New Airport in Istanbul has a name which is simple and clear: Istanbul Airport (name in Turkish: İstanbul Havalimanı). It was opened at the end of 2018 and replaced Ataturk Airport completely in 2019.
To avoid common scams, overpriced services, and tourist traps, get my detailed Istanbul Asian Side Guide here (it will save you 10x its cost on transportation and eating out alone):
https://olgapronkina.com/istanbul (secret bonus inside!)
In this Istanbul Airport Guide you will find essential information: airport map, where to find ATMs and money exchanges, how to use airport WiFi, tips about public transport and taxis to Istanbul City Centre and my personal review of this (spoiler!) really well-organized airport in Istanbul.
Read More: ISTANBULKART: Istanbul Public Transportation Card: price in 2023, where to buy, get refund
This is a short video I made after landing at new Istanbul Airport. You can see passport control, money exchange, ATMs and banks, baggage claim and arrivals waiting area, the shuttle bus to Istanbul from the new airport.
You can not use metro to get to and from new Istanbul Airport, but there is even better transportation option for getting in and out of it – a convenient bus (HavaIst) that will take you to most popular spots in the city. And as usual, taxis and car rentals are also available. But beware of the taxi scams in Turkey.
New Istanbul Airport Travel Guide
8 Best Places in Turkey for Every Traveler
Don’t know where in Turkey you can find what you want? Let me help.
I’ve been traveling in and out of Turkey for years and finally spent a year living in Antalya, uncovering the hidden gems and highlights of this beautiful country.
Whether you’re a beach lover, a history enthusiast, or an adventurous hiker, I’ve explored it all. Let me be your guide and share the best destinations depending on the kind of traveler you are.
Istanbul Airport Code: IST
Phone Number: 444 1 IGA / 444 1 442
WhatsApp Number: 0549 563 34 34
Address: Tayakadın District Terminal Street No.1 Arnavutköy / Istanbul
Istanbul Airport map and location:
New Istanbul Airport is located in the northeastern part of the city, Arnavutkoy district.
Read More: 3 DAYS IN ISTANBUL, TURKIYE: Best things to do if you have never been there before
FREE WIFI at Istanbul Airport
There is a free wifi at the airport. You can use internet for 1 hour by registering with your passport. There are special booths around where you can do it that have a big WIFI sign on them.
Also, if you will travel to the city by a shuttle bus – there is a free wifi on the bus too, and a usb socket in the back of every seat (below the monitor).
Istanbul Airport Public Transfer: shuttle bus and car
As with every major Airport, you can get from Istanbul Airport to the city both by public transport and by car (taxi). There is no metro yet, but public shuttle buses are even more convenient.
Istanbul international airport shuttle bus
This is a very cheap and convenient way of airport public transportation.
Havaist Airport public shuttle buses will take you to:
- City Centre (Taksim)
- Old city (Sultanahmet)
- Asian side of Istanbul (Kadikoy)
Cost of the shuttle bus is very affordable, but it is modern, with a baggage section, free wifi and usb sockets inside the bus.
Transfer time is about 1-1.5 hours to get to city center from New Istanbul Airport. During rush hours transfer time can be longer, so as usual better to add extra 30-60 minutes to your planned transfer time.
8 Best Places in Turkey for Every Traveler
Don’t know where in Turkey you can find what you want? Let me help.
I’ve been traveling in and out of Turkey for years and finally spent a year living in Antalya, uncovering the hidden gems and highlights of this beautiful country.
Whether you’re a beach lover, a history enthusiast, or an adventurous hiker, I’ve explored it all. Let me be your guide and share the best destinations depending on the kind of traveler you are.
How to find Havaist buses to get to Istanbul city center?
After you get your baggage, exit to the waiting area. Then look for the signs that say “Transportation floor”. Use the elevators to get down.
Walk along the road to get to the Platform (Peron) station that will take you where you need to go. For example, Platform 14 is for the buses that go to Taksim Square (you can see how it looks like in the video above).
At most of the platforms there are machines where you can buy an IstanbulKart. You can use it to pay for every kind of public transport in the city, including shuttle buses from and to the airport. But bus drivers will also accept payment by credit card.
Buses leave every 15 minutes (for Taksim), so you will not spent much time waiting.
To avoid common scams, overpriced services, and tourist traps, get my detailed Istanbul Asian Side Guide here (it will save you 10x its cost on transportation and eating out alone):
https://olgapronkina.com/istanbul (secret bonus inside!)
Istanbul Airport taxi
Taxis are also available at transportation floor (see above how to get there). Ask the driver to use the taxi meter. If they do not understand english use Google Translate – free wifi is available at transportation floor.
Although my personal advice would be take a shuttle bus (modern and comfortable) and then get a taxi when you get off. Read more about taxi scams in Turkey.
Istanbul Airport: ATMs and Money exchange
There are many exchange booths in Istanbul Airport after you go through passport control. You will notice them on your way to baggage claim. Unless you absolutely have to – I wouldn’t recommend changing your money there (rather do it in Istanbul city). Use the ATMs instead.
ATMs in Istanbul Airport you will find after you exit to the Arrivals waiting area. There will be a lot of people and opportunistic taxi drivers. Just go past them and you will see several local bank branches and ATMs. If you don’t want to pay the commission – pay attention each time you press “OK”. Some of the ATMs don’t have a commision, but some do. Just go to another one if you see commision on the screen.
Read More: Shopping in Istanbul, Turkey. Best Malls European vs Asian side
To avoid common scams, overpriced services, and tourist traps, get my detailed Istanbul Asian Side Guide here (it will save you 10x its cost on transportation and eating out alone):
https://olgapronkina.com/istanbul (secret bonus inside!)
Istanbul Airport: My review
Before travelling through New Istanbul Airport I read reviews, which generally were bad. People said it’s too big, not passenger-friendly, the staff can be rude and the queues are too long.
I was getting myself ready for the worst airport experience ever. So, how is Istanbul Airport?
It was the opposite for me.
Time on the bus from the plane to the airport was 5 minutes (some reviewers said it’s 30 min). The distance to the immigration check was short and there was no queue apart from people who landed on the same flight as me. The queue was organised and there was a staff member who guided us.
After I stepped off the plane it took me 1 hour to get to the shuttle bus which took me to the city, including waiting for my baggage and taking out some turkish lira from the ATM.
The walk to baggage claim was long, but managable. I also saw some wheelchairs available that can be used if a passenger is sick or have difficulty walking.
Some reviewers complained that they couldn’t find ATMs. They are located at the arrivals waiting area. But that’s the same as for any major airport. First they want you to use their exchange booths (with a bad rate) and only then you see ATMs.
Read More: How Much Lira for a Week in Turkey: Budget-Friendly Tips
Some reviews compare New Istanbul Airport to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi. I’ve been there several times, coming to and from Thailand. And my impression – Suvarnabhumi feels bigger and immigration queues there can be insane, once I waited 40 minutes. Still, other times it was faster. But still, it feels as New International Istanbul Airport is not as busy. Probably that will change as it will host more international flights.
To avoid common scams, overpriced services, and tourist traps, get my detailed Istanbul Asian Side Guide here (it will save you 10x its cost on transportation and eating out alone):
https://olgapronkina.com/istanbul (secret bonus inside!)
New Istanbul Airport: Travel Guide and Personal Review
I hope this Istanbul Airport Guide and Review will help you get around and find ATMs and public transport at IST easier. I myself was a bit intimidated at first, but in the end the airport is well-organized and finding things is not a problem.
Have you already been to the New Istanbul Airport (IST)? Do you have an opinion different from mine? Please share in the comments.
8 Best Places in Turkey for Every Traveler
Don’t know where in Turkey you can find what you want? Let me help.
I’ve been traveling in and out of Turkey for years and finally spent a year living in Antalya, uncovering the hidden gems and highlights of this beautiful country.
Whether you’re a beach lover, a history enthusiast, or an adventurous hiker, I’ve explored it all. Let me be your guide and share the best destinations depending on the kind of traveler you are.
-
Ikamet: Turkey residence permit for 1 year. How I got it in Antalya
To stay in Turkey for a year, you need to get a Turkish residency permit – Ikamet. It is relatively easy to do. I got a tourist residency permit. Which means I am not allowed to work or start a business in Turkey.
-
Tourist SCAMS in Turkey and how to AVOID them
Turkey is a popular destination both for all-inclusive holiday makers and for solo adventure tourists. But like everywhere, where there are tourists, there will be people trying to take advantage and scam them.
-
Where to eat in Izmir, Turkey (Turkiye)
My goal is to show you what a tourist or an expat can realistically expect to eat in Turkey. Me and my husband, we did not try to eat only local food, or to avoid street food at all costs. We went to nice restaurants in Izmir, Turkey, as well as local canteens.
-
BULGARIA | GREECE | TRAVEL GUIDES | TURKEY
10 Magical Travel Destinations in Europe to Celebrate Christmas
If you’re dreaming of a Christmas escape, Europe’s got some magical destinations that blend holiday cheer with postcard-worthy settings! From storybook markets to snow-covered mountains, these spots will seriously elevate your holiday spirit. Here’s a list that’ll inspire your festive travel plans!
-
Traveling in Turkey: Your Ultimate Guide to Must-See Destinations and Insider Tips
Are you planning a trip to Turkey? Well, you’re in luck because I’m here to share with you some practical tips that will help you save money, time, and have the best possible trip. In this article, we’ll cover topics like the best time to visit Turkey, where to stay, how to get around, and much more.
-
Shopping in Istanbul, Turkey. Best Malls European vs Asian side
Shopping in Istanbul is not only souvenirs, turkish delight and spices from a bazaar. You can buy clothes and accessories much cheaper in Istanbul. Shopping Malls, small local shops, outlets, markets – there is something for everyone who wants to to shopping in Istanbul.
