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Cheapest Flights to Istanbul
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Last update: 19 October 2026 07:32
About Istanbul
Istanbul, Türkiye's metropolis, is an ancient city that connects Europe and Asia and has hosted major events throughout history. The 15 July Martyrs Bridge, Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge, Eurasia Tunnel, Marmaray, Metrobus, and ferry services make it easy to travel between the city's two sides. Istanbul also extends into Thrace through districts such as Silivri and Çatalca, and onto the Black Sea coast through settlements such as Şile and Kilyos.
One of the world's oldest cities, Istanbul served as the capital of the Roman, Eastern Roman (Byzantine), and Ottoman Empires in turn, and as such carries the legacy of many different cultures to the present day. Among the places to see in Istanbul are the Hagia Sophia Mosque, Sultanahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque), Süleymaniye Mosque, Topkapı Palace, Dolmabahçe Palace, the Archaeological Museums, Sultanahmet Square, Taksim Square, İstiklal Avenue, Galata Tower, Maiden's Tower, the Basilica Cistern, and the Bosphorus, along with many other cultural and natural attractions.
The city is generally under the influence of both the Black Sea and Mediterranean climate zones. It has a temperate climate with frequent southwesterly winds (lodos). There are two airports in the city, one on the European Side and one on the Anatolian Side. Istanbul Airport is on the European Side, while Sabiha Gökçen Airport is on the Anatolian Side. Atatürk Airport, also on the European Side, is closed to passenger use.
You can get around the city by metro, light rail, tram, Marmaray, ferry, sea bus, sea taxi, metrobus, bus, and dolmuş (shared minibus).
Transportation to Istanbul City Center from Airport
Sabiha Gökçen Intl. Airport
Sabiha Gökçen Airport is located in Pendik, on the Anatolian Side of Istanbul. From the airport, you can get to the city center by metro, municipal bus, Havabus, public transport with a Marmaray transfer, taxi, car rental, or transfer service.
Metro- The airport is the terminus of the M4 Kadıköy–Sabiha Gökçen Airport metro line. The line takes about 50 minutes to get from the airport to Kadıköy.
- You can transfer to Marmaray at Ayrılık Çeşmesi station and to the Metrobus at Ünalan station.
- Timetables and weekend night services vary according to the current IBB (Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality) schedule. For up-to-date information, you can check Metro Istanbul's announcements.
- You board the metro with an Istanbulkart. To buy a card, you can use the ticket machines at the stations.
- With Havabus services, you can reach Taksim and Kadıköy without transfers.
- The Taksim line follows the Kavacık and Zincirlikuyu route. The journey takes about 1.5 hours, depending on traffic.
- The Kadıköy line also stops at Yenisahra. The journey to Kadıköy takes about 1 hour, depending on traffic.
- For current timetables and fares, you can check Havabus's official website.
- E10: Kadıköy via Kurtköy
- E3: 4. Levent Metro (European Side)
- 16S: Uzunçayır Metrobus
- MR60: Pendik YHT (Marmaray)
- Routes and schedules may change. For up-to-date information, you can check the official IETT website or mobile app.
- With Marmaray, you can reach many parts of the city by transferring.
- You can take the MR60 bus to Pendik YHT station and transfer to Marmaray.
- You can also take the M4 metro to Ayrılık Çeşmesi station and switch to Marmaray.
- You can take a taxi from the airport to anywhere in the city.
- Bridge and tunnel tolls are paid by the passenger.
- There are offices of international and local car rental companies at the airport.
- If you make a reservation in advance, you can pick up your car without waiting in line.
- You can travel comfortably from the airport to different parts of the city with a private transfer service.
- It is recommended to book your transfer at least one day in advance.
Istanbul Airport
Istanbul Airport is located on the European Side of the city, in the Arnavutköy district. You can get from the airport to the city center by bus, Havaist shuttle, metro, taxi, rental car, or private transfer.
Bus- H-1, H-2, H-3, H-6, and H-8 buses run from Istanbul Airport to various parts of the city, including Mecidiyeköy, Mahmutbey, Sultangazi, Sarıyer, and Halkalı.
- Travel times are approximately 1 hour 40 minutes to Mecidiyeköy, 1 hour 45 minutes to Halkalı, 1 hour 30 minutes to Mahmutbey, 1 hour 25 minutes to Sultangazi, and 1 hour 50 minutes to Sarıyer. Journey times may vary depending on traffic.
- You can buy bus tickets at the ticket booths or machines at the airport platforms, or online.
- The M11 Gayrettepe – Istanbul Airport metro line connects the airport to the city center.
- The metro provides direct access to Arnavutköy, İhsaniye, Göktürk, Kemerburgaz, Hasdal, Kağıthane, and Gayrettepe.
- At Gayrettepe station, you can transfer to the Metrobus, city buses, and the M1 Hacıosman – Yenikapı metro line.
- The metro operates from 06:00 to 00:00.
- The journey takes about 45 minutes on average.
- Havaist shuttle services run to Aksaray, Esenler Bus Terminal, Arnavutköy, Halkalı–Başakşehir, Silivri–Çatalca, Beylikdüzü, Avcılar–Bahçeşehir, Bakırköy, Kadıköy, Taksim, and Sabiha Gökçen Airport.
- You can pay for Havaist online, at the ticket booths on the platforms, or by card on board. Some Havaist buses also accept Istanbul Kart.
- Fares vary depending on the route.
- Orange, turquoise, and black taxis serve the route between Istanbul Airport and the city center.
- Fixed fares apply to certain destinations in the city center.
- Bridge crossings, bus terminal exit fees, and toll roads are paid by the passenger.
- You can rent a car from companies at the airport, including Avec, Sixt, Hertz, Rent Go, Budget, Europcar, Enterprise, Garenta, and many more, and drive to the city center.
- If you book before arriving, you can pick up your car directly without waiting in line.
- With a rental car, you can easily reach the city center as well as Istanbul's historical and natural attractions, such as the Historic Peninsula, Taksim, Kadıköy, Üsküdar, Florya, Polonezköy, Çatalca, and Şile.
- A private transfer service offers a luxurious and comfortable ride from the airport to destinations across Istanbul.
- We recommend booking your transfer at least 24 hours in advance.
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