Istanbul Travel Guide

Istanbul Ataturk Airport

Airport Code

IST

Full Airport Name

Istanbul Ataturk International Airport

Location

The airport is situated 15 miles (23km) west of Istanbul.

Time Zone

GMT +2 (GMT +3 from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October).

Phone Number

Tel: +90 212 465 5555.

Terminal Transfer

Walking through the metro access tunnel only takes 10 minutes. Shuttle buses and taxis are also available.

Ground Transport

The Istanbul Metro system provides quick and easy access to the city, including the intercity bus terminal. Tickets cost around TRY 1.30. Use metro station Zeytinburnu and transfer to a tram to reach the Eminonu ferry or Sea Bus docks. The airport Havas Bus leaves from the Departures terminal gate and connects to Taksim Square or Kozyatagi. Shuttle buses depart from 4am to 1am, and take 40 minutes into the city. Taxis are also available and cost roughly $20 into downtown. Taxi rates are 50 percent higher between midnight and 6am.

Car Rental

Car rental companies include Avis, Budget, Hertz, Alamo, National and Sixt.

Airport Taxis

The Istanbul Ataturk Airport is 15 miles (23km) west of Istanbul and takes around thirty minutes to reach Taksim Square. Fees depend largely on the destination in Istanbul but should be around US$20. Rates are as much as fifty percent higher at night. Passengers should only take metered taxis and insist drivers turn the meter on. To reserve a taxi in advance contact Taxi Reservations.

Airport Facilities

Banks, ATMs and bureau de change are available. A pharmacy, children's playroom, hairdresser, florist, newsstand and medical services are available. Facilities for the disabled are good, but those with special needs should make prior arrangements with their airline. Other facilities include tourist information and hotel reservations, bars, restaurants (very overpriced), duty-free shopping, a conference center, post office and 24-hour left luggage.

Departure Tax

None.

Website

www.ataturkairport.com/eng/index.php