What Mode of Transportation Is Best from the Airport to Istanbul Old City?

Traveling to Istanbul, the capital of Turkey, is an exciting experience for many, not just for its rich history, exquisite cuisine, and vibrant culture, but also because of its fast and frequent transportation links. Istanbul is well-connected by air and land, which simplifies travel within the city. Transportation from its two airports is especially handy since they are located between two continents – Europe and Asia – and the most straightforward way to get to the Old City is by using public transport or private airport transfers. This guide will take a closer look at all available options from Istanbul International Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) to get to the old city.

Getting to Istanbul’s Old Town from Istanbul Airport

Istanbul Airport (IST) is the main airport in the city that serves domestic and international flights. Located on the European side of the city, it is just 35 kilometers away from Sultanahmet Square, the center of Istanbul’s historic district. There are several transportation options available to travelers who wish to get to the Old City from Istanbul Airport.

Istanbul Airport Metro Connections

The new metro line connects Istanbul Airport directly with the city center and is a convenient way to get around. It is the fastest way to get to the Old City area of Sultanahmet and takes about 45 minutes. Trains run every 5-minutes during peak rush hours and every 15 minutes during off-peak hours. The train reaches Taksim station before continuing on to either Levent or Yenikapı. The underground M1 metro line circles in a clockwise direction from Yenikapı, via Aksaray to Taksim, Levent, and back to Yenikapı. Both Yenikapı stations are within walking distance to Sultanahmet Square. There is also an Istanbul Airport App you can download from Google Play or Apple Store to help find your way around on metro trains.

Istanbul Airport HAVAIST Buses

The HAVAIST public buses offer frequent service to a variety of destinations around Istanbul, including both European and Asian sides of the city. The bus stops are located in front of both terminals at Istanbul Airport, which makes transfers hassle-free. The airport buses run non-stop all night long so you don’t have to worry about being late. From the airport, you can take either the HV-1 route or HV-2 route which will take you to Taksim Square, where you can then take a taxi or a dolmus (minibus) directly to Sultanahmet. The HV-1 route takes about 75 minutes while the HV-2 route can take up to 115 minutes.

Istanbul Airport Taxis

Taxis are an option for travelers who want a hassle-free trip from Istanbul Airport to the old quarters of Istanbul. Prices for taxis vary depending on your exact destination within Istanbul but expect an approximate fee of around 85-90 TRY (14-15 EUR). Make sure that you have the exact address in Turkish and show it to your taxi driver.

Private Istanbul Airport Transfers

For travelers who want to avoid the stress of using public transportation or waiting in long taxi queues after a long flight, booking a private transfer in advance might be a way to go. Private airport transfers give access to 24/7 comfortable journeys all around Istanbul via private cars or minivans. Travelers can freely choose their preferred city locations and specific vehicle types, depending on their travel needs and size of the group they are traveling with. Companies such as Easy Rent Cars offer private transfers from both Istanbul and Sabiha Gökçen airport in Istanbul and with their convenient booking system, all that’s required is for you to enter your information and payment details.

Getting to Istanbul’s Old Town from Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW)

Sabiha Gökçen International Airport is located on the Asian side of the city, about 30 kilometer away from Sultanahmet Square in the center of old city Istanbul. Depending on your preference – private or public transport – there are several options available for a stress-free arrival to your destination.

Sabiha Gökçen Airport Metro Connections

The new M7 metro line offers frequent service between Sabiha Gökçen Airport and several stops along the route including Uskudar and Kadıköy on the Asian side or Harem port and Üsküdar port on the European side. This is the fastest way to get from Sabiha Gökçen airport to Sultanahmet Square in the center of old city, it takes about 45-60 minutes depending on which stations you choose for transfers.

Sabiha Gökçen Airport Buses

The public buses from Sabiha Gökçen Airport are a great way to get around town without costing too much money. You’ll find many buses at the airport including H20, H25, H26, H29, H31, H41, and a new express bus E11 running between Sabiha Gökçen Airport and Ben Kisim Mevkii in Çatalca on the European side of Istanbul. The E11 express bus takes about 80 minutes for its journey to the old city of Sultanahmet.

Sabiha Gökçen Taxis

Taxis remain top priority for many travelers from Sabiha Gökçen airport who want to get to their destinations fast. It takes about 60-70 minutes when taking a cab from Sabiha Gökçen airport to Sultanahmet square in old city Istanbul depending on traffic conditions during specific times. Although taxis are more expensive when compared with other transportation means available at Sabiha Gökçen Airport, they offer convenience with their 24/7 availability together with door-to-door services. Prices typically cost around 120 TRY (20 EUR).

Private Sabiha Gökçen Transfers

Like its sister airport in Istanbul, private airport transfers offer travelers convenience by eliminating the stress of waiting in long bus or taxi queues after a long flight. Companies such as Easy Rent Cars can provide this service which includes door-to-door pick up so you have nothing to worry about upon arriving from your flight. In conclusion, when traveling from Istanbul International Airport or Sabiha Gökçen airport to Sultanahmet Square in downtown old city Istanbul there are several transportation options available ranging from metro trains, buses, taxis and private transfers – each providing different benefits depending on your budget and travel preferences. Despite Istanbul’s congested traffic conditions, most transfers should take no more than 90 minutes ensuring that you get to your destination stress-free and on time.