“How to get from New Istanbul Airport (IST) to Sultanahmet, and vice versa?” is one of the most common questions for those both living in Istanbul and visiting Istanbul. Here, we put together all the transportation alternatives with our insider tips, to help you plan your New Istanbul Airport (IST) to Sultanahmet trip with ease.
Some Practical Information
* New Istanbul Airport (IST) is situated on the north eastern part of Istanbul, on the Arnavutkoy district, close to the Black Sea coast.
* Distance from the IST to Sutanahmet is about 47 km.
* It takes about 100 mins to get to Sultanahmet from IST, and vice versa.
* You can travel between New Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sultanahmet directly by;
- Taxi,
- Private Shuttle.
* As there is NO direct Airport Shuttle to Sultanahmet from IST, the Private Shuttle is the most comfortable and convenient way to travel between New Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sultanahmet, and also for Eminonu.
* If you want to take the HAVAIST Airport Shuttle, you should take the shuttle operating to Beyazit Square. Distance between Beyazit Square and Sultanahmet Square is about 1,5 km., and you can also take a 5 minutes tram ride from Beyazit to Sultanahmet.
* There is NO direct Municipal Public Bus operating between IST and Sultanahmet.
Insider Advice for Departures
* For getting to New Istanbul Airport (IST) from Sultanahmet; we recommend you to arrange your time as to be at the airport at least 1,5 hours for domestic flights and 2,5 hours for international flights.
* You’ll possibly wait in the queue on the main entrance, airline’s counter, check-in process, passenger lounge entrance, flight ticket and passport control.
* Since the airport is very huge one, you’ll need to walk from one point to another inside the airport, about at least 15 minutes.
* For International flights; if the check-in process is not completed at the latest 60 minutes before the scheduled departure time, than the passenger loses all rights on the ticket and the flight.
* Therefore, we highly recommend you to go to the airport early.
* Regarding the minimum transfer time from Sultanahmet to New Istanbul Airport, of average 1,5 hours plus 30 minutes possible traffic, etc., you should take your transfer to New Istanbul Airport from city center, at least 3,5 to 4,5 hours before your flight.
New Istanbul Airport to/from Sultanahmet FAQs
How far is Sultanahmet from New Istanbul Airport?
Sultanahmet is located about 47 km. on the southern part of New Istanbul Airport (IST).
How long does it take to get to Sultanahmet from New Istanbul Airport?
It takes about 100 minutes to get to Sultanahmet by airport shuttle, taxi or private shuttle.
What is the best way to get from New Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet?
The Private Shuttle is the most comfortable, fastest and convenient way to travel between the airport and Sultanahmet, especially if you are traveling with kids and luggage. HAVAIST airport shuttle is the second best option.
How much is taxi from New Istanbul airport to Sultanahmet?
Taxi would cost at least 225 TL from New Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet. It may cost more regarding your hotel's location and waiting time due to possible traffic.
IST to Sultanahmet Transport Options
HAVAIST Airport Shuttle/Bus
* You can take the HAVAIST Airport Shuttle Number HVIST-12, operating in between New Istanbul Airport and Beyazit Square.
* Beyazit Square is about 1,5 km. from Sultanahmet Square. You can take a 5 minutes tram to access Sultanahmet.
* If you want a direct transport, than we recommend you take Private Shuttle as to avoid walking and switching transport vehicles, and have a direct, comfortable and convenient way to travel between New Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sultanahmet, and also for Eminonu.
* Operates for 24 hrs.
* Average duration is 90 mins.
* HAVAIST Buses take maximum 46 passengers at once.
Where is the HVIST-12 Stop in Beyazit?
It will drop you near the Beyazit Square. (see location map)
HVIST-12 (Beyazit Square – Aksaray – New Istanbul Airport)
Stops: Beyazit Square – Aksaray – Ulubatli – Ayvansaray – Nurtepe Viyaduk – New Istanbul Airport
Duration: 90 minutes
Distance: 53 km.
1-Way Price: 67 TL
Notice: Please double check the HAVAIST routes, timetables, trip fares and payment options from HAVAIST’s official website on hava.ist as all changes frequently due to this pandemic year’s situation.
HAVAIST Ticket Price
* HAVAIST average one way ticket price between Beayzit Square-New Istanbul Airport is 67 TL.
* You can’t buy tickets in advance. You need to pay it just after you enter the bus.
How to Pay?
* You can pay by credit or debit card inside the vehicle. You can also take HAVAIST bus via QR Code by online through Havaist Mobile Application or website. No cash accepted.
Get QR Code via Credit Card
* If you want to pay by Credit Card, than you’ll need to download and install HAVAIST Mobile Application to your mobile phone, or from HAVAIST website (https://hava.ist/en), deposit credit via your credit card.
* And than you enter the bus by scanning the QR code that you’ll receive to your mobile phone, to the device on the bus.
Istanbul Airport Metro
- Take the M11 Kagithane – Istanbul Airport Metro
- Get off at Kagithane station (24 minutes)
- Take the M7 Yildiz – Mahmutbey Metro Line
- Get off at Mecidiyekoy station (2 stops/5 minutes from Kagithane)
- Take the M2 Yenikapi – Haciosman Metro Line
- Get off at Taksim station (2 stops/5 minutes from Mecidiyekoy)
- Take the F1 Taksim – Kabatas Funciular line to Kabatas
- Take the T1 Kabatas – Bagcilar Tram line
- Get off at Sultanahmet stop (7 stops/20 minutes from Kabatas)
You’ll get to Sultanahmet from Istanbul Airport by M11 metro line and with transfers about 1 hour.
Alternatives: You can also get to Yenikapi by M2 Metro and from there join M1A metro line to get Aksaray (1 stop). From Aksaray take the T1 Kabatas – Bagcilar Tram line and get off at Sultanahmet stop.
Taxi
* You get from New Istanbul Airport (IST) to Sultanahmet by the local taxis.
* Average taxi fare from New Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet will be around 320 TL.
* Read more on our Istanbul Taxi Guide page for Istanbul taxis.
Private & Shared Shuttles
* If you are a group or a family with kids or having lots of luggage with you, than we highly recommend private shuttle transfers for your hotel in Sultanahmet as they offer a fixed rate, comfortable and safe transfer that include meet-and-greet airport pickups and luggage assistance to your hotel in Sultanahmet from New Istanbul Airport (IST) or from your hotel to the airport.
* When you take HAVAIST airport shuttle, it will drop you off at the Sultanahmet Square, and you’ll need to walk or take a taxi from there again which will be difficult for you with your kids and luggage. But private transfers drives you just to the entrance of your hotel.
* As for private shuttle transfers between New Istanbul Airport and Sultanahmet, we highly recommend Tranigo (a Turkish company operating since 1996, and partnered with renowned names like Hertz, Thrifty, Budget, and many reliable and efficient local suppliers) as we recently booked with them had a great trip to our hotel.
It offers low-priced, fixed rate private shuttles that include meet-and-greet airport pickups and luggage assistance.
* Their large selection of comfortable taxis, minivans, luxurious cars and 6-19+ passenger minibuses can match any need while ensuring quick and safe travels. Faster and more comfortable than shuttles, buses and taxis. Free cancellation. All prices include fees & tip.
Check Out & Book IST to Sultanahmet Private Shuttle
 and Sultanahmet, including HAVAIST shuttles, stops, best options with prices){kind=link}
amazing information and tips to find best airport shuttle transportation
Regards: Westchester County Limo – NY
Good Morning,
my flight arrives at 10:30 am IST Airport in October
I have to go to Sultanahmet.
Which number and stop I have to take off?
I saw in the website Beyazit is close and now there is Aksaray, is it right?and then?
Hi Clara, thank you. You should take HAVAIST Bus number 12 for airport shuttle service. Havaist says “Ordu street is closed to traffic, the first departure stop of our Beyazıt Meydan-Istanbul Airport line will be Aksaray between 10.00 and 21.00. In the evening, the first departure from Beyazıt Square is at 21.15. You can check the timetables from https://www.hava.ist/en/Voyage/VoyageTime * Aksaray metro station is about 10 minutes to Sultanahmet by taxi. It is very hard to walk upwards from Aksaray to Sultanahmet. It would take 30-45 minutes. You should whether take a taxi from Aksaray, or hire a private shuttle directly from the airport. Best!
Havaist bus no longer goes to/from Beyazit. – must go to/from Aksaray.
I took tram from Sultanhamet to Yusufpasa tram stop, then 7 minute walk to Aksaray. Havaist bus is 200m in front of the Metro. Look for ticket sellers by the curb, wearing Havaist shirts.
Price was 52 lira ( 24 May 2022). Cash accepted.
Journey time was 1 hour. Bus was very comfortable