display in the mirror) once the vehicle moves.
Orange Taxis are the standard and most economical choice, offering standard transportation services. They are widely available and operate with standard fare rates. A typical fare in an orange taxi to Sultanahmet (the historical centre) in Spring 2025 would be estimated at the Turkish Lira equivalent of approximately €45.
Turquoise Taxis provide a mid-range option featuring more modern and comfortable vehicles. These taxis are typically electric vehicles, such as Teslas, offering an eco-friendly alternative. Turquoise taxi fares are approximately 15% higher than those of orange taxis. A typical fare in a Turquoise taxi to Sultanahmet (the historical centre) in Spring 2025 would be estimated at the Turkish Lira equivalent of approximately €50.
Black Taxis represent the premium service tier, offering luxury vehicles that are often larger and accommodate extra passengers or luggage. These taxis provide enhanced comfort and amenities, making them suitable for travellers seeking a more upscale experience. Black taxi fares are approximately 70% higher than those of orange taxis. A typical fare in a black taxi to Sultanahmet (the historical centre) in Spring 2025 would be estimated at the Turkish Lira equivalent of approximately €75.
Parking
Istanbul Airport (IST) offers extensive parking facilities with a total capacity of approximately 40,000 vehicles, including 18,000 covered parking spaces and 22,000 outdoor spots. It claims to be the world’s largest multi-level parking facility under a single roof. The multi-level car park is organised across six floors (P1-P6), with an additional floor (R) designated for rental cars. Each floor is colour-coded: Turquoise, Green, Orange, Red, and Blue to assist drivers in quickly locating their vehicles. Entrances via the Turquoise and Green zones are nearer domestic check-in counters, while the other colours are closer access to international check-in areas.
At all exit barriers, payment options include cash, credit cards, and the Fast Pass System (HGS). Automatic payment devices are installed on all floors. Additionally, payments can be processed through the airport’s mobile application or at information kiosks located on the departures floor of the terminal building. Valet services allow travellers to drop off their vehicles at the designated points: Drop-off at purple/red P6 and pick-up from purple/red P3.
Istanbul Airport (IST) Social Media
For more details on Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW), including information and tips on arrival and departure and details on airport transportation services, please see the dedicated page: LikeTurkiye.com – Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW)