Istanbul Airport
Istanbul Airport (IST) replaced Atatürk Airport as the city’s main international airport in 2019. It is the hub of Turkish Airlines and one of the most important transfer airports between Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa. It lies on the European side of Istanbul, in the Arnavutköy district north-west of the centre, so the journey into the city takes time.
Terminal and airlines
International and domestic flights operate from one very large main terminal building. Turkish Airlines and its Star Alliance partners account for a large share of flights. Check-in rows, gates and lounges are spread over long distances, so follow the signs and leave time to walk.
Transit and connections
Passengers connecting on one ticket follow the international transfer signs, pass a transfer security check and go straight to their departure gate without entering Türkiye. If you are on separate tickets or need to recheck bags, you will usually have to pass passport control and check in again. Turkish Airlines’ recommended airport arrival time for international flights is 3 hours. Check your options with our Layover Planner.
Passenger facilities
The terminal has extensive duty-free shopping, restaurants and cafés, lounges, prayer rooms and an airside hotel for transit passengers. Exact services and locations are listed on the airport website.
Official links
- Istanbul Airport: istairport.com
- Transport to and from the airport: official transportation page
Rules and services checked against official sources in October 2026. Airlines and airports change their policies, fares and services regularly: always confirm the details for your own booking on the official pages linked here before you travel.
Transport Links
From Istanbul Airport's official transportation page:
- M11 metro: runs from the airport to Gayrettepe via Kağıthane, where you can change to the M2 line for Taksim and the city centre. The line also runs west towards Arnavutköy and Halkalı; the Halkalı section opened on 20 June 2026, giving a rail link to the Marmaray suburban line.
- Havaist airport buses: 11 routes between the airport and different parts of the city. Board on the transportation floor (-2).
- İETT city buses: 5 routes to the city, also from floor -2, wheelchair accessible.
- Intercity buses (İstanbul Seyahat) to Bursa, Tekirdağ, Edirne, Kocaeli and Sakarya leave from floor -2, platform 18.
- Taxis and private transfers are available outside arrivals; journeys into the centre are long and traffic-dependent.
Use an İstanbulkart for public transport. Our Airport Transfer Cost Calculator helps compare options.
Traveler Information
- Check which airport you are using. Istanbul has two international airports: Istanbul Airport (IST) on the European side and Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) on the Asian side. They are far apart.
- Leave plenty of time. The terminal is very large, and walking times to some gates are long.
- Entry rules depend on your nationality; check our Türkiye guide.
- Staying in the city? Read our Istanbul city guide for neighbourhoods and getting around.
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