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Istanbul - Attaturl Airport to Sirkeci Rail Station

Posted by (Steamboat Springs, colorado, USA) on

I arrive at Attaturk Airport at 16:00 and am planning on taking an overnight train to Thessaloniki at 18:00.

  1. I have been told the fastest way to Sirkeci Station at that time of day is to take the metro to Zeytinburnu Staion and transfer to the Tram to Sirkeci Station. Is this correct? How long will it take. If my flight is on time, will I have any problem getting to the station on time?

  2. Will I have to purchase train tickets ahead of time or can I make a reservation? How can I do either one?

Thanks in advance for any help!

Posted by
1601 posts

Don't have an answer to your question but need to ask what your fall back plans are in case your flight is delayed and you miss the train?

Also, are you checking bags? Do you already have a visa for Turkey?

Things to keep in mind if the flight is on time - you may spend upto 10 mins getting a visa stamped, possibly another 5 through passport control - another 5-10 waiting for bags followed by at least 10 mins before you are on the train after purchasing a token. You will need another token for the tram (can't remember if it is the same as the train - in which case you can buy it at the airport).

Others will chime in if I have overstated some of the times. Not sure about the actual train station and what it takes to but tickets and get a reservation either on day of travel or ahead of time.

Posted by
6 posts

Thanks Arnold,

We won't have any checked bags so that will save some time. I think we just have to get the Visa, change some money, buy the metro tokens and go. If the plane is on time, I'm optimistic that I can make it. I'm also hopeful that 1st class sleeper section will still have available space. I think even a taxi should only take about 1.5 hours as a backup plan. If we don't make it, we will wait until next day and probably fly as we are meeting friends in Athens.
Thanks for your help. Come ski with us. The snow is great up here.

Posted by
6 posts

Oh, I see I made an error. The train leaves at 20:00, not 18:00 as I mismoused earlier.

Posted by
1601 posts

If the train leaves at 8 pm you should have no problems. Enough time to get to the station, buy tickets, walk outside see the Bosphorous and get yourself some dinner.

Enjoy Istanbul.

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