Airport Guide
Istanbul Airport (IST)
Istanbul Airport (IST)
Istanbul Airport (IST), located on the European side of Istanbul in the Arnavutköy district, is the main international airport serving the city and a significant global hub connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa. Opened in 2018 to replace Atatürk Airport, it stands as one of the largest and busiest airports in the world, boasting ultra-modern facilities and a single, vast terminal designed for both domestic and international flights. It serves as the primary hub for Turkish Airlines, facilitating seamless transit for millions of passengers annually.
IST
Airport Code
Istanbul
City
Turkey
Country
GMT+3
Timezone
Flight Partners
Operating Airlines
Turkish Airlines
Primary hub with the most extensive network.
Lufthansa
Daily connections to Frankfurt and Munich.
Emirates
Direct flights to Dubai.
Flight Connections
Popular Routes
Istanbul to London (LHR)
Multiple daily flights
Istanbul to New York (JFK)
Daily direct service
Istanbul to Dubai (DXB)
Several daily flights
Explore Nearby
Trending Places
Belgrad Forest
Travel time: 25 minutes
Natural escape with hiking trails and picnic areas.
Arnavutköy Coast
Travel time: 20 minutes
Traditional Turkish seaside dining and architecture.
Kilyos Beach
Travel time: 35 minutes
Black Sea coastline with popular beach clubs.
Snapshot
Quick Facts
Airport Code
IST
City
Istanbul
Country
Turkey
Timezone
GMT+3
AnnualPassengers
76,000,000+
Got Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Istanbul Airport from the city center?
+
The airport is approximately 40-50 km from central areas like Taksim or Sultanahmet, typically a 60-90 minute drive.
Is there a metro line to Istanbul Airport?
+
Yes, the M11 Metro line connects the airport to the city's metro network at Gayrettepe and Kagithane.
Does Istanbul Airport have free WiFi?
+
Passengers are provided with 1 hour of free WiFi via SMS verification or kiosk kiosks.
Can I sleep at Istanbul Airport?
+
Yes, you can book a room at YOTEL (available both landside and airside) or use the designated sleep pods.
What is the difference between IST and SAW?
+
IST is the main international airport on the European side, while SAW (Sabiha Gökçen) is located on the Asian side and mostly serves low-cost carriers.
How much time do I need for a layover at IST?
+
For international-to-international transfers, at least 2 hours is recommended; for domestic-to-international, allow 3 hours.
Are there smoking areas in Istanbul Airport?
+
Yes, there are several designated smoking terraces located in the international departures area after security.
Join Borderly
Track Your Travels
Upload your boarding pass and build your airport collection. Track visits, unlock achievements, and climb the leaderboard.
Upload Boarding PassCountry Guide
Turkey→
Saily eSIMBorderly AI