How to get from Istanbul Airport to the city at night — taxi, transfer, or bus?
From messages by 2 participants in 1 source · Last activity: 57 days ago
On Friday–Saturday and Saturday–Sunday nights, the metro operates overnight to Kadıköy, providing an alternative to a taxi or transfer for the Asian side of the city.
Overnight metro to Kadıköy (weekends)
Risk with Trip.com transfer: one traveler reported the car never showed up (4-hour delay), even though payment was taken in advance.
Trip.com — 4hr delay, prepaid
Transfer agents at the airport approach passengers near the exit and offer rides to Taksim for 2500 TL. The price difference vs. a pre-booked taxi is small, so a regular taxi was chosen in the end.
Airport exit transfer ~2500 TL to Taksim
A pre-booked transfer from Taksim via Trip.com costs around 1500 TL — cheaper than a taxi, especially if traveling alone or at night.
Transfer from Taksim ~1500 TL (Trip.com)
At night, a pre-booked transfer is strongly recommended — Istanbul taxi drivers are known to overcharge, especially after dark. HavaIst bus is great, but only during the day.
HavaIst — daytime only
If you do take a taxi at night, budget around 3000 TL accounting for potential overcharging. Uber operates in Istanbul but prices can be similarly high at night.
Taxi/Uber at night ~3000 TL
During the day, the HavaIst express bus is the clear best option: convenient, affordable, and no risk of being overcharged.
HavaIst bus (daytime)