For anyone doing "Best of Turkey in 13 Days" that runs April 13-25, I will be arriving at Istanbul Airport (IST) on April 13 at at 10:45 am. I'm wondering if anyone else on that tour will be at the airport around the same time and willing to share the cost of a ride in to the city. I've been to Istanbul before and it can be pricey for a solo traveler to get in to the city. I'm guessing everyone else will already be in the city, but still figured it was worth asking!
Posted by
Salem, Oregon, USA
3855 posts
Welcome to the forum spieker.joshua1988. Most people who take RS tours aren't familiar with the forum, but hopefully someone from your tour will see your post.
I am also a solo traveler and used Welcome Pickups for a seamless door-to-door transfer that after a 20+hour travel day was worth every penny IMHO. Depending on where you are staying you might be able to use a Havaist bus, but it doesn't get all the way to Sultanahmet area https://www.istairport.com/en/airport/airport-transportation?locale=en
And if I might comment, if you're arriving on the exact day the tour starts, you'll likely miss your tour meet up at 1 p.m. and possibly part of the day's activities if your flight is delayed or there is extra bad traffic from the airport. Take sure to let the RS office know that is your plan so the guide is aware of your arrival time.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Appreciate the reply! Yes, I know I might miss the meetup. I'm on a pilgrimage to Rome with my grandma until the morning of the 13th, so it couldn't be helped. I informed RS, but will do so again, now that the guide has been designated. Thanks for the tips on getting in to the city! I'll look in to those!
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
10045 posts
I second using Welcome Pickups in Istanbul. I also travel solo, but I can find savings elsewhere. Having that ride from the airport direct to the hotel was great. I switched to public transport after that😀.