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.
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 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:
Note that the trip duration is subject to heavy Istanbul traffic so the traveling time may be more during rush hours.
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!
Note that the trip duration is subject to heavy Istanbul traffic so the traveling time may be more during rush hours.
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.
