Bahcelievler Istanbul, Turkey Travel Guide
Situated on the European side, approximately FORTY kilometers (25 miles) to the northwest of Sultanahmet. This airport is Turkey's largest and newest, functioning as an international transit hub.
Situated on the Asian side, around 45 km (28 miles) to the southeast of Sultanahmet. SAW mainly serves domestic flights and several global low-cost carriers.
Flights are typically most expensive and book quickly (June-August). Reserve several months ahead for better rates.
Prices moderate (April-May, September-October). Flight availability is usually good. This period has a good weather and reasonable costs balance.
You will find the rock-bottom prices in these months (November-March), though some routes might possess fewer direct flight options.
Both Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) have widespread duty-free shopping, plenty of dining places and cafes.
Comfortable lounges, currency exchange services, and readily available ATMs. Dollar Flight Club.
Car rental agencies. Both airports present no-cost Wireless internet-Fi for a limited duration.
Turkey has a robust high-speed railway network.
Turkey features an extensive and efficient bus network connecting Istanbul to virtually every city and a a municipality in the country.
Driving in Istanbul has challenges because of dense traffic.
Major highways in Turkey are generally well-kept up and in good condition.
Istanbul's unique geography, surrounded by water, makes sea transportation a significant feature of its travel network.
Galataport Istanbul, a recently opened along with current the cruise port in Karaköy, functions as a key entry point for cruise passengers.
No specific exit fees or taxes are typically levied directly on departing tourists at airports or land borders. These costs are usually included in airline ticket prices or other trip arrangements.
For international flights, arrive at Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) at least 3 hours before your scheduled departure. For domestic flights, showing up at least 2 hours before departure is generally adequate.
Both IST and SAW present comprehensive facilities for departing travelers. These include extensive duty-duty-free shopping, a wide selection of restaurants and cafes, airport lounges, and tax refund offices for claiming VAT refunds on eligible purchases.
Online check-in-in is a good idea to save time at the airport. Standard 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.
