Transport

How strict is Southwind about carry-on bags that are slightly oversized but can fit in the baggage sizer?

One passenger reported a trouble-free Southwind flight with a small carry-on and saw no baggage disputes. In her view, a soft bag that can be squeezed into the baggage sizer should not cause problems.

1 source · 2 days ago

Is arriving one hour before an international flight at Sabiha Airport enough?

A September 2026 report described arriving at Sabiha Airport just one hour before an international departure as risky because passport-control queues can be very long.

2 sources · today

How long does Havaist take to reach Aksaray and travel back?

One traveler reported that Havaist reached Aksaray in 45 minutes during the day without traffic, while one return journey took 30 minutes.

2 sources · 29 days ago

How can I tell if my Istanbulkart has reached its top-up limit in Istanbul?

A September 2026 report says that reaching the limit triggers a red indicator and a message in Turkish about the limit. Further top-ups are then blocked.

2 sources · 9 days ago

Do buses between Istanbul Airport (IST) and the city run 24/7, and where can I catch them?

Travelers report that buses between Istanbul Airport (IST) and Taksim or Kadıköy operate around the clock, every day of the week. Havaist is the operator mentioned for IST; departure schedules are available on its website.

3 sources · 4 days ago

What should I do if my flight is delayed after security at an Istanbul airport, and how can I check whether free meals are available?

After security, stay near your departure gate, monitor its display and ask the airline representative for updates. A traveler reports that free meals may be available for delays exceeding four hours; check eligibility and the allowance locally.

2 sources · 4 days ago

Is it easier to walk with luggage near Beyazıt in Istanbul from the Beyazıt stop or from a nearby bus stop?

For travelers with luggage or limited mobility, the route from the bus stop is likely easier: the uphill section is short and gentle, then the walk is flat. The descent from Beyazıt is longer and goes through busier streets with limited pavement space and traffic.

1 source · 5 days ago

How do I get from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Şişhane by public transport?

Take M4 from Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Ayrılık Çeşmesi, Marmaray to Yenikapı, then M2 toward Hacıosman to Şişhane. There is no Metrobus stop near Şişhane.

1 source · 5 days ago

How much is a private transfer from Sabiha Gökçen Airport to a hotel in Istanbul, and where can I compare prices?

The quoted private-transfer prices from Sabiha Gökçen to an Istanbul hotel were around RUB 4,900–6,650. For Taksim on 7 October, an Ostrovok option was listed at RUB 4,200.

2 sources · 7 days ago

How to get around Istanbul cheaply using public ferries and public transport?

Regular city ferries are an affordable way to cross between Istanbul’s European and Asian sides, including routes via Karaköy, Kadıköy and Eminönü. Expect heavy crowds on public holidays; Marmaray is useful for reaching Florya and Caddebostan beaches.

2 sources · today

How can international travelers pay for a Havaist airport bus in Istanbul without Turkish lira cash?

Havaist payment generally requires an Istanbulkart loaded with Turkish lira; travelers report that online purchase with a foreign card is unavailable. If you need a QR ticket without exchanging currency, ask your hotel reception to buy it online for you in return for cash.

2 sources · 8 days ago

Which Havaist bus goes from Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet and Çatladıkapı, and where do I board it?

Take Havaist route HVL-13 from Istanbul Airport to Çatladıkapı/Sultanahmet. Look for a bus displaying “Çatladıkapı” or “Sultanahmet” and confirm the destination with the driver before boarding.

2 sources · 11 days ago

How can international travelers buy and pay for domestic transport tickets in Turkey without a foreign bank card?

For domestic buses, trains and flights, compare fares on aggregators first, then pay on the operator’s website or at its office in Turkish lira. Some travelers also use a Letim card or ask someone in the queue to purchase a ticket in exchange for cash.

2 sources · 13 days ago

Where does the Havaist bus from Istanbul Airport (IST) stop for Sultanahmet, and is there an equivalent route from Sabiha Gökçen Airport?

Havaist buses from Istanbul Airport (IST) serve the Sultanahmet area again, but they no longer stop at Sultanahmet Square; use the current stop shown on the Havaist map. According to the operator’s website, there is no matching route from Sabiha Gökçen Airport.

2 sources · 14 days ago

Can I bring sausage into Istanbul, Turkey, in my luggage?

The discussion notes that animal products are formally prohibited for import. A small amount for personal use may not attract attention, but bringing a suitcase full of sausage is not recommended.

1 source · 21 days ago

How to take the Havaist bus from Istanbul Airport and budget for public transport

Havaist has a dedicated stop and ticket kiosk on the lower level outside Istanbul Airport. It can cost far less than a taxi: a return bus trip for two was about TRY 200, while a one-way taxi estimate was around TRY 800.

2 sources · 18 days ago

How to find and pay for the Havaist airport shuttle in Istanbul

Havaist buses depart from level -2 at the airport. You can pay with an Istanbulkart bought and topped up at an airport kiosk, or book a ticket in advance through the official Havaist website.

1 source · 18 days ago

How to take a public ferry from Kabataş in Istanbul: fares, payment and timing

Public ferries leave from Kabataş roughly hourly; a one-way trip costs about TRY 151 per person and is paid with an Istanbulkart. It can be a scenic alternative to a pricey transfer, but weekend sailings and intermediate stops may be crowded or full.

1 source · 19 days ago

Best apps for navigating Istanbul Metro and public transport

Yandex Metro is useful for Istanbul Metro maps, transfers and carriage-position guidance. Google Maps can plan public-transport trips and show fares, but Istanbul bus arrival times may be inaccurate.

2 sources · 20 days ago

How to identify Istanbul’s official public ferries, avoid private Bosphorus tour boats, and budget for a day of public transport?

Use Şehir Hatları ferries with regular turnstiles and Istanbulkart payment for public transport. For an active day using metro, trams and ferries, budget around TRY 300–400 per person.

2 sources · 21 days ago

How to travel between Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) and Kadıköy, including late-night options

During the day, use the metro between Sabiha Gökçen Airport and Kadıköy, changing at Ayrılık Çeşmesi if connecting with Marmaray. On Friday and Saturday nights, night dolmuş services and the metro can be an option; on other nights, plan on a taxi or private transfer.

1 source · 21 days ago

How to get from Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) to Taksim: travel time and cost

Allow about one hour from Istanbul Airport (IST) to Taksim and up to two hours from landing to reaching your hotel. A Yandex taxi from Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) to a hotel near Taksim reportedly cost around RUB 4,000.

3 sources · 23 days ago

Can I pay for HavaBus in Istanbul with cash or a foreign bank card?

The HavaBus services mentioned in the discussion were reported to accept both cash and bank cards. The messages do not confirm payment rules for regular city buses or transfers, so keeping an Istanbulkart topped up is the safer option.

1 source · 22 days ago

Where can I buy and top up an Istanbulkart at Istanbul Airport for travel to Sultanahmet?

To avoid queuing at the machines, buy and top up an Istanbulkart from the staffed booths on level -2 of Istanbul Airport. Currency exchanges are located between exits 9 and 10, near the Havaist desk.

1 source · 25 days ago

How to reach Çamlıca Mosque in Istanbul by public transport without a steep uphill walk?

Navigation apps may tell you to get off too early: there is a bus stop close to Çamlıca Mosque. Check that your route goes to the stop by the mosque rather than leaving you at the foot of the hill.

1 source · 25 days ago

How to buy and top up an Istanbulkart with cash at vending machines in Istanbul?

Travelers report that a new Istanbulkart can be bought from a machine using one TRY 200 note, with the card costing about TRY 165. Top-up machines accept notes from TRY 20, but charge a fee per inserted note, so larger denominations are more economical.

1 source · 27 days ago

How to travel from Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) to Istanbul Airport (IST) with time for sightseeing in central Istanbul?

From SAW, take the M4 metro to Kadıköy, continue by ferry to Eminönü and walk to Sultanahmet, where Havaist buses run to Istanbul Airport (IST). Istanbulkart vending machines are located at the entrance to the SAW metro.

1 source · 31 days ago

How to travel between Arnavutköy and Üsküdar by ferry in Istanbul?

There is no direct ferry between Arnavutköy and Üsküdar. A practical option is to walk along the Bosphorus via Bebek to Aşiyan Pier for the ferry to Üsküdar, or travel via Beşiktaş.

1 source · 32 days ago

How do I take a ferry from central Istanbul to the Princes’ Islands?

One discussed option is to travel to Kadıköy and take a ferry to the Princes’ Islands from there. Travelers also look for departures from Eminönü, so check the current timetable before setting out.

1 source · 23 days ago

Can you visit central Istanbul during a long airport layover, and how much time should you allow?

A long daytime layover can be enough for a walk in Istanbul: allow about 4 hours total for travel to and from the city, and return to the airport at least 3 hours before departure. In the evening, taxis may be more comfortable because of crowds, while a late Havaist bus can work for the return trip.

3 sources · 32 days ago

Do I need an Istanbulkart to pay for transport in Istanbul, or can I use cash?

On routes that have switched to Istanbulkart payments, drivers do not accept cash. You can buy and top up an Istanbulkart with cash, while some routes also accept bank cards.

1 source · 33 days ago

Can you buy Havaist airport bus tickets online in Istanbul and skip the queue?

Buying a Havaist ticket online may not be necessary: travelers report that you can usually pay at the bus stop and board. Staff may be unfamiliar with some electronic QR tickets, and an online ticket does not always eliminate the queue.

2 sources · 34 days ago

How to get from Istanbul Airport (IST) to Sultanahmet, Taksim, Karaköy and Fatih by public transport?

The fastest public-transport option from IST is usually the M11 metro to Gayrettepe, followed by M2 or tram/funicular connections. With luggage, Havaist airport buses are often easier: they serve Taksim and the Aksaray/Beyazıt area for onward travel to Sultanahmet.

1 source · 3 days ago

Can checked baggage be through-checked at Istanbul Airport when flying on separate tickets?

With separate tickets, checked baggage is usually not tagged through to the final destination at Istanbul Airport: collect it and check it in again for the next flight. Do not rely on an exception, even if both flights are operated by the same airline.

1 source · 37 days ago

Best apps for walking and public transport directions in Istanbul

Download an offline map of Istanbul in Google Maps or Yandex Maps for walking directions. Internet is needed for reliable public-transport routes with transfers; fares are paid with an Istanbulkart.

1 source · 7 days ago

How to get from Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) to Kadıköy: metro or Havabus?

From Sabiha Gökçen Airport, Kadıköy can be reached in around 50 minutes by metro connections or by the Havabus airport coach. Havabus usually takes under two hours and has seats and Wi‑Fi, but its journey time depends heavily on traffic.

1 source · 38 days ago

How to get to Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) for an early-morning flight from central Istanbul?

For early flights from IST or SAW, check the first public-transport departures in advance. From Laleli, travelers consider Marmaray plus the M4 metro for SAW; from Kadıköy, reaching IST may require travelling across the Bosphorus overnight. Allow a substantial buffer or use a taxi for morning departures.

2 sources · 38 days ago

Cabin baggage, personal item and stroller rules on flights to Istanbul: what can I take onboard?

Rules depend on the airline and fare: S7 may check both cabin baggage and a personal item, while checking luggage on a 1 hour 20 minute connection is risky. Confirm Southwind stroller handling and Pobeda’s backpack-packing requirements for your specific flight before departure.

1 source · 38 days ago

What transport schedule changes and closures should travelers expect in Istanbul?

According to participants in early September 2026, the last Marmaray train from Yenikapı towards Kadıköy via Ayrılık Çeşmesi leaves at about 00:07, and the last one in the opposite direction at about 23:30. Major events can close the Bosphorus for several hours: in August 2026 the strait was closed from 9:00 to 13:00. A new railway-station project, as relayed in the discussion, is due to open in phases: the first stage in September and full rail services in autumn–winter 2026.

1 source · 40 days ago

How to take a ferry from Galataport or Karaköy to Bebek and Arnavutköy in Istanbul?

For Bebek and Arnavutköy, use a Bosphorus ferry from Karaköy: Bebek takes about 45 minutes and Arnavutköy is the stop before it. From Galataport, walk to the relevant Karaköy or Eminönü pier first.

1 source · 41 days ago

What should I do if my flight to Istanbul is cancelled or rescheduled?

Check the flight status directly with the airline and request rebooking options immediately. A date change may require an extra hotel night, so avoid tight connections and allow buffer time before your flight home.

1 source · 13 days ago

Where can I find luggage storage at Istanbul Airport (IST), and how much does it cost?

Luggage storage is available inside Istanbul Airport’s terminal near exits 1 and 6 on the departures level, and opposite exit 13 on the arrivals level. Prices for 24 hours range from TRY 210 for small items to TRY 860 for XXL luggage; an XL locker costs TRY 690.

1 source · 43 days ago

How long does it take to get from an Istanbul airport arrival gate to the HavaBus shuttle?

In the best case, travelers can reach a HavaBus shuttle about 20 minutes after leaving the aircraft. For international arrivals, allow at least 40–60 minutes for immigration, baggage collection and long walks from remote gates.

1 source · 43 days ago

Can Turkish Airlines check baggage through to my final destination on separate tickets when connecting at Istanbul Airport (IST)?

With two separate tickets, through-checking baggage is not guaranteed and must be confirmed by Turkish Airlines at Vnukovo. If your bag is tagged to the final destination and you already have the next boarding pass, use the transit route at IST; collecting and rechecking baggage may be difficult in a 1 hour 20 minute layover.

1 source · 2 days ago

How strict is AJet about cabin baggage size and allowance on flights to Istanbul?

Travelers are asking about flying AJet with cabin baggage only, but the discussion does not confirm a specific weight or size limit. Check the allowance shown in your booking and during online check-in before flying.

3 sources · 1 day ago

How do I find and take a scenic Bosphorus ferry cruise in Istanbul?

A Bosphorus sightseeing ferry can be found on the right-hand side of the pier when facing the sea. One reported two-hour trip cost TRY 230 in cash; alternatively, use regular Bosphorus ferries and hop off at stops along the route.

1 source · 50 days ago

How to get from Istanbul Airport to the city center?

The cheapest and easiest options are the HAVAIST airport bus to your area, or the metro with one transfer to Gülhane station followed by a short walk; taxis cost much more.

1 source · 9 days ago

Can you combine or split checked baggage allowance across multiple bags or between passengers on AJet, Ural Airlines and similar carriers flying via Istanbul?

Usually not: most budget carriers (AJet, Pegasus) and Ural Airlines tie the allowance to each individual checked piece rather than total weight per passenger — a second bag is almost always charged extra, even if the combined weight fits the limit.

2 sources · 3 days ago

When to book flights to Istanbul for late September — buy now or wait for prices to drop?

Istanbul flight prices for late September have already risen from around $45 to $60+, and a big drop is unlikely due to high demand. Watch for sales from budget carriers like S7 (expected around September 8) and Pobeda, which occasionally cuts prices — unlike Turkish Airlines or Aeroflot which rarely discount.

1 source · 7 days ago

How to get from Istanbul airport to Balat (or other sights) by public transport during a long layover?

Take the Havaist airport bus to Eminönü (~$3-4), walk to Galata Bridge, then catch a ferry to Üsküdar — from there it's a short trip to Kuzguncuk, which many recommend over Balat.

2 sources · 8 days ago