“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 48 km.
* It takes about 90 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,
- M11 Istanbul Airport Metro Line,
- Taxi,
- Private Shuttle.
* The HAVAIST Airport Shuttle 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.
New Istanbul Airport to/from Taksim FAQs
How far is Taksim from New Istanbul Airport?
Taksim is located about 48 km. on the southern part of New Istanbul Airport (IST).
How long does it take to get to Taksim from New Istanbul Airport?
It takes about 90 minutes to get to Taksim by airport shuttle, taxi or private shuttle.
What is the best way to get from New Istanbul Airport to Taksim?
The Private Shuttle is the most comfortable, fastest and convenient way to travel between the airport and Taksim, 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 Taksim?
Taxi would cost at least 420 TL from New Istanbul Airport to Taksim. It may cost more regarding your hotel's location and waiting time due to possible traffic.
IST to Taksim Transport Options
HAVAIST Airport Shuttle/Bus
* HAVAIST Airport Shuttle Number, operating in between New Istanbul Airport and Taksim is HVIST-16.
* You can also take HVIST-16 Bus for getting to Galata, Besiktas neighborhoods.
* Average duration is 90 mins.
* HAVAIST Buses take maximum 46 passengers at once.
Where is the HVIST-16 Stop in Taksim?
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)
HVIST-16 (Taksim – New Istanbul Airport)
Stops: Taksim – Piyalepasa – Nurtepe Viyaduk – New Istanbul Airport
Duration: 90 minutes
Distance: 48 km.
1-Way Price: 90 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 Taksim-New Istanbul Airport is 87 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)
You’ll get to Taksim from Istanbul Airport by M11 metro line and with transfers about 45 minutes.
You can also get to Taksim directly by public buses from Kagithane.
Taxi
* You get from New Istanbul Airport (IST) to Taksim by the local taxis.
* Average taxi fare from New Istanbul Airport to Taksim will be around 420 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 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 and Taksim, 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 Taksim Private Shuttle