Arrivals guide
Getting to Istanbul: Airports, Bus Stations & Trains
How to get from Istanbul Airport, Sabiha Gökçen, the Otogar and the main train stations to your hotel, with the best-value and the most comfortable option for each.
Jump to: IST Airport · Sabiha Gökçen · Otogar · Marmaray
Istanbul Airport (IST)
Istanbul’s main airport is on the European side, about [XX] km north of the historic centre. There are three main ways into the city.
Metro (M11)
The best-value option. The M11 runs from the airport to Kağıthane and Gayrettepe, where you change to the M7 or M2. Pay with your Istanbulkart.
Time: [XX] min to Gayrettepe · Fare: [₺XX]
Havaist bus
Coaches with luggage space to Taksim, Sultanahmet, Kadıköy and other hubs.
Time: [XX] min to Taksim · Fare: [₺XX]
Taxi or private transfer
Best with heavy bags, small children or a late arrival. A pre-booked transfer has a fixed price.
Time: [XX] min to Sultanahmet · Price: [€XX]
Tip: Buy your Istanbulkart from the machines at the airport metro station before you go down to the platforms.
Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW)
Sabiha Gökçen is on the Asian side, about [XX] km east of Sultanahmet. Many low-cost airlines use it.
Metro (M4)
The M4 runs from the airport to Kadıköy. From Kadıköy, ferries cross to Eminönü and Karaköy on the European side.
Time: [XX] min to Kadıköy · Fare: [₺XX]
Havabus
Direct coaches to Taksim and Kadıköy.
Time: [XX] min to Taksim · Fare: [₺XX]
Taxi or private transfer
Allow extra time: the drive to the European side crosses the Bosphorus in heavy traffic.
Time: [XX] min to Taksim · Price: [€XX]
Esenler Bus Terminal (Otogar)
Most long-distance buses arrive at the Büyük İstanbul Otogarı in Esenler. The metro station is part of the terminal, so you can take the M1 straight into the city.
Some bus companies also drop passengers at smaller terminals. Check your ticket for the exact stop.
Tip: Many bus companies run free shuttle minibuses (servis) from the terminal to central districts. Ask at your company’s office.
Arriving by train: Marmaray
Marmaray is a suburban rail line that runs under the Bosphorus, linking Halkalı in the west with Gebze in the east. High-speed trains from Ankara and Konya stop at stations on the Marmaray line, so you can change straight onto Marmaray with your Istanbulkart.
Useful stops for visitors: Sirkeci (Sultanahmet), Yenikapı (metro connections), Üsküdar and Söğütlüçeşme (Kadıköy).
Quick comparison
| From | Best value | Most comfortable | Approx. cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Istanbul Airport (IST) | M11 metro | Private transfer | [fill in] |
| Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) | M4 metro | Private transfer | [fill in] |
| Otogar (Esenler) | M1 metro | Taxi | [fill in] |
| Train stations | Marmaray | Taxi | [fill in] |
Fares change several times a year. Last checked: [date].
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the Istanbulkart from the airport?
Yes. The M11 and M4 metro lines accept the Istanbulkart, and you can buy one at the airport metro stations. Check current payment options for airport buses before you travel.
How long does it take from IST to Sultanahmet?
Plan for about [XX] minutes by public transport and [XX] minutes by taxi outside rush hour.
Is there a train from Istanbul Airport?
Yes. The M11 metro connects the airport to the rest of the city’s metro network.
Next: get your Istanbul Card
Everything you need to know about buying and topping up the Istanbulkart.