If you’re traveling to Istanbul, there’s a fairly good chance that you’ll be arriving at Istanbul Airport (also shortened to IST Airport).
You’re already off to a great start (hello, welcome to our lovely city 😀), but then the real question comes after you clear baggage claim: How do you get from Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet?
Don’t worry! Many travelers have been in that exact situation, standing beside a small mountain of suitcases, staring at the metro map, frantically typing “IST to city center transport??” on their phone, and silently wondering if they should have booked a transfer instead.
The good news is that traveling from Istanbul Airport to the Old City (Sultanahmet!) is much simpler than it looks.
In this article, we give a clear breakdown of every single way to get from Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet. Under each option, we’ve also included helpful information like pricing, travel duration, timetables, amenities, and everything else that you’ll need to know.
By the way, if you’re wondering, Why should I trust these guys? To that, we answer: We live in Istanbul and take flights from both IST and SAW airports all the time (and use these exact routes regularly!)
If it moves, we’ve taken it, tested it, and compared it, wrote a blog post about it, and probably said kolay gelsin to the driver. 😁
Istanbul Airport (IST) to Sultanahmet: Quick Comparison
| Transportation Type | Comfort | Convenience | Price (As of December 2025) | Duration (Without traffic) | Notes | Booking |
| 🚗 Private Transfer | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | $60 USD per car (approx. 2,500 TL) | 45 to 60 minutes | Best for families, groups, those with lots of luggage, and early/late arrivals | Click here to book this top-rated transfer (4.8/5)! → |
| 🚊 Metro + Tram | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | 123 TL | ~ 1 hour and 30 minutes | Budget-friendly but time-consuming (requires 2 transfers) | In-person (need to buy IstanbulKart) |
| 🚌 Airport Shuttle | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | 315 TL | ~ 1 hour 30 minutes | Direct but leaves every 40 minutes (every 2 hours at night) | In-person (HavaIST kiosk) or online |
| 🚍 Regular Bus | ★☆☆☆☆ | ★☆☆☆☆ | 90 TL | At least 2 hours | Not convenient at all 🥲 | In-person |
| 🚕 Taxi | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | 2,000 to 3,000 TL (basic car) | 45 to 60 minutes | Not recommended (see: Istanbul taxi scams) | Nooooo don’t |
📝 Travel Tips
📍The Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet distance is about 50 km (31 mi).
📍 If you’re traveling in a group, with family, or just prefer door-to-door comfort after a long flight, a private transfer from IST to Sultanahmet is the easiest option. This one includes meet-and-greet, no haggling, 24/7 availability, and free cancellation. Check prices & book your IST to Sultanahmet transfer here →
📍 Note: Istanbul has two airports! If you realized that you’re arriving at Sabhica Gökçen Airport (SAW), then read our SAW to Sultanahmet guide instead! →
📍 This post was last updated in December 2025.
OPTION 1: PRIVATE TRANSFER (Easiest & Most Convenient Option)
Best for: Travelers after a long-haul or red-eye flight, older travelers, anyone with heavy luggage, families, super late or early arrivals, and groups (sometimes it’s cheaper to split a transfer than take public transport!)
Without a doubt, this is the most convenient way to travel from Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet.
All you have to do is arrive, find your driver (with a big white sign), and voila! No metro maps, no transfers, no guessing which bus stop is correct, and definitely no chance of getting scammed by a taxi driver. Just hop in, relax, and watch Istanbul roll past your window on the way to your hotel. 🙂
Local tip: If your flight lands during Istanbul’s rush hour (between 4 to 8 pm), we really recommend booking a transfer. It’s much easier to sit comfortably than stand on a packed metro with luggage after a long flight. Plus, what you see is what you pay — the price doesn’t increase if the car gets stuck in traffic (unlike taxis!)
Comfort & Amenities
Private vans are spacious, clean, air-conditioned, and especially ideal if you’re traveling with family or lots of luggage.
A standard Mercedes Vito can fit 6–7 passengers plus multiple large suitcases. If you’re traveling with oversized luggage (baby stroller, sports gear, etc.), be sure to add it to the booking notes so the company can assign the best vehicle for your needs. 🙂
Likewise, most transfer companies include free waiting time, flight tracking, bottled water, and a personal English-speaking customer support contact on WhatsApp.
Departure Times
Available 24/7 (yes, even for those late-night 3AM flights!)
When booking, you’ll tell the company your flight number and the driver will track your plane and wait inside the terminal with your name sign.
Pricing
A private transfer from Istanbul airport to Sultanahmet Old City starts around $65 per vehicle (not per person! 😉). The price might vary depending on the type of vehicle (i.e. VIP), hotel location, and extra requests.
Airport transfers can be booked online, which means no haggling or surprise fees. We recommend this one, and since it’s from GetYourGuide, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund!
Total Time
Travel time from Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet is around 45 to 60 minutes on average. Depending on traffic, it might take a little longer (especially during rush hour).
Book Transfer
If you want a completely stress-free arrival, we recommend this private transfer with meet-and-greet service. You can check live availability and book it below:
OPTION 2: METRO + TRAM (Cheapest Option)
Best for: Travelers on a budget, backpackers, solo travelers, light packers, and anyone who enjoys using local public transport.
If you’re looking for the cheapest way to get from Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet, the metro + tram combo is the winner. This option costs a fraction of what a taxi would, and it’s a fun way to get acquainted with Istanbul’s public transportation system.
Here’s a quick overview of the how to get from IST Airport to Sultanahmet by metro:
🚇 Take the M11 metro line to Gayrettepe station (travel time: ~30 minutes)
🚶 Transfer to the M2 metro line (green line)
🚇 Take the M2 metro line (in the Yenikapı direction) to Veznecıler – İstanbul Ünıversıtesı station (travel time: ~20 minutes)
🚶 Walk about 7 minutes to Laleli-İstanbul Üniversitesi station
🚊 Take the T1 tram to the station closest to your hotel (usually either Çemberlıtaş, Sultanahmet, Gülhane, or Sırkecı)
We’ll have a step-by-step guide on how to go from IST airport to Sultanahmet by public transportation below, so don’t worry if this sounds confusing at first!
Comfort & Amenities
The M11 metro is super new (it began operating in 2023), clean, modern, and air-conditioned. The trains are smooth and spacious, and the ride is comfortable. A solid start to the trip, don’t you think? 🙂
The M2 is the city’s main commuter line. It’s safe and efficient, but it can get crowded during rush hour. The T1 tram is also busy throughout the day because it passes all the major tourist spots.
Meanwhile, the M2 is Istanbul’s main commuter line. It’s safe and reliable, but it does get very crowded during rush hour. The T1 tram is also busy throughout the day since it passes most major tourist attractions.
Each metro station has escalators and elevators, which is ideal for travelers with large luggage, using a wheelchair, or with a stroller. All three lines (M11, M2, and T1) have overhead screens that display the current stop and next stop, which makes navigating the system much easier.
Departure Times
We’ll split this section into two: first we’ll talk about departure times for each line, and then we’ll talk about the timetables. 🙂
⏱️ The M11 metro works from 06:00 in the morning until midnight
⏱️ The M2 metro works from 6:00 in the morning until 00:11 (11 minutes past midnight)
Note — The M2 metro works nonstop from Friday evening until Sunday morning!
⏱️ The T1 tram works from 6:40 in the morning until 00:16 (16 minutes past midnight)
Travel Tip: The metro does not run 24/7, so if you land after midnight or very early in the morning, a private transfer or airport shuttle is a better choice.
Likewise, here is the frequency of each line:
M11 Metro: Every 20 minutes
M2 Metro: Every 4–7 minutes during the day, increasing to every 10 minutes late at night
T1 Tram: Every 5–8 minutes during the day, 10–12 minutes late at night
You’ll rarely have to wait unless you’re traveling before 7 am or after 9 pm, when services are less frequent.
Payment
As mentioned in the intro, this is the best way to travel from IST to Sultanahmet on a budget, so let’s see how much you’ll pay.
M11 metro: 53 TL
M2 metro: 35 TL
T1 tram: 35 TL
Total price: 123 TL as of December 2025
We highly recommend buying an IstanbulKart before you start your trip. It works on every form of public transport in Istanbul (Trams! Metro! Ferries! And More! 😁), gives you discounted transfer fares, and is much more convenient than buying separate tickets for each line. You can reload it anywhere in the city and use it throughout your entire trip.
On that note, do not buy the PTT card (PTTkart). You might see it sold in the ticket machines, but don’t be fooled — this card can only be used on the M11 and it does not work on Istanbul’s public transportation network (i.e. you can’t use it on the M2, nor the tram, nor the ferry…). We’ve talked to a handful of travelers while riding the M11 that were very upset when they realized this (unfortunately a bit too late). 😅
Total Time
The minimum travel time for this option is 1 hour and 5 minutes (assuming your timing is flawless and you don’t have to wait for the M11 metro to arrive).
Realistically, though, plan for your trip to be closer to 1 hour and 30 minutes. You’ll probably need to wait for the M11 (it runs every 20 minutes), navigate a few transfers, and take your time figuring out signage — especially if it’s your first time using Istanbul’s metro system.
Step-by-Step Guide: IST Airport to Sultanahmet by Public Transport
Alright, now for the fun part — how to get from Istanbul Airport to the city center! With photos! 🙂
After you pass passport control (hehe), exit the arrivals area and you’ll find yourself in the main airport hall. This is where you’ll see signs for the metro, buses, taxis, and airport shuttles.
Look for the big signboards with a white letter “U” on a red background that says “Metro“. Follow those arrows until you get to door 13 (kapı 13). Go through the door and keep following the posted signs towards the metro. (Don’t worry, it’s impossible get lost — there are signs literally everywhere!)
You’ll eventually turn right and there will be a (very long) corridor with moving walkways (those automatic flat escalator belts). Keep going straight until you reach the metro entrance.
Either take the escalator or elevator down to the metro station. Travel tip: If you have a lot of luggage or have limited mobility, we recommend the elevator.
When you reach Level -2, you can buy an IstanbulKart at the IstanbulKart machines. Note: We do not recommend buying a PTTKart nor an Istanbul City Card! Only IstanbulKarts work on all public transportation!
After purchasing an IstanbulKart and tapping it on the turnstile, you’ll have to go one floor lower (Level -3) to get to the platforms. Here you’ll wait until the metro comes.
Board the M11 metro and ride 6 stops. Get off at the Gayrettepe station.
After you disembark the wagon, you’ll see signs hanging overhead with a green square and white “M2” text. Follow these signs, since we’re transferring to the M2 metro now! 🙂
(By the way, if you have an extra minute or two, check out the TV screens above the station benches. Some local artist did a great job of animating Dolmabahçe Palace and other Istanbul landmarks!)
Just keep following the signs for “M2 METRO” — it takes about 12 to 15 minutes, depending on how fast you walk. You will not need to go outside of the station (i.e. you’ll walk underground the whole time), so keep that in mind.
Once you reach the M2 turnstile, tap your IstanbulKart again and go through. You’ll need to go down an escalator to get to the platform area.
Make sure you’re on the platform heading toward Yenikapı (that’s the direction toward the city center).
Do not take the train to Hacıosman — that’s the opposite direction!
Board the M2 metro wagon and ride 6 stops. Disembark at Veznecıler – İstanbul Ünıversıtesı station.
From here, you’ll exit the metro station (freeeedom!) and walk about 7 minutes until you reach the Laleli-İstanbul Üniversitesi tram stop. Tap your IstanbulKart on the turnstile and enter the platform area.
You’ll need to take the T1 tram in the direction of Kabataş. Your final stop depends on where your hotel is located, but it’ll typically be Çemberlıtaş, Sultanahmet, Gülhane, or Sırkecı station. (We recommend checking in advance
Voila, you made it! 🙂
OPTION 3: AIRPORT SHUTTLE (No-Transfer Option)
Best for: Budget-conscious travelers who want a no-transfer ride from the airport to Sultanahmet
This option is a hybrid of the first two: it’s still public transport, but it feels a little more direct and comfortable. You won’t need to navigate transfers or change lines, and the final stop drops you right in the heart of Sultanahmet.
Istanbul Airport has its own airport shuttle buses called HavaIST (Get it? Hava means air, and IST is the airport code 😁). There are more than a dozen routes from Istanbul Airport to different parts of the city, but the line you’re looking for is Havaist HVIST-11, which runs directly from Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet Meydan.
The Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet shuttle is one of the most affordable ways to get from the airport to the Old City, especially if you’re traveling light and don’t mind a bit of street-level traffic.
Comfort & Amenities
The HavaIST buses are modern, air-conditioned, and have free Wi-Fi and USB charging ports (sometimes they work, sometimes they don’t 😉). The seats recline, there’s space for big luggage underneath, and you can track your ride in real-time using the Havaist website.
Compared to the metro or tram, the Sultanahmet airport shuttle is definitely one of the more comfortable transport options. That said, keep in mind that it’s still a bus, and you’ll be sharing the space with other travelers (and their luggage).
Departure Times
The HVIST-11 shuttle runs about every 40 minutes from Istanbul Airport and operates 24/7.
However, keep in mind that journeys between midnight and 7 am are infrequent (i.e. they leave every 1.5 or 2 hours instead of the usual 40 minutes). You can see the departures in the screenshot above.
Buses leave from the -2 level — just follow the signs for HavaIST and you’ll get there. 🙂
Payment
As of December 2025, the price for a one-way ticket is 315 TL.
There are two options to buy a ticket: You can either go to their kiosk in the airport (near their departure platform on the -2 floor) and pay with a credit card or cash. Likewise, you can buy a ticket on the HavaIST website.
Total Time
The trip duration from Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet is about 90 minutes (the distance is about 50 km).
Unlike the metro, the Havaist bus from Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet is above ground and has to deal with the infamous Istanbul traffic. Rush hour (roughly 4 to 8 PM) and rainy days can slow things down quite a bit, so it’s a good idea to build in a little buffer time if you’re heading somewhere on a schedule.
OPTION 4: BUS (Cheapest, but at what cost?)
To be honest, we put this option second from the bottom for a reason. In fact, the only reason it isn’t dead last is because Istanbul taxis exist (spoiler: we do not recommend them either, and you’ll see why in just a bit. 😅)
Taking a bus from IST Airport to Sultanahmet might seem like a budget-friendly choice at first, but it’s neither convenient (like a private transfer), nor direct (like the HavaIST shuttle), nor quick (like the metro).
First, you’ll have to transfer at least twice. A typical journey might involve taking the H-1 bus to Mahmutbey and then switching to something like the 97GE or Eminönü-bound buses — and even then, you’re still not quite in Sultanahmet yet.
There’s also no dedicated luggage space, and if it’s rush hour, you’ll likely have to cling to a bus pole while your suitcase bounces around as the bus drifts around tight corners with zero hesitation. (Seriously, Istanbul bus drivers don’t play around!)
And unlike HavaIST or the metro, the stops for public buses aren’t well-marked at the airport. They’re off to the side and less intuitive for first-time visitors.
While this is technically the most budget-friendly option, it’ll cost you in stress, time, and chaos. We’d only recommend this if you’re traveling light, speak a bit of Turkish, and/or want to feel like you’re on the Istanbul leg of Amazing Race.
OPTION 5: TAXI (Least Recommended)
Taking a taxi from Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet might seem like the most direct option. Just hop in and go, right?
In theory, yes. But in practice, it’s also rife with scams, aggressive drivers, and unexplainable “broken meters” (we even wrote an entire guide on avoiding taxi scams in Istanbul!) — so you can imagine why it won last place on our list.
If you must take a cab, always check the Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet taxi fare first, and then double-check that the driver actually turns on their meter.
The average Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet taxi cost should be around 2,000 to 3,000 TL for a basic cab. This is just a base fare and also depends on traffic, time of day, and how persistent your driver is about taking “the scenic route.”
Local Tip: Booking an Uber from Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet might sound like a safe bet, but there’s a catch. Uber in Istanbul just calls a regular yellow cab — not a designated Uber driver. While you’ll get a fare estimate in the app, it’s not always honored. Drivers sometimes cancel, refuse to pick up from the airport, or still try their luck with tourists.
Questions & Answers
How to get from IST airport to Sultanahmet by metro?
Take the M11 metro from Istanbul Airport (IST) to Gayrettepe, then transfer to the M2 metro line going toward Yenikapı. Get off at Vezneciler or Yenikapı — both are about a 15-minute walk or short tram ride from Sultanahmet. You’ll need to switch lines and walk a bit, so it’s not the most luggage-friendly option, but it’s cheap and efficient.
Is there a direct metro from Istanbul airport to Sultanahmet?
Unfortunately no — there is no single metro line that goes directly from IST to Sultanahmet. You’ll need to take the M11 metro from Istanbul Airport (IST) to Gayrettepe and then transfer to the M2 line (Yenikapı direction), then transfer again to the T1 tram.
What is the best way to get from IST airport to Sultanahmet at night?
Your best option at night is to book a private transfer in advance. It’s direct, door-to-door, and saves you from wandering around the airport looking for signs or fending off pushy taxi drivers.
Likewise, the Havaist HVIST-11 shuttle runs 24/7 from Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet, but departures between midnight and 7 AM are less frequent (every 1.5 to 2 hours), so check the schedule ahead of time and bring snacks.
How long does it take to get from IST to sultanahmet by taxi?
On average, about 45 to 70 minutes, depending on traffic. During rush hour or on rainy days, that can stretch to 90+ minutes.
How much is the HavaIST bus to Sultanahmet?
As of December 2025, the Havaist bus from Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet costs 315 TL for a one-way trip. You can buy tickets at the airport kiosk (Level -2) or online via the HavaIST website.
What is the best way to travel from Istanbul airport to Sultanahmet for families with luggage?
If you’ve got kids, bags, and jet lag in the mix, the smoothest option is to book a private transfer. It’s direct, there’s no figuring out ticket machines or metro lines, and you’ll get dropped right at your hotel. Plus, you pay per car and not per person!
What is the best way to travel from IST to Sultanahmet with heavy luggage?
With bulky luggage, it’s worth considering a door-to-door transfer. The metro involves multiple changes and limited space, especially during rush hour. HavaIST buses have undercarriage storage, but the final stop is a short walk from most hotels.
How can I travel from Istanbul airport to Sultanahmet with a stroller?
A private transfer is the easiest choice here, especially if you’re arriving tired or late. Public transport is doable, but metros and trams can get crowded. HavaIST buses are stroller-friendly, though you’ll still need to navigate a short walk at the end.
Where does the HavaIST bus stop in Sultanahmet?
The Sultanahmet HavaIST stop is just around the corner from Arasta Bazaar and near Sultanahmet Mosque. You can click here for the exact location.
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