Istanbul Airport Transfer Survival Guide: Start Your Trip the Right Way

When you’re arriving in a bustling city like Istanbul, the last thing you want to worry about is figuring out how to get from the airport to your accommodation. Navigating public transportation, especially in a new country, can feel overwhelming—especially after a long flight.

That’s where an Istanbul airport transfer service comes to the rescue!

Since moving to Istanbul in 2019, I’ve personally handled this challenge multiple times. I’ve guided numerous visitors through the city’s airport transfer options and made countless trips from both of Istanbul’s airports to Kadıköy.

With this experience, I can confidently share the best ways to make your arrival as smooth as possible.

In this guide, I’ll outline the top airport transfer services, compare alternative options, and break down the pros and cons of each.

You’ll be able to avoid the chaos of unfamiliar transportation systems and start your journey stress-free.

About Airport Transfers to/from the city center

Navigating a foreign city starts with getting from the airport to where you’re staying. Imagine stepping off the plane, and a friendly driver greets you, ensuring a seamless transition from the runway to your comfy hotel bed.

These hassle-free airport transfers act like the fairy godmothers of travel, whisking you away to your hotel with ease.

Forget deciphering public transportation maps or haggling with taxi drivers in a language you’re still learning.

Sit back, relax, and let the airport transfer magic unfold! Istanbul offers a variety of airport transportation options to get you to your final destination, especially from the New Istanbul International Airport.

When traveling from the airport to another part of the city, you’ll have many transportation options to choose from, but we’ll explore the alternatives in the next section.

My top recommendation is still a comfortable airport transfer.

a few reasons I Prefer transfers

1. Someone knows where you are

Unlike grabbing a taxi from the line, with a scheduled transfer, someone knows your exact location. If something goes wrong, it’s easier to find you.

That being said, taxis are generally safe. I used taxis many times before I discovered airport transfers and never had an issue.

Plus, if you leave something in the vehicle, it’s much easier to track down.

2. Sometimes cheaper than a taxi

You may be wondering how!

Since taxis run on a meter, if you get stuck in traffic or your route changes, your fare will increase with the extra time.

If you’re traveling during rush hour, I highly recommend a scheduled transfer because it offers a flat fee, regardless of delays.

3. Typically much better condition than a taxi

While you might occasionally get a nice taxi, it’s more common to end up in one that has seen better days.

Transfer vehicles, on the other hand, are in pristine condition and don’t smell like smoke—a big bonus in my book.

Transportation Alternatives to private transfers

If you’re undecided about booking a transfer, let’s review the other transportation options available. Each comes with its own pros and cons, and depending on your needs, one may be a better fit for you.

HavaIST/HavaBUS transfers

The first option is a form of public transport. Havaist (to and from IST airport) and Havabus (to and from SAW airport) provide transfers to various locations around Istanbul.

Pro tip: They will both pick up in the same places so make sure you get on the correct bus! Once I got on the wrong bus and didn’t realize it until I paid. 🙈

These public buses are nice charter buses, ensuring a comfortable ride to/from the city center but make sure you use the bathroom before you hop on.

Metro & Buses

Other forms of public transportation are the metro and buses. Both of these options are possible and perhaps a good option if you’re not traveling in rush hour nor do you have a lot of luggage.

You can use Google Maps to help you figure out the best route to where you need to go. Thankfully both airports now have metro options to get you pretty far.

Public transport is a particularly cost-effective method to consider, however, if you’re not familiar with the city or the language, navigating public transport can be challenging.

Hotel Airport Shuttle

Another option is that some hotels have a shuttle service which can be an excellent option for travelers looking for a balance between cost and convenience.

These services offer fixed prices and the peace of mind of online payment, and often they even have child seats if they are needed.

They’re a reliable and safe mode of transfer, but it’s important to note that you may need to wait for the shuttle to arrive or fill up before it sets off for the city.

Pro tip: If the hotel offers to get you a transfer, unless you’re at Stanpoli Hostel, you will likely charged much more and should just order your own.

Taxis

Taking a taxi directly from the airport can be another convenient option, as you can get right to your destination without any stops along the way.

However, there are potential concerns about scams or inflated prices.

There is also the problem if you leave something in the taxi and haven’t scheduled it or taken a photo of the license, you may never get it back.

Recently this happened to me. I was so tired that I left my small carry-on in the trunk of the taxi. I forgot to write down the plate of the taxi or any of the things I recommend.

Thankfully, I went back to the airport the next morning and the taxi driver brought my luggage back to the taxi stand. If he hadn’t, I would have no way to recover it.

To avoid this problem, I recommend pre-ordering a shuttle transfer or choosing a reliable and well-reviewed taxi company. You may pay a bit more but IMO peace of mind is worth it.

Airports in Istanbul

New IST Airport

This new airport is a state-of-the-art airport is well-equipped with modern facilities that not only cater to your travel needs but also provide a top-notch experience to its visitors.

The airport features art galleries for the culturally inclined and a range of restaurants for varying tastes.

Baby rooms and game rooms make for comfortable family travel for those traveling with children.

Shopaholics will not be left wanting with numerous shops dotted around the airport. This is likely where you’re flying into unless you happen to be coming from a nearby country. Then perhaps you will fly into SAW Airport.

Transport Options

• Airport Transfer
• Taxi
• HavaIST bus – It is a large charter bus that leaves on a set schedule. It is located on the bottom floor of the parking garage and is labeled so you know which one to get on. You can check out the website for current prices. It is the closest thing to public transport for the IST airport.

sabiha gökçen Airport

Situated on the Asian side of Istanbul, SAW is also and International airport also offers public bus services, shuttles, and taxi services for reaching the city.

However, it’s essential to note that this airport is further from the central tourist areas, like Taksim and Sultanahmet, than the New Istanbul Airport.

Transport Options

• Airport Transfer
• Taxi
• Metro – M4 (the Istanbul airport metro line) goes into to Kadıköy where you can stay or head to the other side by transferring to the Marmaray, Ferry or a Metrobus.
• Havabus – It is a large charter bus that leaves on a set schedule. It is located on the bottom floor of the parking garage and is labeled so you know which one to get on. You can check out the website for current prices. It is the closest thing to public transport for the IST Airport.

Ataturk Airport

Ataturk Airport is now used for cargo and VIP passenger flights. You can read more information on this post about the airports in Istanbul.

Final thoughts Airport Transfers in Istanbul

Each airport transfer method in Istanbul has its own pros and cons. This makes it important to choose the best option for you based on your convenience, budget, and travel plans all the while prioritizing reliability.

Navigating airport transfers in Istanbul can be a smooth and convenient process, with options suited to every type of traveler.

While public transportation, shuttles, and taxis are available, I believe a scheduled airport transfer is the best option—especially for groups or those with a lot of luggage.

Make your Istanbul journey hassle-free by booking an airport transfer today.