Welcome to Istanbul! As a seasoned traveler, I 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, I 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?
Shuttle buses are a type of public transportation that transport passengers between airports and other destinations. They are an affordable and convenient option for travelers who want to avoid the hassle of navigating the city on their own.
At Istanbul Airport, there are two types of shuttle buses available: the Havaist shuttle and the Istanbul Airport Bus. Shuttle buses are operated by the Istanbul Airport and Tramway and Tunnel General Management (IETT).
The advantages of taking shuttle buses include their affordability, convenience, and safety. On the other hand, the disadvantages include the limited luggage space and the possibility of traffic congestion during peak hours.
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 center costs 19.79 TL ($1,02)
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 | 19.79 TL ($1,02) |
| IETT H-2 | 104 min | Every 25′-30′ | Istanbul Airport – Mecidiyeköy | 19.79 TL ($1,02) |
| IETT H-3 | 109 min | Every 90′ | Istanbul Airport – Halkalı Marmaray Station | 19.79 TL ($1,02) |
| IETT H-6 | 93 min | Every 30′-50′ | Istanbul Airport – Yunus Emre Borough / Arnavutköy | 19.79 TL ($1,02) |
| IETT H-8 | 131 min | Every 3-4 hours | Istanbul Airport – Hacıosman Metro Station / Sarıyer | 19.79 TL ($1,02) |
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.
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. You can check the full list of stops and routes on the official Istanbul Metrobus website or at the metrobus stations.
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.
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 TRY 87.
- 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 TRY 110.
- 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 TRY 96.
- 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 TRY 74.
- 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 TRY 87.
To book a Havaist shuttle ticket, you can purchase it online or at the airport.
The Havaist shuttle fares range from 64 TL to 110 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.
Based on our experience, we can recommend KIWITAXI.
Here’s our full guide on how to use the private shuttle
Istanbul Airport Metro
The M11 metro line 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 Gayrettepe station, which is an interchange station that connects with the M2 metro line.
From Gayrettepe station, passengers can easily transfer to the M2 line, which serves popular destinations like Taksim, Şişli, and the historical Old City. The M11 line significantly reduces travel time and offers a comfortable alternative to shuttle buses or taxis.
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 fares for the Istanbul Airport Metro range from 9.90 TL to 12.87 TL, depending on the distance travelled.
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 in Istanbul Airport
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!