Getting Around
The best and easiest way to explore the old city is on foot, but to get to other areas there is a cheap public transport network consisting of buses, taxis or dolmuses (shared minibus taxis), tramways, and a metro system that has relieved some of the pressure on Istanbul's endless traffic. The rechargeable Akbil electronic transit pass, available from special kiosks, is a discounted way of using local buses, trams, the metro, and ferries.
A useful underground metro line runs from Aksaray to the main city bus station at Esenler, and another runs north from Taksim Square, passing the Levent districts. Buses are slow and crowded; tickets must be purchased at outdoor kiosks, as bus drivers do not sell them. Dolmuses and private yellow taxis are more comfortable than the city buses and very inexpensive, but it is advisable for foreigners to have their hotel call a private taxi for them and check that the meter is working, as overcharging is common. A taxi's night rate can be up to 50 percent more expensive than the day rate. Dolmuses can be hailed anywhere along their set routes. Passenger ferries are a pleasant way to see the city. Driving or hiring a car is not recommended due to traffic congestion and poor driving standards.
Airports
Istanbul Airport
The airport is situated 25 miles (40km) northwest of Istanbul.
Istanbul Airport (IST)
Location
The airport is situated 25 miles (40km) northwest of Istanbul.Getting to the city
While there are plans to connect the railway, shuttles are currently the only form of public transport serving the airport. Havaist and IETT offer shuttle services, and tickets can be purchased at the airport. Taxis are also readily available.
Time
GMT +3Car rental
Car rental companies include Europcar, Avec, Enterprise, Garenta, Hertz, Budget, Avis, and Cizgi.
Airport Taxis
Istanbul Airport is northwest of Istanbul and it takes around 45 minutes to an hour to reach the city centre by taxi. There are three main taxis: orange economy taxis, blue comfort taxis, and black premium taxis.
Transfer between terminals
There is one large, modern terminal at the airport, consisting of seven entrances. Gates 1 and 2 serve domestic flights, while the rest serve international flights.
Facilities
The airport has shops, banks, a bureaux de change, prayer rooms, a large range of food and beverage outlets, bars, a duty free, and passenger lounges. It also offers an airport hotel and tourism information centres.
Parking
Istanbul Airport boasts one of the largest multi-storey carparks in the world, consisting of five blocks with low-cost to premium options.
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport
The airport is 22 miles (35km) south-east of Istanbul.
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Location
The airport is 22 miles (35km) south-east of Istanbul.Getting to the city
Buses connect the airport to various parts of Istanbul and shuttles run to the historical centre of Istanbul.
Time
GMT +2 (GMT +3 from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October).Car rental
Rental companies operating at the airport include Sixt, Payless, Central, Hertz, Europcar, Nord Travel, Budget, Avis, and Bostanci.
Airport Taxis
Round-the-clock taxi service can be found outside the arrivals section of the airport.
Transfer between terminals
Terminals are within one building.
Facilities
The airport has ATMs, shops, restaurants, a first aid centre, pharmacies, a prayer room, hair salon, shoeshine stand, and meeting facilities. Currency exchange facilities and a post office are also available and there is a left-luggage desk.
Parking
The airport's multi-level car park has a capacity of 4,718 vehicles and 72 buses. There is also valet parking service with a capacity of 400 cars.