What to do when Taksim metro and funicular are closed — how to get to Istanbul Airport?

On June 28, Taksim Square, Istiklal Street and surrounding blocks were fully closed from 10:00 until late evening by order of the Istanbul Governorate. Taksim metro station (M2 line) and funicular F1 (Taksim–Kabataş) were shut down for the entire day.

IETT bus stops at Taksim Square, near AKM and on Tarlabaşı Boulevard were closed in both directions. The Havaist-16 airport bus in such cases shifts its pickup point to the nearest accessible location — such as the Şişli/Mecidiyeköy area — or operates only from intermediate stops like 4. Levent and Zincirlikuyu.

The most reliable route to Istanbul Airport during closures: take metro M2 to 4. Levent station and board Havaist-16 there. Alternatively, metro line M11 runs directly to Istanbul Airport from Gayrettepe or Kağıthane stations, bypassing Taksim entirely.

Residents and hotel guests within the restricted zone are allowed through police cordons upon showing proof of address — a residence registration or hotel booking confirmation. Without these documents, entry to the closed area is not possible.

Taksim was closed on both June 21 and June 28. On these days, both funiculars and metro stations Şişhane and Taksim were shut down. Such closures in Istanbul tend to recur on public holidays and commemorative dates.