Istanbul Airport
İstanbul Havalimanı
Istanbul, Turkey · Since 2018
Last updated:
About IST
Istanbul Airport is Turkey's largest airport and one of the newest major aviation hubs in the world, having opened in 2018 to replace Atatürk Airport. Located 35 kilometers northwest of Istanbul city center on the European side, the airport is designed to eventually become the world's largest airport with a planned capacity of 200 million passengers annually when all phases are complete. The distinctive terminal building features a striking wave-like roof and showcases Turkish hospitality and culture throughout. As the primary hub for Turkish Airlines, Istanbul Airport connects Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, positioning Istanbul as a global crossroads.
Why "IST"?
IST stands for Istanbul, the city's name derived from the Greek phrase "eis tin polin" meaning "to the city."
Hub For
Airlines Operating
Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, AnadoluJet, British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France, KLM, Swiss, Austrian Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Gulf Air, Oman Air, Kuwait Airways, Royal Jordanian, EgyptAir, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, South African Airways, Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Korean Air, Japan Airlines, United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Aeroflot, Ukraine International Airlines, Uzbekistan Airways, Azerbaijan Airlines
Terminals
Main Terminal - International Departures
The main terminal handles all international departures and arrivals. It is one of the largest airport terminals in the world, designed by Grimshaw Architects with a massive single roof spanning the entire building. Features extensive duty-free shopping, restaurants, and lounges.
Concourse B
Concourse B serves a mix of international flights, primarily Turkish Airlines long-haul routes. Connected to the main terminal via an automated people mover system.
Concourse C
Concourse C handles additional international flights and some domestic services. Features a wide range of dining options and retail stores.
Concourse D - Domestic
Concourse D is dedicated to domestic flights within Turkey. Features a separate security screening area and check-in zone.
Concourse E
Concourse E provides additional gate capacity for peak-hour international flights. Opened as part of the airport expansion to handle growing passenger volumes.
Minimum Connection Times (MCT)
Airlines at IST
Turkish Airlines
Hub
Pegasus Airlines
SunExpress
Aegean Airlines
Aeroflot
Air Albania
Air Algerie
Air Arabia
Showing 8 of 99 airlines. View all airlines →
Getting There & Away
Havaist airport buses connect to major city points including Taksim, Kadıköy, and Yenikapı (₺120, 60-90 min). İETT public buses available. Metro line M11 connects to Gayrettepe station. Taxis use meters (₺400-600 to city center). Ride-hailing apps like BiTaksi available. Hotel shuttle services operate 24/7. Car rental agencies in arrivals hall.
Taxi
₺400-600 (~$13-20)
45-75 minutes to city center
Public Transport
₺120 (~$4)
60-90 minutes to city center
Parking at IST
Multi-story parking garages with short-term, long-term, and valet options. Online pre-booking available for discounts....
Terminal Car Park (Short Stay)
Long Term Car Park
Economy Open Air Parking
Valet Parking
Airport Lounges
Turkish Airlines Business Lounge
The flagship Turkish Airlines Business Lounge at Istanbul Airport is one of the largest airline lounges in the world, spanning over 5,600 square meters. Features include a lavish buffet with Turkish and international cuisine, a patisserie, golf simulator, virtual reality experience, billiards, movie theater, children's play area, and sleeping suites.
IGA Lounge
The IGA Lounge is the airport operator's own premium lounge, open to all passengers regardless of airline or class. Offers a wide selection of hot and cold dishes, a well-stocked bar, comfortable seating areas, quiet zones, showers, and runway views.
Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles Lounge
A more accessible lounge option for Turkish Airlines passengers, offering a comfortable space with hot and cold buffet, beverages, and shower facilities. Smaller than the flagship Business Lounge but still high quality.
Turkish Airlines Domestic Lounge
Turkish Airlines' dedicated domestic lounge for business class passengers and frequent flyers on domestic routes. Features a buffet with Turkish breakfast items, pastries, hot meals, and beverages.
Primeclass CIP Lounge
Primeclass operates multiple CIP lounges throughout the airport. These lounges offer Turkish and international food, beverages, WiFi, and shower facilities. Good option for Priority Pass holders.
Lounge Istanbul (Domestic)
Located in the domestic departures area, this lounge serves passengers on domestic flights within Turkey. Offers a good selection of Turkish snacks, tea, coffee, and light meals.
Where to Stay
Transit Hotels (Airside)
Yotel Istanbul Airport
Airside, international departures area near Concourse B
Yotel offers compact, tech-forward cabins directly inside the airport terminal, airside. Perfect for transit passengers who need rest without going through immigration. Cabins include a SmartBed, rain shower, and workstation. Available for stays as short as 4 hours.
Connected Hotels
Istanbul Airport Hotel
Connected to the main terminal building via covered walkway
The official airport hotel connected directly to the terminal. Offers full-service hotel amenities including a restaurant, fitness center, and meeting rooms. Day rooms available for layover passengers.
Nearby Hotels
Hampton by Hilton Istanbul Airport
Airport district, shuttle service to terminal
Budget-friendly Hilton brand hotel in the airport district. Offers complimentary breakfast, WiFi, and shuttle service to the terminal.
Radisson Blu Airport Hotel Istanbul
Located just outside the airport complex, free shuttle service available
A full-service Radisson Blu hotel near the airport with restaurant, bar, fitness center, and pool. Free shuttle runs every 15 minutes to the terminal.
Capsule Hotels
Sleep Pods
Various locations throughout the terminal, both landside and airside
Sleep pod stations located throughout Istanbul Airport offering private, soundproofed pods for quick naps. Pods include USB charging, reading light, and ventilation. Bookable by the hour.
Food & Dining
Burger King
Fast Food
Familiar fast food option with localized menu items. All outlets at Istanbul Airport serve halal-certified meat.
24/7
Popeyes
Fast Food
Louisiana-style fried chicken chain serving halal-certified chicken sandwiches, tenders, and sides.
24/7
Simit Sarayi
Turkish Bakery & Cafe
Popular Turkish bakery chain famous for its simit (sesame-crusted bread rings), borek, Turkish tea, and fresh-squeezed juices.
05:00-23:00
Sbarro
Italian / Pizza
Quick-service pizza and Italian dishes. Offers pizza by the slice, pasta, and salads.
24/7
Turkish Kitchen
Turkish
Authentic Turkish cuisine featuring kebabs, pide, lahmacun, and traditional mezes. A great place to experience local flavors before your flight.
24/7
Starbucks
Coffee & Cafe
Multiple Starbucks locations throughout the airport serving the full range of coffee drinks, teas, pastries, and light bites.
24/7
Car Rental
Europcar
Arrivals hall, car rental desk area
Avis
Arrivals hall, car rental desk area
Budget
Arrivals hall, car rental desk area
Enterprise
Arrivals hall, car rental desk area
Sixt
Arrivals hall, car rental desk area
What to Do During a Layover
Free City Tour Available!
Turkish Airlines offers free Touristanbul tours for international transit passengers with layovers between 6-24 hours. Multiple tour options covering historic Istanbul landmarks including Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Grand Bazaar.
Inside the Airport
Airport Shopping and Duty Free
Istanbul Airport features one of the world's largest duty-free shopping areas at over 55,000 square meters. Browse luxury brands, Turkish delights, ceramics, textiles, and local specialties. The airport also features art exhibitions and a heritage museum.
Turkish Airlines Business Lounge Experience
Even if you're not flying business class, you can purchase access to the legendary Turkish Airlines Business Lounge. Enjoy a spa treatment, Turkish cuisine buffet, golf simulator, movie theater, and sleeping suites.
Explore the City
These activities require leaving the airport. Make sure you have valid visa and enough time before your next flight.
Visit Hagia Sophia and Sultanahmet
Take the metro from the airport to visit the iconic Hagia Sophia (entry fee ~$25), the Blue Mosque (free, closed during prayer times), and stroll through the historic Sultanahmet district. Allow at least 5 hours including travel time.
Grand Bazaar and Spice Market Tour
Visit the historic Grand Bazaar, one of the world's oldest covered markets with over 4,000 shops. Browse Turkish carpets, lanterns, spices, jewelry, and ceramics. Nearby, the Egyptian Spice Market offers aromatic spices and Turkish delight.
Touristanbul - Free City Tour by Turkish Airlines
Turkish Airlines offers free guided city tours for international transit passengers with layovers of 6-24 hours. Multiple tour options cover iconic landmarks like the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Grand Bazaar, Topkapi Palace, and the Bosphorus. Register at the Turkish Airlines transfer desk.
Bosphorus Cruise
Take a Bosphorus cruise to see Istanbul from the water, passing between Europe and Asia. Short cruises (1.5 hours) depart from Eminonu with views of Ottoman palaces and waterfront mansions. Allow at least 6 hours including travel time.
Practical Information
WiFi & Connectivity
- Free WiFi: Yes (Unlimited)
- Speed Rating: ●●●●○
- Power Outlets: Type C, Type F (European)
- SIM Cards: Available for purchase
Services
- Left Luggage: From ₺150/day (~$5)
- Showers: Free in lounges, paid in terminal ~₺200
- Medical Services: Available
- Prayer Rooms: Available
Family Facilities
- Children's Play Areas
- Nursing Rooms
- Family Restrooms
- Pet Relief Areas
Money & Currency
- Currency: Turkish Lira (TRY/₺)
- Exchange: Multiple exchange offices in arrivals and departures areas on all levels. ATMs throughout the terminal.
- Hours: 24/7
- Tipping: Tipping 10-15% is customary at restaurants. Round up taxi fares. Hotel porters ₺20-50 per bag.
Airport rates are reasonable but slightly worse than city center. Withdraw from ATMs for better rates. Avoid exchanging at hotel desks.
Smoking Areas
Designated smoking lounges available airside after security in the international departures area.
Lost & Found
- Phone: +90 212 463 3000
Lost and found office located in the arrivals hall. Contact +90 444 1 442.
Entry Requirements
Visa Information
Turkey offers e-Visa for many nationalities. Apply online before travel at evisa.gov.tr. Some nationalities can obtain visa on arrival.
Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond stay. E-visa or visa required for most nationalities. EU/Schengen citizens can enter visa-free for up to 90 days.
When to Fly
Best time: April-May and September-October for pleasant weather and fewer crowds
Peak seasons: June-August (summer holidays), December (New Year), Ramadan period
Insider Tips
The airport is huge - allow extra time for walking between gates. The Turkish Airlines Touristanbul free city tour is excellent for long layovers. Download the IGA Istanbul Airport app for navigation. Duty-free shopping is extensive and competitively priced. The airport is far from the city center so plan transport in advance. The Havaist bus is the most economical option. Currency exchange rates at the airport are decent. Try Turkish tea or coffee at the many cafes throughout the terminal.
Facilities & Contact
Airport Facilities
Massive single terminal with international and domestic sections. Extensive duty-free shopping (one of the largest in the world). Turkish Airlines lounges including the famous Business Lounge with amenities like spa, cinema, and sleep rooms. IGA Lounge for all passengers. Free WiFi unlimited. Prayer rooms on every level. Kids play areas. Showers in lounges. Medical center. Pet relief areas. Art gallery and museum exhibitions throughout the terminal.
Official Website
Phone
+90 212 463 3000
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