Getting around · Getting around
Istanbul Airport (IST)
The main international airport
Photo Credit
Image courtesy of © Arne Müseler · CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia CommonsAbout Istanbul Airport (IST)
Istanbul Airport (IST), opened in 2018–2019 on the Black Sea side of the European shore, is the main international airport and the hub of Turkish Airlines. Allow plenty of time: the terminal is huge. To reach the city, take the M11 metro to Gayrettepe (change to the M2 for Taksim), a Havaist bus to Taksim, Beşiktaş, Kadıköy and many other districts, or a taxi (usually 45–75 minutes, depending on traffic).
Why it's on our list
- Main hub of Turkish Airlines
- M11 metro to Gayrettepe
- Havaist buses to many districts
Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Istanbul Airport (IST) before you go.
What’s nearby
Distances from Istanbul Airport (IST) are approximate, measured in a straight line (as the crow flies). Times are approximate too: walking at about 80 metres a minute, cycling at about 15 km/h and driving at typical city-traffic speeds. Traffic and routes vary.
Key sights
- İstiklal Avenue33 kmCar or taxi 102 min
- Taksim Square33 kmCar or taxi 102 min
- Galata Tower33 kmCar or taxi 103 min
- Dolmabahçe Palace33 kmCar or taxi 103 min
- Süleymaniye Mosque34 kmCar or taxi 105 min
- Galata Bridge34 kmCar or taxi 105 min
- Spice Bazaar34 kmCar or taxi 105 min
- Grand Bazaar34 kmCar or taxi 106 min
- Topkapı Palace35 kmCar or taxi 108 min
- Basilica Cistern35 kmCar or taxi 109 min