How to get from Istanbul New Airport to City Centre
Istanbul New Airport is set to have its first opening at the end of 2018, with later stages of the airport opening regularly until completion. The airport is expected to be a huge Eurasian passenger terminal and set to compete with some of the largest airports in the world. Due to the delayed opening and construction, the airport is yet to have any designated lines for public transport such as metro, train or bus. However, these are set to be completed by the end of 2019. Currently, a taxi is the only way to and from the airport for its initial opening. The airport is located in the northern area of Arnavutköy and should take around 45 minutes to reach Taksim in the city centre. The approximate cost, based on metered fare, is around 30€ (200₺).
Comparison of the options
PRICE FOR 2PASSENGER
OPTION
PRICE
DURATION
AVAILABILITY
Metro
€
min
–
Taxi
€30
45min
24/7
Bus
€5.60
100min
–
How to get from Istanbul New Airport to city by metro
Although the metro services from the new airport are not available until the summer of 2019, there are big plans for a great service from the airport to the city centre. The Line M11 from the airport is under construction currently and will provide a direct and quick access to Levent, the main commercial hub of the city. This means that there are likely to be fewer stops along the way, but this should reduce the journey to around 30 minutes. The M11 line will connect at Gayrettepe station to M2 Yenikapı–Hacıosman (Taksim) and at the airport to the high-speed train line that runs between Sabinha Gokcen Airport and IGA.
How to get from Istanbul New Airport to city by metro
Although the metro services from the new airport are not available until the summer of 2019, there are big plans for a great service from the airport to the city centre. The Line M11 from the airport is under construction currently and will provide a direct and quick access to Levent, the main commercial hub of the city. This means that there are likely to be fewer stops along the way, but this should reduce the journey to around 30 minutes. The M11 line will connect at Gayrettepe station to M2 Yenikapı–Hacıosman (Taksim) and at the airport to the high-speed train line that runs between Sabinha Gokcen Airport and IGA.
How much is the metro from Istanbul New Airport to city?
There is no pricing available yet for the new metro, however it is likely that it will be slightly more expensive than the other metro services as it is an innovative 'high-speed' transit service.
Cost
TBA
Trip Duration
30 Min
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money
TBA
Where do I get it from?
According to airport plans, there will be a metro stop at every terminal in the new airport. This will likely be downstairs as you enter the arrivals area.
Convenience
Without the information available, it is difficult to determine whether the airport metro line will be convenient for passengers. However, with its expected capacity and quick transit time, it will certainly be a valuable alternative to traffic-filled roads in peak hours.
Editor’s Note
There is also planned a high-speed train that runs directly between SAW Airport and IGA Airport with no stops along the way. The timeframe for it's completion is currently unknown.
How to get from Istanbul New Airport to city by taxi
Taxis are not only the sole method of transportation currently available at Istanbul New Airport (IGA), but they are by far the most comfortable and safe. The journey will likely, once the airport is operational, be affected by traffic, so the ride might be much longer in peak hours. Taxis will be available 24/7 from the airport upon opening and are yellow in colour.
How to get from Istanbul New Airport to city by taxi
Taxis are not only the sole method of transportation currently available at Istanbul New Airport (IGA), but they are by far the most comfortable and safe. The journey will likely, once the airport is operational, be affected by traffic, so the ride might be much longer in peak hours. Taxis will be available 24/7 from the airport upon opening and are yellow in colour.
Taxi Fare from Istanbul New Airport to city
A journey to Taksim (central city of Istanbul) from Istanbul New Airport (IGA) will likely cost around 30€ (200₺) based on current metered fare prices. It should be noted that this price may be subject to airport fees, traffic conditions and late night/weekend or holiday pricing.
Book a transfer
Convenience
Taxis are generally the best way to get to the city centre as they are comfortable, safe and efficient. However, Istanbul is notorious for traffic during peak hours, so this could also be an issue while there are no other transportation options from the airport.
Editor’s Note
Please note that the airport information is subject to change as the airport has yet to open all stages.
Useful Tips
It is best to have cash for taxis in Istanbul, this way you can be sure you have paid the right amount for the journey.
Always request your taximeter to be on when you begin your journey.
Do not accept rides from any other offers if they are not within the designated taxi rank area.
Welcome Pickups transfer
Book a trained, English-speaking taxi driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular cab from the line
If you feel more relaxed knowing that somebody is waiting for you, you may as well book a Welcome Pickups transfer. As soon as you arrive at the airport you will be greeted by your driver. He will be waiting for you at the terminal of your arrival with a sign that has your name on it. Your driver will help you out with your luggage and together you will make your way to the vehicle. While he is driving you to your accommodation, the driver can give you some tips and recommendations on what to do during your holidays in Istanbul. Our drivers are hand-picked and speak fluent English. No need to worry about miscommunication issues that you may face with the local taxi drivers regarding your destination. Relax and enjoy your ride.
How to get from Istanbul New Airport to city by bus
Although not operational, the planned bus services to be run by IETT Istanbul Bus services will operate on 18 different lines with over 150 buses. There will be a 'luxury' vehicle option for airport service (charged at a higher rate of 4.60€ (30₺) and all buses will provide baggage spaces for passengers. The largest line is the Yenikapı-Sirkeci line which is likely to run through Taksim, charging 2.80€ (18₺). Other lines will vary in price, dependent on distance between 1.80€ - 4.60€ (12 - 30₺).
How to get from Istanbul New Airport to city by bus
Although not operational, the planned bus services to be run by IETT Istanbul Bus services will operate on 18 different lines with over 150 buses. There will be a 'luxury' vehicle option for airport service (charged at a higher rate of 4.60€ (30₺) and all buses will provide baggage spaces for passengers. The largest line is the Yenikapı-Sirkeci line which is likely to run through Taksim, charging 2.80€ (18₺). Other lines will vary in price, dependent on distance between 1.80€ - 4.60€ (12 - 30₺).
How much is the bus from Istanbul New Airport to city?
Depending on the line you take and whether you opt for the more expensive 'luxury' bus services, the transit is likely to vary in price. Tentative pricing has been released and you can expect to be paying around 1.80€ - 4.60€ (12 - 30₺) for the bus service.
Cost
2.80€
Trip Duration
TBA
The Yenikapı-Sirkeci line is expected to have buses running every 11 minutes.
Where do I get it from?
Currently there is no information available regarding where the bus stops will be situated at the airport, however plans indicate that they will be easily accessible from the arrivals hall.
Convenience
The bus service does appear to be quite cheap and relatively comfortable, however it is likely that the bus will be a long journey with lots of stops, so this can add much more time to your transit, especially if the journey is subject to lots of traffic.
Editor’s Note
This information is likely to change once the airport is open and more information on transportation becomes available.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Istanbul New Airport from the city centre?
The airport is located around 38km from the city centre of Istanbul. The route in its early days will be subject to heavy traffic before the metro is operational, so expect the journey to take at least 45 minutes.
How many transportation options are available from IGA to the city?
Currently as it is in development, the airport will only have taxis available from the airport to city centre. Public transport such as the metro (said to be operational by summer 2019), the high speed train to Sabinha Gokcen Airport and bus services will be available in the future.
How much is taxi likely to cost from Istanbul New Airport to city?
There are no pricing guidelines available for Istanbul New Airport at this stage, however based on general cost of taximeters in Istanbul, you can expect to pay around 30€ (200₺) for the 45 minute transit. Note that this price may be subject to airport fees, or evening/holiday/weekend pricing.
Save the article for later or share it with friends
2PASSENGER
Reminder is Set