Istanbul Airport

While Ataturk Airport is by no means the largest in Turkey it is still considered to be the gateway to the country, with many international flights to other Turkish cities stopping in Istanbul. The airport receives around 160,000 passengers per day arriving and departing on more than 1,300 aeroplanes. The Ataturk airport is open 24/7, it offers travellers a selection of eateries, fashionable stores, WiFi and duty-free shopping. At the Airport, you can also find ATM's, currency exchange, luggage storage, lockers, luggage wrapping, showers, pharmacy, prayer rooms and tourist information.

The International Airport was opened in January 2000 after 22 months of building works. The airport was further expanded in 2004, renovations were made to update the domestic terminal in 2006 and finally in February 2010, due to popular demand, both the international and domestic terminals, plus the car park, were extended. In July 2004 TAV Airports Holding was awarded the operation of the domestic terminal.

Ataturk Airport is located about 20 kilometres west of the Sultanahmet district in the city centre where most accommodations can be found. If you are taking a Package Tour starting in Istanbul then you will be met by a representative at the airport, also many Hotels offer an airport pick-up service. Outside the airport is an official Taxi Rank where you can grab a cab, the journey should take about 30 minutes without traffic. The more adventurous can use Istanbul's crowded public transport system, this is much more time consuming but also a cheaper option. MetroLine 1 serves Ataturk Airport and you will need to change at Zeytinburnu to TramLine 1 in the Kabatas direction and hop off at Sultanahmet. If you plan to stay in Taksim you can use the convenient Havatas Airport Shuttle, buses depart every half hour from 4:00 to 1:00, the journey should take about 40 minutes. Private Transfers can also be organised to anywhere in the city and are recommended for groups or individuals with a lot of luggage.