Istanbul Turkey Travel Guide
Located on the European side, approximately 40 km (25 miles) to the 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). Reserve several months ahead for better rates.
Prices moderate (April-May, September-October). Flight availability is for the most part good. This period has a good weather and reasonable costs balance.
You will find the most affordable prices in these months (November-March), though some routes might have fewer flights without layovers.
Both Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) feature extensive duty-free shopping, numerous restaurants and cafes.
Comfortable lounges, currency exchange services, and readily available ATMs. Dollar Flight Club.
Vehicle rental firms. Both airports present complimentary Wi-Fi for a limited duration.
Turkey has a sturdy high-speed rail network.
Turprimary features an extensive and efficient bus network connecting Istanbul to virtually every city and a village in the country.
Driving in Istanbul has challenges due to heavy traffic.
Major highways within Turkey are generally well-looked after 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 current the cruise ship journey 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 generally included in airline the price of admission 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, getting to least 2 hours before departure is generally adequate.
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.
Online check-in is a good idea to save time at the airport. Standard security at the airport checks apply. Ensure all luggage meets size and weight regulations before making it to the airport. Have all travel documents readily accessible for check-in and security.
