Which airport should I fly into in Istanbul and how do I get a safe transfer to the city?

From messages by 3 participants in 1 source · Last activity: 42 days ago

TL;DR

Most tourists should fly into the new Istanbul Airport (IST) - it's closer to the historic center; GetTransfer is generally considered a safe pre-booked option (about $40-50 to downtown), and the best meeting point for arrivals on different flights is near the information desk in the international arrivals hall.

What the community said

A taxi from the new Istanbul Airport to the city center takes about 50 minutes and costs around 2000 lira.

42 days ago Taxi, ~2000 lira, 50 min

When arriving on separate flights, meet at the information desk / designated 'Meeting Point' in the shared international arrivals hall, not right at the gate exit where crowds make it easy to miss each other — it's the only way out of the terminal, so everyone passes it.

Meeting Point, international arrivals hall, IST

GetTransfer from the new Istanbul Airport is generally described as a safe and convenient option for families with kids — you can pre-book a car with a driver, and the ride to the center usually costs around $40-50.

GetTransfer, ~$40-50 to city center

For a short 2-day trip with a child, staying in Sultanahmet or Taksim is recommended — both areas are within walking distance of the main sights, minimizing time spent commuting around the city.

Sultanahmet / Taksim

Many travelers choose the new Istanbul Airport (IST) over Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) because it's closer to the Old City and the European side of Istanbul, making it more convenient for sightseeing routes.

IST vs SAW