How to Get from Istanbul Airport to the City Center

Airports in Istanbul: Overview

We recommend flying to Istanbul Airport (IST). It’s a huge airport but very well organized and located on the European side of the city.

From here, you’ll find plenty of easy transfer options to reach the city center. In most cases, the metro is the fastest and most convenient choice.

The second airport, Sabiha Gökçen (SAW), is more convenient if you’re staying on the Asian side of Istanbul. From there, you can take the metro directly to the authentic and lively Kadıköy district.

How to Go from Istanbul Airport (IST) to the City Center?

Here’s an overview of the different transfer options from Istanbul Airport.

By Metro

For us, the metro is the best way to get from the airport to the city because you can easily avoid Istanbul’s heavy traffic. During rush hour, the roads are often jammed, so the metro saves a lot of time and avoids stress.

If you’re taking the metro, we recommend staying in the Beyoğlu district — our top tip for a great place to stay in Istanbul.

The trip to Beyoğlu takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes with one transfer. First take the M11 line, then switch to the M2.

When you exit the airport, follow the red metro signs. The station is about a 10-minute walk from the terminal, and you’ll take several escalators down to the metro platform.

Which metro ticket? The Istanbulkart

Once at the station, look for one of the Istanbulkart machines and buy the card for 165 TL.

You can then top it up with credit. For the trip from the airport to the city, 100 TL is enough. Since you can use the Istanbulkart on all public transport, we recommend loading 500 TL right away.

Hold your card at the turnstile and head toward the Gayrettepe direction. The M11 runs every 20 minutes.

Change at Gayrettepe

To reach the city center, ride the M11 to the Gayrettepe terminus. The ride takes around 25 minutes. From there, change to the M2 line. Keep in mind that the transfer takes about 10–15 minutes, as it’s a long walk through the station.

You’ll go up several escalators, walk through corridors, and pass through another turnstile before taking the M2 toward Yenikapı.

Please note: You’ll need to tap your Istanbulkart again when changing lines. In Istanbul, you pay per mode of transport rather than by distance. You don’t need to tap when exiting.

All metro connections are clearly displayed on Google Maps, so you can easily see where to get off for your hotel.

If your hotel isn’t close to a metro station, you can switch to a bus at Gayrettepe. However, try to avoid buses during rush hour — Istanbul traffic can be very slow.

When is the metro not worth it?

If you’re traveling with lots of luggage, the metro isn’t ideal — the long walks and transfers can be inconvenient. In that case, we recommend booking a private transfer from Istanbul Airport to the city instead.

By Taxi, Uber or Private Transfer

For larger groups, families, or anyone with lots of luggage, a private transfer or taxi is the most comfortable option. If you split the cost, it’s also quite affordable.

Book a private transfer from Istanbul Airport

We recommend booking a private transfer so you can relax after your flight. You can easily arrange one via GetYourGuide.

Book your private airport transfer here

Book an Uber from Istanbul Airport to the city

Uber also operates in Istanbul. A ride to Beyoğlu costs around 1.500 TL. We usually prefer Uber to regular taxis because the price is shown upfront and you can see your driver’s rating.

But keep in mind: Many Ubers in Istanbul are actually standard yellow taxis. You’ll pay the same rate you would with a normal cab.

Taking a taxi from Istanbul Airport

You can also grab a taxi directly at the airport. A ride to the city center costs about 2.000 TL. The taxi stands are clearly marked inside the terminal.

By Bus

Several buses run from Istanbul Airport to the city. We only recommend taking the bus if your hotel isn’t near a metro line — for example, if you’re heading to Kadıköy.

There are two main bus operators: Havaist and IETT.

IETT are city buses, and you can use them with your Istanbulkart. However, it often makes more sense to take the metro first and then transfer to an IETT bus.

Havaist buses serve 11 different routes. These are airport shuttle buses that require a separate ticket, which you can buy directly at the airport. Prices start around 300 TL, depending on your destination.

You can find the bus stops, timetables, and route details on the Istanbul Airport website. Just select your district to check the schedules and stops.

How to Get from Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) to the City?

Here’s how to get from Sabiha Gökçen Airport to the city center.

By Metro

The M4 metro line connects Sabiha Gökçen Airport with Kadıköy. The metro station is clearly signposted inside the terminal.

At the station, buy an Istanbulkart for 165 TL and top it up with credit. The ride to Kadıköy costs 35 TL (around 80 cents) and takes about an hour.

We recommend adding a bit more money, as you can use the Istanbulkart for almost all public transport in Istanbul.

It’s best to stay overnight in Kadıköy. That way you don’t have to change lines, and the journey is relaxed and straightforward.

From Kadıköy, you can take the ferry to many of the best places to visit in Istanbul, and the district itself is one of our absolute favorites in the city.

If you’re staying somewhere else, you can take the metro for the first stretch and then switch to a bus or a ferry from Kadıköy port. All connections are shown on Google Maps.

By Private Transfer, Taxi or Uber

If you’re traveling as a family, in a group, or with a lot of luggage, a private transfer or cab directly to your hotel is the easiest option.

Book your transfer from Sabiha Gökçen Airport to your hotel in Istanbul

If you book a private transfer in advance, you won’t have to worry about anything once you land.

Otherwise, you can simply take a cab at the airport — the taxi ranks are well signposted.

You can also use the Uber app. In Istanbul, Uber usually works with the city’s yellow taxis, and the fare is based on the taximeter. A ride to Kadıköy costs about 1.200 TL.

Expect higher prices if you’re heading to the European side.

Note: Traffic can be heavy, especially during rush hour.

By Bus

If you’re staying on the European side of Istanbul, consider taking the Havabus.

Havabus offers a shuttle service to Taksim in Beyoğlu. It runs about every 1.5 hours, and the trip costs roughly 350 TL (around 7 euros).

You won’t be able to avoid the city’s traffic as you would with the metro, but you can travel directly without changing lines.

Extra Tip: Where to Stay at Istanbul Airports

If you have a long layover or an early or late flight, it’s a good idea to stay overnight right at the airport.

Here are our hotel tips for Istanbul Airport (IST) in different price ranges:

The YOTEL Istanbul Airport is the only hotel located directly inside the airport. All other hotels are slightly further away but can be reached quickly by metro or taxi.

These are our hotel tips for Sabiha Gökçen:

There are two hotels right at Sabiha Gökçen Airport – our favorite is the ISG Sabiha Gökçen Airport Hotel. It’s well equipped and very affordable for an airport hotel.