Lonely Planet İstanbul Guide

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 limited 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 terminal (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 offices 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 suitcase 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 Caddesi, close to Taksim Meydanı. Note that signage on the buses and at stops sometimes reads ‘Havaş’ rather than ‘Havataş’. You’ll need an İstanbulkart to use the bus – these are available from machines near the bus stands.