Metro, Bus or Car from Istanbul Airport?
From Istanbul Airport you can reach the centre by the M11 metro, by a Havaist bus or by a car booked in advance. The metro is usually faster than the bus but needs changes. The bus runs without changes to several districts. A car takes you closest to the door, copes best with luggage, and its price does not depend on how many of you there are.
The M11 Metro
The M11 line links the airport with the business district, running through Kağıthane to Gayrettepe, where you change to the M2 for Taksim and Şişli. The Old City needs one more change. From the station you still have to walk or ride to your hotel.
It is a good choice if you travel alone, light and by day. With large suitcases the changes get tiring, especially on the M2 at rush hour. Check current hours and fares on the Metro Istanbul website.
Havaist Buses
Havaist buses leave from the terminal for several districts, including Taksim and Kadıköy. Luggage goes in the hold, and there is no change if the bus serves your district. The downside: the bus sits in the same traffic, and from the last stop you still have to reach your hotel.
We cover them in more detail in our guide to Istanbul's airport buses. Routes and fares change often, so check the operator's official website before you travel.
A Booked Car
A ride booked from Istanbul Airport costs from €95 per car. The driver waits in arrivals with a sign, and tolls and an hour of waiting are in the price. Google Maps gives 40 to 75 minutes to Taksim on a weekday and 50 to 85 minutes to Sultanahmet. You can write your request in Russian, and some of our drivers speak it. How this differs from a metered city cab is in a separate comparison.
What to Choose
| If You Are | Best Fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Alone, with a backpack, by day | Metro | Fast and free of traffic |
| Two of you with cases, district on a bus route | Havaist bus | No changes to your district |
| A family of 3 to 6 | A Vito | One price per car, free child seat |
| On a night flight to an Old City hotel | A booked car | Door-to-door at any hour |
| On a business trip | An E-Class or S-Class | A precise time and a company invoice |
Common Questions
Does the Metro Run at Night?
Not around the clock. Check the timetable on the Metro Istanbul website in advance, especially if you land late.
How Long Is the Drive to Taksim?
40 to 75 minutes by car on a weekday, according to Google Maps. The bus uses the same motorways.
Is It True That Atatürk Airport No Longer Takes Passengers?
Yes. Since April 2019, scheduled passenger flights have moved to the new Istanbul Airport (IST). The city's other passenger airport is Sabiha Gökçen (SAW).