How to Get from Istanbul Airport (IST & SAW) to the City Center: Complete Guide

Getting from Istanbul’s airports to the city center can feel very confusing, especially if it’s your first time.

If you’re journey in Turkey starts at one of Istanbul’s airports, you can reach your place at the city center the following ways:
By
– metro
– shuttle bus
– taxi
– private transfer

Let’s break down the options from both Istanbul International Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) to help you choose the best route for your trip.

From Istanbul International Airport (IST) to Istanbul City Center

1. Metro: The Budget-Friendly Choice

Istanbul has a very well-developed and safe public transport, you’ll see!
The M11 metro line connects IST to the city, offering a cost-effective way to travel. However, it’s not a direct route to the heart of Istanbul. You’ll need to transfer lines, which can be a bit of a hassle if you’re carrying heavy luggage.

The total cost is around $1-3 and the duration of the journey will take about a little over an hour.

It actually takes 40-45 minutes, but give it an hour with all the changes, waiting and  the time you need as a first-timer. The metro operates from 6:00 AM to midnight.​

Remember to purchase an Istanbulkart for seamless travel across public transport. The card isn’t personal so you can buy only one and use it with multiple passengers, if you are traveling with a company. Children up to 6 years travel for free.

If you choose this route, here are the details about it:

– head to IST airport subway station, located right outside of Exit11, on the front side of the car park

– take the metro line M11 from Istanbul International Airport (IST) to Gayrettepe metro station (6 stops)

– From Gayrettepe station, head to the M2 metro line. Follow the signs to the M2 Station.
From the M2 Gayrettepe Station, head towards Yenikapi and from here you have the options to:

– get off at Taksim Station (3 stops) if your accommodation is nearby in Beyoglu neighborhood

– get off at Vezneciler Station (6 stops) where you’re already in the Old city of Istanbul and you can continue walking about 1-2 km (20-25min) to Sultanahmet

– or continue to Yenıkapı Station (7 stops) if you need to reach Sultanahmet area and prefer to do it with the public transport

– at Yenıkapı metro station you need to catch the Marmaray line B1. To do so, take the escalator and exit via Gazi Mustafa Kemal Paşa St. Then enter via Gazi Mustafa Kemal Paşa St and take the other escalator down to the Yenıkapı Marmaray station.

– From there, you need to get off the Marmaray B1 at the next stop – Sırkecı. You’re already in Istanbul’s city centre and you should be within walking distance from your hotel.

2. Havaist Shuttle Buses: Comfortable and Direct

Havaist buses are a reliable and budget-friendly option, especially if you’re heading to popular areas like Sultanahmet or Taksim. The shuttle buses are operating 24/7, they run every 35 – 45 minutes and tickets cost about 275TL ($7-8). 

To reach the bus station go to the -2 airport level.
The journey can take up to 90 minutes, depending on traffic. You can pay using your Istanbulkart, credit card, or purchase tickets via the Havaist app.

If you use their app, you can also purchase a Round-Trip Ticket and safe 40% on the return ticket. It’s valid for 30 days. Both departure and return tickets must be purchased for the same route. For using this offer, make sure to check their conditions on the official website.

3. Taxis

If this is your first time arriving in Istanbul and Turkey at all, I totally understand if you’re not ready to hop on the public transport.
So choose to take a taxi from the airport or book your private transfer.

Taxis are available 24/7 at IST.
A ride to the city center typically costs between $35 to 50 but prices can vary based on traffic and your exact destination. The journey takes approximately 50 minutes to an hour, again depending on the traffic, which usually in Istanbul is heavy.

Unfortunately a lot of people are reporting being scammed by taxi drivers, even of reliable companies, so just have in mind it can happen even to the best.

If you choose to take a taxi from the airport, here is where to find one, which one is the right for you and what to watch for:

– outside of every airport level you will find the official taxi ranks –  just follow the signs to get there

– only 1 company operates at the New Istanbul International Airport (IST) for now, it’s called “Istanbul Airport Taxis”

– taxis are available there 24/7, so don’t worry at all

– choose between the budget-friendly yellow & orange taxis, more comfortable blue taxis or the luxury black car taxis (fares vary depending on the taxi type)

– fare & duration – make sure they use the taximeter properly and so it should cost approximately 30-50 USD to a place in the city center, depending also on the traffic jam. Remember, the city is huge, and so is the city center, and it can vary. It will take around 1 hour to get there, as the traffic is massive in Istanbul.

– ask in advance for paying with a credit card, for the average cost and make sure the driver gets your final destination right – do all of this before jumping in the car. You can also have your route on the phone and keep an eye on it while in the taxi.

4. Private Transfers: Stress-Free Travel

For a hassle-free experience, consider booking a private transfer.

Use only verified services for a pre-booked taxi/private transfer like Booking.com, Istanbul Airport Taxi website, Istanbul Shuttle Port or ask your hotel to do it for you.

Some of these companies offer fixed-price services, including perks like meet-and-greet at the airport, Wi-Fi, and even baby seats upon request. Prices vary based on the vehicle type and destination, but the peace of mind can be worth the extra cost. 

5. Car rental

Honestly, I would absolutely recommend you to NOT hire a car and drive in Istanbul!

Istanbul’s traffic is very heavy, with huge traffic jams and finding a parking place is a nightmare. As a bonus, you need to deal with the local’s crazy driving style – do yourself a favor and skip it as a first-timer in Istanbul.

Renting a car from Istanbul only makes sense if you want to reach another city in Turkey outside of Istanbul, like driving to the coast or to Cappadocia.

From Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) to Istanbul City Center

1. Metro – M4 Line Now Reaches the Airport

Good news! The M4 metro line now goes directly to SAW, making it a budget-friendly option. The entire journey from the airport to Istanbul’s central areas like Taksim or Sultanahmet can take around 90-120 minutes and costs approximately $1-3 (as from IST) depending on how many changes you do.

Here is exactly how to get from SAW airport to Istanbul city center by public transport, using metro:

– when arriving at SAW airport, you need to walk about 850 m (15min) to Sabiha Gökçen Airport Metro Station.

– from there, take the M4 line to Ayrılık Çeşmesi Station (21 stops, around 1 hour). From here, you have 2 routes depending on wich part of Istanbul’s city center you want to reach:

To Sultanahmet (Old City):
– when at Ayrılık Çeşmesi Station, transfer to the B1 Marmaray line to reach the European side. To transfer, take the elevator at the metroline and exit via Tepe Nautilus Alışveriş Merkezi (lift), walk a little bit until you enter the Marmaray via Taşköprü St and take the escalator. You’ll reach the Marmaray station called also Ayrılık Çeşmesi.

– from the Ayrılık Çeşmesi Marmaray station with B1 Marmaray you’re only 2 stops away from the Old city of Istanbul on the European side. Stop at Sırkecı Station.

–  at Sırkecı Station you should be also within a walking distance from your hotel in the Sultanahmet area.

To Taksim Square:
– when at Ayrılık Çeşmesi Metro Station, take the elevator and exit via Dr. Eyüp Aksoy St (lift) then walk to enter the Marmaray at Ayrılıkçeşmesi Marmaray Station

– from Ayrılıkçeşmesi Marmaray you’ll have 31 stops (around 50 min) to reach Taksim Marmaray Station which is exactly on the Taksim Square.

2. Havabus Shuttles: Direct to Taksim

There is a shuttle bus called Havabus operating from SAW airport to Taksim Square, one of the popular locations in the city center of Istanbul.

Tickets cost around $7-8, and the journey takes approximately 1.5 hours, again depending on traffic. Buses run every 30 minutes, and you can pay onboard with cash or card (expect additional costs to be applied).​

The shuttle bus operates from 6.30AM to 12.30AM from SAW airport to the city centre (Taksim square) and from 3.30AM to 10PM towards Taksim – SAW airport.
Always have a look at their official website before arrival and check the schedule.

3. Taxis

Taxis from SAW to Istanbul city center can be quicker, especially during off-peak hours. Expect to pay between $30-50, but as always – make sure the taximeter is running to avoid overcharging. It’s also a good idea to have your destination written down in Turkish to prevent any misunderstandings.​

Another option for taxis is to download and use the Bitaksi app – the official taxi app in Türkiye, where you can also check the ride cost in advance.

4. Private Transfers: Comfort and Reliability

Companies like Booking.com or Istanbul Shuttle Port also offer services from SAW, and they provide a comfortable and reliable option.
The costs of the ride should be similar to the taxi one – $30-50.

You can also take advantage of their services like a meet-and-greet at the airport, fixed pricing, and various vehicle options to suit your needs. And honestly, booking in advance guarantees a smooth transportation from the airport to your accommodation in Istanbul city center.

Tips for a Smooth Arrival

• Avoid Airport Currency Exchanges: The rates at airport kiosks are often much worse than the ones in the city center. Wait until you’re in the city to exchange money or withdraw cash from reliable ATMs.​
  
• Purchase an Istanbulkart: This card is rechargeable and so helpful for using public transport in Istanbul, if you’re in the city for at least 1-2 days. With it, you can use buses, metros, ferries and even the public toilets. You can buy one at the airport or major transit stations – here’s exactly how.​
  
• Stay connected: If your phone supports eSIM, consider buying a data package before your trip. Alternatively, you can buy a Turkish SIM card at the airport or in the city center.​
  
• Beware of Scams: Always use official taxi stands and avoid accepting rides from individuals approaching you inside the terminal. If something feels off, trust your instincts and don’t be shy to ask for assistance from airport staff.
  
• Plan ahead: Booking transfers or understanding your route in advance can save time and reduce your stress when at a new place and a huge and crowded one like Istanbul city.​

Navigating from Istanbul’s airports to the city center doesn’t have to be exhausting. With the right information you already have from this article and a bit of planning, you can start your Istanbul adventure smoothly and enjoy the city stressless.​