The distance between Istanbul New Airport and the city center is around 40 km, and the ride takes about 45 minutes when there’s no traffic on the roads. There are a few transport options to choose from when traveling from Istanbul Airport to the city. You can either take an Istanbul Airport taxi, a private transfer, the metro, or a bus.
Taxis and Istanbul Airport transfers are the most convenient way to travel as they offer a direct and personalized service.
The metro offers a cheap and quick way to reach the city. However, you’ll need to change from the M11 to the M2 line at the Gayrettepe metro station, as the journey is not direct.
Another affordable option is by bus, but note that you may need to take at least two buses to reach your final destination, depending on the operator you choose to travel with.
5 options from Istanbul New Airport to the city
OPTION | PRICE | TIME | AVAILABILITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Welcome Pickups Private Transfer | €41 | 45min | 24/7 | Convenience | Book | |
| Perfect for families and business travelers after a seamless arrival experience. | ||||||
Taxi | €25 | 45min | 24/7 | Convenience | Book | |
| Good for families or groups after a comfortable, door-to-door service. | ||||||
Metro | €8 | 90min | 06:00–00:00 | Convenience | Read more | |
| Great if you're searching for the fastest mode of public transport. | ||||||
Havaist Airport Bus | €11.56 | 90min | 24/7 | Convenience | Read more | |
| Ideal for those after a direct public transport option with no changes. | ||||||
IETT Public Bus | €6.60 | 140min | 06:00–22:00 | Convenience | Read more | |
| Suitable for budget-conscious travelers with some time to spare. | ||||||
Taking a taxi from Istanbul Airport to the city center is a quick transport option as they are available 24/7 and offer direct transport to your destination in around 40 to 50 minutes. Official IST Airport taxis are yellow “C” type taxis and have a “TAKSI” sign on the roof.
It’s important to note that there are three different types of taxis, with the yellow “C” type taxis being the most affordable option. The turquoise “D” type taxis are a little larger and offer more comfort, while black “E” type taxis offer luxury and premium services.
Cost of a taxi from Istanbul New Airport to the city
The price of a taxi from Istanbul New Airport to the city center is usually determined by a taximeter. The base fare for an orange/yellow taxi is €0.90 (TRY 42) and the price per km is approximately €0.60 (TRY 28). Bear in mind that the cost of tolls will also be added to your final fare.
Although the fare depends on your exact destination and traffic levels, the price of your ride to the city center depends on whether your accommodation is located in Taksim or Sultanahmet (both central areas of Istanbul, located on opposite sides of the Golden Horn estuary).
That said, the average cost of a yellow/orange taxi to the center is:
Where do I get a taxi from?
The taxi ranks at Istanbul New Airport are located on the Arrivals Level outside Domestic and International Passenger Exit Doors 9 and 13 at the Plaza Section.
Convenience
Taxis are always a good option for traveling from Istanbul New Airport to the city center as they are available 24/7. However, the traffic on the roads is usually heavy, meaning that the final price will be higher due to the running taximeter and waiting for an available taxi may take a few minutes.
Useful Tips
Book a trusted, English-speaking driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular taxi
Learn moreTraveling from Istanbul New Airport to the city by metro is the cheapest option. The total journey time to the center is around 1 hour and 30 minutes.
You’ll ride the M11 for 30 minutes to “Gayrettepe”, and from there you’ll have to transfer to the M2 metro line and take the metro to Taksim station in about 10 minutes.
If you’re heading to Sultanahmet instead, you must stay on the M2 line for a few extra minutes and get off at “Veznecıler”. From the station, you can walk or get a taxi to your final destination.
How much is the metro from IST Airport to Istanbul city center?
In order to use the Istanbul metro, you should purchase an Istanbulkart card, which costs a one-off price of €2.73 (TRY 130). Once you have the card, you can top it up whenever you like. Getting an Istanbulkart will offer even more economical options if you plan to make frequent journeys.
The price of a metro ticket on the M11 is €0.71 (TRY 34), and the M2 costs €0.57 (TRY 27). This means the total cost of the trip from Istanbul New Airport to the city, including your Istanbulkart, is €4 (TRY 191).
You can buy your ticket at the machines available in the metro station or at the ticket office. Both accept cash and card payments. Just make sure you keep your ticket with you until you get off the train, as you may be asked to present it.
The metro runs from 06:00 to 00:00.
Where is the metro station at Istanbul New Airport?
The Istanbul New Airport metro station is on the ground floor opposite the car park. After exiting the Arrivals area, follow the metro signs (a white ‘U’ on a red background). Doors 9 and 13 currently display the metro symbol, with additional signage visible on columns and overhead boards as you walk to the station.
Convenience
Taking the metro from Istanbul New Airport to the city center is one of the cheapest ways when using public transport. However, you’ll need to change lines at Gayrettepe Metro Station which makes it a slower travel alternative.
Additionally, it doesn’t run after 00:00, so if you’re arriving close to midnight or later, it would be best to choose another travel option.
Timetables
Official Istanbul Metro Website
Useful Tips
The Havaist airport buses are owned by a private company, providing a direct connection from Istanbul New Airport to the city center 24/7.
They’re one of the easiest and cheapest travel options, as there are stops along the way but the trip takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
For Taksim Square, you can take the direct HVL-9 bus.
*If you’re staying in Sultanahmet, you can take the HVL-1 to Aksaray metro station and then jump on the T1 tram to Sultanahmet.
How much is the bus from Istanbul New Airport to the city center?
Taking the Havaist airport bus is a budget-friendly option; both routes cost €5.78 (TRY 275) for a one-way trip.
You can purchase tickets online via the Havaist website or app in advance and show the QR code you receive when boarding the bus, or use an Istanbulkart card that you’ll be able to purchase at the airport beforehand. You can also buy a ticket at the Havabus ticket kiosk in the Arrivals Hall.
The Havaist airport bus runs every 15-60 minutes, 24/7.
Where do I get the bus from?
The bus stop for line HVL-9, connecting Istanbul New Airport to Taksim station in the center is located outside the arrivals area. Follow the “HAVAIST” signs to make sure you don’t get lost.
Convenience
The Havaist airport bus is a great option if you are looking for a cheap way to travel to the city center directly but remember that the trip duration depends on the current traffic conditions.
Traffic on Istanbuls’ roads is usually heavy so the trip might take longer than 1 hour and 30 minutes. Combined with a 15 to 60 minute wait, the total time for this transport mode can be extensive.
Timetables
Havaist Journey Planner
Useful Tips
IETT public buses are the cheapest way to travel from Istanbul New Airport to the city center, although they don’t provide a direct service so, you’ll need to board at least two buses, depending on where you want to go.
For a trip from the airport to Taksim station, you’ll need around 2 hours and 20 minutes, depending on traffic levels. First, you can hop on the H-1 bus to “Karacaoğlan İlkokulu”. Then, catch the 89-T bus to “Taksim Tünel”.
How much is the bus from Istanbul New Airport to the city center?
Taking the IETT buses is the cheapest way to travel as a single ticket costs around €0.57 (TRY 27). Just like the metro, you can use your Istanbulkart card and load it with trips. The total cost, including the Istanbulkart (TRY 130), is €3.30 (TRY 157)
You can purchase your ticket at the machines or the ticket offices located at the airport or any station.
Take note that these buses run all day but many do not operate at night.
Where do I get the bus from?
The bus stop for IETT buses, connecting Istanbul New Airport to Taksim station in the center is located outside the arrivals area. Follow the “IETT” signs to make sure you find the correct bus.
Convenience
Traveling with IETT buses is a very affordable way to travel to the city center. However, the trip will take a long time due to several bus changes, multiple stops, and potential traffic congestion.
Timetables
IETT Journey Planner
Useful Tips
If you wish to start your holiday right away, then consider pre-booking a private transfer from Istanbul Airport to the city center. Private transfers, such as Welcome Pickups, offer personalized services and the rides are quick, stress-free, and door-to-door.
Book your Istanbul Airport private transfer in advance and concentrate on what you want to see and do at your new destination. Your driver can also give you a mini tour of the city if you wish. Don’t hesitate to ask for local tips as they will be happy to help.
How much is a private transfer from Istanbul New Airport to the city center?
One of the main advantages of pre-booking a private transfer from Istanbul New Airport is that you get a fixed price with no hidden charges, which you can pay before your arrival. You can also pre-select the vehicle you prefer, depending on how many people you’re traveling with.
A private transfer from Istanbul New Airport to your hotel will cost around €41 (TRY 1,950).
You can book your ride via our website or app in just a few clicks. Enter your personal details, your flight number, and the pick-up time.
Enjoy a direct transfer from Istanbul New Airport to the city center or your hotel and secure a fixed price that remains the same, no matter how much traffic there is.
Private transfers are available 24/7 at Istanbul Airport.
Where do I get my airport transfer from?
Your well-trained, English-speaking driver will be waiting for you at the arrivals gate, holding a sign with your name on it, so there won’t be any need to search for the taxi ranks. After a personalized meet and greet, you’ll hop into your pre-selected vehicle and head straight to your hotel or destination of choice.
Convenience
Private transfers offer a different sense of comfort and are the most reliable travel option. They offer flexibility with last-minute changes and luggage service which is rather helpful if you are traveling with family or are on a solo trip, carrying a lot of luggage. That way, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing everything is taken care of and ensure a smooth arrival directly to your accommodation. Another major plus? No waiting for an available taxi or public transport.
Useful Tips
Sedan up to 3 passengers
€32Starting from 10.7 EUR / passenger
Minivan up to 8 passengers
€38Starting from 4.8 EUR / passenger
Minibus up to 12 passengers
€51Starting from 4.3 EUR / passenger
Frequently asked questions
How far is Istanbul New Airport from the city center?
Istanbul New Airport is around 40 km away from the city center, taking around 45 minutes by taxi or private transfer. The metro takes 90 minutes, while private and public buses can take between 90 and 140 minutes depending on traffic conditions.
How much is a taxi from Istanbul's new airport to the city center?
Official taxis usually use taximeters to determine the final fare. That said, it will cost you around €25 (TRY 1,189) for a trip to the center, depending on the duration and the current traffic conditions. For a Welcome Pickups private transfer, you’ll pay a fixed fare for the same route and be greeted by an English-speaking driver who’ll be waiting for you upon your arrival, 24/7 customer support plus a complimentary mini tour when you get there.
How many transportation options are available from IST to the city?
There are 5 different transfer options from the Istanbul New Airport to the city center. You can get a taxi, a private transfer, the metro, a private shuttle bus, or a public bus. The journey from the airport to the city will take around 45 minutes with an airport taxi, 90 minutes on a bus, or 90 minutes via metro.
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