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How to Get to Esenler

How to Get to Esenler

Esenler Istanbul, Turkey Travel Guide

Air Travel

Istanbul Airport IST

Located on the European side, approximately FORTY kilometers (25 miles) northwest of Sultanahmet. This airport is Turkey's largest and newest, acting as a global transit hub.

Airline Connections

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

Sabiha Gökçen Airport SAW

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

Airline Connections

  • Pegasus Airlines, a major low-cost carrier, mainly functions from Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) in addition to possesses some flights from IST.
  • SAW primarily serves domestic flights and a few international low-cost carriers.
  • Check specific airline schedules for the latest information.

High Season Flights

Flights are typically most expensive 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 usually good. This period has a good weather and reasonable costs balance.

Low Season Flights

You will find the best deals during these months (November-March), although some routes might have fewer flights without layovers.

Airport Transfers to Sultanahmet

From Istanbul Airport IST

  • Havaist Airport Shuttles: These comfortable, direct bus services are available 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 subsequently 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 (roughly THIRTY-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 negotiate 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 around 40-70 USD. Many hotels arrange these to 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, get 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, get a ferry to Eminönü, then the T1 tram to Sultanahmet.
  • Taxi: The the expense for a taxi ride from SAW to Sultanahmet is approximately 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) have widespread duty-tax-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 hire companies. Both airports present complimentary Wi-Fi for a limited duration.

Land Transportation

Train Connections

Turkey has a robust high-speed rail network.

Train Services

  • High-Speed Rail (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 connecting the European and Asian sides of Istanbul, presenting quick transit below the Bosphorus. It connects 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) web page or at stations.

Long-Distance Bus Options

Turkey features an wide-ranging and efficient bus network connecting Istanbul to virtually every city and town 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 The 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 Turkey is 18.
  • Driving in Istanbul has challenges due to heavy traffic, aggressive drivers, and complex 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 republic of turkey are generally well-maintained and in good condition.

Road Network & Accidents

  • Secondary roads can range in quality.
  • Traffic accidents are unfortunately in excess of in many Occidental nations. Drive defensively and remain alert to local driving habits.
  • 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 road and train travel.

Sea & Departure

Ferry Services & Cruise Ports

Istanbul's unique geography, surrounded by water, makes sea transportation a significant element 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 run by Istanbul Deniz Otobüsleri (IDO) and Şehir Hatları.

Cruise Port Information

Galataport Istanbul, a recently opened and current cruise terminal in Karaköy, serves as a major entry point for cruise passengers.

Galataport Istanbul

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

Exit Fees

No particular exit fees or taxes are typically levied directly on departing tourists at airports or land borders. These costs are commonly in airline ticket fares 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 encompass extensive duty-vat-free shopping, a broad range 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. 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.

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