Istanbul Airport (IST) opened in 2018, quickly becoming one of the busiest airports in Turkey and Europe. Let's focus on some frequently searched topics about Istanbul Airport, which attracts the attention of users with its modern design, large terminal areas and various services it offers. In this article, we will provide detailed information about transportation to the airport, transfer services, parking options, shopping and dining areas.
How to reach Istanbul Airport?
Istanbul Airport is located on the European side of Istanbul, approximately 35 kilometers from the city center. There are different transportation options to reach the airport, and the most preferred routes are as follows:
- Havaist Services: Havaist shuttles, which provide direct transportation from various points of Istanbul to Istanbul Airport, stand out with their affordable fares and comfortable buses. You can easily reach the airport with Havaist buses departing from centers such as Taksim, Beşiktaş, Kadıköy, and Beylikdüzü.
- Istanbul Metro Line: Opened in 2023, the M11 Gayrettepe-Istanbul Airport metro line offers a fast and affordable transportation option. With the expansion of the metro line, it is expected to provide connections to more points in the coming years.
- Private Car or Taxi: There is a large parking area at the airport for those traveling by private car, while taxi transportation from the city center is another option. Although taxi fares vary depending on the distance, it offers a comfortable and fast transportation.
- Private Transfer Services: VIP transfer services are a popular choice, especially for travelers looking for comfort. These services, which are charged according to vehicle type, arrival time and comfort, are mostly preferred by business travelers or passengers looking for a VIP experience.
Services inside Istanbul Airport
Istanbul Airport is designed to meet the needs of passengers with many world-class services. Some important services offered at the airport:
- Duty-Free Stores: Istanbul Airport Duty-Free area is one of the largest shopping areas in the world, offering passengers a wide range of shopping opportunities from clothing to cosmetics, electronic products to accessories. Duty-Free stores, where you can find products of both local and international brands, attract passengers with their wide variety and affordable prices.
- Food and Beverage Areas: The airport offers a wide range of restaurants and cafes serving a selection of international cuisine. In addition to Turkish cuisine, passengers can enjoy a pleasant dining experience before or after a long flight thanks to restaurants serving different flavors such as Italian and Asian cuisine.
- Rest Areas and Lounge Services: Istanbul Airport offers many resting areas and luxury lounge services. Special lounge areas, especially for Business Class passengers, provide a comfortable environment before the journey with comfortable seating areas, free food and beverage service and fast Wi-Fi connection.
- Spa and Fitness Centers: Spa and massage services are offered for those who want to relax before or after long flights. These areas provide a comfortable travel experience by offering passengers the opportunity to relax before or after the flight.
Istanbul Airport Parking Options
Istanbul Airport has large parking lots for passengers arriving by private car. These parking lots offer different options where passengers can safely leave their vehicles:
- Indoor Parking: Located close to the airport terminal, the parking garage offers a secure area for passengers. Fees are charged according to short or long term parking needs and strict security measures have been taken for the safety of vehicles.
- Open Parking Lot: The outdoor parking area, which is more affordable than the indoor parking lot, is ideal for short-term waits or long-term parking needs. However, during peak periods at Istanbul Airport, there may be occasional difficulties in finding a space in the outdoor parking lot.
- Valet (Valet) Service: Istanbul Airport also offers valet service. This service provides passengers with a fast and comfortable parking opportunity and offers the advantage of leaving their vehicles in an area close to the terminal. This service, which is preferred especially during peak times, offers a comfortable solution, albeit a little more costly.
What You Can Do While Waiting at Istanbul Airport
It is very enjoyable for passengers to spend time at Istanbul Airport before their flight or during their layover. Some of the activities that can be done during the waiting period are as follows:
- Shopping: In addition to Duty-Free shops, passengers can spend time shopping thanks to shopping areas with many local and international brands.
- Exhibition Areas: Cultural exhibitions and various events are also organized at the airport. For art lovers, short-term exhibitions offer the opportunity to get to know the cultural richness of Istanbul.
- Rest in Restaurants and Cafes: You can have a delicious meal before your flight by spending time in restaurants equipped with different flavor options and relax before your journey with Turkish coffee or tea.
Other Things to Know About Istanbul Airport
With its large capacity, Istanbul Airport can host many international and domestic flights at the same time. Strict security measures and regular cleaning practices are maintained at the airport, where hygiene measures are especially important after COVID-19. You can also get instant information about flight tracking, in-terminal routing, duty-free shops and other services thanks to the Airport app.
In conclusion, Istanbul Airport stands out with its modern structure, wide range of service options and arrangements for passenger comfort. Thanks to its rich facilities such as transportation, shopping and food and beverage options, it offers a comfortable experience before or after the journey.
