Landed InFrom the airport to the city center
CheapestM11 Metro to Gayrettepe, then onward metro
₺30 to ₺60 ($1 to $2)
40 to 70 min
M11 Metro to Gayrettepe, then onward metro
₺30 to ₺60 ($1 to $2)
40 to 70 min
- 1Collect your bags and follow the Metro signs inside the terminal.
- 2Buy or tap an Istanbulkart or a single-use ticket at the machines.
- 3Take the M11 to Gayrettepe.
- 4Change to the M2 metro toward Taksim and the city center, or ask your hotel which stop is closest.
Runs most of the day. Check current timetables before you travel.
Open in Google MapsEasiestHavaist airport bus
₺200 to ₺350 ($6 to $11)
60 to 100 min
Havaist airport bus
₺200 to ₺350 ($6 to $11)
60 to 100 min
- 1From baggage claim, follow signs to the Havaist stops outside arrivals.
- 2Find the bus marked for Taksim, or the one closest to your area.
- 3Pay by card or buy a ticket at the kiosk or from the driver.
- 4Get off at the Taksim stop and walk or take a short taxi to your hotel in the city center.
Frequent service, check Havaist for current routes.
Open in Google MapsFastestOfficial airport taxi
₺1,500 to ₺2,500 ($45 to $75)
45 to 90 min
Official airport taxi
₺1,500 to ₺2,500 ($45 to $75)
45 to 90 min
- 1After customs, follow the signs to the taxi rank outside arrivals.
- 2Join the official queue and ignore anyone offering rides inside the terminal.
- 3Show the driver your hotel address on your phone and confirm the meter will be used.
- 4Check that the meter is running, and pay by card or cash at the city center hotel.
Want a driver waiting for you?
Book a fixed-price transfer before you fly and skip the taxi queue.
- Welcome PickupsA driver waiting in arrivals with your name
- KiwitaxiFixed-price airport transfers worldwide
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Money
Turkish lira
TRY
$1 is about ₺35 to ₺40
Cards
Cards and contactless work almost everywhere in the city. Small shops and some taxis may prefer cash.
Tipping
Tip about 5 to 10 percent in restaurants if service isn't included. Round up taxi fares.
Cash
- Carry a little lira for tea, simple eateries, and small markets.
- Skip the airport currency booths. The rates are poor.
- Count your change, especially in busy tourist areas.
ATMs
- Use ATMs attached to bank branches rather than standalone machines.
- If asked, choose to be charged in lira, not your home currency.
- Withdraw larger amounts less often to cut fixed fees.
Apps to download
Stay connected
eSIMs are the easiest way to get data on arrival. Airport SIM counters also exist but cost more.
- Install an eSIM such as Airalo or Holafly before you fly.
- Buy a tourist SIM from Turkcell or Vodafone counters in arrivals.
- Use hotel and cafe Wi-Fi as a backup, but avoid banking on public networks.
Get your eSIM before you fly
Install it at home and you'll have data the moment you land, with no airport SIM queue.
- AiraloCheap data packs for 200+ countries
- HolaflyUnlimited data plans
- SailySimple plans from the makers of NordVPN
Partner links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Good to know
- Be wary of friendly strangers who invite you for a drink, then leave you with a huge bill.
- Shoe shiners sometimes drop a brush to start a conversation and then demand money. Just keep walking.
- Agree on the price, or insist on the meter, before any taxi ride.
- Dress modestly in mosques. Cover your shoulders and knees, and women should bring a scarf.
- Pickpockets work crowded trams, the Galata area and the Grand Bazaar. Keep your bag zipped in front.
- Tap water is not recommended for drinking. Buy bottled water.
Emergency numbers
- General emergency112
- Police155
- Ambulance112
- Tourist police (Sultanahmet)+90 212 527 4503
Prices and tips are AI-written estimates, so double-check anything important.