Istanbul Airport Information
· Address: Tayakadin, Terminal Caddesi No:1, 34283
Arnavutköy/İstanbul, Türkiye
· IATA Code: IST
· ICAO Code: LTFM
· Phone: +90 4441442
· Official Website: IGA Istanbul Airport | Home Page (istairport.com)
About Istanbul International Airport
Also known as Instanbul International Airport, Istanbul Airport (IST) is the main international airport for Istanbul in Turkey. Situated on the European side of the city, in the Arnavutköy district, it is roughly 35 kilometres northwest of the city centre as the crow flies.
The relatively new Istanbul airport is the busiest airport in Turkey with many passengers travelling through it each day. Operated by IGA (Istanbul Grand Airport), it opened for the first time on October 29th 2018, with its first flight on 31st October 2019. By 2019, it was serving over 64 million passengers annually.
This international airport offers easy access to the city of Istanbul. It has many transportation options including a metro, buses and taxi services. Since it’s opening, Istanbul International Airport has won several awards for its high level of service – most notably, being named the World’s Best New Airport in 2020.
A new Instanbul airport
The new Istanbul airport is not to be confused with the Istanbul Atatürk Airport. Atatürk airport was previously the city’s primary airport until 2019, when it was replaced with the new Istanbul airport. Istanbul Atatürk Airport is now only used for private jets, with both passenger flights and freight operations now transferred to the new airport.
Istanbul Atatürk Airport was one of the world’s biggest airports and busiest airports in Europe through the 2010s, when it served over 60 million international passengers annually. However, there are now plans to turn the site into a large park around the two runways, since it has been made redundant by the new Istanbul airport.
It should also be distinguished from the Sabiha Gokcen International Airport, on the asian side of the city. Located 32km to the south-east, Sabiha Gokcen International Airport is the second of two airports in Istanbul. However, Istanbul airport is the biggest airport of the two in terms of passenger traffic.
Istanbul Airport Location
Istanbul Airport can be found approximately 35 kilometres northwest of Istanbul city centre in the Arnavutköy district. That’s more like 50km by car, however. This is the European side of Istanbul, making it an important portal between the East and West.
Airport Layout for Domestic and International Flights
Istanbul International Airport follows a modern airport design, composed of a massive single terminal building that handles both international and domestic flights. This facility has been created to manage many travellers and flights. It is one of the largest single terminal buildings in the world, having been designed to be the world’s biggest airport originally – all under one roof.
The central passenger terminal at the new Istanbul airport is divided into
several sections. There’s a main terminal area and then multiple concourses.
Concourses A, B, D and F are for international flights, while concourse G and 3 boarding areas of concourse F cover domestic flights. In terms of navigational landmarks, Istanbul Airport has clear signage throughout each section to help travellers find their way. You will also find information desks in each concourse. These can be also used as meeting points.
Transportation
Istanbul Airport is connected to Istanbul and the surrounding regions by a few different methods of transportation. While the metro is still in construction, sections of it were finished in March 2024, making it operational between Gayrettepe and Arnavutköy. If you need to travel to a different location, there are many buses, taxis and shuttles you can take.
Main Terminal – International Section
The international section of IST’s main terminal houses flights connecting to destinations across the world. Here, you’ll find a wide range of important international airlines. Key airlines operating out of the international section include:
· Singapore Airlines
· British Airways
· Aegean
· Aeroflot
· Air Albania
· Air Algerie
· United Airlines
· KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
· Swiss International Airlines
· Cathay Pacific
Main Terminal – Regional Section for Mostly Domestic Flights
Next to the international section is the regional section of the airport. This primarily caters to domestic flights but does include some international connections. Here are some notable airlines that operate there:
· Turkish Airlines
· Pegasus Arilines
· AnadoluJet
· SunExpress
Istanbul Airport Transport Information
Istanbul Airport is a well-connected facility, with many private and public transportation options available:
Metro
There is currently work underway to link the airport with the wider city of Istanbul. As of March 2024, there is one available transit line called the M11.
It is currently operational between Gayrettepe and Arnavutköy.
The M11 metro station is a short walk away from Istanbul Airport. You can use moving walkways to get there, following the clear signs that will lead you through the main terminal. The symbol for the metro in Istanbul Airport is a white U with a red background.
Buses
While the metro service in Istanbul is limited, Istanbul Airport is connected to an extensive network of buses for public transportation. Havaist is one of the most popular bus services in Istanbul with connections to many key locations across Istanbul. These are state-of-the-art buses with Wi-Fi and space for luggage.
Public buses are operated by İETT and offer an economical travel option.
Specific information about bus routes, fares and schedules can be found
either at the airport or on the İETT and Havaist websites.
Taxi
You’ll find that taxis are easily accessible at the airport. You will be able to find taxis 24/7, which are happy to take you to many locations across the city.
Taxis operate via a metred system, with fares differing on the distance you need to travel. You can find taxis stands outside the domestic and
international passenger exit doors.
Istanbul Airport Hotels
Istanbul Airport offers several hotels for you to use if needed during transit, or for those with early flights or layovers. Here are some of the top hotels for you to consider:
YOTEL Istanbul Airport: This is a modern hotel with two locations within the airport. The first is on landside for guests who don’t have boarding passes, and the other is airside for passengers. You can expect smartly designed rooms and flexible booking options. This is a great choice if you have a long layover or a delayed flight.
Lotus Airport Hotel: The Lotus Airport Hotel is a three-star establishment located 0.9 miles away from the central terminal. It offers economic prices and simple, comfortable rooms.
iGA Sleepod: An innovative solution for those who need a quick rest. iGA Sleepod offers private sleeping pods that can be rented per hour. Inside each pod is a comfy bed, Wi-Fi and charging ports for your devices. This is a great choice for layovers when you need a rest.
Istanbul Airport Food & Drink
Istanbul Airport includes a rich variety of dining options. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, or a more refined culinary experience, there is sure to be something for you.
Firstly, let’s explore fast food! You’ll find familiar names dotted across the airport like McDonald’s and Burger King. These are perfect for if you need a quick, tasty meal on the go. If you’re looking for a sit-down restaurant, there are many different options for you to choose from.
Some notable restaurants include:
· Simit Saray: This is a great place for a quick meal, offering
traditional Turkish simit, pastries and red mint tea.
· Istanbul Café: If you want to relax with a cup of famous Turkish
coffee, this is the perfect place for you. You will be able to find a
variety of beverages to refresh you as you wait for your flight.
· Big Chefs: This is one of the most popular Turkish restaurants in the
airport. You should expect a combination of local and international
dishes – suiting every diner!
Istanbul Airport Car Rentals
For travellers who want to explore Istanbul via var, you will also be able to find a wide range of car rental options at the airport. There are a series of international and local car rental agencies available, including:
· Enterprise
· Avis
· Europcar
· Hertz
All of these car rental agencies can be found throughout the airport, with
different counters for each agency.
Istanbul Airport Lost & Found
There’s nothing more frustrating than losing your belongings, especially in a busy environment like IST. Thankfully, the airport has a dedicated lost and found service that has been designed to help you recover any lost items.
The Lost & Found office is located in the central terminal, beside YOTEL and across from entrance number 7 and gate C3. You can also fill out an online enquiry form if you are no longer at the airport. If your luggage has been lost during transit, then you’ll need to contact your airline right away by visiting their customer service desk.
Istanbul Airport Banks, ATMs & Currency Exchange
If you’re looking to access financial services throughout the terminal, there are a few different options you can take. For banking, you will find many ATMs including:
· DenizBank
· QNB Finansbank
· TEB
· Ziraat Bank
· Türkiye İş Bank
· Yapı Kredi Bank
For currency exchange, you can visit Döviz and Exchange Istanbul. Both offer competitive rates for travellers looking to exchange currency on the go. Both ATMs and Currency Exchange offices can be found by following signs throughout the airport.
Navigate Istanbul Airport Like a Pro: Traveler-Tested
Tips & Tricks
It can often feel like you need direct experience to navigate an airport like a pro. To get you prepared for a smooth journey through Istanbul Airport, we’ve researched a list of tips and tricks to help you on your way. From arrival to departure, we’re going to explain how you can make your trip easy!
When to Arrive: One of the most common problems travellers run into is being late for their flight. Flying requires a lot more security and complex check-in procedures compared to trains, buses, or taxis. This is why you should always make sure to arrive two hours before your departure time.
On average, it takes 20-30 minutes to get through security at Istanbul Airport. Depending on the time of day and how busy the airport is, it can be much longer. Arriving two hours before your flight allows you to have enough time to breeze through security and find your departure gate.
Automatic Check-in Process: Most airlines will allow you to use online check ins to help speed up the process. Many will have dedicated apps that allow you to check in before you arrive at the airport. This means you’ll already have your boarding pass ready to go, allowing you to head straight for security. In-person check ins can take much longer, depending on the queue at your airline’s desk.
Check-in and Security Hacks: During our research, we discovered a few tips that can make the security process much faster. The security at Istanbul Airport involves a check of your bags and person. You should familiarise yourself with items on the prohibited list and ensure you don’t have them on your person or in your bags.
There is a liquid limit of 100 millilitres, and all containers must be placed in a transparent plastic bag. We’d recommend placing these in a bag before you get to security so you can simply present them and move on.
Special Assistance Services: For passengers in need of special assistance service, including wheelchairs or any additional support, you’ll need to contact your respective airline.
If you’ve made a reservation 48 hours before your flight, you can make use of this service within 15 minutes. If you arrive at the airport without a reservation, then you may have to wait 45 minutes for assistance. Keep in mind there are also assistance call points throughout the airport.
Lounges: There are a few VIP lounges dotted around Istanbul International Airport. These allow you to take a welcome rest if you have access to them through your airline. Here are some of the lounges you can find:
· iGA International Lounge
· iGA Domestic Lounge
· SkyTeam Lounge
· Turkish Airlines Business Lounge
· Turkish Airlines Mile & Smiles Lounge
· Turkish Airlines Domestic Lounge
Prayer Rooms: There are a total of 44 prayer rooms at the international
airport. These can be found across the airport and are separated into rooms for men and for women.
Smoking Areas: Across Istanbul Airport, there are a total of 14 smoking areas. You can find these in the international departing passenger level, domestic passenger level, at the international transfer level, at the various concourses and also two at level H.
Charging Stations: We found multiple charging stations across the
international airport, generally around the many seating areas. They are
clearly signposted and feature multiple USB and socket ports to help you keep connected.
Shopping, Duty-Free Info, and Tips: Istanbul Airport is home to a variety of shops and Duty-Free options. Some choice stores include Altınbaş, D&R Book & Press, Art House, B&G Store, Boss, Bottega Veneta, Cube D’S Damat and many more.
Local SIM Cards and Connectivity: Purchasing a SIM card to stay
connected as you travel is simple. All you need to do is visit a Turkcall, Avea, or Vodaphone store to get a SIM card. These stores are located throughout the central terminal.
Shortcuts within the Airport: We’ve found that Istanbul International Airport is simple to navigate due to its single terminal design. If you’re transferring, then you should know that there are shortcuts available for hand luggage checks.
Make sure to keep an eye on signs as you travel through the airport. Also, the best way to quickly find where you need to go is by asking an airport operative.
Medical Assistance: In a busy international airport, medical emergencies can happen! Thankfully, Istanbul Airport is well-equipped to handle any issues that may arise.
If you’re in need of general medication, there are several pharmacies dotted around the airport. There are also over 500 personnel on hand with a First Aid certificate, plus a dedicated emergency medical team that on call to assist you.
Questions & Answers
How early should I arrive before an international flight at IST?
Always try to arrive at least 2 hours before your departure time.
Where’s the best place to park for quick terminal access, and what
are the rates?
We’d recommend going for the multi-storey car park connected to the main terminal building. You will be able to find both short and long-term parking options with plenty of indoor and outdoor parking capacity. Rates vary depending on the amount of time you need to park for.
Are there any hidden charges or fees at the airport I should be
aware of?
We’ve read reports of additional charges when purchasing some goods at duty free shops. If you’re paying in euros via credit card, you may be charged an additional conversion fee to convert your currency into lira. Make sure you double-check any prices before committing to a purchase!
Are there facilities available for travellers with kids or pets?
Istanbul Airport includes various facilities to accommodate travellers with children. These include play areas, restrooms and baby care rooms dotted around the central terminal. There are also pet relief areas, but if you have any specific concerns regarding animals, you should contact the airport ahead of time.
