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Welcome to Istanbul! We know that getting to your hotel from the airport can be a daunting task. Luckily, Istanbul Airport offers a wide range of shuttle buses that make it easy to navigate the city. In this blog post, we will guide you through everything you need to know about the shuttle buses from Istanbul Airport, including routes, schedules, and fares.
What Are the Istanbul Airport Shuttle Buses?
It is very cheap government (IETT) and private buses (Havalines) with which you can get from Istanbul Airport to City Centre. Another cheap option is Airport Metro (U line).
Istanbul Airport Bus Shuttle (IETT)
The Istanbul Airport Bus is more affordable and convenient option for travelers. It operates on 6 different routes, connecting Istanbul Airport to various locations in the city.
The Istanbul Airport Bus schedule also varies depending on the route and the time of day. You can check the schedule on the IETT website or at the shuttle bus stop.
Istanbul Airport Bus Shuttle (IETT) Prices and Routes
A trip from Istanbul Airport to the city centre costs 35,4 TL ($1,2) or two standard bus fares (17,7 TL)
To take the Istanbul Airport Bus Shuttle (IETT), you must first purchase an Istanbulkart or Tourist Travel Card to pay for your transfer. You will find vending machines near the bus zone.
| IETT Bus Lines | Duration | Routes Frequency | Destination | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IETT H-1 | 98 min | Every 80′ | Istanbul Airport – Mahmutbey Metro Station | 35,4 TL ($1,2) |
| IETT H-2 | 104 min | Every 25′-30′ | Istanbul Airport – Mecidiyeköy | 35,4 TL ($1,2) |
| IETT H-3 | 109 min | Every 90′ | Istanbul Airport – Halkalı Marmaray Station | 35,4 TL ($1,2) |
| IETT H-6 | 93 min | Every 30′-50′ | Istanbul Airport – Yunus Emre Borough / Arnavutköy | 35,4 TL ($1,2) |
| IETT H-8 | 131 min | Every 3-4 hours | Istanbul Airport – Hacıosman Metro Station / Sarıyer | 35,4 TL ($1,2) |
Just wanted to let you know that the duration of your trip might be a bit longer during rush hour due to heavy traffic in Istanbul. That’s something to keep in mind when planning out your schedule.
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How to Get from Istanbul Airport by Shuttle Bus (IETT) to Tourist Destinations
According to the table, the H-2 bus route is the most interesting for tourists as it connects Istanbul Airport to Mecidiyeköy.
You can change from Mecidiyeköy station to the M2 metro line, which is the most popular line that connects you to Taksim and the Old City, providing easy access to Istanbul’s famous attractions.
Mecidiyekoy itself is also a major transportation hub, with connections to various other destinations in the city via the Istanbul Metrobus. The Istanbul Metrobus is a rapid transit system that runs along the city’s main highway, connecting the European and Asian sides of Istanbul. It has stops at various popular tourist destinations, including Kadikoy, Besiktas, and Uskudar.
Where to Find the Bus Station at Istanbul International Airport
If you’re looking for the bus station at Istanbul International Airport, you’ll be happy to know that it’s located on the -2 floor of the terminal. Getting there is easy as there are elevators and escalators available from both the Departures and Arrivals levels.
Havaist Shuttle Istanbul
The Havaist shuttle is a popular choice for travelers who want to get to their destination quickly and efficiently. The Havaist shuttle operates on 11 different routes, connecting Istanbul Airport to various destinations in Istanbul.
The Havaist shuttle schedule varies depending on the route and the time of day. You can check the schedule on the Havaist website or at the shuttle bus stop.
Read More: HAVAIST New Istanbul Airport Shuttles/Buses (Routes, Ticket Price)
Free Havaist Shuttle with Istanbul E-Pass
Experience a hassle-free arrival in Istanbul with the one-way shuttle transfer service from/to Istanbul Airport (IST), included with your Istanbul E-pass. Even better, you can use the shuttle service outside of your pass valid days. Additionally, choose from 2, 3, 5, or 7-day passes, and gain access to over 40 top attractions in the city.
Click the button below to get your Istanbul E-pass and enjoy a comfortable, unforgettable trip:
The Most Important Routes of Havaist
- HVIST-12: This route connects Beyazit Square, Aksaray, Ulubatli, Ayvansaray, Nurtepe Viyaduk, and New Istanbul Airport. The journey takes approximately 90 minutes, covering a distance of 53 km, and costs 170 TL.
- HVIST-13: This route offers a direct connection between Sabiha Gokcen Airport and New Istanbul Airport. The travel time is around 110 minutes, spanning 109 km, with a fare of 215 TL
- HVIST-14: This route links Kadikoy, Acibadem Metro, Yenisahra, Tepeustu, Kavacik Bridge, and New Istanbul Airport. The trip takes approximately 120 minutes, covering a distance of 75 km, and costs 186 TL.
- HVIST-15: This route serves Besiktas, Zincirlikuyu Metrobus, 4.Levent, and New Istanbul Airport. The journey takes about 75 minutes, spans 45 km, and has a fare of 170 TL
- HVIST-16: This route connects Taksim, Piyalepasa, Nurtepe Viyaduk, and New Istanbul Airport. The travel time is approximately 90 minutes, covering 48 km, with a ticket price of 170 TL
To book a Havaist shuttle ticket, you can purchase it online or at the airport.
The Havaist shuttle fares range from 125 TL to 215 TL, depending on the route and the type of ticket you purchase.
Here’s our full guide on how to use the Havaist bus shuttle
Istanbul Airport Private Shuttle
If you prefer a more personalized and direct form of transportation, you can book an Istanbul Airport Private Shuttle. Private shuttles are a good option for travelers who want to be taken directly to their final destination, as they do not make any stops along the way.
To book an Istanbul Airport Private Shuttle, you can either do it online or at the airport. The fares for private shuttles are more expensive than regular shuttle buses, but they offer more comfort and convenience.
Here’s our full guide on how to use the private shuttle
Istanbul Airport Metro (U Line)
The M11 metro line (also, U) is a convenient transportation option for passengers travelling between the New Istanbul Airport and the city. Soon the line will connect the airport to the Kağıthane station, which is an interchange station that connects with the M7 metro line.
For now, to travel from the New Istanbul Airport to the city center, you need to take two transfers using the metro system:
- First, take the M11 line from the New Istanbul Airport to the Kağıthane station.
- At Kağıthane station, transfer to the M7 line (Kabataş-Mahmutbey) and travel to the Mecidiyeköy station.
- From Mecidiyeköy station, transfer to the M2 line (Yenikapı-Hacıosman) which serves popular destinations like Taksim, Şişli, and the historical Old City.
The fare for the Istanbul Airport Metro is 22,83 TL.
Here’s our full guide on how to get from Airport to the City by metro
Istanbul Airport Taxi
If you prefer a more personalized and direct form of transportation, you can take an Istanbul Airport Taxi. Taxis are readily available at the airport and can take you directly to your destination.
To get an Istanbul Airport Taxi, you can either book one in advance or hail one at the airport.
Here’s our full guide on how to get from Airport to the City by taxi
Istanbul Airport Car Rental
If you prefer to drive yourself around the city, you can rent a car from one of the many car rental companies at Istanbul Airport. This is a convenient option for travelers who want to explore the city at their own pace.
Here’s our full guide on how to rent a car at Istanbul Airport
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Conclusion
Thank you for reading this guide and I hope it has been helpful in planning your trip to Istanbul. If you have any further questions or need additional assistance, please don’t hesitate to ask. Have a safe and enjoyable journey!
Did You Know Private Transfers Are Available in More than 200 Destinations?
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