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“How to get from New Istanbul Airport (IST) to Taksim, 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 Taksim 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 Taksim is about 40 km.
* It takes about 80 mins to get to Taksim from IST, and vice versa.
* You can travel between New Istanbul Airport (IST) and Taksim directly by;
- HAVAIST Airport Shuttle,
- Taxi,
- Private Shuttle.
* The HAVAIST Airport Shuttle (IST-19) is the most practical way, the Private Shuttle is the most comfortable and convenient way to travel between New Istanbul Airport (IST) and Taksim, and also for Galata region.
* There is NO direct Municipal Public Bus operating between IST and Taksim.
Insider Advice for Departures
* For getting to New Istanbul Airport (IST) from Taksim; 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 Taksim to New Istanbul Airport, of average 80 minutes plus 30 minutes possible traffic, etc, you should take your transfer to New Istanbul Airport from city center, at least 3 to 4 hours before your flight.
IST to Taksim Transport Options
HAVAIST Airport Shuttle/Bus
* HAVAIST Airport Shuttle Number, operating in between New Istanbul Airport and Taksim is IST-19.
* You can also take HAVAIST IST-19 Bus for getting to Galata.
* Runs both ways in every 15 mins between 05:10 am. and 19:40 pm., in every 20 mins between 19:40 pm. and 01:00 am, and in every 30 mins between 01:00 am. and 04:30 am.
* Operates for 24 hrs.
* Average duration is 80 mins.
* HAVAIST Buses take maximum 46 passengers at once.
Where is the HAVAIST IST-19 Stop in Taksim?
* HAVAIST IST-19 stops: New Istanbul Airport -> Nurtepe Viaduct -> Taksim Abdülhakhamit Street, and vice versa.
* It will drop you off at the Taksim Abdülhak Hamit Street. About 600 metres walking distance from the Taksim Square, and close to Point Hotel Taksim. (see location map)
HAVAIST Taksim-IST (and vice varsa) Timetables
See from https://hava.ist/en/new-timetables
Notice: Please double check the HAVAIST routes, timetables and trip fares from HAVAIST’s official website hava.ist
HAVAIST Ticket Price
* HAVAIST average one way ticket price between Taksim-New Istanbul Airport is 18 TL.
* You can’t buy tickets in advance. You need to pay it just after you enter the bus.
How to Pay?
* You’ll need ISTANBULKART (Istanbul’s Public Transport Card) or QR Code (by Credit Card) to pay. No cash accepted.
IstanbulKart
* You can obtain ISTANBULKART and load credit from the Kiosks at the New Istanbul Airport upon your arrival.
* If you already have ISTANBULKART with you, you can download and install ISTANBULKART Mobile Application to your mobile phone, and load credit by your credit card. Read more about how to obtain and load credit to it on our ISTANBULKART page.
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.
Get QR Code via Istanbul Welcome Card Service
* This is the best option if you don’t have IstanbulKart with you, and also easier way to get the QR Code by downloading and installing HAVAIST Mobile APP and entering your details, pay via credit card, etc.
* With Istanbul Welcome Card’s HAVAIST QR Code service, you’ll immediately get the QR Code to your mobile phone, to enter the HAVAIST. Just scan it to the device and get on the bus.
* The service also has BONUS that you can benefit. Free E-Booklet about Istanbul plus, 10% discount at Museum Services
The service includes:
- QR Code for HAVAIST Airport Shuttles
- Valid for all HAVAIST lines
- 10% Discount at Istanbul Welcome Card guides
- Unlimited Luggage
- E-Booklet
Price: €3 per person (plus Service Fee €2 per person)
Notice: Our website visitors will get 5% extra discount. Just click the red button below and make sure you see the discounted price on the official page.
How it Works:
- After your order you will receive the QR Code
- Get on any departing HAVAIST Bus at Istanbul Airport
- Just scan the QR code at bus driver and enter the bus
Re-booking and cancellation is free of charge up to 12 hours before your arrival.
Taxi
* You get from New Istanbul Airport (IST) to Taksim by the local taxis.
* The taxi-meter switch on price is 5 TL and 3,10 TL per kilometer. There is no day and night difference.
* Average taxi fare from New Istanbul Airport to Taksim will be around 130-140 TL.
* Read more on our Istanbul Taxi Guide (2020 Fares, Tips) page for Istanbul taxis.
Shared Shuttle
This is by far the most convenient, budget friendly, safe, fast and cozy ways to get to your hotel from New Istanbul Airport (IST) with comfortable vans and minibuses. It is a one way airport to hotel service by Istanbul Welcome Card.
With a shared transfer, you’ll reach your hotel in a van or minibus with other people who have similar arrival time. All travelers will be dropped off one after the other regarding the location of their hotels.
This is much cheaper than a private shuttle transfer, but note that it can involve a waiting time at the airport about 5 minutes to maximum 45 minutes.
Departure Times: in every 30 minutes (high season), every 60 minutes (low season).
How it Works?
Upon your arrival, you need to visit Istanbul Welcome Card (IWC) Travel counter in the arrival hall of the IST, a few steps from the Burger King, and there you’ll be guided to your transfer coach by IWC team.
Price: €21
Notice: Our website visitors will get 5% extra discount. Just click the red button below and make sure you see the discounted price on the official page.
Book Your New IST Airport + Taksim Shared Transfer
Private Shuttle
* 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 Taksim as they offer a fixed rate, comfortable and safe transfer that include meet-and-greet airport pickups and luggage assistance to your hotel in Taksim 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 Taksim Abdülhak Hamit Street, 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 (IST) and Taksim, we highly recommend Kiwi Taxi 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 up to 5 hrs before pickup. All prices include fees & tip.
Check Out & Book Your Private Shuttle for Taksim
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