Istanbul Airport Shuttle Bus

Istanbul International Airport (IST) › Shuttle & Bus

Shuttles and Buses from and to Istanbul Airport

Buses used to be the only public transportation option from the new Istanbul Airport. As of early 2023, Metro Line M11 also connects the new airport to the city of Istanbul. Nevertheless, IST shuttle buses remain a cheap and convenient alternative. There is a surprisingly wide variety of available bus routes. Havaist and IETT buses carry frequent itineraries to every corner of Istanbul, while Istanbul Seyahat buses handle intercity transfers.

Most popular routes from Istanbul Airport

You can find the 4 most popular shuttle bus routes connecting the new Istanbul Airport with the major city hubs in the following table:

Havaist Shuttle Buses

Havaist airport buses provide high-quality and comfortable transfer services from Istanbul Airport to 50 major city hubs. Always on time, each Havaist shuttle can handle up to 46 passengers while all the vehicles are equipped with TV screens, Wi-Fi, and USB charging points. Moreover, they feature spacious luggage storage areas and are fully accessible. Still, wheelchair passengers are strongly advised to inform the provider in advance to receive better-quality service and avoid long waiting times.

You should always keep in mind that you can buy your tickets online or use a credit or debit card to pay for your bus fares. Additionally, for some lines (HViST 5A – Arnavutköy, HViST 9 – Avcılar – Bahçeşehir, HViST 13 – Sabiha Gökçen Airport, and HViST 7 – Silivri Bus Terminal), cash payments and payments via virtual wallets (QR payments) are also accepted. Hence, you can use a credit card and pay via the Havaist App or by using a QR code. Book your ticket online, get your QR code, and use it on any Havaist line simply by scanning it before entering the bus. Pre-booking your tickets also offers you further bonuses and discounts. Alternatively, you can use an Istanbulkart (also valid for metrobus, metro, tram, nostalgic tram, ferry, some Bosporus cruises, etc), costing 130₺ (2.77€/3.22$). Each card can be used by multiple passengers and can easily be recharged every time you need it. In any case, children younger than 6 travel for free, provided they don’t occupy a separate seat.

The pick-up point for Havaist airport buses can be found on the -2 Transportation floor of Istanbul Airport. Thus, travelers arriving at IST Airport must proceed to Level -2 to catch the bus. On the other hand, the drop-off stop is located on the Departures floor, near Entrances 1, 2, 3, and 4.

For more info, you can always visit the official Havaist website.

Havaist Bus Lines from Istanbul Airport

Most Havaist bus lines operate 24/7 at Istanbul International Airport. 12 different bus routes link the new airport to almost every part of the city. Explicitly, the available Havaist bus lines are:

Our Tip: Please keep in mind that the trip duration is subject to heavy Istanbul traffic, so the traveling time may be longer during rush hours.

IETT Shuttle Buses

IETT public buses travel to less touristic parts of the city. Therefore, they are a more popular option among locals while tourists tend to avoid them. In any case, if you search for your exact location on the map, you may find a bus to transfer you nearby, as 5 IETT lines handle the airport’s connection to Istanbul. What’s more, you should download the “Mobiett” app on your phone; you will find it very helpful. The yellow IETT Buses are accessible and depart from the -2 transportation level of IST Airport. Moreover, they stop at the Departures level on their way to the airport.

IETT bus tickets may cost less than the Havaist lines, but trips are much more time-consuming, as IETT buses make many stops along the way. A trip from Istanbul Airport to the city center costs two one-way tickets, hence, 54₺ (1.15€ / 1.35$).

You’ll need to buy an Istanbulkart in order to pay for your IETT bus transfer. You will find automatic vending machines near the bus station. Buy your card, top it up, and you are ready to go!

IETT Shuttle Bus Lines from Istanbul Airport

Note that the trip duration is subject to heavy Istanbul traffic. Therefore, routes are often more time-consuming.

Intercity Buses from Istanbul Airport

İstanbul Seyahat handles intercity transfers to and from Istanbul Airport. The bus company is present at IST Airport, providing premium services and connecting the aviation hub to numerous destinations. Buses depart from the -2 transportation area of Istanbul Airport, and specifically, from Platform 18, while they drop off passengers at IST Airport at the Departures level, near Entrances 1 and 2.

İstanbul Seyahat Buses run to several destinations. In detail, they provide connections from Istanbul International Airport to:

Where is the Bus Station at Istanbul International Airport

The bus station is located on the -2 floor of the Istanbul airport terminal. The station is easily accessible by elevators and escalators from both the Departures and the Arrivals level. Plenty of helpful signage all over the airport will guide you to the designated bus area.

FAQs

How can I get from Istanbul Airport to Istanbul city center by bus?

For your transfer from Istanbul International Airport to the city center by bus, you can choose between the Havaist buses and the IETT public buses. Havaist buses travel to the most popular destinations in the city and have a more spacious luggage storage space, while their in-between stops are few, reducing the total travel time. On the other hand, IETT buses are cheaper.

How much does the bus ticket from Istanbul Airport to Istanbul city center cost?

Havaist shuttle buses cost from 200₺-300₺ (4.26€-6.40€ / 4.95-7.44$) while a one-way ticket for IETT buses from Istanbul Airport to the city center is priced at 54₺ (1.15€ / 1.34$).