China Southern Airlines
Cheapest Flights to Istanbul
China Southern Airlines
China Southern Airlines
China Southern Airlines
China Southern Airlines
China Southern Airlines
Sichuan Airlines
Airasia
Qatar Airways
Last update: 25 October 2026 03:34
About Istanbul
Istanbul, Türkiye's metropolis, is an ancient city that connects Europe and Asia and has hosted major events throughout history. The 15 July Martyrs Bridge, Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge, Eurasia Tunnel, Marmaray, Metrobus, and ferry services make it easy to travel between the city's two sides. Istanbul also extends into Thrace through districts such as Silivri and Çatalca, and onto the Black Sea coast through settlements such as Şile and Kilyos.
One of the world's oldest cities, Istanbul served as the capital of the Roman, Eastern Roman (Byzantine), and Ottoman Empires in turn, and as such carries the legacy of many different cultures to the present day. Among the places to see in Istanbul are the Hagia Sophia Mosque, Sultanahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque), Süleymaniye Mosque, Topkapı Palace, Dolmabahçe Palace, the Archaeological Museums, Sultanahmet Square, Taksim Square, İstiklal Avenue, Galata Tower, Maiden's Tower, the Basilica Cistern, and the Bosphorus, along with many other cultural and natural attractions.
The city is generally under the influence of both the Black Sea and Mediterranean climate zones. It has a temperate climate with frequent southwesterly winds (lodos). There are two airports in the city, one on the European Side and one on the Anatolian Side. Istanbul Airport is on the European Side, while Sabiha Gökçen Airport is on the Anatolian Side. Atatürk Airport, also on the European Side, is closed to passenger use.
You can get around the city by metro, light rail, tram, Marmaray, ferry, sea bus, sea taxi, metrobus, bus, and dolmuş (shared minibus).
Transportation to Istanbul City Center from Airport
Sabiha Gökçen Intl. Airport
Sabiha Gökçen Airport is located in Pendik, on the Anatolian Side of Istanbul. From the airport, you can get to the city center by metro, municipal bus, Havabus, public transport with a Marmaray transfer, taxi, car rental, or transfer service.
Metro- The airport is the terminus of the M4 Kadıköy–Sabiha Gökçen Airport metro line. The line takes about 50 minutes to get from the airport to Kadıköy.
- You can transfer to Marmaray at Ayrılık Çeşmesi station and to the Metrobus at Ünalan station.
- Timetables and weekend night services vary according to the current IBB (Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality) schedule. For up-to-date information, you can check Metro Istanbul's announcements.
- You board the metro with an Istanbulkart. To buy a card, you can use the ticket machines at the stations.
- With Havabus services, you can reach Taksim and Kadıköy without transfers.
- The Taksim line follows the Kavacık and Zincirlikuyu route. The journey takes about 1.5 hours, depending on traffic.
- The Kadıköy line also stops at Yenisahra. The journey to Kadıköy takes about 1 hour, depending on traffic.
- For current timetables and fares, you can check Havabus's official website.
- E10: Kadıköy via Kurtköy
- E3: 4. Levent Metro (European Side)
- 16S: Uzunçayır Metrobus
- MR60: Pendik YHT (Marmaray)
- Routes and schedules may change. For up-to-date information, you can check the official IETT website or mobile app.
- With Marmaray, you can reach many parts of the city by transferring.
- You can take the MR60 bus to Pendik YHT station and transfer to Marmaray.
- You can also take the M4 metro to Ayrılık Çeşmesi station and switch to Marmaray.
- You can take a taxi from the airport to anywhere in the city.
- Bridge and tunnel tolls are paid by the passenger.
- There are offices of international and local car rental companies at the airport.
- If you make a reservation in advance, you can pick up your car without waiting in line.
- You can travel comfortably from the airport to different parts of the city with a private transfer service.
- It is recommended to book your transfer at least one day in advance.
Istanbul Airport
You can reach the city by metro, bus, Havaist shuttle, taxi, rental car, or private transfer. Public transportation may require an additional connection.
MetroThe M11 metro line connects Gayrettepe, Istanbul Airport, and Halkalı, with 15 stations along its 69-kilometer route. The trip between the airport and Gayrettepe takes about 30 minutes. Check the TCDD Taşımacılık timetable for current service hours, especially for late-night or early-morning trips.
- Stops between the airport and Gayrettepe: İhsaniye, Göktürk, Kemerburgaz, Üniversite-Hasdal, and Kağıthane
- Transfer at Gayrettepe: M2 Hacıosman – Yenikapı metro line (for Taksim) and the Metrobus at Zincirlikuyu
- Transfer at Halkalı: Marmaray
İETT runs five bus lines from the airport to destinations across the city, including Mahmutbey, Mecidiyeköy, Halkalı, Arnavutköy, and Sarıyer. Bus trips take longer than the metro and depend on traffic.
- Lines: H-1, H-2, H-3, H-6, and H-8
Havaist runs shuttles from the airport to more than 10 destinations across the city. The Taksim shuttle stops at Beşiktaş on the way. Fares and accepted payment methods depend on the route, so check the Havaist website or app for current details.
- Destinations include Sultanahmet, Taksim, Aksaray, Kadıköy, Bakırköy, Esenler Bus Terminal, Beylikdüzü, Avcılar–Bahçeşehir, Halkalı–Başakşehir, Silivri, Arnavutköy, and Sabiha Gökçen Airport
Yellow, turquoise, and black taxis serve the airport 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. All taxis charge by meter, and you pay any bridge crossings, bus terminal exit fees, and toll roads on top of the fare. Turquoise and black taxis cost more than yellow taxis (currently about 15% and 70% more).
Car RentalSeveral car rental companies have desks at the airport. A rental car gives you flexibility to visit the Historic Peninsula, Taksim, Kadıköy, Üsküdar, Florya, Polonezköy, Çatalca, and Şile. Book before you arrive to speed up pickup.
TransferA private transfer takes you from the airport to your chosen destination in Istanbul. It generally costs more than public transportation, but you travel door to door in comfort. Booking in advance is recommended.
Istanbul Weather
5-Day Forecast • Min / Max Temperature
Istanbul Airports
More Information About Istanbul
Istanbul Quick Access
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Wingie offer the cheapest flights to Istanbul?
To which airport are the flights to Istanbul arranged?
Which airlines have direct flights to Istanbul from which cities?
Get exclusive deals on the WINGIE app!
Trusted by travelers, with over 18 million installs. Download the WINGIE app now and enjoy great hotel deals!
DOWNLOAD NOW

