Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet Options
Getting from Istanbul Airport (IST) to Sultanahmet can be done by bus, metro+tram, taxi, or private transfer. Here is a comparison of all options.
Metro + Tram (Cheapest)
Take the M11 metro from IST Airport to Gayrettepe, transfer to M2 to Yenikapı, then T1 tram to Sultanahmet. Total cost: about 40 TL with IstanbulKart. Time: 90–120 minutes with transfers. The route opens 6 AM to midnight.
Havaist Bus (Best Balance)
Havaist bus IST-19 goes to Sultanahmet area. Cost: 130 TL. Time: 60–90 minutes. Comfortable, direct, and runs through the day. Buy tickets at the Havaist counter or use IstanbulKart.
Taxi (Fastest)
Official taxi from airport: 500–800 TL depending on traffic. Time: 40–70 minutes. Use the official taxi stand outside arrivals. Agree on metered fare only.
What about late night arrivals?
After midnight, only taxis and private transfers are reliable. Book a private transfer in advance for late arrivals (300–500 TL for a sedan).