Ayasofya (Hagia Sophia)
Built in the 6th century as a Byzantine cathedral, with an enormous dome that still amazes. Today it is a working mosque: respect prayer times and check the access rules.
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- to the centre
- 35 km
- terminals
- 1
- local time
- --:--
- IATA · ICAO
- IST · LTFM
About the airport
Istanbul Airport (İstanbul Havalimanı) is in Arnavutköy, on the European side of the city near the Black Sea coast, about 35-40 km from the centre. It opened in 2018 and is Istanbul’s main international airport and the big hub of Turkish Airlines.
Terminals
It has a single, very large terminal, with international and domestic flights in the same building. Walking distances are long, so it pays to arrive early, especially if you are connecting.
Services
There are plenty of shops, restaurants and cafés, lounges, free wifi and prayer rooms. The M11 metro and the airport buses reach the terminal.
Getting to the city
Metro M11
Line M11 links the airport with Gayrettepe, where you can change to the M2 towards the centre. About 35-40 min to Gayrettepe.
Havaist
İETT airport buses to Taksim, Kadıköy and other districts on both sides of the city. Journey times depend on traffic.
Taxi
Official rank outside arrivals, with a meter. About 45-60 min to Taksim depending on traffic.
Airport map
Terminal principal
A single, very large terminal for international and domestic flights. Walking distances are long, so allow extra time for security and connections.
Istanbul
Things to do in Istanbul
Istanbul is Türkiye's largest city and spans two continents on either side of the Bosphorus. Byzantine and Ottoman monuments, bazaars, ferries and a lively food scene make it unique.
Sultanahmet Camii (Blue Mosque)
A 17th-century Ottoman mosque with six minarets and an interior lined with blue İznik tiles. It is in use and closes to visitors during prayers.
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Galata Kulesi
A medieval stone tower rising above the Galata district. Its viewing platform looks over the Golden Horn, the Bosphorus and the skyline of mosques in the old city.
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Topkapı Sarayı
The palace of the Ottoman sultans for centuries, with courtyards, pavilions, the Harem and the Treasury. Today it is a museum: set aside half a day to see it properly.
Tickets →Frequently asked questions
How far is the airport from central Istanbul?
Aeropuerto de Estambul airport is about 35 km from central Istanbul.
How do I get from the airport to central Istanbul?
From Aeropuerto de Estambul airport you can take Metro M11 (metro), Havaist (bus), and Taxi. Pre-booked taxis and private transfers are also available.
How many terminals does Aeropuerto de Estambul airport have?
Aeropuerto de Estambul has one terminal: Terminal principal.
Landing in Istanbul?
Book your car and your stay before you arrive: more choice and better prices.
Photo credits
- The terminal building seen from outside: CeeGee, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
- The international departures hall: Arne Müseler, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Inside the terminal: Matti Blume, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Ayasofya (Hagia Sophia): Alvesgaspar, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Sultanahmet Camii (Blue Mosque): Moonik, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Galata Kulesi: Martin Falbisoner, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Topkapı Sarayı: Carlos Delgado, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons