Istanbul Airport (IST): What to Know
Istanbul Airport (code IST) opened to most passenger flights in April 2019 and replaced Atatürk Airport. It is on the European side, in the north near the Black Sea, about 40 to 45 km from Taksim. It has one very large terminal, so the walk between areas can be long.
Do Not Mix Up the Airports
Istanbul has two passenger airports: IST on the European side and Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) on the Asian side. Before you book a ride, check the code on your ticket. If you only tell a driver "Istanbul airport", you may end up at the wrong one, and between them lies a long drive across the city.
If anyone suggests the "old Atatürk airport", that advice is out of date: scheduled passenger flights no longer use it.
How Much Time to Allow
The terminal is large, so security queues and the walk to the gate can take a while. Airlines usually advise arriving early, and for international flights we build in a margin too. When you book a ride to the airport, we suggest a pick-up time that fits the hour of day.
Getting There
The M11 metro, Havaist buses and fast motorways all lead there. We compare the options in metro, bus or car from IST. By car from Taksim, Google Maps gives 30 to 50 minutes in the morning and at midday, and 40 to 65 minutes on weekday evenings.
Help Inside the Terminal
You can book an escort inside the terminal: someone meets you and helps you through the checks. Our sister brand IST Airport Meet and Greet does this, and you can ask about it when you book. Your driver still waits outside as usual.
Common Questions
Where Is Istanbul Airport?
On the European side, in the north of the city near the Black Sea, in the Arnavutköy district.
What Is It Called on My Ticket?
Istanbul Airport, code IST. Do not confuse it with Sabiha Gökçen, code SAW.
Is Atatürk Airport Still Open?
Scheduled passenger flights have not used it since 2019.