Istanbul airport to city centre: trains, buses, taxis

In short: From Istanbul Airport, on the European side, the M11 metro runs to Gayrettepe (change to the M2 for Taksim) and Havaist shuttles serve the main districts. Sabiha Gökçen is on the Asian side. With luggage or a late arrival, a booked transfer is easiest.

Your options

M11 metro (Istanbul Airport)

The M11 links the airport to Gayrettepe in about 35 to 40 minutes; the M2 then continues to Taksim. Pay with the rechargeable Istanbulkart.

Havaist shuttles

Havaist buses run from the airport to Taksim, Sultanahmet, Kadıköy and other districts: handy if your hotel is near a stop.

Sabiha Gökçen (Asian side)

The second airport is on the Asian side: shuttles and the metro link it to the city. Check which airport you land at, as journeys to the European side can be long.

Taxi and transfer

Taxis are plentiful; a booked transfer saves haggling and drops you at the door, which helps in the old town’s narrow lanes.

Our tips

1. Check your arrival airport and terminal: some cities have several, far apart.
2. Plan the journey before you leave: offline route, hotel address in local script if needed.
3. Have data from touchdown (eSIM or a suitable plan) to follow your route or call a ride.
4. Late arrival, kids or big bags: a booked transfer avoids waiting and haggling.
5. Beware of unofficial drivers approaching travellers in the arrivals hall.

What next?

To choose your area, see Where to stay in Istanbul; for sightseeing, Things to do in Istanbul. All our tips for the country: Travel in Turkey.