This guide compares all available airport transfers at Istanbul Airport (IST) according to classic travel factors. This includes travel time, cost per person (pp), a short route description and links to book or buy tickets.
Public and private transfers from the airport to the city
Istanbul Airport (IST), also known as İstanbul Havalimanı, is the new international airport of Istanbul and is located about 50 km northwest of the main city center. Upon arrival, you can reach downtown Istanbul by Metro, Airport Bus, Minibus (Shared Shuttle), Taxi or Welcome Pickups (Private Transfer).
Transfer comparison from IST airport to downtown
Overview of all transfer options from Istanbul Airport to the City Center (Taksim Square)
| Transport | Travel time | Cost |  |
Metro | 45 Min. | 0,50 $ | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Airport Bus | 90‑120 Min. | 5 $ | Details |
 |
Minibus | 45‑90 Min. | 26 $ | Details |
 |
Taxi | 45‑60 Min. | 22 $ | Details |
 |
Welcome Pickups |
45‑60 Min. | 45 $ | Details |
Notices:
• Metro and Airport Bus can be a first tour of the city, but are recommended only with light luggage.
• There may be waiting times at the taxi rank if there are high volume of passengers. In this case, a pre-booked private transfer (e.g. via Welcome Pickups) is the more faster and comfortable option.
• The optimal transfer depends on the number of travelers, budget and available time.
Infos here, tickets on-site ↗
Travel time:
45 minutesCost:
12 TL pp (around 0,50 $)Description:
Metro line ‘M11’ from Istanbul Airport (station “İstanbul Havalimanı” in front of the terminal building) to station “Kağıthane”, from here various lines continue to the city center
Infos here, tickets on-site ↗
Travel time:
90-120 minutesCost:
136 TL pp (around 5 $)Description:
‘Havaist’ Airport Bus from Istanbul Airport “Havalimani” (bus stop under the Arrival Hall) to “Taksim” Square, directly in the city center, tickets only with cash
Book a Minibus ride ↗
Travel time:
45-90 minutesCost:
720 TL pp (around 26 $)Description:
Shared Shuttle (Minibus) from Istanbul Airport (pick-up location according to provider) to your accommodation in the city (via several hotels, max. 12 pers.)
Official local Taxis
Travel time:
45-60 minutesCost:
600 TL (around 22 $)Description:
Taxi from Istanbul Airport (Taxis in front of the Arrival Hall) to central Istanbul, Taksim Square or directly to your accommodation in the city center
Book a Private Transfer ↗
Travel time:
45-60 minutesCost:
1200 TL (around 45 $)Description:
Comfortable private transfer (via Welcome Pickups) from Istanbul Airport (Nameplate in the Arrival Hall) to central Istanbul, Taksim Square or directly to your accommodationRoute from Istanbul Airport (IST) to central Istanbul (Taksim Square)
Istanbul Travel Tips (AD)
Travel tips and recommendations for a great stay in Istanbul:
Things to know about Istanbul:
1. The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul attracts between 250.000 and 400.000 visitors daily
2. Istanbul is home to the most mosque in Turkey (over 3.000 mosques)
3. Istanbul is the only pan-continental city in the world situated on two continents, Europe and Asia