Istanbul Airport sits about 40 km north-west of the centre, so plan your transfer before you land. All fares below are mid-2026 estimates from Wego (July 2026), and the lira prices rise during the year.
Istanbul Airport (IST) to Sultanahmet
| Option | Approx. fare | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| M11 metro + M2 or Marmaray + T1 tram | ~120 TL | ~80 min | Cheapest. No service from about midnight to 6am |
| Havaist bus to Aksaray + T1 tram | ~400 TL total | ~105–120 min | Runs through the night on main lines |
| Metered taxi (orange / turquoise / black) | ~2,400 / 2,760 / 4,080 TL | 60–105 min | Use the official rank and insist on the meter |
| Pre-booked private transfer | ~2,660 TL+ | 50–90 min | Meet and greet, fixed price |
Istanbul Airport to Taksim
Take the M11 to Gayrettepe and change to the M2 towards Taksim. Or take the Havaist HVL-9 straight to Taksim Square, which takes about 90 minutes in light traffic. Taxis take 35–60 minutes and cost a little less than to Sultanahmet.
How to pay
- Buy an Istanbulkart from the machines at the airport metro station. It works on the M11, the M2, the tram, buses and ferries, and you can tap it for several people.
- The machines accept cards and lira, but some give no change, so carry a little cash.
- Havaist buses take the Istanbulkart or a bank card, though some drivers may ask for cash.
Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) to the city
Sabiha Gökçen serves many low-cost airlines and sits on the Asian side, about 40–50 km from Sultanahmet. Take the M4 metro to Kadıköy and then the ferry to Eminönü or Karaköy, a scenic arrival. Alternatively, Havabus coaches run to Taksim and Kadıköy. A taxi to the European side can take well over an hour at rush hour.
Taxi tips
- Use the official taxi rank, or book through the BiTaksi app.
- Bridge tolls may be added to the fare.
- Have your hotel address written in Turkish.
- If you land late at night, or with lots of luggage, a pre-booked private transfer is the stress-free choice.
Going back to the airport
Istanbul Airport recommends arriving 3 hours before international flights and 2 hours before domestic ones. Leave extra time in the evening rush (about 4–7pm). Get an eSIM for Türkiye so you can call a BiTaksi as soon as you land.
More Istanbul guides
- Istanbul travel guide
- 20 best things to do in Istanbul
- Istanbul itinerary: 3, 4 or 5 days
- Where to stay in Istanbul
- Hagia Sophia tickets and visiting rules
- Topkapı Palace tickets and the Museum Pass
- Bosphorus cruise: ferry vs tours
- Best time to visit Istanbul
FAQ: Istanbul Airport transfers
What is the cheapest way from Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet?
The M11 metro with connections to the T1 tram, at about 120 TL with an Istanbulkart.
Does the metro run 24 hours from Istanbul Airport?
No. The M11 stops from around midnight to 6am. At night, use Havaist buses or a taxi.
How much is a taxi from Istanbul Airport to Taksim?
Expect roughly 2,000–2,500 TL in a standard orange taxi in 2026, plus tolls, depending on traffic.
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