Istanbul Airport (IST) transfers

From Istanbul Airport into the city and beyond

Istanbul Airport is on the European side of the city, in Arnavutkoy near the Black Sea coast, and is Turkey's largest airport. Most international flights land here, and as it has one very large terminal building, there is quite a walk from the aircraft to the kerb. Rather than juggling suitcases on public transport after a long flight, you can step into a waiting vehicle and go straight to your hotel.

Popular routes

Hotels in the city centre are about 45 km (roughly 1 hour 10 minutes by car) away; traffic varies a lot through the day, so it pays to time your transfer to your flight. If you're heading across the Sea of Marmara region, the lakeside bungalows and hotels of Sapanca are about 177 km away, Korfez in Kocaeli is about 125 km, and Bursa, with its thermal hotels and Mount Uludag, is about 197 km. On these longer journeys a vehicle of your own saves you the bus and ferry changes.

Book the return at the same time and your pick-up from the hotel is timed with the traffic in mind.

Transfer details

Of the 4 routes from Istanbul Airport, the nearest is Istanbul (about 45 km, roughly 1 hour 10 minutes by car) and the farthest Bursa (about 197 km, roughly 2 hours 50 minutes). You can also search for a hotel or address that isn't listed. Prices are per vehicle, not per person, and the price you book is the price you pay. Add your flight number and your landing time is tracked; if your flight is delayed, your driver waits at no extra cost. When you book, only a hold is placed on your card; the amount is charged once your transfer is confirmed.