Istanbul Airport (IST)

The new Istanbul Airport on the European side of the city is the main international airport serving Istanbul. The airport is a major hub for Turkish Airlines. By total passenger traffic, it is the busiest airport in Europe and 13th-busiest airport in the world. It is about 40 kilometres away from Taksim and 52 kilometres from both Sultanahmet, historical centre on the European side of Istanbul, and Kadıköy, city centre on the Asian side. The Istanbul Airport currently operates a single terminal for domestic and international flights. Free WiFi is available at Istanbul Airport for one hour. You can register with your phone number or by using your passport at WiFi kiosks. The most popular mode of transportation to the airport from the city centre is by HAVAİST buses. They have stations throughout the city, including next to Taksim Square. You can buy your ticket online, at least 6 hours in advance, or pay by card when you board. The new M11 metro line, launched in January 2023, also connects Istanbul Airport to the city. Istanbul city taxis are readily available 24 hours a day outside the arrival and departure areas of the airport. A trip to Istanbul city centre by taxi takes approximately 40 minutes. Alternatively, Uber operates in Istanbul.

• Web:

  www.istairport.com/en/?locale=en

• E-mail:

  ist@igairport.aero

• Address:

  İstanbul Havalimanı, Arnavutköy, Istanbul

• Phone:

  +90 444 1 442

Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW)

Sabiha Gökçen serves as Pegasus Airlines' main base, this airport offers more budget-friendly flights than Turkish Airlines. Despite being smaller than Istanbul's primary airport, Sabiha Gökçen maintains significant importance with connections across Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, Central Asia and more. The M4 metro line provides direct access to Kadıköy on Istanbul's Asian side, where travellers can transfer to Turkish Railways or ferries continuing to the city centre. Facilities include various cafes and restaurants, free Wi-Fi, charging stations, and shops selling travel essentials and mobile accessories.

• Web:

  www.sabihagokcen.aero/metro-en

• Address:

  Sanayi, Pendik, İstanbul

• Phone:

  +90 216 588 88 88

Public Transport

There is one public and one private bus network, IETT and Halk Otobus, respectively. The underground, Tünel, runs from Karaköy till Istiklâl Cad in Beyoglu and takes a few minutes. There is also a museum tram up toward Taksim Square. Another tram route goes from Kabatas via Galata bridge and the Spice Bazaar to the south-western suburbs. The Metro goes from Taksim north to Levent and from Aksaray to Otogar in Esenler, where buses depart for other parts of Turkey, Europe and to the airport. Dolmuses are minibuses or large taxis that depart when they are full, and stop where you want them to. They are the cheapest form of transport. Ferries between Europe and Asia leave from Eminönü, Karaköy and Besiktas to Üsküdar, Kadiköy and Harem. Akbil is a type of payment card that you can top up with various sums and use on buses, boats and trams. It can be bought at major junctions.

• Web:

  www.iett.istanbul/en

• E-mail:

  iett@iett.gov.tr

Taxi

Taxis are yellow in the inner city and lilac in the suburbs. There are numerous taxi companies. Different hotels work with different companies and can book your transport to the airport. It’s best to hail a taxi on the street, or go to a taxi rank and ask for a business card. Alternatively, Uber and a local app called BiTaksi are available in Istanbul involving regular vehicles and yellow taxis.

Electricity

The standard voltage in Turkey is 220V with a frequency of 50Hz. The standard power plugs are Type C and Type F.

Pharmacy

Pharmacies are called 'Eczane' in Turkish. Istanbul offers many options both working regular hours or 24/7. In Istanbul, there isn't a dominant pharmacy chain; they are owned by individual pharmacists.