We are spending the day in Istanbul after disembarking from our cruise in the morning. We have a hotel near the airport to spend the night before our early flight to the US the next day. What is the recommendation for transport to our hotel from the city center? We plan to ask the hotel to provide transportation to the airport with their preferred driver for our flight. Thanks in advance for recommendations.
Posted by
1 posts
We will be doing the same in the summer so I will be very interested in experiences others have had. Thank you.
Posted by
Singapore
1164 posts
I would just take a taxi - I've not had any issues. You can use Bitaksi or Uber to call one. I have also taken taxis from ranks without any problems (ie using the meter), but probably worth juat calling on app.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Thanks so much! We use Uber in the US frequently but have not used it in Europe. Plan to give it a try.
Posted by
Salem, Oregon, USA
3851 posts
Uber in Istanbul just gets you a local taxi, there are no private car Ubers. Make sure the taxi driver turns on the meter, if they don't insist they stop the vehicle until they do. It's going to be a 45-90 minute ride to the airport depending on time of day. I myself would book a reliable shuttle service (I used Welcome Pickups) for a flat fee. What are you doing with your bags while you explore the city? Search the forum for suggestions on that, but I'd book the shuttle for a time certain from that location.
And do get to the airport 3 hours early to ensure you clear security (at the airport door, and then on way to gates) plus getting any bags checked. It's an enormous airport and it really can take a good long while to get through everything and walk to your gate. Better to be early than scrambling for your flight.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Thanks so much for the Welcome Pickups tips. It’s very cost effective!
Posted by
38 posts
When it was still Ataturk Airport. I booked my ride with Havabus (I don't know if they're still around) from the airport to Taksim Square (close to my Airbnb at the time). It's much cheaper than a taxi, and recommended by my Airbnb host.
Posted by
Salem, Oregon, USA
3851 posts
The Havaist bus still exists https://www.hava.ist/?lang=en Depending on the location of your hotel and your flight departure time it may (or may not) be the most efficient mode of transport especially if it is middle of the day rush hour. There is also the metro but again whether it is convenient is highly dependent on the location of your hotel.