Choose your pass

Airport Shuttles in Istanbul

It's so fun to travel to Istanbul! However, it can be overwhelming, particularly when you first arrive and are unsure how to get to your hotel, if the taxis are reliable, how you'll interact with the driver, and so on! We are here to assist you with airport shuttles in Istanbul. The Istanbul Tourist Pass provides a one-way airport shuttle bus ride from Istanbul Airport to the city center or from Istanbul Airport to the city center, depending on your preference.

Istanbul.com Creator Community
Istanbul.com Creator Community
April 5, 2019 4 min
Airport Shuttles in Istanbul


You'll be able to use our online system once you've bought your Istanbul Tourist Pass. You will then open the QR code for your shuttle switch on the day of your arrival or departure during your Istanbul trip. "HAVAIST" is the name of the firm, and their shuttle buses are specifically labeled with this name. Most stations have shuttles that run 24 hours a day, so it's a smart thing to double-check the exact timetable before you go. The HAVAIST timetable can be found on their website, as well as a list of the stops (there are over 15 HAVAIST stops in Istanbul).


HAVAIST Shuttle in Istanbul


From Istanbul Airport to 50 major city hubs, Havaist Airport Buses provides high-quality and convenient transportation. Each Havaist shuttle can accommodate up to 46 passengers and is fitted with TV screens, Wi-Fi, and USB charging ports. You should still bear in mind that you cannot pay for your bus fare with cash. As cash is not accepted, you can only pay with a credit card through the Havaist App or a QR code. Book your ticket online, get your QR code, and check it before boarding the bus to use it on every Havaist route. Pre-purchasing your tickets also entitle you to exclusive benefits and discounts. With Istanbul Tourist Pass, you have a free airport shuttle ride to the city center.


IETT Buses in Istanbul


IETT public buses drive to the city's less touristy areas. As a result, they are more common with locals, while tourists ignore them. In any case, if you look up your precise position on the map, you should be able to find a bus to take you to Istanbul, as the airport is served by seven IETT lines. Furthermore, you can install the "Mobiett" app on your phone; you can find it extremely useful. While IETT bus fares are less expensive than Havaist, the journey will take much longer since these buses make several stops along the way. During your Istanbul tour, keep IETT shuttles in mind, but if you are looking to get to your hotel (or destination) as quickly as possible, choose the HAVAIST shuttle over IETT buses.


 


Shuttles to and from Istanbul Airport


Buses are currently the only mode of public transportation in Istanbul available from the new Istanbul Airport. The new airport will be connected to the city center by Metro Line M11 in the future, but for now, apart from private transfers, shuttle buses are the only option. Despite this, there is a remarkable number of bus routes available. Istanbul Seyahat buses perform intercity transfers, while Havaist and IETT buses run regular routes to all corners of Istanbul.


Save Time and Money With Istanbul Tourist Pass


If you're visiting Istanbul for the first time or returning, you'll need the Istanbul Tourist Pass. The Pass allows you to visit over 85 attractions such as Hagia Sophia while still saving money! You will save up to 75% with the Istanbul Tourist Pass. You'll actually save a lot of time with the Pass and you won't have to wait in line for tickets or bus lines. Now all you have to do is check your pass on your phone and you're good to go! There is a slew of other advantages to the Pass that you can look at!

Best Sights in One Day

Istanbul FAST Pass®

Visit 2 landmarks & 3 authentic experiences including Hagia Sofia or Topkapi Palace and Blue Mosque with Bosphorus Cruise.

1 Pass Option expand_more
2 Travelers expand_more
Adult €49 / person
1
Child (5-12) €44 / person
0
3 Review expand_more
With Hagia Sophia (Adult) x 1 €49.00
eco Instant Access Fee €10.00
Order Total €59.00
Istanbul FAST Pass®
With Hagia Sophia · 1 Adult
€59.00

Istanbul Must-Sees

Istanbul DISCOVER Pass®

Visit 3 landmarks & 100+ top attractions including Hagia Sofia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque.

1 Pass Duration expand_more
2 Travelers expand_more
Adult €149 / person
1
Child (5-12) €139 / person
0
3 Review expand_more
3 Days (Adult) x 1 €149.00
eco Instant Access Fee €10.00
Order Total €159.00
Istanbul DISCOVER Pass®
3 Days · 1 Adult
€159.00

Ultimate Istanbul Experience

Istanbul PRIME Pass®

Visit ALL 7 landmarks, 120+ top attractions & premium experiences including Luxury Bosphorus Sunset, Breakfast & Dinner Cruises and deluxe Hammam.

1 Pass Duration expand_more
2 Travelers expand_more
Adult €259 / person
1
Child (5-12) €249 / person
0
3 Review expand_more
5 Days (Adult) x 1 €259.00
eco Instant Access Fee €10.00
Order Total €269.00
Istanbul PRIME Pass®
5 Days · 1 Adult
€269.00

Find more Istanbul inspiration

Romance in Istanbul: A Lover’s Getaway
calendar_today May 28, 2025 5 min

Romance in Istanbul: A Lover’s Getaway

Discover Istanbul’s most romantic experiences—from sunrise views at Galata Tower to moonlit Bosphorus cruises. Perfect for honeymoons, anniversaries, or a spontaneous getaway.

Exploring Istanbul’s Hidden Art Galleries
calendar_today May 29, 2025 6 min

Exploring Istanbul’s Hidden Art Galleries

Discover a different side of Istanbul through its hidden contemporary art galleries tucked away in quiet courtyards, historic buildings, and trendy neighborhoods. From DEPO’s thought-provoking exhibits to Gaia Gallery’s digital installations, each space offers a unique reflection of Turkey’s evolving creative identity. Perfect for curious travelers and art lovers alike, this guide introduces you to lesser-known venues that go beyond the typical tourist attractions—revealing a deeper, more authentic cultural experience in Istanbul.

Beer Culture in Istanbul: Where to Drink Turkish Beers
calendar_today Jun 11, 2025 6 min

Beer Culture in Istanbul: Where to Drink Turkish Beers

Istanbul is a city of contrasts where Byzantine walls stand beside glass towers and where the clatter of ferries mixes with the call to prayer. Tea and rakı might grab the headlines, yet beer has quietly become one of the city’s favorite drinks. From big-name lagers to bold new microbrews, the scene in 2025 is […]

Top Things to Do in Besiktas, Istanbul: A Small Guide
calendar_today Oct 1, 2021 6 min

Top Things to Do in Besiktas, Istanbul: A Small Guide

As one of the most popular and lively districts on the European side of Istanbul, Besiktas is famous for its colorful population, students, cultural activities, various shops and its football club.

Ataturk Cultural Center (AKM): Istanbul’s Iconic Arts Venue
calendar_today Jun 19, 2024 10 min

Ataturk Cultural Center (AKM): Istanbul’s Iconic Arts Venue

Istanbul is a city that stands out with its rich history and culture. It bears the traces of many civilizations throughout its thousands of years of history. This long and diverse history has made Istanbul one of the most important cultural centers in the world. The city contains artifacts from different periods on every corner. […]

Istanbul is Counting Down for the 2023 UEFA Champions League Final
calendar_today May 18, 2023 13 min

Istanbul is Counting Down for the 2023 UEFA Champions League Final

Istanbul is preparing for the UEFA Champions League Final to be played at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium on June 10, 2023. The final match will kick off at 21:00 CET (22:00 local Istanbul time). Istanbul locals expect that about 50,000 fans will arrive in the city. 
 
 It is not Istanbul's first time being […]

Best Attractions Around Sultanahmet: A Guide to Istanbul’s Historic Heart
calendar_today Apr 23, 2025 6 min

Best Attractions Around Sultanahmet: A Guide to Istanbul’s Historic Heart

Discover the Best of Sultanahmet
 Explore Istanbul’s historic district with ease! Get your Istanbul Tourist Pass today for skip-the-line access to Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and more!

Slow Travel in İstanbul: A Local’s Guide to Mindful Exploration
calendar_today Apr 1, 2026 5 min

Slow Travel in İstanbul: A Local’s Guide to Mindful Exploration

Scams to Avoid in Istanbul: 6 Common Schemes Targeting Tourists
calendar_today Dec 11, 2023 11 min

Scams to Avoid in Istanbul: 6 Common Schemes Targeting Tourists

Istanbul, a city steeped in history and vibrant culture, unfortunately, attracts its fair share of scammers who prey on unsuspecting tourists. While most locals are welcoming and honest, it's always wise to be cautious and aware of common schemes to avoid spoiling your trip. For this article, we have prepared a list for you of […]

Istanbul in July 2024: A Magical Vacation Awaits!
calendar_today Jun 30, 2023 11 min

Istanbul in July 2024: A Magical Vacation Awaits!

Istanbul, a city steeped in rich history and cultural heritage, beckons travelers from around the globe. With its stunning architectural wonders like the majestic Hagia Sophia and the grand Topkapi Palace, Istanbul is anything but ordinary. And in the month of July, the city comes alive under the warm embrace of the summer sun, making […]