The Ultimate Guide to International Istanbul Airport (IST) with local tips

Istanbul Airport (IST) is the new airport of Istanbul and being the new aviation facility, it added to Istanbul’s two existing airports (Ataturk Airport and Sabiha Gokcen Airport), has taken over all of Ataturk Airport’s passenger flights as of 2018, scheduled to welcome more than 200 million people by 2025. Our Istanbul Airport guide contains information about general overview, flights information, services and facilities available inside the airport, wifi, airport lounges, nearby hotels, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, things to do on a layover, and many more.

Quick Overview

Istanbul Airport is located on the European side of the city, about 40 kilometers from Taksim and 52 kilometers from Kadikoy. It serves over 350 domestic and international destinations in 110 countries, with one of the largest duty-free zones in the world.

For the time being, only one terminal is operational, four runways (out of the total of six when the project is finished), and five concourses house the several airlines that fly from and to the airport. Last but not least, the airport’s resources and services are one-of-a-kind, and the edge-cutting technology is used throughout the ecologically friendly airport.

Overall, even though development is still ongoing, Istanbul Airport has already become a major transportation hub connecting three continents, Europe, Asia, and Africa, and will grow into an even more vital aviation center as time passes.

Location Map

Flights to and from Istanbul International Airport

Given the new necessary security inspections, it is advised to be at the airport three hours before international flights and 1.5 hours before domestic flights. You will have to wait in various queues, including the initial entry check-in line and the passenger lounge entrance. The last line is for ticket and passport clearance.

These processes take time, and the distance from one location to another is not short because Istanbul Airport (IST) spans a large region. Istanbul traffic may also be problematic at times. That is why it is critical to be at the airport early. It is advisable to add 30 minutes to your transportation time from the city center to avoid missing your flight due to heavy traffic.

Exploiting the Layover at Istanbul International Airport

Do you have a long stopover at Istanbul Airport? Layovers may be exhausting and stressful, especially after a long trip or before further travel. There are, however, methods to make your layover more than simply a waste of time.

Indeed, because Istanbul is a popular stopover for flights from the Middle East to Europe, you are extremely likely to wait at the brand-new airport. So, how can you maximize your downtime? To start with, you must specify how much time you have available. Your alternatives should change based on whether you are traveling through the airport quickly, have a few hours stopover, or even sleep at Istanbul Airport.

Ideas of things to do at Istanbul Airport

If you have a connection time of up to ten hours between flights, it is best to stay at the airport to avoid missing your next flight. After all, you’ll surely enjoy exploring the varied and useful services and amenities at the airport.

The Istanbul Terminal Building (the first of four terminals when the airport’s development is completed) is the world’s largest terminal (under one roof). Consider all of the possibilities accessible to you!

Seemingly endless Shopping: Innumerable retail stores are at your fingertips and a massive Duty-Free Area with the newest technology infrastructure. (If you need money, there are ATMs and Currency Exchange Offices located around the airport.)

Wi-Fi is free: Explore the web, check your social media pages, or complete your most recent commercial assignment.

Children’s Playground: There’s nothing better than using Istanbul Airport’s Play Area if you’re traveling with children. You’ll have a relaxing time, and they’ll have a blast!

Prayer Rooms: There are prayer rooms for both men and women at Istanbul Airport. You may seek solace or carry out your religious activities without interruption.

Art Galleries: Two IGA picture exhibitions provide IST airport travelers with a one-of-a-kind cultural experience. Ara Güler Exhibition showcases the work of renowned photographer and writer Ara Güler. At the same time, “A Victory Monument Exhibition” narrates the tale of the airport’s development.

Give yourself a treat: Enjoy the airport spa treatments and give yourself a thrilling and relaxing experience during your break. There are also showers available for your convenience.

Take a break: There are several lounges located throughout the airport. If you fly business or first class, you should have free access to certain areas, although you can pay to use their amenities in any case. Before your next flight, unwind and recharge your batteries. Furthermore, there are “Nap Zones” throughout the airport with day beds and lounge chairs.

Where To Eat at Istanbul Airport: Istanbul Airport Restaurants and Cafes:

Departures Floor: Three cafés are available on the Domestic Terminal-Airside, including Gloria Jean’s Coffee, Seferi, and Simit Saray.

Gloria Jean’s Coffees: A place to unwind and relax while having dessert and drinking coffee. A cup of coffee costs about $3-4, while desserts cost about $8-10.

Seferi: Think of Seferi as buffet service. You can get a drink and food for around 2-3 USD.

Simit Sarayi: Simit Saray is one of Turkey’s most popular breakfast spots. A hot cup of tea and a fresh Turkish bagel may brighten the day. A bagel and a cup of tea cost about 4-5 USD.

There are two eateries in the International Terminal Airside area. Simit Saray is one of them, while Via Café is another.

Via Café is yet another option for snacks and beverages.

Mvnch and Seferi buffets are located in the Landside section.

MVNCH: The buffet includes a variety of fresh fruit drinks and snacks. You can discover a tasty mix.

Brewmark, Chef Restaurant, Jackie’s, Malatya Pazar, Mood Up, Tadnda Anadolu, Take Off, Tchibo, Turkish Cusine, Tickerdaze, and Yo Sushi, is among the restaurants and cafés that are nearing completion.

Yotel Istanbul Airport Hotel

YOTEL Istanbul Airport Hotel is one of the world’s largest airport hotels (and the largest in Europe), with 171 landside rooms and 280 airside rooms totaling 451. YOTEL is available to all guests; YOTELAIR is located after passport control and is only available to those having international flights to or from Istanbul Airport. The YOTEL airside hotel is situated within the Duty-Free area and has an entrance on the terminal’s airside.

YOTEL Istanbul was created with business and leisure tourists in mind and aircrew and Istanbul companies headquartered in or near the new airport. The ergonomically built, tech-forward cabins have adjustable SmartBedsTM, smart TVs that stream content from guests’ portable devices, ambient, dynamic lighting, monsoon rain showers, ultrafast, courteous staff, and free Wi-Fi. Guests may meet, rest, and recharge in the public areas, providing self-service food and drink. Guests sleeping on land may access the hotel gym, available 24 hours a day, and the KOMYUNITI bar and restaurant.

YOTEL Airport Hotel Istanbul is conveniently positioned on the departure level, just next to passport control. Visitors may book rooms for as little as four hours, making them suitable for travelers on extended transits. Using airline-style kiosks, customers may check-in and out of the hotel independently, eliminating long queues and managing time. YOTEL also boasts a series of adaptable, tech-savvy conference spaces for business travelers and local enterprises.

Internet at Istanbul Airport

To access free Wi-Fi at Istanbul New Airport, join the IstanbulAirport TurkTelekomFree Wi-Fi network. You can connect to the Internet using your laptop, tablet, or smartphone. The free Wi-Fi at Istanbul New Airport (IST) is relatively restricted since it is only available for up to 60 minutes. You will need to acquire paid Wi-Fi packages for extended durations if you need extra time.

The computation of free Wi-Fi use time is not entirely obvious. It indicates directly after login that only 50 minutes out of 60 could be used. Because there was no real-time counter, the time remaining could only be viewed after refreshing the login page, and it was well-rounded. It does not appear trustworthy!

The number of free Wi-Fi connections available at Istanbul Airport is restricted to two. It implies you don’t have to utilize all 60 minutes at once, but rather in two shorter times. Only one device can be connected with one code.

Istanbul Airport Transfers

You may get a head start on your next adventure using Istanbul Airport transfers. When you book, you get guaranteed convenience and immediate confirmation. Navigate via a streamlined interface where you may personalize your transfer and car type and add kid seats to suit small guests. Upon landing, you will be met and welcomed by your professional driver holding a personalized sign and be directed to your transfer, unlocking point-to-point transit with only a few clicks.

Select your destination from Istanbul Airport: your hotel, the city center, or a popular tourist place unique to your present location. Avoid the traffic and have access to safe navigation with expert drivers at the helm of your transfer experience, letting you simply rest after your journey.

Whether you’re traveling alone, as a pair, as a household, or with a large group of friends, you’ll be able to choose an appropriate vehicle type to keep your traveling party together. Depending on your demands, choose from a private shuttle, shared private shuttle, limousine bus, etc.

Frequently Asked Questions About Istanbul Airport Transfers

• What is the best way to go from Istanbul Airport to the city?

In addition to public transportation, the following private transfer options are available from Istanbul Airport: private vans, private shuttles, SUVs, and buses.

• How much does a private airport transfer from Istanbul Airport to the city cost?

A private airport transfer to the city begins at US$ 34.20 for two people. Prices may vary depending on pick-up time, location, number of passengers, etc.

• How long would it take to get from Istanbul Airport to the city?

The predicted journey time by private vehicle from Istanbul Airport to the city is 43 Minutes (s). Travel time may vary based on the day’s weather and traffic conditions.