ABOUT ISTANBUL

Istanbul, Türkiye’s largest city and economic and cultural hub, has a population of approximately 16 million, making it one of the most populous cities in Europe. Throughout history, it has served as the capital of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires, leaving behind a rich architectural and cultural heritage. Today, Istanbul is undergoing rapid urbanization, with major infrastructure projects and urban renewal efforts shaping its future. The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality has been implementing comprehensive urban planning initiatives, including the "Vision 2050" project, which aims to transform the city into a sustainable, innovative, and livable metropolis. With its strategic location connecting Europe and Asia, Istanbul continues to be a key global city at the crossroads of history and modernity.

VISA Requirements

Citizens of 147 countries can travel to Türkiye without visa, citizens of 97 countries can travel to Türkiye with e-visa. Citizens of most of countries can obtain visa at Turkish airports and border gates without dealing with long visa procedures. For further information on visa requirements for Turkey, please visit the official website of the Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs at:  https://www.mfa.gov.tr/default.en.mfa and https://www.mfa.gov.tr/visa-information-for-foreigners.en.mfa

TRAVEL

Istanbul has two major airports: Istanbul Airport (IST) on the European side and Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) on the Asian side. Istanbul Airport, located in Arnavutköy, is the city's primary international gateway, serving flights to over 280 destinations worldwide. Sabiha Gökçen Airport, situated in Pendik, mainly handles domestic and regional flights but also operates international routes. Both airports are well-connected to the city center through various transportation options, including metro, shuttle buses, and taxis.

It is also possible to travel to Istanbul by train. Once you get to Greece, Bulgaria or Rumenia, there are daily train connections from Athens, Sofia and Bucharest to Istanbul. Athens, Bucharest and Sofia have connections to major European cities, such as Paris, Lyon, Marseilles, Lille, Baurdeux, and Strasburg (https://rail.cc/train/istanbul-to-paris). 

Athens: https://rail.cc/train/istanbul-to-athens

Bucharest: https://www.interrail.eu/en/plan-your-trip/tips-and-tricks/trains-europe/night-trains/bosphorus-express-night-train

Sofia: https://www.interrail.eu/en/plan-your-trip/tips-and-tricks/trains-europe/night-trains/sofia-istanbul-expres

AIRPORT TO CENTRAL LOCATIONS

From Istanbul Airport (IST) to central locations in Istanbul can be reached through various transportation options. Here are some of the most common ways to get from the airport to the city center:

1. By Taxi:

  • Duration: Around 40–60 minutes, depending on traffic.
  • Taxis are available 24/7 at the airport's taxi stands. It's a comfortable and direct option, but the cost and travel time can vary significantly based on traffic.

2. By Airport Shuttle (Havaist):

  • Duration: Around 40-60 minutes, depending on traffic and destination.
  • Where to catch: Havaist buses depart from the airport's transport terminal.
  • Routes: Havaist buses offer several routes to key locations in Istanbul, including Taksim, Sultanahmet,

Beşiktaş, Kadıköy, and Mecidiyeköy. They are a cost-effective and convenient option for reaching the city center.

3. By Public Bus (IETT):

  • Duration: Around 60-90 minutes, depending on the destination.
  • Where to catch: Public buses depart from the airport’s ground transportation area.
  • Buses go to different parts of Istanbul, including Aksaray, Taksim, and Sultanahmet. This is a

budget-friendly option but may take longer than other options due to frequent stops.

4. By Metro:

  • Duration: Around 45 minutes to Mecidiyeköy.
  • Where to catch: The M11 metro line connects the airport to the city. The line is still expanding, but it

currently reaches Kayaşehir (future stops will link more central areas). The M11 connects to other metro lines (such as the M2 line) at Mecidiyeköy or Gayrettepe stations, allowing easy transfers to various parts of the city, including Taksim and Yenikapı.

5. By Car (Rent a Car):

  • Duration: Around 40–60 minutes, depending on traffic.
  • Renting a car is also an option if you prefer flexibility. However, parking in central areas can be challenging, and traffic is often heavy in Istanbul.

From Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW), reaching Taksim takes around 90 minutes by shuttle or 65 minutes by metro and Marmaray, while travel to the Historic Peninsula (Sultanahmet) takes about 65 minutes by metro and Marmaray. Access to Gayrettepe from SAW takes around 75 minutes via metro and Marmaray connections.

Key Locations & Travel Times

  • Taksim: Around 40-60 minutes by taxi or Havaist.
  • Sultanahmet: Around 40-60 minutes by taxi or Havaist.
  • Beşiktaş: Around 45 minutes by taxi or Havaist.
  • Kadıköy: Around 50 minutes to 1 hour by taxi or Havaist.
  • Mecidiyeköy: Around 40 minutes by metro or taxi.

For ease and cost-efficiency, Havaist buses are a popular choice, but taxis and private transfers offer more comfort. The metro is a new and growing option but is still limited in some areas.

HOW TO GET AROUND USING PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Istanbulkart is a smart payment card used across the city’s public transport network, including buses, metro, trams, metrobus, and ferries. It can be purchased at kiosks and vending machines at major transport hubs. Users can reload the card at vending machines, online, or via the Istanbulkart mobile application, available for both iOS and Android. The app allows users to check their balance, top up funds, and track their travel history, providing a convenient and efficient experience for both residents and visitors. Additionally, Mastercard credit cards are also accepted for payment.