How to Get from Istanbul Airport to the City: fast and cheap

Updated: 2 October, 2024

This guide provides all the details on traveling from Istanbul Airport (IST) to the city center using the metro inaugurated on March 19, 2024.

Situated on the European side, Istanbul's new Istanbul Airport (IST) is 42 km away from downtown and ranks among Europe's largest airports.

In this article, I'll show you how to get to the heart of Istanbul using the newly opened M11 metro line, offering a quick and cost-effective journey.

In addition, I include other alternatives that may be useful depending on the area you are staying or if you are traveling with heavy luggage.

Metro from Istanbul Airport to the City

The fastest and most economical way to travel from Istanbul Airport to downtown is to take the M11 metro line to Gayrettepe and then transfer to the M2 line towards Taksim. I'll explain how to reach Sultanahmet and other central areas below.

Istanbul Metro M11

The section of the M11 metro line from Istanbul Airport to Gayrettepe is newly opened, starting in March 2024, with a total of 6 stops listed below and shown on the map. The red section, which is still under construction, is expected to be finished by 2025.

• Istanbul Airport
• Ihsaniye
• Gokturk
• Kemerburgaz
• Hasdal
• Kagithane (transfer to M7 line)
• Gayrettepe (transfer to M2 line)

The metro runs from 6 AM until midnight.

The journey takes approximately 32 minutes plus waiting time. Trains operate about every 8 minutes on weekdays and every 20 minutes on weekends and holidays.

If you're traveling from the airport to Taksim, including total metro travel time, waiting times, and the transfer, it will take at least 1:30 hours.

The best part is the fare, which depends on the number of stops. At most, it will cost you 22.83 Turkish Lira (approximately 0.66 euros). More details down below.

How to Get from Istanbul Airport to Taksim by Metro

1. Airport Metro Station: Inside the airport, follow the signs for the metro and the red 'U', as shown in the photo above. It's about a 12-minute walk from Exit 13 in the arrivals terminal to reach the metro.
2. Metro to Gayrettpe: The M11 line is very modern with screens displaying the route. Since it's the last stop, you can't miss it.
3. Changing to M2 at Gayrettepe: There's a considerable distance between the M11 and M2 metro platforms at Gayrettepe. Don't worry if you encounter many stairs and a lot of walking—it's normal. 😅 Just pay attention, and you won't get lost. Follow the signs for "Exit 3" first, and then follow signs for the metro towards "Yenikapi" to find the M2.
4. Metro to Taksim: It's just a 3-stop journey from Gayrettepe to Taksim, and you'll arrive in the heart of Istanbul. 🤩

Where to Purchase Your Ticket, IstanbulKart, and Prices

You'll find ticket vending machines near the metro entrance where you can buy a single ticket.

However, if you're planning to use public transportation extensively in Istanbul, I highly recommend getting an IstanbulKart, which is valid for all modes of transport.

The IstanbulKart costs 70 Turkish Lira (approximately 2.02 euros). The fare from the airport varies depending on your destination; for example, the full trip to Gayrettepe costs 22.83 Turkish Lira (approximately 0.66 euros).

Here's the breakdown of M11 metro fares based on the number of stops:

• 1 to 3 stops: 17.70 LT (0.51 euros)
• 4 to 5 stops 20.19 LT (0.58 euros)
• 6 to 8 stops: 22.83 LT (0.66 euros)

⭐ You may also be interested in this IstanbulKart Guide: Use, Prices, and Tips.

Getting from Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet

Let me be honest with you—if you're planning to get from Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet using the metro, you'll have to change trains a few times, which might not be convenient if you travel with heavy luggage.

Just in case, here's the best way to do it, and this method will also work if you're staying in other central areas of Istanbul:

• Start by taking the M11 metro from the airport to Gayrettepe.
• Then transfer to the M2 metro, but instead of getting off at Taksim, continue for 3 more stops to Vezneciler.
• Once you arrive, it's about a 15-minute walk to reach the Laleli tram T1 stop.
• From there, take the tram for 3 stops until you reach Sultanahmet.

Alternatively, you can choose this option:

• Take the M11 metro from the airport to Taksim and then transfer to the M2.
• From Taksim, walk about 10 minutes to the T1 tram stop in Kabataş, or you can take the funicular.
• Then hop on the tram from Kabataş to Sultanahmet.

Other Transportation Options from Istanbul Airport to Downtown

1. Havaist Shuttle Bus

The best bus service from Istanbul Airport is operated by Havaist, with departures every 60 minutes from the airport's -2 level and multiple stops in central Istanbul.

For instance, if you're headed to Taksim, it takes just under 2 hours depending on traffic and costs 204 Turkish Lira (approximately 5.88 euros).

If you need to reach Sultanahmet, take the Havaist to Aksaray, which takes 1 hour and 30 minutes and also costs 204 Turkish Lira. From there, transfer to the T1 tram at Yusufpaşa to get to Sultanahmet.

2. Taxi

A taxi ride from Istanbul Airport to downtown takes at least 1:30 hours. Prices start from 700 Turkish Lira (20.16 euros) to Sultanahmet and 550 Turkish Lira (15.84 euros) to Taksim.

These are minimum prices during non-traffic hours.

Keep in mind, due to Turkey's high inflation, prices can increase frequently, so expect higher fares when you travel.

3. Transfer Service

The most convenient option is this direct transfer from Istanbul Airport to downtown, offering premium service taking you directly to your hotel, and provide competitive pricing.

Final Thoughts

The metro is the fastest and most cost-effective way to travel from Istanbul Airport to downtown. However, if not, one of these other alternatives should meet your needs well.

If you have any questions, leave me a comment below and I'll help you as much as I can. If you found the article useful, share it with other travelers. Have a good trip! 😘

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• 17 Things to Do in Istanbul for FREE
• What to do in Marmaris: 19 essentials