Getting From Istanbul IST to Galata Hotel

I went on this tour last September. Your best option is a private transfer (Welcome Pickups) or another option is a taxi but only with a pre agreed upon price. I used both during my travels last fall. Additionally, RS tour company always provides recommendations.

For whatever method you chose make sure to identify the numbered meeting point, gate or exit door. The entrances/exits to the airport are guarded. Once you exit through the terminal doors for transportation, shuttles, taxis, transfers, etc. you cannot re-enter at that level. You’ll have to walk the long sidewalk to the intended meeting point. Or you must make your way upstairs to an entrance door where security screening is available then back down again. The terminal entry screening is low key.

Getting to Sultanahmet from Galata will be a breeze.

I took this tour last fall (terrific!) I contacted the hotel and they arranged a transfer from IST. I don’t remember the cost, but it was great to have someone waiting for me and delivering me directly to the hotel.

Thanks all! I will reach out to the hotel to arrange a private transfer.

I'm on a different tour in October with Gate 1, so I have been interested in this question as well. Welcome Pickups is by far the most recommended on this forum and has a good reputation. In my case, I found that an airport bus to Taksim Square stops right outside my hotel. I don't think that I can get better value than that!

You might do a little exploring to see if there is bus service near the Galata Hotel.

You must be getting pretty excited with the trip coming up so soon. Have a wonderful time and , if you feel like it, report back here. Many of us love to hear about other's trips.

Did the tour in April and went thru the hotel to set up transport. Basically, at the airport, right outside the gate will be an individual with a summary list of people signed up for a ride. They check off your name and call the driver. Unlike in US where you sign up for a ride and are met at baggage claim, etc. we did the hotel gig and it was fine

I stayed in Sultanahmet area pre-tour and used Welcome Pickups for my transfer. The traffic can be pretty bad even on the weekends, so the fixed cost of a private transfer (versus a taxi with a meter) were appealing to me.

Note that the Galata's Hotel is down a narrow-ish street and at the time I visited in late September there was construction in the area that prevented taxis and shuttles from getting directly to the hotel door. Other tourmates that went directly from airport to Galata's (via taxi or hotel arranged shuttle) had to walk a couple of blocks to the hotel and the desk staff came to meet them.

Say hello to Princess the hotel cat, she's a delightful and spunky orange tabby.