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Istanbul Airport (IST) is the largest and busiest airport in Turkey and is among the busiest airports in Europe. With an annual passenger capacity of more than 90 million, the airport offers flights to hundreds of destinations on domestic and international routes. Sultanahmet is a popular tourist attraction with its historical importance and great architecture. It is home to many tourist hubs such as Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, and Blue Mosque.
Istanbul Airport currently has one main terminal that serves both domestic and international flights.This terminal is modern and spacious, equipped with advanced facilities to accommodate millions of travelers each year.
About the Airport
Official Name: Istanbul Airport
IATA Code: IST
Location: Imrahor-Tayakadın-Yeniköy, Arnavutköy, Turkiye.
Airport Facilities: Inside the terminal, you'll find restaurants, cafes, duty-free shops, and VIP lounges. The airport provides free Wi-Fi, charging stations, prayer rooms, and family-friendly areas like play zones and baby care rooms. Additional services include baggage storage, currency exchange, car rentals, and information desks.
How Do You Get from Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet?
When traveling from Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet, you have several options including metro, bus, taxi, or a private airport transfer. The simplest option is to pre-book a Istanbul Airport Taxi for a hassle-free journey.
Hans-Jürgen Weinhardt on When traveling from Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet, you can see several historic and popular landmarks along the way. As you approach the city, the iconic Eyüp Sultan Mosque stands near the Golden Horn, an important waterway that has been central to Istanbul’s trade and history for centuries. The scenic Pierre Loti Hill overlooks the Golden Horn and offers stunning views of the city’s natural and cultural beauty. Closer to Sultanahmet, you’ll pass by the famous Topkapı Palace, once the residence of Ottoman sultans. Finally, arriving in Sultanahmet, you’ll be greeted by the magnificent Hagia Sophia and the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque, both of which are iconic symbols of Istanbul’s rich heritage.
Bus from Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet
Journey time: The trip will be 2 hours from Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet.
Key Point: Havaist is the Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet shuttle service. The Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet bus service is operated by Havaist. You can arrive at Taksim Square from Istanbul Airport by Havaist and from there you can take the metro.
Bus Fare from Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet
Havaist fare from Istanbul Airport to Taksim is approximately €6. After reaching Taksim, you can take the EM2 bus to Karaköy and then take the Tram T1 line to Sultanahmet.
Metro from Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet
Journey Time: It takes around 1 hour.
Key Point: To get from Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet by metro, you need to take the M11 Metro Line first. When you reach Gayrettepe, you need to take the M2 Metro Line from there. From there, you can take a private transfer or taxi.
You can use Istanbulkart for metro fares. Apart from that, single-use tickets are also available. Fees are usually more economical with Istanbulkart. You can get your Istanbulkart from vending machines or kiosks at the airport and perform your loading operations.
Metro Fare from Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet
Total metro fare costs from Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet is around €2.
Tram and Metro from Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet
Journey Time: The trip will be 1 hour and 25 minutes (Approximately).
Key Point: This transfer process starts with the M11 Metro Line to the Gayrettepe Station. From Gayrettepe Station, transfer to the M2 Metro Line. At Yenikapı Station, transfer to the T1 Tram Line for the Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet tram.
Tram and Metro Fare from Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet
This trip costs around €2 in total with 2 metro lines and 1 train.
Istanbul City Taxis at Istanbul Airport
Taxi from Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet
Journey Time: It takes around 1 hour depending on traffic.
Key Point: Since traffic is a problem in Istanbul, the journey time can be longer if there is traffic congestion. Additionally, not many local taxi drivers speak English. Also be sure to take care to use an official taxi; the taxi must have the inscription ”Taxi" on it and the yellow color on the license plate. There are official taxi stands at the airport exit, it is safest to ride from here. Make sure that the taxi meter is working before you take a taxi; some cases of fraud can be experienced by charging a high fee when the meter is turned off. Knowing the route you are going to roughly and telling the directions to the taxi driver in advance reduces the risk of unnecessary fraud.
Taxi Fare from Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet
The Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet taxi fare can be high because there are some surprise charges. The estimated taxi price can be €45-50.
In Istanbul, several taxi apps are getting used. Some of them are BiTaksi, iTaksi, operated by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, Careem, although Uber had restrictions in the past, it has recently resumed limited service through partnerships with licensed taxis but is less common than the other apps. These apps providing same prices with yellow taxis.
Private Car Rental in Istanbul
Private Transfers from Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet
Journey Time: It takes 53 minutes but differences can be appear depending on traffic.
Key Point: Arranging your transfer service in advance can be a big advantage in Istanbul. You can leave the trouble of dealing with the traffic behind with AirportTransfer.com. It offers you private car services at budget-conscious rates.
You can explore various benefits by booking your transfer in advance with AT. With English-speaking drivers, so do not worry about the language barrier in Istanbul. And customer-friendly policies, we are thrilled to provide our customers with high-quality services, you can select your vehicle from a wide range of fleets (Sedans, Limousines...). Extra services such as a child's seat are available, too.
For easiest booking, check the AirportTransfer.com mobile app on AirportTransfer App on Google Play Store and AirportTransfer App Store . You can cancel for free up to 48 hours before, and receive a full refund.
Rental Group Bus for Group Travel in Istanbul
Group Bus Transfers in Istanbul
AirportTransfer.com provides comprehensive coach transfer services in Istanbul, making it an ideal choice for travel agents, tour organizers, and groups of all sizes. These services go beyond simple airport transportation by offering a smooth and reliable connection between Istanbul Airport and a wide range of destinations across the city and surrounding areas. Travelers have the option to pre-book Istanbul Bus Rentals in advance, ensuring convenience and peace of mind upon arrival.
The service also includes fully customizable bus hire options tailored specifically to your group’s itinerary, preferences, and travel schedule. Whether you're coordinating a tour with multiple stops, planning a multi-day excursion, or crafting a unique, personalized travel plan, AT Bus Transfer Istanbul is equipped to handle every detail with professionalism and flexibility, ensuring a comfortable and efficient group travel experience throughout your stay.
Confirm your reservation using our 'Contact Us' for delivering a smooth and satisfying travel experience for all group members.
Hotel Transfer Service in Istanbul
Hotel Transfers in Istanbul
When traveling from the airport to your hotel, it's best to pre-book a Istanbul Hotel Transfer. We provide a range of vehicles like sedans, electric cars, and minivans to guarantee a smooth and comfortable ride to luxury and boutique hotels.
On the European side of Istanbul, beyond Sultanahmet, there are many excellent hotels offering a range of experiences. In the vibrant neighborhood of Beyoğlu, you'll find the elegant Pera Palace Hotel, The Marmara Taksim, and 10 Karaköy Istanbul. In Beşiktaş, Swissôtel The Bosphorus and Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus are popular luxury choices. Other notable options include Raffles Istanbul, CVK Park Bosphorus Hotel, The Stay Bosphorus in Ortaköy, Radisson Blu Hotel Sisli, and Fairmont Quasar Istanbul in Şişli. These hotels cater to a variety of tastes and budgets, and all offer convenient access to major attractions on Istanbul’s European side.