How To Get From Istanbul Airport To Taksim

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Post author Nicky

Written by our local expert Nicky

Nicky, originally from the UK, is now a local in Turkey. She moved to Marmaris, Türkiye for love 12 years ago and is now your Turkey travel planner.

Our detailed transportation guide tells you how to get from Istanbul Airport to Taksim. We cover the bus, Metro, taxi, and private transfer options.

Below is also a FAQ guide that answers dozens of questions about traveling between the Istanbul airports and Taksim.

Turkey Travel Blog_How To Get From The Istanbul Airport To Taksim

Taksim is considered the modern center of Istanbul. It’s a spot that will never leave you bored and will undoubtedly leave you exhausted!

Packed with nightlife, gastronomy, shopping, and a surprising amount of history, too, Taksim is a very busy, very loud, yet always charming part of the city. For many, it’s Istanbul city center, but that’s up for debate because, in many ways, Istanbul doesn’t have an actually defined city center.

Yet, if we’re thinking of the central point where many things meet and that has easy access to most other parts of the city, then yes, Taksim could be classed as the city center.

There are countless hotels and guest houses around Taksim and the larger Beyoglu area, many of which are very reasonably priced. For that reason, you might need to know how to get from Istanbul Airport to Taksim so you can drop your bags off and prepare for your grand Istanbul adventure!

Get From Istanbul Airport To Taksim By HAVIST Bus / Shuttle

Catching a bus at Istanbul Airport

The easiest and cheapest way to get from Istanbul Airport to Taksim is by the HAVAIST bus. This is a shuttle coach service that runs all around the city in different services, and there is one that serves Levent, Besiktas, and Taksim together.

This is the HVIST-15 service, which takes around 90 minutes to get to your location. However, this can drastically depend upon traffic between the international airport and Istanbul city center, and at certain times of the day, your journey may take a lot longer. Unfortunately, this is just one of the things you have to deal with about Istanbul!

Tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis, and be warned that this is an extremely busy service as it covers some of the main parts of the city.

The bus will drop you at Taksim Square, and you can walk to wherever you’re staying from there. There is also room for luggage, and the bus is comfortable, with air conditioning, WiFi, plenty of leg room, charging points, and TVs, making it an excellent option for travelers heading directly to Taksim from the international airport.

Daily HAVIST departure times to Taksim from the airport are:
00.20, 01.00, 01.50, 02.40, 04.40, 05.40, 07.30, 08.30, 09.30, 11.00, 12.00, 13.00, 14.00, 15.00, 16.00, 17.00, 18.00, 19.15, 20.30, 21.30, 22.30, 23.30.

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Way To Get From Istanbul Airport To Taksim By Metro

Taksim Square has a Metro station, and so does the airport, offering a seamless journey directly to Taksim and showcasing its utility for travelers navigating between these points. The Metro station at the airport is located at exit 11, and you take the M11 line to Gayrettepe station. Then, you switch to the M2 line and go straight to Taksim.

To use the MMetro, you’ll need an IstanbulKart, which you can get from the Metro station and top up to use the pre-paid service. You then scan your card at each Metro gate to enter.

Overall, the Metro from the airport to Taksim shouldn’t take more than 40 minutes.

The Fastest Way To Get From Istanbul Airport To Taksim By Taxi Or Private Airport Transfer

You can take a taxi from outside the airport arrivals terminal and ask to be taken to Taksim Square. There are three types of taxis at the airport, and the most common is the yellow taxi. To Taksim from the airport, you can expect to pay around 440 liras for a journey of 40 minutes, but it can cost a lot more depending on traffic at the time.

You can also pre-book a private transfer, which costs a little more than a taxi, but there are enormous benefits to pre-arranging a private transfer from the airport to your Istanbul hotel.

For starters, you’ll avoid the hassle and stress of trying to hail a taxi or navigate public transportation after a long flight. A private transfer lets you relax and enjoy the ride as someone else takes care of the driving.

In addition, private transfers are often more comfortable and luxurious than other transport options, such as the standard airport taxi. You can choose to ride in style in a limousine or SUV or opt for a more budget-friendly sedan. Either way, you can sit back and enjoy the scenery as you’re whisked to your destination.

Finally, by pre-booking your transfer ahead of time, you can be assured of a smooth and seamless experience.

Your driver will be waiting for you at the airport when you arrive and will help with your luggage before escorting you to your vehicle. This is the perfect way to start or end your trip without any worries about getting around town.

ISTANBUL AIRPORT TO SULTANAHMET AND TAKSIM FAQs

New Istanbul Airport To Taksim Square & Sultanahmet FAQs

What is the best way to get from Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet?

One of the best ways to get from Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet is by using the Havaist shuttle service or taking a taxi.

How to get from Istanbul Airport to Taksim?

To get from Istanbul Airport to Taksim, you can take the Havaist shuttle or a taxi or use public transportation options such as the Metro and bus.

What is the cost of a transfer from Istanbul Airport to Taksim?

The cost of a transfer from Istanbul Airport to Taksim can vary depending on the mode of transportation. Havaist shuttle fares and taxi rates are available at official sources.

What are the Istanbul Airport transportation options?

Istanbul Airport offers various transportation options, including Havaist shuttles, taxis, and public transportation like Metro and buses.

How long does an Istanbul Airport transfer take to get to Taksim?

The duration of an Istanbul Airport transfer to Taksim depends on the mode of transportation and traffic conditions. Generally, it takes around 30 minutes to 1 hour.

What is the travel time from Istanbul Airport to the city center?

The travel time from Istanbul Airport to the city center, including Taksim and Sultanahmet, can vary from 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic conditions.

How to get from Istanbul Airport to Taksim the fastest?

The fastest way to get from Istanbul Airport to Taksim is by taking a taxi or using a private transfer service, especially during non-peak hours.

Is the bus from Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet reliable?

Yes, the bus service, such as the Havaist airport shuttle from Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet, is generally reliable and frequently available, providing a stress-free transition to Istanbul city center.

What time do buses leave from Taksim to Istanbul Airport?

The departure times of buses from Taksim to Istanbul Airport, such as Havaist, can be checked on their official website or at designated bus stops.

What is the best way to go from Istanbul Airport to Taksim with kids?

When traveling with kids, a private transfer, taxi, or the Havaist shuttle can be convenient options from Istanbul Airport to Taksim, considering comfort and safety.

How to go from Istanbul Airport to Taksim with a wheelchair?

Istanbul Airport provides facilities for travelers with disabilities. For wheelchair accessibility, you can use the Havaist shuttle or arrange a private transfer with wheelchair-accessible vehicles.

Istanbul Airport To Taksim

What is the distance between Istanbul Airport and the city center distance?

The distance from Istanbul Airport to the city center, including Taksim, is approximately 25 to 30 kilometers, depending on the route.

How to get from Ataturk Airport to Taksim?

Ataturk Airport is closed for commercial flights. For transfers to Taksim, you can use Istanbul Airport (IST) and refer to the previous Istanbul Airport to Taksim questions.

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