Istanbul Guide

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Transport

ARRIVING IN İSTANBUL It’s the national capital in all but name, so getting to İstanbul is easy. There are currently two international airports, one otogar (bus station) from which national and international services arrive and depart, plus a lim ited number of international rail connections. Flights, cars and tours can be booked online at www.lonelyplanet.com/ bookings. Air Istanbul Airport The city’s newly opened but not yet completed main airport, İstanbul Airport ( % 444 1442, Whatsapp 0549 563 3434; www.istairport. com/en; Terminal Caddesi 1) , is located in Arnavutköy, on the European side of the city near the Black Sea. The international terminal (Dış Hatlar) and domestic termi nal (İç Hatlar) are currently operating at a reduced capacity; when completed in 2028 the airport should be able to host more than 100 airlines and 200 million passengers annually. The airport has car-rental desks, ATMs, exchange of fices and stands of mobile phone companies.

Left luggage A booth to your right as you exit customs offers luggage storage and charges between ₺53 and ₺72 per suit case or backpack per 24 hours depending on the size; it’s open around the clock. Tourist information There’s a small office ( % 0212-891 6205; h 9am-11pm) in the international arrivals hall that is open from 9am to 11pm. It provides maps and advice. AIRPORT BUS Havaist (aka Havataş) buses depart from the downstairs level of the arrivals hall to destinations including Sultanahmet ( % 444 2656; http://havatas.com; ₺18) (₺18, every 30 to 45 minutes from 5am to 4.15am, 60 to 100 minutes depending on traffic) and Taksim ( % 444 2656; https://hava.ist/en; ₺18) (₺18, every 15 to 30 minutes from 5.10am to 4.30am, 40 to 80 minutes depending on traffic). The Sultanahmet bus service also stops at Eminönü. At Taksim, the bus stops in front of the Point Hotel on Cumhuriyet Cadde si, close to Taksim Meydanı. Note that signage on the buses and at stops some times reads ‘Havaş’ rather than ‘Havataş’. You’ll need an İstanbulkart (p210) to use the bus – these are avail able from machines near the bus stands.

HOTEL SHUTTLE Many hotels offer hotel shuttle services to/from the airport. TAXI A taxi from the airport to Sul tanahmet costs around ₺135 and takes approximately 50 minutes. To get to Beyoğlu you’ll be looking at ₺130 and 40 minutes. Sabiha Gökçen International Airport The city’s second inter national airport, Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW, Sabiha Gökçen Havalımanı; % 0216-588 8888; www.sabihagokcen.aero/home page) , is at Pendik/Kurtköy on the Asian side of the city. It has ATMs, car-rental desks, stands of mobile phone companies, exchange offices, a mini-market and a PTT (post office) in the inter national arrivals hall. Left luggage A booth in the international arrivals hall offers luggage storage. Tourist information There’s a small office ( % 0216-588 8794; h 9am-9pm) in the international arrivals hall that is open from 9am to 9pm. It provides maps and advice. AIRPORT BUS Havaist (aka Havataş) buses (₺18) travel from the airport to Abdülhäk Hamit Caddesi