Navigating Istanbul's Massive Airport: Tips for Avoiding Chaos with So Many Flight Options
add_circle Pros
- The airport has a wide range of dining options, from traditional Turkish cuisine to international fast food.
- The airport is well-equipped with modern amenities, including free Wi-Fi and charging stations.
- The staff are generally friendly and helpful, even when dealing with language barriers.
- The airport has a good selection of shops, including duty-free stores and souvenir shops.
- The airport offers a variety of transportation options, including taxis, buses, and the metro.
remove_circle Cons
- The airport can be very crowded, especially during peak travel seasons.
- The security checks can be lengthy and frustrating, especially for international flights.
- Some of the airport's facilities, such as the restrooms and baby-changing areas, can be dirty and in need of maintenance.
- The airport's signage can be confusing, making it difficult to navigate.
- The airport's customer support can be unhelpful and unresponsive, especially for issues with flight delays or cancellations.
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Editor's Summary
Navigating Istanbul's massive airport can be overwhelming, especially with so many flight options. But don't worry, I've got some tips to help you avoid chaos and make your travel experience smoother. From knowing the best time to arrive to using the right airport terminal, I'll share my insider knowledge to make your airport experience less stressful and more enjoyable. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a first-timer, these tips will help you navigate Istanbul's airport like a pro.
Specifications
Hello everyone!
I'm finally sharing my unforgettable impressions of Istanbul's new airport. I've heard so many comments about how massive it is and how easy it is to get lost, but even in my wildest dreams, I couldn't have imagined its scale. Yes, it's really huge, and yes, it's super easy to get lost!
İstanbul airport İGA - New Airport of Istanbul ReviewsWe flew in from Sochi. Inside the airport, everything is pretty straightforward – there are signs with directions everywhere, and the Turkish text is always accompanied by English.
İstanbul airport İGA - New Airport of Istanbul ReviewsAfter landing, you'll find yourself in a long corridor, and once you pass through it, you'll see the welcome sign:
Welcome to Istanbul
İstanbul airport İGA - New Airport of Istanbul ReviewsAt first glance, the airport's scale is enough to give you an idea of its size – it's massive, with huge corridors stretching in every direction. And the more you walk, the more you're blown away by its sheer size.
You can just imagine the scale of this place
İstanbul airport İGA - New Airport of Istanbul Reviews İstanbul airport İGA - New Airport of Istanbul Reviews İstanbul airport İGA - New Airport of Istanbul ReviewsThe baggage claim area
İstanbul airport İGA - New Airport of Istanbul Reviews
It's easy to get lost inside. We turned down the wrong corridor a few times, then backtracked to find the right signs. Passport control was pretty quick, despite the huge queue of tourists from all over the world.
Istanbul airport IGA - New Airport of Istanbul Reviews Istanbul airport IGA - New Airport of Istanbul Reviews
After passport control, we walked for ages towards the exit. You can walk, or use the travolators that are installed along the way
Istanbul airport IGA - New Airport of Istanbul Reviews Istanbul airport IGA - New Airport of Istanbul ReviewsThese are the views we got from the new Istanbul airport
Istanbul airport IGA - New Airport of Istanbul ReviewsView of the Istanbul airport
Istanbul airport IGA - New Airport of Istanbul Reviews Istanbul airport IGA - New Airport of Istanbul Reviews Istanbul airport IGA - New Airport of Istanbul ReviewsDuty Free
Inside the Istanbul airport, there's this massive Duty Free and loads of shops from global and local brands. Honestly, I felt like I was in a huge shopping mall, not an airport. Everything's so beautiful, colorful, and inviting
We didn't have time to browse, but we quickly dashed into Duty Free to grab some booze that's hard to find back home. While we were waiting in line, I noticed they had an array of Turkish baklava, desserts, and sweets on sale, but the prices were in euros and way more expensive than what you'd find at local markets. So, my tip is - don't leave your souvenir shopping for the last minute!
Istanbul airport IGA - New Airport of Istanbul ReviewsWI FI
There's free WI FI inside the airport. Connecting to it isn't straightforward - you need to find a specific counter, scan your passport, and get a password. The time limit is 1 hour, I guess that's enough to check your map and organize your city route
Istanbul airport IGA - New Airport of Istanbul ReviewsMoney exchange
I wouldn't recommend exchanging money at the airport, but you'll probably have no choice, just like us. There are a few exchange points inside, but you won't have to look hard to find them. The rates, however, are a total rip-off. You'll need to exchange at least $50. I guess the Turks understand that you won't get far without some local cash, so they're taking advantage of that.
Information desks
There are info desks for tourists all over the place.
Istanbul airport IGA - New Airport of Istanbul Reviews
Getting to the city
There are a few options. The most straightforward, but also the most expensive, is a taxi.
Before our trip, I'd read a lot of travel blogs, and they all warned against taking a taxi as the least cost-effective option. So, we didn't even consider it.
Istanbul airport IGA - New Airport of Istanbul ReviewsTransfer
Many hotels offer a transfer service. We also had that option, but we opted for a DIY approach to the city.
You can get to the city center either by bus or metro.
The Havaist bus takes about an hour and a half, but with the crazy traffic in Istanbul, it'll take you much longer.
These signs indicate the direction of the Havaist bus.
Istanbul airport IGA - New Airport of Istanbul ReviewsMetro
The metro station is right at the airport, and it'll take you to any part of the city.
Istanbul airport IGA - New Airport of Istanbul ReviewsIt's a bit of a trek, though, and you'll need to make a few transfers.
Our journey to the city took a bit over two hours, and about an hour to get back. We got lost a few times, even with signs and maps, and had to ask locals for help. They weren't always able to understand us, though. On the way back, it was much easier. I think we were just tired from the flight and registration.
The metro in Istanbul is actually really beautiful.
Istanbul airport IGA - New Airport of Istanbul Reviews Istanbul airport IGA - New Airport of Istanbul Reviews Istanbul airport IGA - New Airport of Istanbul Reviews Istanbul airport IGA - New Airport of Istanbul ReviewsGetting to the old center requires two transfers. By the way, you need to pay each time, even if you don't leave the metro. Our local train took us to our station, which we boarded directly from the metro car. Honestly, I didn't even realize we were switching from one mode of transport to another.
We arrived at the old Sirkeci station, the very same one from which the famous Eastern Express departed. But back then, of course, we didn't know that - it was just a station. We later came back to this place specifically to explore it in more detail.
My impressions of the Istanbul airport are all positive. The staff work quickly and efficiently, speak English, and there are signs and directions everywhere. It's easy to get to the city from the airport (even if it's not fast). Inside, there are rest areas, food courts, Wi-Fi, and duty-free shops.
Next time, we won't need to waste so much time looking for the exit and transfers in the metro, so the trip will be even more comfortable.
I'm glad we got to experience the beauty of Istanbul, and I'm excited to share more of our adventures with you.
Check out my reviews for more tips and recommendations on exploring Istanbul:
A big story about Istanbul, where I detailed our 6-day itinerary
Where is the tastiest baklava?! I'm sharing a place that's a must-visit
Gülhane Park - a cozy spot with a free cistern, leading to the main mosques of Istanbul
One of the largest and oldest bazaars in Istanbul - the Grand Bazaar
The Sirkeci station, the final stop of the famous Eastern Express
The restaurant with a view of the Blue Mosque, where you can feed the seagulls
Sultan Suleyman's Mosque - the place where the sultan and his beloved Hurrem are forever together
I've fallen in love with this peaceful, respectable, and beautiful neighbourhood in Istanbul's Asian side - Kuzgunjuk