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How to Get to Bagcilar

How to Get to Bagcilar

Bagcilar Istanbul, Turkey Travel Guide

Air Travel

Istanbul Airport IST

Positioned on the European side, approximately 40 km (25 miles) northwest of Sultanahmet. This airport is Turkey's largest and newest, functioning as a worldwide transit hub.

Airline Connections

  • Turkish Airlines (THY), Turkey's national carrier, has Istanbul Airport (IST) as its primary base.
  • Numerous international airlines, including Lufthansa, Ba, Qatar Airways, Emirates, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines, operate direct flights to IST from major global hubs.
  • Direct flights are available from major cities across Europe, North America (e.g., New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Washington D.C., Toronto, Montreal), Asia, Africa, and the Middle East to Istanbul Airport (IST).

Sabiha Gökçen Airport SAW

Located on the Asian side, about 45 km (28 miles) to the southeast of Sultanahmet. SAW principally provides for domestic flights and a few international low-cost carriers.

Airline Connections

  • Pegasus Airlines, a major low-cost carrier, mainly operates from Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) and also possesses some flights from IST.
  • SAW mainly serves domestic flights and some foreign low-cost carriers.
  • Check specific airline schedules for the latest information.

High Season Flights

Flights are typically the costliest and book quickly (June-August). Book several months in advance for better rates.

Shoulder Season Flights

Prices moderate (April-May, September-October). Flight availability is generally good. This period has a good weather and reasonable costs balance.

Low Season Flights

You will find the lowest prices during these months (November-March), though some routes might contain fewer direct air travel possibilities.

Airport Transfers to Sultanahmet

From Istanbul Airport IST

  • Havaist Airport Buss: These comfortable, direct bus services operate frequently. Route IST-5 goes to Aksaray, a short tram ride or walk from Sultanahmet. The cost is approximately 170-200 TRY.
  • Metro: The M11 metro line connects IST to Gayrettepe. From Gayrettepe, transfer to the M2 metro line to Yenikapı, and next transfer to the T1 tram line to Sultanahmet. The total travel time is 1.5-2 hours, depending on connections. The cost is an Istanbulkart fare (approximately 30-50 TRY). This is a cost-effective option for a solo travelers or those without much luggage.
  • Taxi: Taxis are available 24/7 outside the terminal. Fixed prices are rare, so verify the meter is in use or bargain for the fare before starting the ride. The cost is approximately 700-1000 TRY, depending on traffic and time of day.
  • Private Transfer: Pre-booked private transfer services present convenience and comfort, especially in case you have a lot of luggage or are traveling in a group. The cost is approximately 40-70 USD. Many hotels arrange these for you.

From Sabiha Gökçen Airport SAW

  • Havabus Airport Shuttles: These bus services present transfers to Kadıköy (on the Asian side) or Taksim Square (on the European side). From Kadıköy, catch a ferry to Eminönü, then the T1 tram to Sultanahmet. From Taksim, take a taxi or a funicular/metro/tram combination to Sultanahmet. The cost is approximately 100-150 TRY.
  • Metro: The M4 metro line connects SAW to Kadıköy. From Kadıköy, take a ferry to Eminönü, then the T1 tram to Sultanahmet.
  • Taxi: The cost for a taxi from SAW to Sultanahmet is roughly 600-900 TRY.
  • Private Transfer: Similar to IST, pre-booked private transfers are available for approximately 40-70 USD.

Airport Facilities & Services

Shopping & Dining

Both Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) include comprehensive duty-free shopping, a lot of restaurants and cafes.

Convenience Services

Comfortable lounges, currency exchange services, and readily available ATMs. Dollar Flight Club.

Connectivity & Rentals

Car rental agencies. Both airports present free Wi-fi-Fi for a limited duration.

Land Transportation

Train Connections

Turkey has a strong high-speed rail network.

Train Services

  • High-Bullet Train (YHT) connects Istanbul (from Söğütlüçeşme station on the Asian side, and Halkalı on the European side after Marmaray connection) to major cities like Ankara, Eskişehir, Konya, and Sivas.
  • Marmaray: This is an underground suburban rail line linking the European and Asian sides of Istanbul, presenting quick transit underneath the Bosphorus. It links to the T1 tram line at Sirkeci station, making access to Sultanahmet simple.
  • Book tickets in advance, especially for popular routes, through the official Turkish State Railways (TCDD) website or at terminals.

Long-Distance Bus Options

Turprimary features an wide-ranging and efficient bus network connecting Istanbul to virtually every city and a village in the country.

Bus Services

  • Major Bus Terminals (Otogar): The main bus terminal on the European side is Esenler Bus Terminal. Alibeyköy Bus Terminal also serves routes on the European side, while Ataşehir Bus Terminal is on the Asian side.
  • Companies: Reputable companies like Kamil Koç, Metro Turizm, and Pamukkale Turizm present comfortable services.
  • Amenities: Services with Wi-Fi, onboard entertainment, and refreshments.

Self-Driving in Turkey

Driving in Istanbul has challenges due to heavy traffic.

Driving Requirements

  • An International Driving Permit (IDP) is necessary along with your home country's driver's license.
  • The minimum driving age in Anatolia is 18.
  • Driving in Istanbul has challenges as a result of heavy traffic, aggressive drivers, plus detailed road systems. Parking is scarce and often expensive, notably in Sultanahmet. For navigating central Istanbul, self-driving is not advisable.

Road Conditions & Safety

Major highways in The the republic of turkey are generally well-kept up and in good condition.

Road Network & Accidents

  • Secondary roads can differ in quality.
  • Traffic accidents are unfortunately above in many Countries in the west. Be a defensive driver and continue to be alert to regional driving customs.
  • Consider leaving the car outside the central area and using mass transit for touring the city.

Border Crossing Information

  • Turkey shares land borders with Greece.
  • Land borders with Bulgaria.
  • Also Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan (Nakhchivan), Iran, Iraq, and Syria.
  • Specific visa rules apply depending on your nationality and the border you intend to cross.
  • Always verify the latest regulations.
  • Overland crossings from Europe (Greece, Bulgaria) are common for highway and train travel.

Sea & Departure

Ferry Services & Cruise Ports

Istanbul's unique geography, surrounded by water, makes sea transportation a significant aspect of its travel network.

Within Istanbul

  • Ferries are a good mode of transport for commuting between the European and Asian sides of Istanbul, and for enjoying Bosphorus tours.
  • Major piers include Eminönü (adjacent to Sultanahmet), Karaköy, Beşiktaş, Kadıköy, and Üsküdar.
  • Services are operated by Istanbul Deniz Otobüsleri (IDO) and Şehir Hatları.

Cruise Port Information

Galataport Istanbul, a recently opened and contemporary the cruise ship terminal in Karaköy, is a primary entry point for cruise passengers.

Galataport Istanbul

  • Modern cruise terminal in Karaköy.
  • Serves as a major entry point for cruise passengers.
  • It is a short tram ride from Sultanahmet. Immigration procedures are typically handled onboard or upon disembarkation.

Exit Fees

No specific exit fees or taxes are typically levied directly on departing tourists within airports or land borders. These costs are commonly in airline ticket prices or other trip arrangements.

Departure Timing

For international flights, arrive at Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) at least 3 hours before your scheduled departure. For domestic flights, arriving at least 2 hours before departure is usually sufficient.

Airport Facilities

Both IST and SAW present comprehensive facilities for departing travelers. These include extensive duty-free shopping, a wide selection of restaurants and cafes, airport lounges, and tax refund offices for claiming VAT refunds on eligible purchases.

Smooth Departure Tip

Online check-in is a good idea to save time at the airport. A typical airport security checks apply. Ensure all luggage meets size and weight regulations before arriving at the airport. Have all travel documents readily accessible for check-in and security.

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