Istanbul airports to the city centre: your options
Istanbul has two airports, far from the city centre. Here is how to reach your hotel from each one, and when a private car is the better choice.
Which airport are you landing at?
Istanbul Airport (IST) is on the European side, north of the city. Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) is on the Asian side, east of the city. Check your ticket: the difference matters for time and price.
Private transfer
A private car picks you up and drives you to the hotel door. With Istanbul VIP a Mercedes Vito costs €50 from IST and €60 from SAW for the whole vehicle, up to 6 passengers. It is usually the easiest option for families, groups and anyone with several suitcases.
Taxi
Taxis wait outside both airports and use a meter. The price depends on traffic and the route, and large families may need two cars.
Airport bus (Havaist and Havabus)
Airport buses run to Taksim, Sultanahmet and other hubs. They are cheap but stop at central squares, not at your hotel, so you may need a taxi or a walk with your luggage for the last part.
Metro
Istanbul Airport is linked to the city by the M11 metro line, with changes to reach the old city or Taksim. Sabiha Gökçen has the M4 line towards Kadıköy. The metro is the cheapest way but takes longer with luggage.
Which one to choose
Travelling light and alone: the bus or metro is fine. Arriving late, with children or with more than two suitcases: a private car is simpler, and for three or more people it often costs about the same per person as the bus plus a taxi.
What is the cheapest way from Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet?
The metro, with changes. For a group, a private transfer at €50 for the whole car can be close per person and takes you to the door.
Is Sabiha Gökçen far from the old city?
Yes, about 45 km. Plan 55 to 80 minutes by car.
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- SycoGoogle review · Oct 20265 out of 5 stars
Very quick and professional service. Super friendly and efficient in communication, highly recommend.
- ReemaGoogle review · Oct 20265 out of 5 stars
شكرا للاخ عبدالله جدا متعاون وخدمتهم سريعه جربت توصيل عندهم وعند غيرهم افضل سيارات وسعر الله يبارك لهم
- MeryamGoogle review · Nov 20265 out of 5 stars
Une excellente journée Une très belle expérience bien animée avec le meilleur guide Mr. Karim . Merci pour tous.
- Adel A.Google review · Nov 20265 out of 5 stars
طلعنا جوله ممتعه الى صبنجه ومعشوقيه ترتيب والتزام بالوقت سياره مريحه والمرشدمحمدتعامله راقي
- Francesco C.Google review · Oct 20265 out of 5 stars
Ho trascorso una bellissima giornata con mia moglie grazie al tour di kerim. Abbiamo fatto il giro con il quad , giro sulla funivia e anche la zipline , giro all'acquario e lo zoo dei felini. Ci ha portati a fare una bellissima esperienza che consiglio a tutti! Grazie davvero di cuore Kerim
- Mohammed A.Google review · Oct 20265 out of 5 stars
من افضل الشركات السياحيه بتركيا ، اتعامل مع عبدالله من ٢٠١٧ الى اليوم تعامله راقي وموظفينه راقيين واسعاره بالمنتناول وارخص من كثييييير شركات ، شهاده ويسألني الله عنها . شكرا عبدالله وشكراً لموظفينك ولحسن استقبالك
- Sonia F.Google review · Oct 20265 out of 5 stars
Abbiamo trascorso una piacevole giornata facendo tante attività diverse . La più bella in assoluto la funivia! Con un bellissimo panorama della città dopo il tramonto . Ma soprattutto kerim è stato eccezionale ! Visto il nostro inglese un po' scarso,lui pazientemente ha tradotto sul suo telefono ogni spiegazione in italiano per noi e ci ha aiutati in ogni attività ! Anche se abbiamo pranzato un po' tardi , la carne era buonissima ( pranzo incluso nel biglietto ) . Ogni altra attività è a pagamento . Ma ne vale la pena .
- Mohammed D.Google review · Nov 20265 out of 5 stars
من اروع التجارب ومن افضل الشركات السياحية وخاصتن اسعارهم ورحلاتهم ومرشدهم السياحي والله كل شي 10 علي 10 انصح الجميع فيهم
- Fawaz A.Google review · Oct 20265 out of 5 stars
خدمة جيدة جدا، شرح وفير ، كريم انسان رائع، صبور ، صاحب خدمة رائعة انبسطنا بمرافقته لنا ، يستحق أكثر من خمس نجوم
- Licensed agencyTÜRSAB licence 17384, partner of Osmanli Travel (est. 2016)
- Fixed price per vehicleFuel, bridge tolls and parking included
- Meet and greetName sign at arrivals, up to 30 min waiting
- Free cancellationUp to 12 hours before pickup. No deposit, pay the driver in cash