"Infographic of Istanbul airport transfer options, highlighting private transfer services, tips for booking in advance, managing traffic, and choosing reputable providers for hassle-free travel to hotels."

How to Get Transportation from Istanbul Airport to City Center

Traveling from IST- Istanbul Airport to the city center is pretty easy since there are many transportation options available. You can easily choose the public one or private transfer as per your choice for your journey to be comfortable and quick. Here is a detailed overview of transportation from Istanbul airport to the city.

Havaist Shuttle Service

The most popular options for Istanbul airport transfer include the Havaist shuttle service. These shuttles are comfortable and reliable, connecting the airport to several key locations in the city, including Taksim and Sultanahmet. The Havaist buses run quite frequently and are fitted with Wi-Fi and USB charging points to make your journey pleasant and convenient.

 IETT Public Buses

The public IETT buses could be a more economic alternative. They travel to the heart of Istanbul, running on extensive routes and giving a very affordable service to reach the city center. They may be slower than taxis because of their many stops but are recommended for those on a budget and looking to save on an Istanbul airport transfer to the city.

Metro Line M11

The newly opened Metro Line M11 connects Istanbul Airport directly with the city center. It is one of the fastest ways of travel, without traffic, and takes one directly to the main areas. The metro works quite efficiently and costs much cheaper than other types of transfers, which is why it’s among the most preferred transport means for travelers.

Taxi Services

For people who would want a direct and private mode of transport, there are numerous taxis at Istanbul Airport. Generally, an Istanbul airport taxi to Sultanahmet or any other central area is convenient, especially if you have a lot of bags. Taxis are door-to-door, so you will have no problem at all getting to your hotel or destination.

Read about tips for taxi in Istanbul.

Private Transfers

The other very good options for Istanbul airport transfer to the hotel are the private transfer services. These may be booked in advance and are quite personalized. You will have a range of options regarding vehicles that you can choose depending on your needs, thus ensuring comfort and hassle-free travel to your accommodation of choice. Some Tips for Seamless Transfer – Book in Advance: You can book a transfer in advance in order to avoid long waiting periods and ensure it is available.


Check the traffic in advance: The traffic in Istanbul is highly unpredictable and you should always expect to spend more time traveling.
Take reputable services: Take only official or well-reviewed transport services to avoid getting ripped off.


In a nutshell, whether you select Havaist shuttle, public buses, the metro, taxis, or private transfers, there are plenty of Istanbul airport transfer options available. Each of the ways has some kind of advantages; hence, keeping in mind your budget, time, and comfort, decide which one is the best option for you. Safe travels!

You can check out our Istanbul airport transfers on this link.

You can also read our aritlcle about Istanbulkart for public transportations.

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