Best Way To Travel From Istanbul Airport To City
If you are planning to visit Istanbul, one of the most beautiful cities in the world, the first thing you need to know is how to get to the city from the airport.
Istanbul Airport is the largest airport in Turkey and one of the biggest in the world. It's located on the European side of Istanbul, about 35 km away from the city center. Fortunately, there are several transportation options available for you to choose from to reach the city with ease. In this article, we will discuss the best ways to travel from Istanbul Airport to the city.
1. Taxi
The most convenient and fastest way to get to the city from Istanbul airport is to take a taxi. You can easily find a taxi at the airport as they are available 24/7. The taxi fare will depend on the distance of your destination and the traffic. However, you should expect to pay around 100-120 Turkish Lira (TRY), which is roughly equivalent to $13-$16 USD, for a one-way trip to the city center.
One thing to keep in mind when taking a taxi is to make sure that the meter is running and that the driver is taking the most direct route to your destination. Also, be aware of taxi scams and avoid unmarked taxis. Always ask for a receipt at the end of your trip.
2. Private Transfer
If you prefer a more comfortable and hassle-free option, you can book a private transfer from Istanbul airport to your hotel. Private transfer service providers offer a range of vehicles to choose from, including luxury cars, SUVs, and vans, depending on your needs and group size.
Booking a private transfer in advance will give you peace of mind knowing that a driver will be waiting for you at the airport to take you directly to your hotel. Prices for private transfers vary depending on the distance of your destination, but you can expect to pay around 150-200 TRY, which is roughly equivalent to $20-$25 USD, for a one-way trip to the city center.
3. Havaist Bus
Havaist buses are a new addition to Istanbul's public transportation system. These buses are operated by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality and provide non-stop transportation between Istanbul airport and the city. Havaist buses offer several routes to different parts of the city, including Taksim, Kadikoy, and Sultanahmet.
The cost of a one-way ticket on a Havaist bus is 18 TRY, which is roughly equivalent to $2.5 USD. You can buy tickets online or at the airport before boarding the bus. Havaist buses run every 30 minutes, and the journey time to the city center can take between 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the traffic.
4. Metro
The Istanbul Metro is a fast and affordable way to get to the city from the airport. There are two lines that serve Istanbul airport: M1A and M1B.
The M1A line runs between Istanbul airport and Yenikapi, which is the closest station to Sultanahmet, the historic center of Istanbul. The M1B line runs between Istanbul airport and Kirazli, which is the closest station to Taksim, one of the most vibrant and cosmopolitan parts of Istanbul.
The cost of a one-way ticket on the Istanbul Metro is 4 TRY, which is roughly equivalent to $0.5 USD. You can buy tokens or use an Istanbulkart, which is a rechargeable card that you can use on all public transportation in Istanbul. The journey time to the city center can take between 35 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the traffic.
Conclusion
There are several options available for travelers to get from Istanbul airport to the city, including taxis, private transfers, Havaist buses, and the Istanbul Metro. Choosing the best way to travel will depend on your budget, group size, and travel preferences. Whatever option you choose, make sure to plan ahead and book in advance to save time and avoid any hassles.