Transfer Options from Istanbul Airport to Taksim
Thus, after landing at the new Istanbul Airport, you can reach your accommodation in Taksim, the commercial center of Istanbul, via regular Istanbul airport taxis and pre-booked private transfers, airport car rentals, or buses, as well as with the new Istanbul airport metro line. How much money do you want to spend? Is comfort a significant factor for you? Make up your mind about your exact requirements and choose the most convenient transfer way to Taksim.
Options Price (€) Price ($) Price (₺) Duration
Taxi 28.70 33.40 1350 40 min
Bus 5.86 6.80 275 90 min
Subway 1.31 1.53 61.83 43 min
Istanbul Airport to Taksim by Taxi
Istanbul airport taxis will comfortably drive you to your destination in the Taksim area. Queuing up 24/7 at the official taxi ranks, located outside the exit doors of every airport level, Istanbul cabs are ready to transfer you to Taksim in approximately 40 minutes with an average fare of 1350₺ (28.70€/33.40$). However, as taxis in Istanbul are metered, the final cost depends on the road traffic, which is usually high.
In Istanbul, you will find the usual yellow taxis, which are the most affordable. If you prefer a more comfortable transfer, you can choose between the blue vehicles (15% more expensive) and the luxurious black ones (twice the normal fee).
Finally, note that there are no special fees for night rides, while tipping isn’t obligatory. Moreover, it is always advisable to take your taxi from the official taxi stand and not trust random individual vehicles, as well as be aware of taxi scams. The best way to secure the top deals and avoid overcharges is to pre-book your Istanbul airport taxi transfer in advance.
We selected one of the best, most trustworthy and convenient 5-star airport taxi companies for your transfer from Istanbul Airport based on user reviews across various platforms such as Google, Tripadvisor and Trustpilot. Welcome Pickups offers a great experience and safety to its travelers.
- Local English-speaking drivers
- Flat, pre-paid fee
- Flight monitoring for delays
- 24/7 Customer support + free cancellation
Istanbul Airport to Taksim by Bus
If you prefer using the airport bus for your transfer, you will be glad to know that the elegant Havaist Bus HVL-9 leaves Istanbul Airport and heads directly to the Taksim Area. The bus HVL-9 departs from the airport every 35-40 minutes around the clock, and traverses the 40km/24.8-mile distance to Taksim in about 90 minutes, depending on the traffic levels. The bus ticket costs 275₺ (5.86€ / 6.80$).
Istanbul airport bus station is located on the -2 floor. You can buy a rechargeable Istanbulkart to pay for your bus fare. It costs 130₺ (2.77€/3.22$) and can be used on metro, bus, metrobus, tram, and ferry rides. It is available through the automatic machines that can be found at the terminal’s transportation level. Payments are accepted in cash or via bank cards. On the other hand, single tickets are also an option, while passengers can buy their tickets online as well.
Our Tip: The IETT Buses are also present at Istanbul International Airport. While they offer cheap services, they don’t run directly from IST Airport to Taksim. Hence, if you catch an IETT Bus, you will have to switch between means of transport. As a result, the transfer will be longer, more expensive, and tiring.
Istanbul Airport to Taksim by Metro
With the new Metro Line M11, IST passengers can reach Gayrettepe Station and then transfer to Line M2 toward Yenikapi to Taksim Metro Station. Hence, traveling from Istanbul Airport to Taksim via subway is one of the most popular transfer options, offering speed, comfort, and low cost. The Istanbul airport metro station lies right outside Exit 11, in front of the car park, while trains operate from 06:00 am to midnight on a frequent basis. Overall, the ride to Taksim lasts around 43 minutes, plus approximately 10 minutes of waiting time.
Subway tickets can be loaded into Istanbulkarts. Istanbulkarts are non-personal, rechargeable cards valid for almost all Istanbul transportation modes. Hence, if you travel with a company, you can buy only one card and share the price. An Istanbulkart costs 130₺ (2.77€/3.22$) and can be bought from the station’s automatic machines using cash (Turkish liras) or credit cards. The fare for Line M11 depends on the number of stops traveled. Hence, the journey to Gayrettepe costs 34.83₺ (0.74€/0.86$). Plus, you’ll have to pay for your M2 ride as well. A full fare ticket for all other Istanbul metro lines is priced at 27₺ (0.57€/0.66$). Therefore, you’ll need to pay 61.83₺ (1.31€/1.53$) for your metro journey from Istanbul Airport to Taksim. In any case, children under the age of 6 travel for free.
Our Tip: Istanbul City Cards are also available, valid for unlimited rides on metro, tram, bus, Metrobus, and ferries for 5, 7, or 15 days. Moreover, one-way tickets are an option as well, mainly for travelers who don’t plan to use Istanbul’s public transit network during their stay, as they are more expensive. Indeed, a single ticket costs 40₺ (0.85€/0.99$).
Car Rental from Istanbul Airport to Taksim
At Istanbul Airport, you will find plenty of airport car rental companies. Thus, if you are interested in renting a car and enjoy totally independent transfers, you can rent a vehicle of your choice. A good suggestion would be to book your preferred car in advance to secure the best prices and have less hassle. Keep in mind, though, that the traffic conditions are tiring, the parking spots in the city center may be limited, and many roads in the popular tourist areas of Istanbul are pedestrian. In any case, after exiting the airport, you will have to take Highway D-020 to reach Taksim.
Private Airport Transfers from Istanbul Airport to Taksim
Private transfers are becoming a trend among travelers who want to take advantage of their time in transit and not worry about the stress of public transportation. Hence, the most convenient way to transfer from Istanbul Airport to Taksim, in Istanbul city center, is to opt for a premium and relaxed private airport transfer. Various private transfer companies operate at Istanbul Airport, offering top services and competitive prices.
FAQs
How far is Taksim Square from Istanbul Airport?
The distance between Istanbul Airport (IST) and Taksim is 40 km/24,8 miles. Thus, a car ride should take 35 minutes under normal traffic conditions, while Havaist Buses reach Taksim in about 90 minutes. On the other hand, the metro journey to Taksim lasts around 43 minutes.
How do I get from IST Airport to Taksim?
There are several ways to travel from Istanbul Airport to Taksim. Airport taxis and private airport transfers are two of the most convenient options. Alternatively, travelers on a budget can catch the Havaist Bus to reach Taksim or opt for an even cheaper yet indirect metro journey. Lastly, the airport houses numerous car rental companies, offering a wide variety of vehicle types, models, and additional amenities.
How much is a taxi from Istanbul Airport to Taksim?
The transfer from Istanbul International Airport to Taksim costs approximately 1350₺ (28.70€/33.40$) and lasts about 40 minutes. The price (as well as the travel time) also depends on traffic, as Istanbul taxis don’t have set fares. However, factors such as the time of the day don’t affect the final fee.
How much is the metro from Istanbul Airport to Taksim?
The metro journey from Istanbul Airport to Taksim is the most affordable option. However, it isn’t direct, but requires a change to Line M2 at Gayrettepe Station. Thus, the total cost of the ride to Taksim is 61.83₺ (1.31€/1.53$).