How to get From Istanbul Airport to the Taksim by Airport Bus? – Bus services are now operational from the airport. There are 19 different routes and more than 150 daily buses connecting the airport to several destinations. The buses are operated by three different companies: Seyahat (intercity transport), Havaist and IETT,
Buses provide luggage spaces for passengers.The current best option to reach the city centre (Taksim Square) is to take the H2 line to Sisli-Mecidiyekoy station.You can take the M2 metro line to Taksim Square from this station.Another good option is the Havaist line from Sultanahmet IST 1S.
Photo by KuzeyArdaEkim on Pixabay
Contents
- 1 How much is bus from Istanbul Airport to Taksim?
- 2 Is there a metro line from Istanbul Airport?
- 3 Can you pay cash on Istanbul bus?
- 4 How do I get from Istanbul Airport to my hotel?
- 5 Is 1.5 hours enough for connecting flight in Istanbul Airport?
- 6 Is Istanbul Airport safe for transit?
- 7 Can you get around with English in Istanbul?
- 8 Is there a shuttle between the two airports in Istanbul?
- 9 Is Uber allowed in Istanbul Airport?
How do I get from Istanbul Airport to Taksim?
Havaist Airport Shuttle – Havaist is a new airport shuttle service operating several bus lines between the new Istanbul airport and spots all over Istanbul. To reach Taksim, it’s really straightforward. You take the line HVIST-16: New Istanbul Airport – Taksim (which also stops at Nürtepe Viyadük and Piyalepaşa) and you get off at the last stop, in front of the Point Hotel, close to Taksim square.
From there you can either walk to your hotel, take a taxi or the metro. There used to be a line going to Sultanahmet. Unfortunately, due to lesser demand, this line has been canceled for the time being. Instead, you can take the HVIST-12: İstanbul Havalimanı – Beyazıt Meydan line to Beyazıt Meydan (last stop), and there switch to the T1 – Kabataş-Bağcılar tram in the direction of Eminönü or Kabataş until you reach Sultanahmet.
This is far from an ideal option because reaching the T1 platform and riding the often busy tram line with (a lot of) luggage is a challenge. Another option is of course a private shuttle (see below). The fare for the bus lines is 52 TL per person, one way, two pieces of luggage included.
How much is a taxi from Istanbul Airport to Taksim?
How much is a taxi from Istanbul Airport to Taksim? – The ride from Istanbul Airport (IST) to the Taksim area in the city center costs approximately 17 €/16.90$ (310₺) and should last around 40 minutes. As Istanbul taxi fares are calculated via a taximeter, the final fee will, unfortunately, be subject to the traffic conditions which are usually congested.
How much is bus from Istanbul Airport to Taksim?
Istanbul Airport to Taksim by Bus – If you prefer using the airport bus for your transfer, you will be glad to know that the elegant and available around-the-clock Havaist bus iSt-16 leaves Istanbul Airport and heads directly to Taksim Area. The bus iST-16 departs from the airport every 20 minutes (every 30 minutes during the low hours) and traverses the 40km distance to Taksim in about 90 minutes, depending on the traffic levels.
The bus ticket costs 67₺ (3.67€/3.60$). Another alternative would be the cheaper IETT bus H-2. However, it doesn’t offer a direct connection to Taksim. Hence, you will have to switch between means of transport, making your transfer longer, more expensive, and tiring. Istanbul airport’s bus station is located on the -2 floor.
Bear in mind that you can pay in cash for your bus ticket only at the airport’s designated cash payment points. Alternatively, you can either buy an Istanbulkart (you will easily purchase one at the bus station), which can be used for all means of public transportation, or pay via credit card using the Havaist App.
How much does airport transfer cost in Istanbul?
Do Istanbul airport taxi drivers accept credit cards? – Unfortunately, it’s extremely uncommon for Istanbul airport taxi drivers to accept credit cards. It’s advisable that you carry cash with you in the local currency to pay for your journey. If needed, there are ATMs in the arrivals hall at Istanbul airport.
Is Uber cheap in Istanbul?
Black Taxi Uber – Black Taxis are an 8-seater Uber taxi with a large seating area designed to accommodate families and groups of friends. They launched in 2022 and are a major hit for locals and foreigners alike. Black Taxi Uber in Istanbul utilizes premium vehicles so riders can travel in style and comfort.
Is 2 hour transit enough in Istanbul?
How early should I be at the airport before my flight? You are required to be at the terminal at least 3 hours before your international flights and at least 2 hours before your domestic flights.
Why is Taksim Square famous?
Demonstrations and incidents – The square used to be an important venue for political protests,
- On February 16, 1969, some 150 leftist demonstrators were injured during clashes with right wing groups in what is known as ” Bloody Sunday “.
- In the events known as the Taksim Square massacre, 36 left-wing demonstrators were killed by unidentified and allegedly right-wing gunmen on the square during the Labour Day demonstrations of May 1, 1977.
- On 10 August 1982, Artin Penik, a Turkish Armenian, set himself on fire to protest the Esenboga airport attack by the Armenian Secret Army for the Liberation of Armenia,
- Taksim Square was the location of football riots in 2000 when two Leeds United fans were stabbed to death during clashes with Galatasaray fans, the night before the 1999-2000 UEFA Cup semi-final first leg match between the two teams.
- On October 31, 2010, a suicide bomb went off next to a police bus. The bomber, a TAK militant, died, while 15 police officers and 17 civilians were injured.
A march to protest the Circassian genocide took place in May 2011.
Following many other violent incidents, all protests and demonstrations were banned and today police units maintain a round-the-clock presence to prevent any incidents. It is many years since either May Day or New Year’s Day events were permitted to take place in the square, with much of the surrounding area usually fenced off for the day and the Metro station often closed to prevent people gathering.
Is Uber allowed in Istanbul Airport?
Uber is available at Istanbul Airport, so you can enjoy a comfortable and convenient trip to wherever you need to go. Where is the Uber pickup location at Atatürk Airport? To find your pickup location, check the Uber app after you request a ride.
Do you tip taxi drivers in Istanbul?
For Taxis – There is no tradition of tipping the taxi drivers in Turkey, but there is the tradition of rounding up the fare. This means if the fare is 38 TL, we hand 40 TL and the rest becomes the tip for the driver if we enjoyed the ride. If you don’t keep the change, they will try to change it because it is not mandatory.
What is the cheapest transportation in Istanbul?
İstanbulkart – A plastic RFID chip card that you purchase, load money onto it, then use it to pay transit fares, the Istanbulkart is the cheapest and most convenient way to travel on public transit in Istanbul. More.
Is there a metro line from Istanbul Airport?
M11 (Istanbul Metro) Transit line in the largest city of Turkey M11 Gayrettepe–Istanbul Airport–Halkalı Hasdal Station (Under Construction) OverviewStatus In Testing Phase Kağıthane – Kargo Terminali Under Construction Kağıthane – GayrettepeKargo Terminali – Halkalı OwnerLine numberM11Locale, TurkeyTermini
- Gayrettepe
- Halkalı
Stations16ServiceTypeSystemServices1Operator(s)Metro Istanbul A.Ş.Depot(s)ArnavutköyRolling stock176 HistoryPlanned openingQ4 2022 (Kağıthane – Istanbul Airport) April 2023 (Gayrettepe – Kağıthane) 2023 (Halkalı – Istanbul Airport)TechnicalLine length69 km (43 mi)Number of tracks2 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 + 1 ⁄ 2 in) 1,500 V DC Operating speed120 km/h (75 mph) Line M11, officially referred to as the M11 Gayrettepe–Istanbul Airport–Halkalı Metro Line (: Gayrettepe-İstanbul Havalimanı-Halkalı Metro Hattı ), is a line of the, currently under construction in,,
The — portion of the line is currently planned to open in Q4 2022. The purpose of this line is to provide direct and quick access from the in to, Istanbul’s main commercial center and to, one of the city’s most important train stations. Unlike other metro lines, the M11 will be a limited stop service, meaning that stations will be spaced further apart.
This is most noticeable towards the line’s southern ends, where the M11 will only have seven stations within Istanbul’s urban area: Halkalı, Tema Park, Olimpiyat, Kayaşehir and Fenertepe in the west and Gayrettepe and Kağıthane in the east. It will have two legs, one from Gayrettepe to Istanbul Airport line and the second from Halkalı to Istanbul Airport line.
- The first leg of the rapid transit line will be 37.2 km (23.1 mi) long with nine stations.
- The second leg of the line will be 31.5 km (19.6 mi) long with seven stations, in a total of 69 km (43 mi) with sixteen stations.
- The travel time between the end stations will be 60 minutes at a maximum speed of 120 km/h (75 mph).
The line will run through five,,,, and, It is expected that the line will carry annually around 94 million passengers. The M11 line will connect to other rapid transit lines:,,,, (twice), and at the airport to the high-speed train line. The investment budget of the construction is € 999.8 million.
Can you pay cash on Istanbul bus?
You need to get an Istanbul kart – its a prepaid card which works on all the modes you mention. Cash or card is not accepted.
How do I get from Istanbul Airport to my hotel?
Transfer Options from Istanbul International Airport to Istanbul City Center (Sultanahmet) – The new Istanbul International Airport is connected to Istanbul city center via taxi and bus. In the future, Metro Line M11 will also run from the new aviation hub to Istanbul, but for the moment, you can only choose between a private transfer (taxi, car) or a shuttle service.
Briefly, an Istanbul airport taxi will comfortably transfer you to your accommodation in the city center in about 50 minutes, costing you 19.18€/19.10$ (350₺), while the ride with an airport bus will take approximately 100 minutes with a fare of 67₺ (3.67€/3.60$) depending on the chosen service line.
However, in both cases, the journey duration is unfortunately subject to the traffic levels,
Options | Price (€) | Price ($) | Price (₺) | Duration |
---|---|---|---|---|
Taxi | 19.18 | 19.10 | 350 | 50 min |
Bus | 3.67 | 3.60 | 67 | 100 min |
Do I need a visa for airport transfer Turkey?
Question: I would like to visit Türkiye, where can I find information about visas and application requirements? Answer: Please visit https://www.konsolosluk.gov.tr/ekonsolosluk/ internet address to find out about visa application formalities. You can also obtain information from the Ministry’s internet site; http://www.mfa.gov.tr/sub.en.mfa?cc4e437c-6769-4d79-9017-10b63c651224 or contact the Turkish missions in your country (please follow the link: http://www.mfa.gov.tr/turkish-representations.en.mfa ).
- Question: I am taking a Mediterranean boat cruise with my family.
- Our ship will also visit Kuşadası.
- Do we need visas to enter Türkiye? Answer: Foreigners who are travelling to Türkiye by cruises are allowed to enter Türkiye without visa for a maximum period of 72 hours, with the permission given by the local security authorities.
Question: I will be flying to Europe. I know that our aircraft will land in İstanbul. I am not planning to leave the transit lounge. Do I need to get transit visa? Answer: If you will not leave the transit lounge at the airport you are not required to have transit visa.
Do you tip private transfer in Turkey?
Taxis – For taxi drivers, don’t tip, just round the fare upwards to a convenient amount. For example, if the fare is TL 107, round it up to TL 110. For private transfer services, no tip is required, though if you wish to tip—if the driver has been particularly obliging—5% to 10% of the fare is appropriate.
Do you need cash in Istanbul?
You will need cash during your stay in Istanbul, there is no way around it. Sure, credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, bars and stores, but there are occasions that require cash money. So, do you bring cash along or do you withdraw it from an ATM? Do I bring Dollars, Euros or Turkish Liras? Where do I best exchange my money? Here’s my safe and practical Istanbul money strategy. ATMs in Istanbul. © Photo by FaceMePLS
Which taxi app is good in Istanbul?
1. iTaksi – Istanbul’s best taxi app is iTaxi. The experienced drivers will ensure that you reach your destination safely and comfortably. iTaxi exclusively links users with trustworthy and certified drivers, so you can stay calm and carry on with your day while getting to your destination.
- They provide a variety of services, including door-to-door driving, airport pick-up, city sightseeing trips, excursion tours, fair visits, hotel transfers, and more.
- ITaxi is a free and simple smartphone app that allows you to order a taxicab in seconds.
- Get the app and register (as a personal or corporate user, or with a company coupon code).
Choose a payment method (add a credit card or choose Apple Pay, GPay, PayPal, or BLIK) There are two pricing choices available: Utilize iTaxi Ticket to check the whole cost of the journey before calling a cab or use the taximeter like a regular taxi to control the route your driver travels.
- All of the drivers have been checked for identification, have completed the internal exam, and are fully insured for your peace of mind.
- Don’t worry about bringing cash or credit cards; simply choose mobile payments and the taxi bill will be charged to your preferred method of payment.
- You may book a future journey by simply selecting the day and time you want, and you can be confident that your taxi will arrive on time! Do you require a certain vehicle? You have the option of selecting the number of seats, as well as a safety barrier, a big trunk, or pet transportation.
These may be accessed with a single mouse click. Are you going somewhere special? If you want to travel elegantly in a premium vehicle, this is the choice for you. Would you rather travel in silence? Simply choose the Quiet Ride option on your profile! iTaxi has announced a new ticketing scheme that allows consumers to charge taxi rides to their Play postpaid contracts.
Centili, a multinational payments and invoicing company, handles technological integration. It is one of the first examples of direct carrier billing in ticketing in the EU taxi business, allowing riders to pay for a single journey in advance. Istanbul, Europe’s largest metropolis, has more licensed taxis than New York City’s yellow cabs, making it a massive market.
A basic yellow taxicab license can cost up to TRY 1,600,000 ($450,000). iTaksi will take a 4.95 percent fee for every journey, producing an additional $56.6 million for the municipality, according to the contract that all Istanbul cab drivers must now sign.
Taxi drivers who are worried about alienating passengers by installing an iTaksi risk having their licenses revoked. iTaksi, an Istanbul taxi app, will provide you with the best rates, routes, and communication. It is offered and sponsored by the Istanbul Municipality, and it allows customers to locate and hail a cab.
Its goal is to connect drivers and passengers, and it provides a simple and safe method to use smart gadgets to enjoy your journey. Both the Apple Store and the Google Play Store have iTaksi. You may download the app and use it to hail a cab from anywhere in Istanbul.
- Their emblem can also be found on registered yellow cabs.
- We suggest this choice since iTaksi cabs are registered with the Istanbul Municipality, and both drivers and routes are monitored and graded.
- So the taxi driver won’t be able to take advantage of you by taking the long route.
- It’s also preferable to waiting on the street.
More information may be found at itaksi.com.
Is public transport free in Istanbul?
A single ticket for public transport costs 15 TL per person. There are also 2-ride tickets for 25TL, 3-ride tickets for 35 TL, 5-ride tickets for 45 TL and 10-ride tickets for 90 TL. In addition, there is an electronic card that is used for the entire public transport network in Istanbul, the Istanbulkart.
Is 1.5 hours enough for connecting flight in Istanbul Airport?
To make an international to domestic connection: 1.5 hours – If you’re connecting at IST, give yourself a minimum of 90 minutes to go through customs and immigration. Note that some domestic flights arrive and depart from Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW).
Is Istanbul Airport safe for transit?
Istanbul Airports: Know Before you Go – The new Istanbul airport on the coast of the Black Sea is one of the biggest airports in the entire world. It was just finished at the end of 2019, so the entire airport is very modern, efficient, clean, and safe. I’ve flown in and out of here twice now, and it’s SO much better than the previous Ataturk airport.
- Turkish airlines as well as most of the other airlines at Istanbul airport are reputable, so you shouldn’t worry about the safety of this airport at all.
- However, I would try to avoid Istanbul’s other airport: Sabiha Gokcen International Airport,
- Specifically, I would avoid flying Pegasus airlines at this airport, as there were two recent incidents where planes slipped off the run-way with this airline and at this airport.
More about this here. Most likely you won’t experience anything like this when traveling through Istanbul. But I still would go with flying through Istanbul airport instead. If you ever encounter issues, especially with Turkish Airlines, you can tweet to your airline directly.
- Turkish Airlines will also offer you a free tour of the city OR a hotel stay if you happen to have a flight with a mandatory layover.
- More about this here.
- There is so much to experience that one trip alone will not cover the entire city.
- I encourage you to travel to Istanbul despite its current reputation in the media.
If you exercise the same caution in any major U.S. or European city, with a bit of cultural awareness, you’ll be set to have the time of your life!
Can you get around with English in Istanbul?
Frequently Asked Questions about Istanbul
1. What’s the best time of year to visit Istanbul? |
Istanbul is a popular destination all year round, although summer can get very hot and winter is usually cold and rainy with the occasional snow flurry. Spring and autumn months are best advised for a pleasant temperature and less crowding at the major sites.
2. How should I dress in Istanbul? |
Turkish dress sense is generally westernised although revealing clothing is not very common in Istanbul (nightclubs along the Bosphorus are more of an exception). As a secular state, Turkey is tolerant of other cultures and religions. Female visitors are not expected to don a head scarf, unless they are visiting a mosque and scarves are usually available to borrow.
3. What is there to do in Istanbul? |
Istanbul is Turkey’s largest city and offers many sites and things to experience. As well as the many markets and bazaars on offer, we would recommend taking a trip to the sites of the Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii) and Topkapi Palace.
4. What is it like as a non-Muslim visiting Turkey? |
While Turkey is a largely Muslim country and some are strict followers of Islam, there are many more moderate Muslims and also smaller minorities of Christian and Jewish faiths. As a secular state, Turkey is generally very open and welcoming to other cultures, and it is rare to experience any problems as a non-Muslim in Turkey.
- British nationals travelling for tourism or business purposes will no longer need a visa to enter Turkey for visits of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
- To get a full list of which nationalities require e-Visa’s click on the following link to the MFA web page: Compared to most western countries, Istanbul is a safe city.
The incidence of violent crime against foreigners is very low and few visitors to the city experience any problems. There are some scams and pickpockets operating (more so in the tourist-heavy areas) so you should exercise usual caution.
7. Is Istanbul easy to get around? What kind of transport options are there? |
Despite its huge size and number of waterways and hills, Istanbul is reasonably easy to get around. There are a large number of transport options such as bus, minibus, dolmus, tram, metro, metrobus and ferry. Also, as stated earlier, it is mandatory for travellers to wear a face mask when in transport.
8. How can I get from the European to the Asian part of Istanbul? |
There are buses, metrobuses and dolmus that make the trip between the European and Asian parts of Istanbul but the cheapest and easiest way to do it is by ferry. Ferries make the trip between Eminonu and Kadiköy and Üskudar on a regular basis. Other ferries leave from Besiktas and Kabatas.
9. Is it safe to drink water from the tap in Istanbul? |
Although the water is chlorinated in Istanbul, it is recommended you drink bottled water. Bottled water is widely available and reasonably cheap in Istanbul.
10. Is it safe to eat food from the street and small restaurants in Istanbul? |
The standard of hygiene in Istanbul is generally fairly high, and few visitors report problems related to unsafe food in the city. Practice common sense and only eat at an establishment if it looks clean and busy. Fresh fruit should be peeled before eating and salads should be avoided if you suspect they have been washed in tap water.
11. Do I need any vaccinations for a trip to Istanbul? |
No. There are no required vaccinations for Turkey, although a typhoid vaccine is recommended for longer stays.
12. Is alcohol available in Istanbul? |
Yes. Although the majority of Turks are Muslims, alcohol is readily available in Istanbul. The national drink, raki, is especially popular, along with beer and wine – of which there are numerous local brands. Istanbul also has some of the best nightlife in Europe with a seemingly never-ending supply of bars, nightclubs and restaurants.
13. What language do they speak in Istanbul? Will it be hard to get by with only English? |
Turkish is the official language of Turkey and English is widely spoken in Istanbul; visitors are often surprised by the relatively high level of English spoken by most Turks. An attempt to use Turkish is very much appreciated and considered good manners, though.
14. Should I take out travel insurance before visiting Turkey? |
Yes. It is important that before you book your holiday, you make sure that you have relevant travel insurance for you and your party. If you or any of your party develop COVID-19 symptoms while abroad, you should contact your travel insurance provider.
15. Do I need to exchange money? Are there many ATM’s in Istanbul? |
Although Euros are accepted at some larger stores and in the tourist areas, it is generally better to trade in the Turkish currency – the Turkish Lira. Exchange rates are almost always better if your currency exchange is done in Turkey, and a good strategy is to take enough local currency for your first day or so, and change the rest once you arrive.
16. Should you tip in Istanbul? |
It is customary to tip around 10% at restaurants in Turkey. If the bill reads ‘servis dahil’, then the service charge has already been added. Hamam (Turkish bath) attendants will generally expect up to 25%. It is not typical to tip taxi drivers or barmen in Turkey. : Frequently Asked Questions about Istanbul
Is there a metro line from Istanbul Airport?
M11 (Istanbul Metro) Transit line in the largest city of Turkey M11 Gayrettepe–Istanbul Airport–Halkalı Hasdal Station (Under Construction) OverviewStatus In Testing Phase Kağıthane – Kargo Terminali Under Construction Kağıthane – GayrettepeKargo Terminali – Halkalı OwnerLine numberM11Locale, TurkeyTermini
- Gayrettepe
- Halkalı
Stations16ServiceTypeSystemServices1Operator(s)Metro Istanbul A.Ş.Depot(s)ArnavutköyRolling stock176 HistoryPlanned openingQ4 2022 (Kağıthane – Istanbul Airport) April 2023 (Gayrettepe – Kağıthane) 2023 (Halkalı – Istanbul Airport)TechnicalLine length69 km (43 mi)Number of tracks2 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 + 1 ⁄ 2 in) 1,500 V DC Operating speed120 km/h (75 mph) Line M11, officially referred to as the M11 Gayrettepe–Istanbul Airport–Halkalı Metro Line (: Gayrettepe-İstanbul Havalimanı-Halkalı Metro Hattı ), is a line of the, currently under construction in,,
- The — portion of the line is currently planned to open in Q4 2022.
- The purpose of this line is to provide direct and quick access from the in to, Istanbul’s main commercial center and to, one of the city’s most important train stations.
- Unlike other metro lines, the M11 will be a limited stop service, meaning that stations will be spaced further apart.
This is most noticeable towards the line’s southern ends, where the M11 will only have seven stations within Istanbul’s urban area: Halkalı, Tema Park, Olimpiyat, Kayaşehir and Fenertepe in the west and Gayrettepe and Kağıthane in the east. It will have two legs, one from Gayrettepe to Istanbul Airport line and the second from Halkalı to Istanbul Airport line.
- The first leg of the rapid transit line will be 37.2 km (23.1 mi) long with nine stations.
- The second leg of the line will be 31.5 km (19.6 mi) long with seven stations, in a total of 69 km (43 mi) with sixteen stations.
- The travel time between the end stations will be 60 minutes at a maximum speed of 120 km/h (75 mph).
The line will run through five,,,, and, It is expected that the line will carry annually around 94 million passengers. The M11 line will connect to other rapid transit lines:,,,, (twice), and at the airport to the high-speed train line. The investment budget of the construction is € 999.8 million.
Does Istanbul Airport have a shuttle service?
Shuttles and Buses from and to Istanbul Airport – Currently, buses are the only public transportation option from the new Istanbul Airport. In the future, Metro Line M11 will also connect the new airport to the city center but, for the moment apart from private transfers, the shuttle buses provide the only alternative.
Is there a shuttle between the two airports in Istanbul?
Istanbul Airport to Sabiha Gökçen Airport by Bus – If you wish to use public transportation for your transfer, then for the moment, airport buses are your only option. The Havaist Buses iST-13 depart every 45-90 minutes from Istanbul International Airport and reach Sabiha Gökçen Airport in about 110 minutes.
- Havaist buses are elegant vehicles equipped with lots of comforts and run around the clock, providing very efficient transfers.
- Their fee is only 85₺ (4.66€/4.60$).
- On the other hand, you can always use the much cheaper public IETT buses, but you will have to change between 4-5 means of urban transport to reach your destination, ending up with a higher total cost and an unbelievable hassle.
The bus station in Istanbul Airport is located on the -2 floor. Note that you can pay for your ticket in cash only at the designated cash payment points of the airport. Alternatively, you can pay by using your credit card or pre-book your tickets and get a QR code.
Is Uber allowed in Istanbul Airport?
Uber is available at Istanbul Airport, so you can enjoy a comfortable and convenient trip to wherever you need to go. Where is the Uber pickup location at Atatürk Airport? To find your pickup location, check the Uber app after you request a ride.