Istanbul Airports

Very easy to come to Istanbul by air. There are two international airports in Istanbul: Ataturk Airport in Yesilkoy on the European side of the city and Sabiha Gokcen Airport in Kurtkoy on the Asian side. The third international airport is under construction on the European side of the city and it's planned to be opened by the end of 2018, being the biggest airport in whole Europe.

Ataturk Airport

Ataturk Airport is located europe side of Istanbul. Ataturk airport, the busiest airport in istanbul, is preferred because it is close to the city center.

The services you can get at Ataturk Airport;

Duty Free Shopping Upon Arrival
Currency Exchange
Private Transfer Services
Rent a Car Services
Tourist Information Desk
Health Service

Sabiha Gokcen Airport

Istanbul's other airport is Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) on the Asian side of the Bosphorus.

It is less preferred because it is far from the city center, but air ticket prices are more convenient

The services you can get at Sabiha Gokcen Airport;

Duty Free Shopping Upon Arrival
Currency Exchange
Private Transfer Services
Rent a Car Services
Tourist Information Desk
Health Service

How do I get to the Istanbul city center or Sultanahmet from Ataturk Airport

By Taxi from Ataturk Airport

Outside the arrivals hall, the tails of the yellow taxis, all running a hundred meters. When you arrive at the airport, use the bank loans to get Turkish Lira, so you are sure how much you are paying.

Ataturk airport, Sultan Ahmed and Taksim districts estimated to be the cost of 45 to 55 Turkish Liras in advance is known.

By Metro from Ataturk Airport

Follow the signs from the arrivals hall to walk approximately 10 minutes to the Metro. To use it, purchase a jeton which costs 4 Turkish liras. The Metro has numerous stops, including the Otogar (bus station).

If you are traveling to the main touristic areas of Taksim or Sultan Ahmet (old city), swap to the tram or funicular line at Zeytinburnu or Aksaray. Click to see here for the transport network map for the metro.

By Rent a Car from Ataturk Airport

If you decide to go against my advice, look in the arrival hall for the offices of all major car hire companies including Hertz. Before signing for the car, check it for signs of damage and ensure these are listed on the contract.

Private Airport Transfer from Ataturk Airport

This is a good option to choose. Istanbul Cruise Travel agency sells free water drinks and affordable airport transfers and does not require payment in advance. Just pay when you arrive.

We will meet you at our airport with you and you will reach your destination or hotel safely.

From Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Sultan Ahmet or Taksim, the fixed price for 1-4 persons is only 20 Euro. From Sabiha Gökçen Airport to the city center 45 euros.

There are no hidden costs to frequent taxi journeys such as counters in traffic congestion.

How do I get to the Istanbul city center or Sultanahmet from Sabiha Gokcen Airport

The Sabiha Gokcen Istanbul Airport is attracting more and more passengers every year. Unfortunately, Sabiha Gokcen is located on the Asian side of Istanbul, well outside the city center. Unless your hotel has arranged for a free airport pick-up, you will need to find transportation from the airport to your hotel.

You can choose one of the above options transfer from the Sabiha Gokcen airport to Istanbul city center or Sultanahmet. But you will have to pay more. The taxi option will be very expensive, so it would be more convenient to choose a private airport transfer.