Unless you have arranged for a (free) airport pick-up when you booked your hotel, you will need to find transportation from the airport to your hotel. There are several options, depending on the airport where you land (Atatürk International or Sabiha Gökçen) and the location of your hotel — Sultanahmet or Beyoğlu (Taksim/Cihangir). The following overview helps you make the correct choice based on your needs or preference.
General Guidelines
- Get Turkish liras – If you don’t have Turkish liras on you, use one of the many ATMs in the airport to withdraw some cash money. None of the transportation options mentioned below will accept credit cards, foreign currencies or big Turkish lira notes.
- Hotel address – Make sure that you write down or print out the exact address of your hotel and the telephone number. Istanbul is a huge city with an uncountable amount of (small) hotels. Taxi drivers don’t know them all by heart. So, if he doesn’t, just hand him the piece of paper. After asking around at traffic lights or calling the hotel, he’ll get you there.
From the Atatürk International Airport
- Taxi – Taking a taxi to your hotel is the most common used and most convenient option. If you’re travelling with a party of three or more, it’s even as cheap or expensive as the shuttle services. Just walk out of the airport – disregard the hustlers inside the airport trying to give you a ride – and you’ll see the official taxis nicely lined up. In about half an hour (without traffic jams) he’ll take to Sultanahmet for about 32 TL, a ride to Taksim will set you back for 40 TL and a few minutes more.
Havataş Airport Shuttle Service in Istanbul
- Shuttle Services – Havataş is municipality run reliable shuttle service. You can find them outside the airport terminal, at the second lane. Every half hour one of their buses heads for Taksim. The ride cost 10 TL per person (luggage included) and takes approximately 40 minutes depending on traffic. The only downside is that they don’t go to Sultanahmet, so you’ll end up taking a taxi from Taksim to Sultanahmet if your hotel is located there. Alternatively, you can get off at the Aksaray stop, and take a taxi from there. For more information, visit the Havataş website.
- Public Transportation – You can also use public transportation to reach your hotel. There is of course a reason I put this last in the list. Although a little bit cheaper, it is rather adventurous. For starters, you’ll have to change vehicles/lines (and take plenty of stairs) a few times, and the operating hours are only between 6 a.m. and midnight. So only read on if you are travelling light.
Still with me? Ok, here we go. Keep in mind that every transfer I mention requires you to buy a new token, on average 1,5 TL each and per person. First hop on the metro in the airport (underground) in the direction of Zeytinburnu. At that station, not necessary the final destination of the metro, you must get off and take the tramway to Kabataş. If your hotel is located in Sultanahmet, get off at the respective stop.
If you’re going to Taksim, stay put until the last station – Kabataş. From there, follow the funicular (Füniküler) signs and hop on. The next stop is Taksim.
From the Sabiha Gökçen Airport
- Taxi – unless money is not an object, stay clear from taking a taxi from the Sabiha Gökçen airport. A ride to Beyoğlu or Sultanahmet may easily take an hour. Accordingly, you’ll have to pay 65 TL or more.
- Shuttle Services – Havataş is by far your best option to reach the European side of Istanbul. Every 30 mintues one of their buses heads for Taksim. The ride only costs 12 TL per person (luggage included) and takes approximately 1,5 hours depending on traffic. Again, if your hotel is located in Sultanahmet, you’ll need to take a short taxi ride from Taksim. For more information, visit the Havataş website.
Alternatively, you could take the same Havataş airport shuttle service, but this time to Kadıköy. You’ll end up at the main Asian pier in 60 minutes at 8 TL per person, and from there you can take a ferry and even shorter taxi ride to the Sultanahmet area. Although very romantic, in my opinion and with all your luggage, the Havataş bus going to Taksim is your best bet (and value for the money).
{ 91 comments… read them below or add one }
we will be in Turkey during Ramazan 2012, departing 16 August (just before Bayram holidays !). Is public transport more difficult to catch during Ramazan? We will be travelling alone, using public buses. We’d hoped to be at Ephesus for the Christian Feast of the Assumption 15 August, but as we fly out from Istanbul on 16 August, will we have difficulty with public transport? What happens on 14/15 August (Kadir Gecesi) and will that impact on our travel plans (do things close early? )
Hi,
I don’t think you will have any problems, except for some extra traffic on the road, as long as you make your reservations in time (starting spring or so).
Here are links to two reputable bus services between Istanbul and Izmir:
Ulusoy
Nilüfer
Have a nice stay.
Hi,
I will arrive at the Atatürk Airport on March 3. As it is my first visit to Istanbul, could you tell me which is the best public transportation route to Laleli (Aksaray).
Thank you.
Vasko
Hi Vasko,
The best way to go to Aksaray by public transportation is to go by metro. Just follow the signs of Metro, buy tokens from the token vending machines (prepare to have some Turkish Lira change/coins on you) and hop on the M1 line. Aksaray should be the last stop, and the metro will take you there in just over half an hour.
Have a nice trip.
I reach the ist airport at 2am In the night : best way to reach my hotel in sultanahmet ?
My hotel s charging me 25euros for the pick up
Hi Jaya,
Well, as it said in the article, public transportation would have come to a standstill by then, so the only two options left are a shuttle or taxi. Since your shuttle is 25 Euros, a taxi may be the way to go since it should only be about 17 Euros. Here you can find more info about Istanbul taxis and Istanbul cab fares.
Have a nice stay.
As per Havaş website it cost 18 TL per person nnot as mentioned above 13 TL !!
Hi Osama,
The official service has been taken over by Havataş (no longer Havaş). Since you didn’t mention from where to where you went, here are the prices:
Atatürk Airport – Taksim (or the other way): 10 TL
Sabiha Gokcen Airport – Taksim (or the other way): 12 TL
So, it should actually be cheaper!
I’m visiting Istanbul tomorrow morning and my hotel is charging 25 euro for airport pick. As you mentioned in one of your previous articles it would better to take a taxi from the front of Atatürk Airport which will be 17 euro. Is this amount per person?
No, taxi prices are per vehicle of course.
Hi,
I want to travel from Ataturk airport to Taksim area by taxi. Is the taxi fare higher than normal rate ( 40 TL ) after midnight?
Hi Masoud,
There is no longer a daytime and nighttime rate. There is only one rate, so 40 liras should get you to Taksim.
Erlend
Hi,
Me and my friends (5 person) will be at sabiha airport next week. Is there any van available for 5 person or we should get 2 cabs? how much is taxi fare from sabiha airport to Halaskargazi Mahallesi ( Sisli)?
Thank you
Hi Kathy, did you check out the Istanbul Taxi Fares Every Tourist Ought To Know article?
Erlend
Hi,
We are 3 girls travelling and need to travel from Ataturk to Sultanahmet. Are there pre -paid taxis available at the airport and what would be approximate cost for this?
Is it advisable to take a cab directly from the airport or should we pre-book with the hotel or airport transfer operators?
Thanks
Hi,
There are no pre-paid taxis. On the contrary, always insist that the taxi-driver switches on the meter. Please read these helpful tips on Istanbul taxis. Since you are a group of three, the best way is to take a taxi from the airport, which will take you directly to your hotel. Here are approximate taxi fees, to Sultanahmet and other possible destinations during your stay.
Have a nice trip,
Erlend
Thanks for this amazing website with so much wonderful information about Istanbul!
My flight arrives quite late into Istanbul – around 23:00. I am a single woman traveling alone, as the rest of my group does not arrive until the next morning. I am an experienced traveler and have traveled solo before in Europe and Asia with no problems. Do you see any issues with my taking a taxi to my hotel at that hour while traveling alone?
Thanks in advance for your response. ~clbtx
Hi Clbtx,
That shouldn’t be a problem. Do also check out my post on typical taxi scams.
Hi
I have a question regarding the payment for transportation in Istanbul. Which option do you prefer, buying the Istanbulkart or Akbil Transit Pass? I cannot decide because i don’t actually know what is the difference between them.
Thank you in advance for answering my question !
Hi Tilen,
Actually, the Akbil device has been depreciated and is slowly being replaced by the Istanbul Kart. So, I suggest you to get the Istanbul Kart. It’s also easier to use and fits in your wallet. Bizar enough, you can’t buy it at the airport, but you can easily obtain it at the major transportation hubs such as Zeytinburnu, Taksim, etc.
Have a nice trip,
Erlend
Hi
My hotel is charging 106euros to pik me up from Ataturk airport, would it be cheaper to get a taxi? I will be going to Fraser place anthill, cumhuriet mahallesi. Thanx
Ela,
Did you check out this article about Istanbul taxi fares?
Hi there,
Amazing website !!! I will be travelling to Istanbul for the first time with my wife and 6yrs old daughter from 5th to 9th of October. Please tell me the best way to travel from Sabiha Airport to Harbiye. Also what is the best and cheapest mode of transport in Istanbul.
Many thanks
Anindya
Hi Anindya,
Thanks for your kind words.
The best way to Harbiye from Sahiba is to take the Havataş bus first to Taksim, and then a taxi to your hotel.
The cheapest transportation is undoubtably public transportation. The best is a personal preference, some prefer trams and metro, others taxis. The latter of course often suffer from traffic jams.
Have a nice trip,
Erlend
Hi, thank you so much for writing this article, it’ll definitely come in handy when i travel to istanbul!
Could you kindly recommend me the best and cheapest way to get to Cankurtaran from the Ataturk Airport please? I will be traveling with my partner. The hotel offered for a pick up from the airport and charging 25 Euros but i reckon the public transport would definitely be cheaper!
Thank you so much
Hi Nabilla,
You’re absolutely right. Public transportation will definitely be cheaper, even a taxi ride will be.
Hello,
I`m travelling for honeymoon in 2nd week of december 2012, i understand its a low season at that time, hotel is offering airport-hotel transfer for 60 euro per round trip.
i think its a lot, should i take this service or take a taxi from airport? what do the official taxi look like so i can know it?
Thanks a lot!
Hi Islam,
You don’t tell me where you will be staying, or what airport you will use. Please go though the comments, I’m sure you’ll find the answers you’re looking for.
Kind regards,
Erlend
Hi Erlend,
This information is awesome!
My mum and I are staying at the Tulip guest house and will arrive in Ataturk around 4pm on a weekday. We will have at least 3 suitcases with us so public transit is out of question. Our guesthouse offered to book an aiport transfer for 25 Euros but I am not convinced that it would be cheaper or the most reliable option. I read in some reviews that the driver expected them to call him before showing up and we will not have access to a phone. I would really appreciate your suggestions.
Kind Regards,
Ana
Hi Ana,
I don’t know where the Tulip guest house is located, but if it’s in Taksim or Sultanahmet I normally would recommend taking a taxi. Having said this, the fact that you arrive at 4 p.m. and won’t be out of the airport before 17:30, you’ll find yourself caught in rush hour. A taxi also charges a bit extra when it stands still for too long, so both prices will end up being more or less the same. So choose whichever is most convenient.
Have a nice trip,
Erlend
I love the prompt response Erlend. Thank you!
The guesthouse Address is at Akbiyik caddesi Terbiyik sokak No:19 SULTANAHMET
If the cost is the same I would assume the Shuttle is safer but since I cannot be sure that it will be waiting there for us and I don’t want to be running all over trying to find a specific driver, perhaps it would be better to take a taxi itself?
What route shall I ask the driver to take and what currency should I expect to pay in?
Also we will have 3 suitcases + some bags, would that be an issue?
Thanks again Erlend, I am so excited!
Ana
Hi Erlend
The hotel I intend to stay quoted 30 Euro one way to Sultanahmet. Is this too pricey?
Yes. Check the taxi fares for common trips here.
I am staying in a hotel on the Asian side (Kadıköy). Where is a place to get some Liras and what is the best way to get to Aya Sofia. I do not have a car.
Regards.
GM
Hi,
I suggest to take the ferry in Kadıköy to Eminönü (Sultanahmet) or to Kabataş (Taksim, Beyoğlu). You can withdraw Turkish liras from any ATM machine with a normal bank card or credit card.
Kind regards,
Erlend
Hi Erlend,
Please I need to know the best way to go to my hotel . My hotel is cartoon in taksim district my flight will arrive at 4pm , I have 1 child and 1 infant …so please guide me it’s better to take a taxi or the shuttle bus ( Havatas) and how much it will cost for my child in the bus . Really thanks
Best Regards
Hi Marwa,
The cheapest would be to take a taxi, since they don’t have discounts for children for the bus. Having said that, taxis don’t have special toddler seats, so you may feel safer taking the bus.
Kind regards,
Erlend
I’m traveling by the end of the week ill arrive at 1pm so where I’ll find the shuttle bus havatas ill arrive at ataturk airport going to Taksim &wanna make sure from the price also I wanna know where this bus stop at Taksim is it at Taksim square or where is it thanks for your response
Hi Sally,
just like it says in the post, you’ll find the buses in the second lane outside the arrivals terminal. The bus will take you to Taksim square for 10 Turkish Liras per person.
Kind regards,
Erlend
Hi Erlend
Thnx but I wanna know where is the bus stop at Taksim , it will drop us at our hotel or at Taksim square or what
Thnx again
I plan to traveling to Istanbul in early August with two of my daughters, they are 12 and 14. I would like to take them to a concert while we are there. Justin Beiber and Rihanna will be there in May. I am hoping an artist with that same level of celebrity will be there during this time. Would you recommend using a ticket broker or would you recommend using the Turkish version of Ticket Master? Are the large concert venues in a safe location for American tourists or would you advise against it? Also, is this generally a good time to travel to Istanbul, I saw a previous post mentioning a Christian feast? I know I’ve asked a lot.
Thanks so much,
LH
Hi LH,
First of all there is no anti-American sentiment, so you would be as safe as any other person in Istanbul. As for who performs in Istanbul and when, check out Biletix. This is the main ticket broker in Turkey, and you can order tickets from there.
You are right that there is a Muslim religious holiday in the beginning of August. Maybe read these posts on how Ramazan may affect tourists and more details about the Sugar Feast.
Kind regards,
Erlend
Any news
Hi…..
My friend & i are planning visiting Istanbul, Turkey in May 2013. Can you give suggestion which hotel area should i stay, Sultanahmet or Beyoğlu (Taksim/Cihangir)?
Hi Franklin,
I always suggest to stay in Beyoğlu, for the simple fact that Sultanahmet becomes a lonely place after 20:00 while Taksim and Cihangir are lively almost 24/7.
Kind regars,
Erlend
Most appreciated to the person who has taken time to write this breif and to the point discription. Very very helpful to first time visitors. My another question is can you just pay the fare on metro and tram or do you have to buy a card like an oyster card here in UK so that it can hold the credit.
Thanks in advance and hope to hear soon from you.
Hi Umar,
Thanks a lot for your nice comments, they’re much appreciated.
Maybe check out my post on the Istanbul Card which is similar to the UK Oyster card I guess, and my article on public transportation for Istanbul tourists.
Also, I heard they now sell the Istanbul card at the airport.
Kind regards,
Erlend
I am a bit confused. I saw the metro map of Istanbul, and as I can see the M1 metro line goes to / from Ataturk Airport.
But why should I stop at Zeytinburnu and only there? There are many stations before and after !!
Hi Armand,
Assuming you want to go to Sutanahmet or Taksim, you will have to make a transfer from the M1 to the T1 at some point. You can do so in Zeytinburnu (the shortest road) or in Aksaray.
Kind regards,
Erlend
Thanks. That’a another 2 questions:
- is there any 1 day / 7 day etc. cart for public transportation? And how much it costs?
- what do u suggest: akbil or Istanbulkart? Which one is cheaper / easier to reload?
How can I get from Ataturk airport to ÇARŞI CADDESİ NO:26 BAYRAMPAŞA by public transport
Regards
Ihab
Honestly, if you’re unfamiliar with that place and its neighborhood, I’d take a taxi there first, and then maybe try to use public transportation on your way back.
Regards,
Erlend
There is no opinion: akbil or Istanbulkart? Which one is cheaper / easier to reload?
Hi,
Firstly, thanks for such a great site. SO helpful.
I was just wondering where I would have to get off if I use the metro from Ataturk airport to get to my hotel (Nar Galata Hotel)?
Thank you!
Hi Hanaa,
Where exactly is your hotel located, Sultanahmet, Beyoğlu, etc?
Erlend
Hi
my husband, daughter and i are visiting in May 2013.
looking at the map it looks shorter to go from Attaturk airport to Yesilkoy station and get a train to cankurtaran, we can walk to our hotel on Amiral Tafdil Sok.No:22 Sultanahmet from there. But can’t see how to get from airport to Yesilkoy station? Is there a shuttle/bus what do i ask for?
looking at google directions, going from sultanahamet station to the hotel looks a much longer walk?
Many thanks
Hi Charlotte,
Quick question: do you really want to take the train, or just get to your hotel by public transportation instead of using the airport shuttle or a taxi?
Kind regards,
Erlend
Hello Lucca,
What would be the best way to get to Ataturk airport from the Taksim Point area for a flight leaving at 6am (need to be there by 5am at the latest)?
Would it be better to find a hotel near the airport for such an early flight?
Thank you for such an informative site!
Hi Heather,
I understand, this is a bit tricky since the Havataş shuttle doesn’t start until 4 a.m. But at that time of the night, they should be there by 4:30. Upon arrival, check with them. If that doesn’t work out, take a taxi. But don’t just pick one from the street, have your hotel call one.
Kind regards,
Erlend
Hello Erlend,
My friends and I will backpack to Istanbul next week. I just want to know is it okay if we went there without booking any hostel. I mean searching for a place to stay once we arrive there. Would there be many vacancy at the hostel near Sultanahmet this time around? I read that between Feb and March is considered as low season. So, there’s many hostel available. Is it true?
Thanks in advance! Btw, this site is great. Lots of information. Keep up the good work!
Hi Hariz,
You’re right that it is the low season at the moment. But when you mention “me and my friends” I assume you have a pretty large group. Not to have any surprises, I would book at least the first night upfront, and you can still change once you’re here for the remainder of your trip.
Kind regards,
Erlend
Selam,
I will arrive at Atururk Airport on march 01 2013. As it is my first visit to Istanbul Turkey. (family 0f 7 persons)
1. Could you tell me which is the best transport route to Historical Prefered Hotel.
2. Estimate price for the transport either per person or group
3. For Public Transport in Turkey the Currency used either Euro or Lira?
4. What is a weather in Turkey on March?
Hi Sapii,
I would either take two official taxis, or have your hotel arrange for a mini van. But than do ask for prices first. In the transportation section of this site you can find common current cab fares. Taxi fees are paid in Turkish Liras.
Erlend
Hello!
I will be visiting Istanbul at the end of March.
I saw your public transit page but do you have a more comprehensive one or is that all I will need?
From Ataturk airport, I am staying at the Orient Express, where should I get off if I take the metro?
Thanks so much!
Hi Stacy,
You first take the metro from the airport to Zeytinburnu. There you hop on the tram line Zeytinburnu to Eminönü or Kabataş. The final destination doesn’t matter, since you’ll get off earlier anyway.
Then, get off at the stop after the Sultanahmet stop. From there it should only be a short walk (slightly downhill) to your hotel.
Kind regards,
Erlend
Hello,
What is the best way to get from the Ataturk Airport to the Asian Side (Suadiye)? I believe the ferry is the best if you can catch one on time. Otherwise, what is the best route to take.
Please let me know as I am traveling in 4 days for the first time to Turkey. Thanks so much.
Hi Anja,
You are right, but keep in mind that on weekdays the last one leaves from Eminönü at 21:00.
Kind regards,
Erlend
Hi Erlend,
It is a nice job you are doing out here. I am due to arrive at Ataturk Airport, Istanbul on April 9 for my honeymoon and would be staying at Prenses Koyu Hotel Kamelya Sok. No:14 Büyükada, Adalar. Can you describe the best route to get to the hotel, please?
Thank you.
Hi Yinka,
Well, first you should try to get to Kabataş for the quick ferry to the islands. The first one leaves at 10:50, the second one at 19:30. To get to Kabataş you can either take a taxi or use public transportation.
Kind regards,
Erlend
Hi Erlend!
First of all thank you very much for your great job on this site and your patience with answering to all our questions!
I am arriving in Istanbul in the beginning of May during the Easter Orthodox and do believe it will not reflect much on the everyday life there.
Reading your article about the public transport and because of my previous bad experience with the taxi drivers, this time I shell definitely use the pablic transport using Istanbul Kart.
As I see the good news, according to the comments here, is that now I can get it at the Ataturk Airport. My hotel is very near to the tram station Laleli Universite. It means that I can take the metro from the Ataturl Airport /Havalimani/ and hop on the tram T1 somewhere.
Could you please tell me where to hop on with the idea to find the shortest way between metro station and tram? Also, are the metro stations equipped with escalators or lifts? It is very important to my mother traveling with me.
Thank you so much!
Hi Vessela,
From the airport you take the M1 metro. At the Zeytinburnu stop, you transfer to the T1 tramway in the direction of Eminönü or Kabataş. To reach your hotel, you get off at the Laleli Universite stop.
Have a nice stay,
Erlend
Hi Erlend,
Thank you for this terrific website, great effort!
i ll be arriving at 2 am on a Friday (MAY), from Ataturk to Takasim around feridiye cd (Budak Residence)
Hotel offered a shuttle for 35 euros.
since i m traveling with my wife i was wondering if havas is an option in this case, (arriving to takasim around 3 am with luggage ) or should i take a taxi or shuttle for convenience’s sake?
Thank you.
Hi Onsi,
The shuttle service doesn’t operate at 3 a.m. at night, but you can take an official taxi which will cost you approximately 50 TL. This is still about 20 TL cheaper than the shuttle.
Erlend
Hi Erlend,
Your website is insane, congratulations!!
I might have a tricky one for you… Seeing your expertise, I thought it would not hurt to ask you…
We have planned a business meeting in Istanbul, which entails 15 different people arriving from 13 different world destinations, therefore at different times, and at different days – and the same goes for the departure. All flights arrive/depart from Ataturk airport, and everyone is staying at Taksim (City Center Hotel).
I was wondering if you know of any special and reliable taxi/car service that would be able to accommodate us. I have browsed your website and done an internet research, so I know a bit about the airport taxis, normal taxis – but I am asking you if you know of any person/ taxi company that we could plan with that would take on all of them (and why not, maybe for a better overall price?).
Thank you so much,
EG
Hi EG,
Thanks a lot for the compliments.
Maybe check out Secure Drive, I’ve used them myself and found their service excellent. You would look for the Avcilar/4.Levent fees, and ask for even cheaper since Taksim is closer. Also explain the situation clearly when you contact them.
Kind regards,
Erlend
How do I get from airport to Ciragan Palace? How do I get from Ciragan Palace to Sultanahmet? Are there water taxis?
Hi Suzanne,
The easiest way is by taxi all the way. Alternatively, you can first take the Havataş shuttle, and a taxi from Taksim.
To go to Sultanahmet, you can take a normal or a water taxi. Ask the concierge for the most common used option.
Erlend
Hi Erlend,
Firstly I must applaud you on your website, its an amzing knowldge bank of Istanbul informaytion, I do a LOT of reserach before i travel anywhere and if every city in the world had such a website, planning holidays would be soooo easy
I am travelling with some friends in May and w eare staying at the Hilton Istanbul, in Cumhuriyet Caddessi. What is the best way to get to the hotel from IST?
We are in yur city for 4 days and given our location, would you suggets we use public transport or rely on Taxis?
Thnaks,
UJ
Hi Ujay,
Thanks a lot for the nice words.
To go from the airport to the hotel, since you’re a group of friends, I would suggest to share a taxi. Afterwards, I would rely on public transportation (steel wheels only) where possible.
Kind regards,
Erlend
Hi Erlend. Thanks for an informative website. I need to travel from Istanbul to Budapest early in June 2013. Which options do I have? Flying seems very expensive for such a short distance.
Hi Louwene,
I personally prefer air travel, and if you book a bit ahead of time you would be surprised what good deals you could get.
Cheers,
Erlend
Hi Erlend,
You have an amazing website. Keep up the great work!
I have a question to ask you please. I will be arriving with my fiance’ next week, and I am planning on renting a car from the airport. Is driving, and more importantly, parking, easy to do in Istanbul? Especially since I read about the Taksim work and so on, and I am not sure if parking would be an issue?
Thanks for all your help.
Hi Adam,
If you don’t plan to leave Istanbul, please don’t rent a car. Driving styles are very different from what you are used to, traffic is a huge problem, and parking spots very scarce. Use taxis and public transportation.
Kind regards,
Erlend
Hi. We’re going to Istanbul 1st of July a family of 5. Is there any way to reach Besiktas and Sariyer areas by boat? Also, how far is Kabatas from Taksim Havatas stop please?
Thanks
Hi Iara,
That is going to be difficult at the moment. In the morning ferries come from Sariyer towards Beşiktaş and Eminönü to take commuters to work, and in the evening bak home. In between there is very little service. There are many buses though you can take.
Kind regards,
Erlend
Hi Erlend,
Thanks for setting up such a useful website. I’m sure the information you’ve provided will prove helpful during our stay in Istanbul.
Question if you don’t mind:
I arrive with my family and a friend (3 adults and 3 children) early in June, and have book and apartment in the Sultanahmet area. Our flight lands at 1 am, so we’re no sure what to expect when we walk out of Ataturk at this hour of the night. Will there be a good selection of taxi’s available?
Also – today I received an email from our accommodation, suggesting that they could provide an airport pickup from Ataturk for 40 Euros. This seemed a bit steep when compared with your quotes above, though they did add that it would likely take two airport taxi’s to transport both passengers and baggage. Is this the case – would we need two taxi’s? If so, does 40 Euros sound like a reasonable price. Is there perhaps a shuttle van service available at this hour that could fit the entire party, and our baggage?
Moving on from Taxi’s… ‘cos I’m sure we’ll be hungry when we wake the next day…
Once established in Sultanahmet, I’m looking forward to eating some of the fabulous local foods. Breakfast first! Can you recommend a good eatery/cafe in the area that serves a nice “Welcome to Istanbul” breakfast? Mmmmm! Can’t wait!!!
Regards,
Andrew
Hi Andrew,
It’s pure mathematics. Three adults and three children with luggage will never fit in one taxi. So, by cab the price would be around 80 TL. If the shuttle can take you all at once, then I would go for that option. If the hotel says you need two shuttles, go with the taxis. By the way, you’ll find plenty of taxis waiting outside the airport hall.
As for breakfast, pick anything that looks appealing (food and price wise) after browsing the menu.
Kind regards,
Erlend
Thanks for the amazing post, but just in case things have changed since you posted it, I’d like to ask you advice.
I need to get from S. Gokcen airport to the Sultanahmet area of Istanbul after my flight arrives at 18:35 . My hotel charges €70 for a one way transfer. http://www.istanbulairporttaxis.com/ charge €55, so we are thinking of going with them.
From the prices you have mentioned, these seem really over the top. Are they around the current average price of an airport transfer, or is there a cheaper option?
Thanks
Hi Asfand,
All the information on this page is still up to date, except the taxi prices. They recently got a hike. You can find the latest and most up-to-date cab fares here.
Kind regards,
Erlend
we are 4 person and we have 8 laguge with us, can we get a big taxi or van to go to Sultahmet from airport( istanbul int.)? how much it will cost?
Hi Khan,
Where are you going? Sultanahmet or Taksim?
Erlend