Opened in 2019, Istanbul Airport has quickly become a key hub for both tourists and business travelers. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know—especially if it’s your first time—covering basic airport info and available services.
Overview of Istanbul Airport
Istanbul Airport is located about 40 km from Taksim Square (around 45 minutes by car without traffic), and 45 km from the Sultanahmet area (about 1 hour without traffic). Once fully operational, it aims to become the world’s largest hub airport, with a projected annual capacity of 200 million passengers.
You can check flight status and floor maps on the official airport website. Turkish Airlines also offers a detailed map that shows the locations of ATMs and shops.
Useful Links
Facilities and Services
Currency Exchange, ATMs, and Banks
- On the departure floor, ATMs are located at both ends (Gate 1 and Gate 7).
- On the arrival floor, you’ll find ATMs behind the escalators near Gate 9 and Gate 13. International cards are accepted at foreign currency-compatible machines.
- Currency exchange booths are scattered throughout the international area.
- Banks (Garanti, GNB Finans, İş Bank, and Ziraat Bank) are near Gates 9 and 10 on the arrival floor.
ATMs typically show accepted currencies in the upper right corner (e.g. USD, EUR, TRY, GBP) and compatible cards (e.g. Visa, MasterCard).
Baggage Carts
Carts are available for about €2.
You can pay with cash or credit card.
Luggage Storage & Lockers
- Arrival floor: Luggage storage is near Exits 8 and 14.
- Departure floor: Coin lockers are near Gates 3 and 6.
Lockers are available in various sizes and support English instructions.
Lockers
Locker prices as of April 2025
- S: 150 TL / M: 200 TL / L: 400 TL / XL: 500 TL
Fees are valid for up to 24 hours; same fee applies every 24 hours thereafter.
Storage service
Storage service prices
Same rates as lockers, plus XXL size (for items like musical instruments or sports gear): 630 TL.
You can check the latest prices on the IGA website.
Smoking Areas
Smoking areas are marked as “Teras” (Terrace).
On the departure floor, they’re located past passport control in several places within the international area.
There are no smoking areas on the arrival floor—smoking is only allowed outside the building.
Shower Services
- After passport control in the international zone, Yotel Air offers a shower for €20. Amenities are provided, so no need to bring your own.
- Free showers are also available in some lounges.
- Inside the international departures zone, you’ll find a SPA facility with hammam and massage packages. For example:
Ambassador Spa & Beauty Salon
- Shower only: 20 minutes / €29
- Full Relaxation (includes 60 min Balinese massage, shower, and 5-hour rest): 6 hours / €189
- check the Ambassador Spa & Beauty Salon website.
A great option for long layovers!
Departure Floor
Check-In Counters
Domestic and international flights share the same floor.
Facing the main entrance:
- Right side: Domestic
- Left side: International
There are 7 entrance gates. Gate 5 is reserved for Turkish Airlines Business Class and Miles&Smiles Elite members.
Counter Assignments:
- B/C/D: Turkish Airlines (Domestic)
- E/F/G/H/J/K: Turkish Airlines & Star Alliance (International)
- L: Business Class
- M/N/P/R/S: Other international airlines
Restaurants & Cafés
Numerous cafés and restaurants are available on the departure floor, on both domestic and international sides.
After passport control, you’ll find Turkish cuisine and fast food options.
Baggage Wrapping
Located near Gates 2–6. Wrapping protects your luggage from dirt and damage.
Some airlines require wrapping for cardboard boxes used as checked baggage.
As of April 2025:
- Suitcase wrapping: 400 TL
- Protective padding (per meter): 400 TL
- Box wrapping: 500 TL (medium or large)
Arrival Floor
Meeting Point
Meeting directly outside the passenger exit is not allowed. Tour pickups and transfer drivers usually wait outside, and you’ll often receive instructions like “wait at Exit #X.”
Cafés
Arrival hall cafés include Burger King and snack options.
Supermarket
As of 2025, no supermarkets are located inside the airport.
SIM Cards & Wi-Fi Devices
SIM cards for tourists are available at arrival-floor counters (Turkcell, Vodafone, Türk Telekom).
Transportation to the City
Metro
Metro Line M11 connects the airport to central Istanbul. It was extended to Gayrettepe Station in January 2024, offering connections to other lines.
You can also change to buses and Metro Line M7 at Kagithane Station, but it requires walking on public streets—Gayrettepe is better for travelers with luggage or unfamiliar with the area.
Havaist Shuttle Bus
Havaist is the official shuttle bus connecting the airport to various city points.
Check routes, schedules, and fares on the Havaist Website.
If your destination is close to a Havaist stop, this is a convenient option.
Taxis
Taxis are available at the airport. Estimated fares to popular destinations are posted, but traffic can cause delays and fare changes.
Always use official airport taxi stands.
IETT City Bus
Istanbul’s public IETT buses also serve the airport. Routes include:
- H-1 (to Mahmutbey Metro)
- H-2 (to Mecidiyeköy)
- H-3 (to Halkalı Marmaray)
- H-6 (to Yunus Emre Mahallesi)
- H-8 (to Hacıosman/Sarıyer)
Schedules and stop info are on the IETT official website.
However, these buses are infrequent and serve limited areas, so they’re not ideal for tourists.