You’ve packed your luggage, bought your ticket, and have everything ready for your trip… but wait, you just realized you have a long layover in Istanbul! No worries: we wrote this blog post of the best hotels near IST Airport just for you. 🙂
Istanbul Airport (IST) is one of the most popular ‘layover airports’ in the world thanks to its geographical location (Istanbul is a city on two continents!) and the number of airlines that operate flights to and from the airport. In fact, IST Airport has an average of 1,600 flights that go through the airport per day!
Whether you’re here for a few hours or overnight, this list of Istanbul Airport hotels has what you’re looking for. From the best budget-friendly hotels near IST Airport where you can freshen up after a long flight, to luxury hotels near the airport for long layovers (with a pool and spa, like at the Green Roof Boutique Hotel & Spa hotel!), and even family-friendly hotels near IST, we have it all here. 😊
Under each hotel, we’ve mentioned if it has an airport shuttle to IST Airport, some general information about the rooms, and if there are any special things to note (i.e. what’s nearby, if there’s an on-site restaurant, some extra travel tips, etc.)
What You Need to Know Before You Book
Airports in Istanbul
First and foremost, make sure you’re booking the correct location! Istanbul has three airports, although only two of them work. Here’s a quick breakdown:
✈️ The new Istanbul Airport (IST for short) — The focus of this blog post! The Istanbul Airport is the largest airport in Turkey and is located on the European side of Istanbul. It serves both international and domestic flights, and saw nearly 65 million passengers in 2022. There are more than 100 airlines that pass through IST Airport, and it also serves as the base for the country’s national airline (Turkish Airlines)!
As you might have guessed, all of the hotels mentioned in this blog post are hotels near IST Airport. 🙂
✈️ Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW for short) — Sabiha Gökçen Airport is located on Istanbul’s Asian side and is the smaller of the two airports. It mainly serves budget airlines and domestic flights, since Turkey’s largest low-cost airline, Pegasus Airlines, has its headquarters here.
If you realize that you’re flying into Sabiha Gökçen Airport instead don’t worry, we also have a blog post about the best hotels near SAW Airport here!
(Psst – If you still haven’t booked your flight and want to figure out which airport is best to fly into, be sure to read our Istanbul Airport vs Sabiha Gökçen Airport: Which One Should You Choose? blog post!)
✈️ The ‘old’ Istanbul Airport — Called Atatürk Airport, this was the original airport before it officially closed in April 2019 due to size constraints. If you’re looking for hotels on Booking.com or other platforms, make sure that you’re not accidentally looking for accommodations around the old Istanbul airport! (When coming up with this blog post, we would sometimes get results that were very far away from IST Airport and realized that Booking.com still thinks that Atatürk Airport is still in service)
To make it easier, please look at this map to see all three airports in Istanbul:
Why book a hotel near Istanbul Airport?
Relax and Freshen Up Before Your Flight — There’s nothing better than taking a warm shower and snuggling up in a comfortable bed, especially after a long flight! If you have a layover longer than 6+ hours, it might be a good idea to book yourself a hotel room and relax in the comfort of your own room. This tip is particularly valuable for travelers who want to break up a long journey (i.e. New York to Tokyo)!
Convenient — There are dozens of layover hotels near Istanbul Airport, and many are less than a 15-minute drive away (and/or have convenient shuttle services!). We’ve also included an airside hotel in IST Airport, which means you won’t even need to leave the immigration area.
Peace of mind — Let’s say you had an awesome 7-day trip to Istanbul and are getting ready to fly back home. If you’re worried about missing your flight, you could book the last night of your trip at a hotel near the airport. Instead of stressing over the 45+ minute drive from a touristy neighborhood like Sultanahmet or Beyoglu, your trip to the airport will only be 10 to 15 minutes! Isn’t that a cool lifehack? 😉
Best Hotels Near IST Airport
Now it’s time to get to the good part! Here are some of the top hotels near Istanbul Airport:
Yotel Istanbul Airport
Yotel is the hotel if you’re looking for the ultimate in comfort and convenience — it’s literally located in the airport! In fact, this is the only hotel inside Istanbul Airport.
In fact, there are actually two Yotel hotels: Yotel AIR is located airside (in the terminal, you must have a valid boarding pass to enter), while Yotel City Entrance is located landside (you’ll need a valid Turkish visa to get there).
*Keep in mind that Yotel AIR (inside the terminal) is a little more expensive than its sister hotel because you won’t need to leave the terminal. If you have visa-free access to Turkey (or have a valid Turkish visa you can save about 10% by booking the landside hotel.
Both Yotel hotels in IST Airport have an amazing futuristic design (LED lights, minimalist furniture, sleek lines) with rainfall showers, plush beds, minibar, smart TV (which also shows departure times and flight information!), and wardrobe.
To book Yotel AIR (Airside – you need a boarding pass):
To book Yotel Istanbul Airport City Entrance (landside – *in* Turkey):
Hidden Hills Hotel Istanbul Airport
Distance from IST Airport: 13.5 km | 8.3 mi | 15 minute drive
Shuttle? Yes, paid (25 EUR one way / 50 EUR round trip)
Rating: 8.8
Best for: Everyone! Families, groups, couples, business, and solo travelers
If you’re looking for one of the best hotels near Istanbul Airport, Hidden Hills is it. When researching this blog post, we came across rave reviews for the hotel at least three or four times, which is why it made our list — it’s like a one-stop stay that has it all. 🙂
Hidden Hills is the perfect balance of value, quality, and service thanks to its comfortable and spacious rooms, free continental breakfast (!), and friendly service. As a nice bonus, the restaurant is open late, which is perfect if you’re arriving on an evening flight.
The hotel has a variety of rooms for all sizes, from standard Double Rooms to Triple Rooms, Quadruple Rooms, and even Deluxe Family Suites that can accommodate up to 4 guests.
Atar Airport Hotel
Distance from IST Airport: 12 km | 7.5 mi | 10 minute drive
Shuttle? Yes, 50 EUR round-trip
Rating: 8.8
If you’re traveling with your furry friend, Atar Hotel is an excellent choice — this is one of the best pet-friendly hotels near IST Airport!
The hotel was recently built (in mid-2023) with a modern design, comfortable beds, and plenty of space. There’s also a complimentary snack bar, smart TV, and mini fridge.
If you’re a family traveling with small children, the hotel can also provide a complimentary cot for kids between 0 to 3 years old!
Meshk Airport Hotel
Distance from IST Airport: 12 km | 7.5 mi | 13 minute drive
Shuttle? Yes, 20 EUR one-way or 40 EUR round-trip
Rating: 9.0
Best for: Budget travelers
One of the most budget-friendly hotels near Istanbul Airport! Prices start at around 40 USD per night, which is about two to three times less than other hotels around the airport. 🙂
The hotel was recently remodeled and has super cute boho-style rooms with open ledges (perfect for not forgetting anything!) and a mini fridge. There are a nice variety of rooms, including Double Rooms, Triple Rooms, Quadruple Rooms, and Family Rooms.
P.S. The hotel has its own ‘concierge cat’ who greets visitors! 😉
Hampton By Hilton Istanbul Airport, Arnavutkoy
Distance from IST Airport: 10 km | 6.2 mi | 10 minute drive
Shuttle? No
Rating: 8.7
Best for: Everyone! Solo, couples, group travelers, travelers with disabilities (there are accessible rooms)
You really can’t go wrong with staying at the Hilton, and this Hampton Arnavutkoy hotel proves it — you get all the comforts of a chain hotel. 🙂
The rooms are stylishly designed in pops of blue, white, and brown, along with nice bonuses like a dresser, couch, and working area (in some rooms). Breakfast is included in the rate, and there’s also a bar and restaurant inside the hotel. If you’re planning on keeping up your workout routine while traveling, there’s also a 24/7 fitness center!
Menalo Hotel Premium Istanbul Airport
Distance from IST Airport: 8.5 km | 5.2 mi | 10 minute drive
Shuttle? Yes, paid
Rating: 8.7
Doesn’t the Menalo Hotel feel more like an all-inclusive resort than a layover hotel? 🙂
This villa-style hotel is a stylish option to rest up on your layover and has a ton of extra amenities like a garden, room service, and on-site restaurant (which works until midnight).
One thing to note, however, is the hotel is a bit traditional and might ask you to show a marriage certificate if traveling with a partner. Likewise, they do not serve alcohol.
Green Roof Boutique Hotel & Spa
Distance from IST Airport: 16 km | 10 mi | 18 minute drive
Shuttle? Yes, 20 EUR one way or 35 EUR round-trip
Rating: 9.3
If you want to spend your layover in peace and quiet, there’s no better option than Green Roof Boutique Hotel & Spa. This recently-opened hotel is located near a lake and surrounded by kilometers of lush green plains.
The staff is super friendly, the rooms are immaculately clean, and the location is just a 15-minute drive from IST Airport. There’s also breakfast included in the room rate, and as a nice bonus, the hotel is also pet friendly.
If your flight was particularly cramped, there’s also an on-site spa (with a massage menu!), a jacuzzi, hammam / sauna, and indoor swimming pool.
The Queen Airport Hotel
Distance from IST Airport: 10.5 km | 6.5 mi | 11 minute drive
Shuttle? Yes, 20 EUR one way or 35 EUR round-trip
Rating: 8.4
This is one of those ‘hidden gem’ hotels that guests rave about, which is why we’ve added it to our list as well!
The rooms come in calming neutral colors and comfortable beds (some of the Deluxe Rooms even have round beds!), while the hotel personnel are friendly and hospitable.
If you’re on a budget, you’ll love this hotel — the H6 bus stops right in front of the hotel! Just look for the ‘Taşoluk Belediyesi’ stop (click here for bus information in Turkish)
Park Inn by Radisson Istanbul Airport
Distance from IST Airport: 17 km | 10.5 mi | 15 minute drive
Shuttle? Yes, paid
Rating: 7.9
Located in a quiet suburb near Istanbul Airport, this Park Inn has everything you need to enjoy a long layover in Istanbul, including an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, a cute garden area, and on-site restaurant serving French and Italian food.
Speaking of food, guests really love the restaurant because of its extensive menu and delicious food. 🙂
Ibis Istanbul Airport
Distance from IST Airport: 15.5 km | 9.6 mi | 16 minute drive
Shuttle? No
Rating: 7.2
Ibis is typically known for their European-style hotels, beautifully designed rooms, and friendly staff — and this one is no exception. 🙂
Besides the rooms, Ibis Istanbul Airport also has a spacious restaurant that works late into the night, a currency exchange kiosk, and a concierge in case you want to go outside. Since the hotel is located in a larger neighborhood, you have everything you need within walking distance, including restaurants, grocery stores, a pharmacy, and more.
MQ Hotel Suites
Distance from IST Airport: 19 km | 12 mi | 24 minute drive
Shuttle? Yes, 35 EUR each way
Rating: 8.7
If you’re willing to go a little further from IST Airport, then you’ll love this hotel — it’s located right next to the beach and has amazing views of the Black Sea. 😍
The rooms are super spacious, clean, and cozy, plus you can also enjoy the sea views from the balcony (in a Suite With Sea View room). There’s an on-site restaurant, or you can order room service via WhatsApp. Super convenient!
If you have an early flight, we recommend reserving a room that has breakfast included, as the hotel serves a delicious Turkish-style breakfast!
Other Great Options Near IST Airport
Lenora (13 km / 15 minute drive) — book here
ISTport Garden (13 km / 15 minute drive) — book here
Loft Plus Hotel (16 km / 19 minute drive) — book here
Operla Airport Hotel (13 km / 15 minute drive) — book here
Villa Siesta (20 km / 25 minute drive) — book here
Questions & Answers
Are there hotels close to Istanbul Airport?
Yes, there are dozens of hotels within a 15-minute drive to Istanbul Airport (IST).
Does Istanbul Airport have a hotel inside?
Yes, the Yotel is the only hotel inside IST Airport — you can book Yotel Air (if you want to stay airside and not pass passport control) or Yotel City Entrance (which is landside).
Are there pet-friendly hotels near Istanbul Airport?
Yes, you can bring your furry friend! Some of the best pet-friendly hotels near Istanbul Airport include Atar Airport Hotel and Green Roof Boutique Hotel & Spa.
Are there hotels near IST Airport with shuttle services?
Yes, many hotels near Istanbul Airport offer shuttle services and transfers.
What are the cheapest hotels near Istanbul Airport?
You can find plenty of hotels that won’t break your budget! Some of our favorite budget-friendly hotels near IST Airport include Meshk Airport Hotel, Loft Plus, and The Queen Airport Hotel.
How far away is IST Airport from Istanbul city center?
Istanbul Airport is about 45 kilometers (28 miles) from Istanbul’s city center (Sultanahmet). It takes a minimum of 45 minutes to drive from Istanbul’s center to IST Airport, although if there’s a lot of traffic, it can take an hour or more.
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