Transportation in Istanbul

Istanbul is a large and busy city that connects Europe and Asia, offering many ways to get around. The public transportation system is wide-ranging and includes buses, trams, ferries, and the Metro, making it easy to travel between different areas. The Metro is modern and keeps growing, while the trams and ferries provide scenic and historic rides. Istanbul has two major airports, Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gökçen Airport, which handle flights from around the world. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also available, though traffic can sometimes be heavy. Overall, Istanbul's transportation system combines old and new options, making it easy for people to move around the city.

Useful Tips for Visitors in Istanbul

For first-time visitors arriving at Istanbul Airport, here’s a comprehensive guide and some tips to make the arrival process easier:

1. Arrival and Passport Control

• After disembarking, follow the signs to Passport Control. There might be separate lines for Turkish citizens, foreigners, and VIP passengers, so make sure to join the correct line.

• Have your passport and visa (if required) ready. Some nationalities can get an e-Visa online before arrival, while others might need to purchase a visa on arrival. Make sure you know the requirements for your nationality in advance.

2. Collecting Baggage

• After clearing passport control, proceed to Baggage Claim. Look for your flight number on the display screens above the carousels to find the correct one.

• Luggage carts are available for free in this area.

3. Customs

• After collecting your baggage, you will pass through Customs. There are two exits:

  • Green for passengers with nothing to declare.

  • Red for those with goods to declare.

• Typically, visitors won’t have anything to declare, so they can use the green lane and proceed to the Arrivals Hall.

4. Getting Turkish Currency (TRY)

• ATMs: Look for ATMs near the Arrivals Hall. You can use international debit or credit cards to withdraw Turkish Lira (TRY).

• Currency Exchange: If you prefer exchanging cash, there are currency exchange counters near the baggage claim area and the Arrivals Hall. Rates may not be as favorable as in the city, but it’s convenient for immediate needs.

5. Transportation to the City

• Taxi:

  • Follow the signs to the Taxi area outside the Arrivals Hall.

  • Official taxis are yellow, and there are also turquoise and black taxis, which are more upscale.

  • The taxi fare to central areas of Istanbul, like Sultanahmet or Taksim, typically ranges between 250-350 TRY, depending on traffic and distance.

  • Make sure to take a licensed taxi from the official queue and confirm the driver uses the meter.

• Havaist Shuttle Bus:

  • Havaist buses provide regular, comfortable shuttle service to various parts of Istanbul. Signs in the Arrivals Hall will direct you to the Havaist bus station.

  • You can buy tickets at kiosks, or use the Havaist app for online ticketing. Fares are around 40-50 TRY, depending on the destination.

  • Check the Havaist website or app for schedules, routes, and stops, as they have routes to popular areas like Taksim, Sultanahmet, and Kadıköy.

• Istanbul Metro:

  • The metro is a budget-friendly option. The M11 line connects the airport to some parts of the city.

  • To use the metro, you will need an Istanbulkart, which can be purchased at kiosks in the airport.

  • If your hotel is located close to a metro stop, this can be a great way to save on transportation costs.

6. Getting an Istanbulkart for Public Transport

• An Istanbulkart is a reloadable travel card that can be used for all public transportation in Istanbul, including buses, trams, ferries, and the metro.

• You can purchase an Istanbulkart at vending machines in the Arrivals Hall or near metro entrances. Simply follow the instructions on the machine to load an initial balance.

7. SIM Cards and Wi-Fi

• Free Wi-Fi is available at Istanbul Airport for a limited time. Just follow the on-screen instructions to connect.

• For longer stays or better connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card from one of the mobile network providers in the Arrivals Hall (Turkcell, Vodafone, or Türk Telekom).

• Be prepared to show your passport when purchasing a SIM card.

8. Dining and Shopping

• Istanbul Airport offers a wide variety of dining options, ranging from fast food to sit-down restaurants, as well as cafes and bakeries.

• There are also numerous shops, including duty-free stores where you can purchase souvenirs, electronics, and more.

9. Additional Tips

• Download the BiTaksi or Uber app for ease of transportation around the city.

• Traffic can be heavy, especially during rush hours (8–10 a.m. and 5–8 p.m.), so plan accordingly if you need to be somewhere at a specific time.

• Keep small denominations of cash on hand for easier transactions, as not all taxis or small shops accept credit cards.