Esenler Istanbul, Turkey Travel Guide
Located on the European side, approximately 40 km (25 miles) northwest of Sultanahmet. This airport is Turkey's largest and newest, serving as a global transit hub.
Located on the Asian side, approximately 45 km (28 miles) southeast of Sultanahmet. SAW mainly serves domestic flights and some international low-cost carriers.
Flights are typically most expensive and book quickly (June-August). Book several months in advance 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 lowest prices during these months (November-March), though some routes might have fewer flights without layovers.
Both Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) have widespread duty-free shopping, a lot of restaurants and cafes.
Comfortable lounges, currency exchange services, and readily available ATMs. Dollar Flight Club.
Car rental agencies. Both airports present complimentary Wi-Fi for a limited duration.
Turkey has a robust high-speed rail network.
Turkey features an extensive and efficient bus network connecting Istanbul to virtually every city and town in the country.
Driving in Istanbul has challenges due to heavy traffic.
Major highways in The republic of turkey are generally well-maintained and in good condition.
Istanbul's unique geography, surrounded by water, makes sea transportation a significant aspect of its travel network.
Galataport Istanbul, a recently opened and modern cruise terminal in Karaköy, serves as a major entry point for cruise passengers.
No particular exit fees or taxes are typically levied directly on departing tourists at airports or land borders. These costs are usually included in airline ticket fares or other travel 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, arriving at least 2 hours before departure is usually sufficient.
Both IST and SAW present comprehensive facilities for departing travelers. These encompass extensive 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 is a good idea to save time at the airport. Standard airport security checks apply. Ensure all luggage meets size and weight regulations before showing up at the airport. Have all travel documents readily accessible for check-in and security.
