Istanbul Ataturk International Airport (IST) Information
(Istanbul, Marmara, Turkey)
One of two international gateways serving Turkey's biggest city, the Istanbul Ataturk International Airport is among the largest access points to Turkey. The facility is located in the western suburbs and therefore primarily serves this area of the city. Over 37 million passengers currently pass through this hub each year.
The complex is divided up into four individual terminals. Terminal 1 is set aside for domestic flights, while Terminal 2 services international routes. Terminal 3 is a cargo terminal, and general aviation operators usually fly out of Terminal 4. Three runways are featured, with two capable of accommodating large passenger aircraft.
The biggest and busiest airline at Istanbul's airport is Turkish Airlines. It uses the facility as a hub, as do Atlasjet and Onur Air.
Istanbul Ataturk International Airport (IST)
Address: Ataturk Dhmi, Istanbul Yesilkoy, 34830, Turkey
Tel: +90 212 663 640
The Istanbul Ataturk International Airport links to the E80 expressway, which travels through the western region of the city, almost directly into the city centre. However, travellers heading into central Istanbul need to remember to get onto the 0-3 highway to reach the city centre. Of note, the airport is only 24 km / 15 miles from the heart of the city, which lies to the east, beyond Zeytinburnu.
Ataturk International Airport (IST) Guide
Facilities:
- Cash machines and monetary exchange bureaux
- Four banks, including Arkand T.A.S.
- The ATO Duty Free stores are great places to shop
- Restaurants are located through the terminals. Café Nero, Popeyes and Burger King are just some of the options available
- Car rental in each terminal is on offer from companies like Thrifty, Sun, National, Dollar, Budget, Alamo and Avis
- Six mosques dot the terminals
- The TAV Airport hotel is a short distance from the terminal
- A VIP lounge
- Meeting points throughout the terminals
- Wireless Internet in the secure zone
- Multi-storey garage and open car park
Cars
It is possible to reach the Istanbul Ataturk International Airport using several roadways. The D-100 international road is a great way to access the facility, although the Trans European Roadway is also popular with motorists. Parking is ample for driving passengers - visitors can choose to park in the more expensive multi-storey car park or the open space lot, the latter of which offers some 1,200 parking spaces and features two payment points.
Buses
A shuttle service from the terminal is available and is operated by the reliable Havas company. Most of the buses run every 30 minutes to the destinations of Bakirkoy, Aksaray and Taksim Square. Hourly buses run to Kozyatagi, while a cheaper alternative is provided by the municipal bus system, which reaches Taksim, Etiler and Kozyatagi.
Trains
The Ataturk transit system, known as the Metro, is one major way to reach the centre of Istanbul. Details about the fees and railway maps are available online. It is recommended that travellers peruse these maps before using Ataturk's Metro. From the airport, some of the principal train stations connecting to the facility include Aksaray, Sagmalcilar, Esenler Otogar and Merter.
Taxis
Taxis are situated outside the terminals, not far from the exit doors. Fees are calculated like other metered taxis around the city, but tourists can ask for an approximate rate if heading into Istanbul city centre. Most drivers will be able to give an estimate, with rates being the same regardless of the time, day or night.
- Google+
