Istanbul Airport Transfers (IST)

Planning your journey to Turkey's bustling metropolis? You'll discover that Istanbul airport transfers make your travel experience smooth and stress-free. As one of the world's largest and most modern aviation hubs, Istanbul Airport serves millions of travelers annually, and getting to your destination shouldn't be complicated. 

TravelThru specializes in providing reliable, comfortable transfer services that connect you directly with your chosen destination, ensuring your Turkish adventure begins the moment you land.

IST Airport Overview

Istanbul Airport stands as Turkey's largest international gateway and one of the world's busiest aviation hubs, welcoming over 64 million passengers annually. It serves as Turkish Airlines' primary hub and houses numerous international carriers.

It features a single, expansive terminal building, which means all domestic and international flights are under one roof. The terminal is divided into several piers, or concourses, labeled with letters (A, B, D, F, and G). You'll find clear signage throughout the airport to guide you to your departure gate, baggage claim, or transportation services.

Airlines at Istanbul Airport

Knowing which pier your airline operates from can save you precious time. While pier assignments can change, here is a general guide to the airlines you'll find at IST Airport. Piers A, B, D, and F are used for international flights, while Pier G is primarily for domestic flights.

• Aegean Airlines
• Aeroflot
• Air Albania
• Air Algerie
• Air Astana
• Air France
• Air Serbia
• Afriqiyah Airways
• AJet
• Ariana Afghan Airlines
• Asiana Airlines
• Azerbaijan Airlines
• Badr Airlines
• Belavia
• British Airways
• Buraq Air
• China Southern Airlines
• easyJet
• EgyptAir
• Emirates
• Etihad Airways
• Ethiopian Airlines
• Flyadeal
• Flydubai
• flynas
• Gulf Air
• IndiGo
• Jazeera Airways
• KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
• Korean Air
• Kuwait Airways
• Libyan Airlines
• LOT Polish Airlines
• Lufthansa
• Middle East Airlines
• Oman Air
• Qatar Airways
• Royal Air Maroc
• Royal Jordanian
• Saudia
• Singapore Airlines
• TAROM
• Transavia
• Tunisair
• Turkish Airlines
• Turkmenistan Airlines
• Uzbekistan Airways
• Wizz Air

Istanbul Airport lounges

• Turkish Airlines Lounge Business

Reserved for Turkish Airlines' and Star Alliance partners' business class passengers. This massive, elegant lounge features live cooking stations with world-class Turkish and international cuisine, a full bar, private suites with showers, meeting rooms, and even a museum display.

• Turkish Airlines Lounge Miles&Smiles

Catering to Miles&Smiles Elite/Elite Plus members and Star Alliance Gold cardholders, this lounge mirrors the luxury of the Business lounge. Enjoy gourmet food, a children's play area, a cinema, and plenty of comfortable seating to unwind before your flight.

• iGA Lounge 

This is the airport's main pay-per-entry lounge, also accessible to Priority Pass and LoungeKey members. Located on the international departures floor, it offers a serene atmosphere with excellent runway views, a hot and cold buffet, a well-stocked bar, shower facilities, and private work pods.

• SkyTeam Lounge

Available to First and Business class passengers and SkyTeam Elite Plus members of partner airlines like Air France and KLM. This lounge boasts a stylish, modern design, a wide variety of food and beverages, a wellness center, and shower facilities.

• Istanbul Airport hotels

For a comfortable long layover or before an early flight, YOTEL Istanbul Airport is conveniently located directly inside the terminal building at Istanbul Airport.

This unique hotel offers two locations: one 'landside' (before security) and one 'airside' (in the international transit area). The hotel is famous for its futuristic, compact "cabins" that you can book for a full night or just a few hours.

All cabins are soundproof and feature smart beds, mood lighting, and rain showers. The airside location is perfect for international transit passengers who don't want to clear immigration. YOTEL also offers a gym, meeting rooms, and a relaxing lounge area with food and drinks available 24/7.

IST Airport Shops

The shopping experience at Istanbul Airport is on par with a luxury mall, featuring a vast central Duty-Free area operated by Unifree and a "Fashion Garden" with high-end boutiques.

• Luxury & fashion: Find the latest collections from world-renowned brands. Stop by boutiques for Bvlgari, Celine, Dior, Fendi, Gucci, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Prada, and Saint Laurent.

   

• Duty-free & cosmetics: The main Unifree Duty-Free shops offer an enormous selection of liquor, tobacco, confectionery, and cosmetics. You can also find dedicated shops for brands like MAC, Jo Malone, and Kiehl's.

   

• Turkish & local brands: Take a piece of Turkey home with you. The Old Bazaar section offers authentic souvenirs, from Turkish delight and baklava at Tadında Anadolu to high-quality textiles and ceramics. Look for local fashion brands like Vakko and Mavi Jeans.

   

• Jewelry & watches: If you're looking for a timeless accessory, visit the dedicated stores for Omega, Rolex, Swarovski, and Tiffany & Co.

   

• Electronics & essentials: Forgot your charger or need new headphones? Head to D&R or InMotion for all your electronic needs. Hudson stores are also scattered throughout the terminal for books, snacks, and travel necessities. 

Istanbul Airport Restaurants

• Turkish cuisine: For an authentic taste of the local culture, head to Simit Sarayı for traditional Turkish bagels and tea. Tadında Anadolu offers a market-style experience with regional Anatolian dishes. For a more upscale meal, Kebab-ist serves delicious grilled meats.

   

• International & fine dining: The Daily Roast offers premium coffee and light meals. Gloria Jean's Coffees is another popular spot for a caffeine fix. For a sophisticated dining experience, visit the restaurant within the iGA Lounge, which often features a menu curated by top chefs.

   

• Fast Food & Grab-and-Go: You'll find familiar favorites like Burger King, Popeyes, and Sbarro for a quick and easy meal. Carl's Jr. is also available for hearty burgers.

   

• Cafes & bars: Numerous cafes are dotted around the terminal for a quick sandwich or pastry. For a pre-flight drink, many restaurants, like the Brewmark Pub, offer a full bar with a selection of beers, wines, and spirits.

   

Transportation from Istanbul Airport

Once you've collected your luggage, your next step is getting to your destination in Istanbul. Here's a breakdown of your options:

Public buses (Havaist and IETT)

These are budget-friendly options that connect the airport to various points across the city. However, they operate on fixed routes and schedules, which might not be convenient if you have a lot of luggage or are arriving late at night. The journey can also be quite long, depending on traffic.

Airport Taxis

Taxis are readily available at the designated taxi ranks outside the terminal. While they offer a direct ride to your destination, fares can vary depending on traffic conditions and the time of day. You might also face a language barrier when communicating your destination to the driver.

TravelThru's Airport Transfer Service

For a truly comfortable experience, consider booking your Istanbul airport transfer with TravelThru. We offer a range of private vehicles to suit your needs, from sedans for solo travelers to spacious vans for families and groups.

With our airport rides, you'll enjoy:

• A personal chauffeur: Your professional and English-speaking chauffeur will greet you at the arrivals hall, assist you with your luggage, and escort you to your private vehicle.

   

• Fixed pricing: The price you see is the price you pay. There are no hidden fees or surge pricing, even if your flight is delayed.

   

• 24/7 service: We operate around the clock, so you can count on us for a reliable transfer, no matter what time your flight arrives.

   

• A comfortable journey: Relax in the comfort of a clean, modern, and air-conditioned vehicle as you enjoy a smooth ride to your hotel or accommodation.

  
  Booking your Istanbul transfer with TravelThru is simple. Just visit our website, enter your travel details, choose your preferred vehicle, and we'll take care of the rest.

Things to Do in Arnavutköy, Turkey

While many travelers head straight to the bustling heart of Istanbul, the district of Arnavutköy, where the airport is located, has its own unique charm waiting to be explored.

• Arnavutköy Center: This historic area boasts charming wooden houses, a picturesque waterfront, and a lively atmosphere. Take a leisurely stroll along the Bosphorus, enjoy fresh seafood at one of the many restaurants, or simply soak in the local ambiance.

   

• Durusu Lake (Terkos Lake): A short drive from the airport, this large freshwater lake is a beautiful spot for nature lovers. Enjoy a picnic by the water, go for a walk along the shore, or simply enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings.

   

• Belgrad Forest: To the south of Arnavutköy lies the expansive Belgrad Forest, a popular recreational area for locals and tourists alike. It's a great place for hiking, jogging, or enjoying a picnic in nature.

How to Get Around Istanbul and Beyond

Istanbul offers various transportation options to help you explore the city and its beautiful surroundings efficiently.

TravelThru's City-to-City Services

Beyond airport transfer services, TravelThru also offers extensive intercity travel throughout Turkey's diverse regions. Our city-to-city services connect Istanbul to popular destinations like Cappadocia's fairy chimneys, Antalya's Mediterranean beaches, and Ankara's political center.

Other Transportation Options

• Travel card: For the most seamless travel experience, use the Istanbulkart. This reusable prepaid card can be used on all buses, metro lines, trams, and ferries throughout the city.

   

• By metro: Istanbul's expanding metro system connects major districts and attractions. The network includes multiple lines serving both European and Asian sides of the city, with clear signage in Turkish and English.

   

• By tram: Historic tram lines serve popular tourist areas, including the route between Sultanahmet and Eminönü, passing major attractions like the Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar.

   

• By bus: An extensive bus network covers the entire city, though routes can be complex for first-time visitors. Buses connect all major districts and operate frequently throughout the day.

   

• By ferry: For breathtaking Bosphorus views and convenient transportation between European and Asian sides, ferries are an excellent choice. Popular routes include crossings between Eminönü, Karaköy, and Kadıköy.