The main aim of IST is to construct a very big airport in Istanbul to cover and manage the rapidly increasing air traffic and trips to Istanbul, which is one of the world's top 20 most visited cities and a major hub for international passengers and airlines. The IST project began in 2015 and is divided into four stages. The first phase of the airport was finished on October 29, 2018, and the airport is now partially open.
The IST is expected to be completed in four stages by 2028, with six runways, two terminal buildings, and two air control towers. The IST will be the world's biggest airport, with a capacity of 200 million people per year.
Istanbul Airport Terminals
Shops, duty-free, cafés, restaurants, currency exchange facilities, banks, rent a vehicle, information counters, accommodation desks, and left luggage facilities are all located on the arrivals and departures floors of IST.
Before entering the departure lounge, all passengers must pass through security. There are stores, bars, and cafés. There are shops, duty-free, eateries, currency exchange, vehicle hire, and hotel reservation offices in the arrivals area.
How to Get to New Istanbul Airport?
Many areas of Istanbul and Istanbul Airport are served by IETT (Municipal) public buses and HAVAIST airport shuttles. H-1, H-2, H-3, H-6, H-7, H-8, and H-9 are the line numbers for IETT Public Buses. Visit the Municipality Public Buses to the Airports page for additional information and schedules.
The majority of public buses go to non-tourist locations. Popular tourist areas like Sultanahmet, Taksim, Besiktas, Beyoglu, and others have no public buses. The HAVAIST Airport Buses run on a set route to approximately 60 locations around the city.
You may also utilize HAVAIST airport shuttles with a huge discount if you have an Istanbul Tourist Pass. Check out ITP for all of the advantages, which include over 100 attractions. You can save over 50% on your Istanbul Tourist Pass and skip the queues at museums and guided tours!
Istanbul Airport Private Transfer
If you are a group, a family with children, or have a lot of luggage, we strongly advise you to use private shuttle transfers to and from your hotel. They provide a fixed rate, comfortable, and safe transfer that includes meet-and-greet airport pickups and luggage assistance to and from
The IETT or HAVAIST airport shuttles will drop you off in the city center, where you must either take a cab or walk, which will be more difficult for you with your children and baggage. Private transports, on the other hand, take you right to the front door of your hotel.
You can get a discount on Istanbul Airport transportation with the Istanbul Tourist Pass! Private shuttles may be costly, but they are essential for newcomers to Istanbul who are unfamiliar with the city's public transit system. As a result, if you have an Istanbul Tourist Pass, you may take advantage of a reduced VIP shuttle service reserved exclusively for you. You will be picked up from the airport and dropped off right in front of your hotel by your own shuttle. There are even more benefits like guided tours of Hagia Sophia, Dolmabahce Palace, and more
