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. Regardless, 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:
| Line | From | To | Duration | Frequency | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HViST-16 | Istanbul Airport | Taksim Square | 90 min | Every 20'-30' | 67₺ (3.67€ / 3.60$) |
| HViST-15 | Istanbul Airport | Beşiktaş | 75 min | Every 30'-60' | 57₺ (3.12€ / 3.10$) |
| HViST-12 | Istanbul Airport | Beyazıt Meydanı | 90 min | Every 20'-25' | 67₺ (3.67€ / 3.60$) |
| HViST-13 | Istanbul Airport | Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) | 110 min | Every 45'-90' | 85₺ (4.66€ / 4.60$) |
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.
You should always keep in mind cash can be used as a payment method only at the airport’s cash payment points. 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 to 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 60₺ (2.94€/3.10$). Each card can be used by multiple passengers and it can easily be recharged every time you need it.
For more info, you can always visit the official Havaist website.
Havaist Bus Lines from Istanbul Airport
Havaist bus lines operate 24/7 at Istanbul International Airport. 12 different bus routes link the new airport to almost every part of the city. Explicitly, the available Havaist bus lines are:
| Havaist Bus Lines | Duration | Routes Frequency | Destination | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HViST-5 | 75 min | Every 45'-60' | Istanbul Airport - Esenler Otogar | 52₺ (2.85€ / 2.80$) |
| HViST-6 | 90 min | Every 60'-70' | Istanbul Airport - Halkalı/Başakşehir | 49₺ (2.69€ / 2.60$) |
| HViST-8 | 90 min | Every 20' | Istanbul Airport - Beylikdüzü | 65₺ (3.56€ / 3.50$) |
| HViST-9 | 120 minutes | Every 60' | Istanbul Airport - Avcılar - Bahçeşehir | 52₺ (2.85€ / 2.80$) |
| HViST-10 | 80 minutes | Every 30' | Istanbul Airport - Bakırköy | 60₺ (3.29€ / 3.20$) |
| HViST-12 | 90 minutes | Every 20'-25' | Istanbul Airport - Beyazıt Meydanı | 67₺ (3.67€ / 3.60$) |
| HViST-13 | 110 minutes | Every 45'-90' | Istanbul Airport - Sabiha Gökçen Airport | 85₺ (4.66€ / 4.60$) |
| HViST-14 | 120 minutes | Every 45' | Istanbul Airport - Kadıköy | 74₺ (4.06€ / 4$) |
| HViST-15 | 75 minutes | Every 30'-60' | Istanbul Airport - Beşiktaş | 57₺ (3.12€ / 3.10$) |
| HViST-16 | 90 minutes | Every 20'-30' | Istanbul Airport - Taksim Square | 67₺ (3.67€ / 3.60$) |
Note that the trip duration is subject to heavy Istanbul traffic so the traveling time may be more during rush hours.
IETT Shuttle Buses
IETT public buses travel to less touristic parts of the city. Therefore, they are a more popular option among locals while tourists tend to avoid them. In any case, if you search for your exact location on the map, you may find a bus to transfer you nearby as 7 IETT lines handle the airport’s connection to Istanbul. What’s more, you should download “Mobiett” app on your phone, you will find it very helpful.
IETT bus tickets may cost less than Havaist, but the trip can take much more time as these buses do many stops along the way. A trip from Istanbul Airport to the city center costs 15.33₺ (0.84€ / 0.80$).
You must 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
| IETT Bus Lines | Duration | Routes Frequency | Destination | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IETT H-1 | 98 min | Every 80' | Istanbul Airport - Mahmutbey Metro Station | 15.33₺ (0.84€ / 0.80$) |
| IETT H-2 | 104 min | Every 25'-30' | Istanbul Airport - Mecidiyeköy | 15.33₺ (0.84€ / 0.80$) |
| IETT H-3 | 109 min | Every 90' | Istanbul Airport - Halkalı Marmaray Station | 15.33₺ (0.84€ / 0.80$) |
| IETT H-6 | 93 min | Every 30'-50' | Istanbul Airport - Yunus Emre Borough / Arnavutköy | 15.33₺ (0.84€ / 0.80$) |
| IETT H-8 | 131 min | Every 3-4 hours | Istanbul Airport - Hacıosman Metro Station / Sarıyer | 15.33₺ (0.84€ / 0.80$) |
| IETT H-9 | 123 min | 4 times/day | Istanbul Airport - Cevizlibağ | 15.33₺ (0.84€ / 0.80$) |
Note that the trip duration is subject to heavy Istanbul traffic so the traveling time may be more during rush hours.
Intercity Buses from Istanbul Airport
Three bus companies handle intercity transfers to and from Istanbul Airport. Hence, HAVALINES, BURULAŞ, and İstanbul Seyahat are present at the IST Airport, providing premium services and connecting the aviation hub to numerous destinations.
For more info, you can visit the following websites:
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 both from the Departures and from 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 49₺-85₺ (2.69€-4.66€ / 2.60-4.60$) while a one-way ticket for IETT buses from Istanbul Airport to the city center is priced at 5.2₺ (0.84€ / 0.80$).