Istanbul has a comprehensive public transport network. All of the options are good value for money, even taxis. You can get anywhere in the city with relative ease and comfort. Tickets for buses, metros, ferries, trams and trains are available from all of the main stops and stations, or kiosks located near the main stops and stations. An electronic ticket (akbil) is available for purchase in advance. It is valid for a number of journeys and works out to be slightly cheaper and more convenient. There are two airports in the city, both dealing with international and domestic flights. The newer airport was built to handle the ever increasing number of visitors. Facilities at both airports are very good, as are the transportation options available from the terminals.
Car Hire
Both chauffeur-driven and self-drive cars are available in Istanbul and the Airports. All international companies are represented. Drivers must have a valid driving licence or an International Driving Permit if visiting for over three months. Green Card International Insurance, endorsed for Turkish territory in both Europe and Asia, and Turkish third-party insurance (obtainable from insurance agencies at frontier posts) are also required.
Airports
Istanbul Ataturk International Airport is one of the major gateways to Turkey. It is located 15 miles from the city centre, on the eastern side of Istanbul. It handles flights from around the world and sees over 12 million passengers per year.
There are two terminals at the airport – an international terminal and a domestic terminal. Both of these have excellent facilities including: ATM machines, bureaux de change, post offices, restaurants and a range of duty-free shops. Facilities for the disabled are excellent, with wheelchair access throughout, wheelchair-friendly lifts and specially adapted toilets and telephones.
Short-term and long-term parking is available at both terminals and both terminals have designated disabled persons’ parking spaces.
Getting to and from the airport is straightforward, with many available options. The Havas Airport bus is perfect for those travelling on a budget. The buses run on demand to Taksim Square, in the centre of the city, taking approximately 30 minutes to make the journey. Most of Istanbul’s top hotels provide a free airport shuttle service for their guests, which can be organised when booking. The city runs a very efficient light railway system, which operates trains to Ataturk Airport at regular times throughout the day.
Taxis are a good option for those looking to get to their hotel quickly. Shared taxis can be found outside of the Arrivals lounge at the International Terminal.
The other airport in Istanbul is the Sabiha Gokcen. It is located on the Asian side of the city, approximately 12 miles from the centre. The airport was built to handle the excess number of passengers arriving at Ataturk and sees both domestic and international flights. It is only a small airport, managing three million passengers per year.
There are two terminals at the airport, housing ATMs, post office facilities and duty-free shops. Restaurants and bars can be found throughout. The airport caters very well for those travelling with disabilities. There is disabled access throughout and adapted toilets in both terminal buildings.
Short-term and long-term parking can be found at this airport, with a short-term car park situated next to the main terminal building.
A regular shuttle bus runs to and from the city centre, with journeys taking up to 45 minutes. The service also links this airport with Ataturk Airport, taking about one hour to make the journey. The closest railway connection can be found about three miles from the airport, connecting districts in Istanbul with neighbouring towns and cities. Seabus connection start from a stop located about five miles from the airport, with services also connecting the city with neighbouring areas. Twenty-four hour taxis are available from the airport for those who are in a rush to get to their hotel.
Public Transport
The most popular and efficient way to get around Istanbul is by taxi. They are very cheap, run on meters and easy to find. They can also take you-door-to door.
If you are travelling around the newer part of the city, the Metro service is a good option. They run through the main shopping and business areas in the city and are generally very clean and efficient.
Trams run across the city, running on two tramlines – one in the old city and one in the new. Trams are another cheap way of getting around the city, but they do have a limited number of stops, so some walking will inevitably be involved as well.
There are numerous public and private buses running throughout the city. Due to the heavy traffic and unavoidable jams, they can get very hot and uncomfortable. They are often crowded and you will not find a bus that runs after midnight.
The light railway is very new, having only opened in 2002. It is a clean and efficient service, with stations at Ataturk Airport, the main bus station and the city of Aksaray.
Passenger ferries are one of the most pleasant ways to travel around Istanbul. They run up and down the waterways, serving many popular destinations. They run every 20 minutes from 07:00 until 23:00.
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