From: Istanbul

Istanbul hosts a crowded population all year round, as the most developed and vigorous city in Türkiye. As the country’s gate to the Europe, this major metropolis also shines out by its perfect location along the Black Sea and Marmara inland sea. Being a city highly delightful to live as well, Istanbul offers countless attractions to see, together with its verdant and impressive nature, and its unique style and extraordinary tempo. Topkapı Palace, which had been a home to the sultanate family for 400 years, together with the Grand Bazaar, the favorite spot for shopping since 1460s, and the Rumeli Fortress extending over more than 30 thousand square meters, are the top most visited spots by those interested especially in history, culture and architecture.

As a center of touristic attraction, Istanbul hosts two airports to manage its busy air traffic: Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW). Both airports serve as the points of departure for Turkish Airlines flights from Istanbul.

Transportation from the city center to Istanbul Airport (IST)

The world’s new aviation center Istanbul Airport (IST) is approximately 35 km from Istanbul’s city center. With many different transportation options to choose from, you can pick the most suitable alternative to get from the airport to the city. It takes around 30 minutes to reach the airport from the city center by taxi and costs around 100-110 TL. When it comes to public transport, you can use Havaist, which sets off from 60 different spots on both the European and Asian sides. Some passengers prefer the IETT bus services which is a more affordable option.

For more detailed information check our transport information page.

Transportation to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW)

Another airport serving in Istanbul, Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) is located in the Anatolian side. Passengers wishing to use the public transport have a couple of different alternatives for getting to the airport.

The municipal buses numbered SG-2 from Taksim, and E-3 from 4th Levent provides transport from the European side. On the other hand, buses numbered E-11 or SG-1 from Kadıköy also reach you to Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW). Those planning to get on the buses from the main stop or Çamlık and Yenisahra, may use the bus SG-1 which offers express service and reaches the airport in a short period of time.

If you plan to use the subway, note that you should get off the subway at Kartal station and take here the municipal bus numbered KM22 to get to the airport. Airport shuttles would be another alternative, which depart from Taksim, Kadıköy and Yenisahra. If you are interested in a more private and comfortable option, you may always take the cabs operating 7/24 in the city.

Destination: Baku

The capital of Azerbaijan, Baku is the largest city in the country at the same time. This pretty capital arouses interest as the most vivacious port town in its region by its location along the Caspian Sea. Offering a wide range of events in social and cultural aspects, Baku serves as the most crowd-pulling destination in Azerbaijan as well. Palace of the Shirvanshahs in the Old Town district is among the most remarkable spots as one of the glorious historical buildings in the East, attracting a considerable number of tourists. Haydar Aliyev Cultural Center, which is perfectly illuminated every night, serving as the latest icons of Modern Baku, draws attention both by the valuable events it hosts and the distinctive architectural details it harbors. The Zoo, which aims the protection of the extinct animals, together with the State Puppet Theatre, are both favorite spots of especially the families with children, promising enjoyable moments during your stay at Baku.

The airport in Baku, Haydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD) hosts extremely busy air traffic all year round. Passengers with a flight ticket to Baku with Turkish Airlines land at this airport.

Transportation from Haydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD) to the city center

Located 25 kilometers from Baku city center, Haydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD) offers a couple of alternatives in transporting. Those planning to use the public transport may reach Samed Vurgun Park via the municipal bus numbered N16. The buses numbered 135 serve to 28 Mayıs Subway Station; however you need to walk about 15 to 20 minutes to reach the departure point of these buses.

The express buses operate from airport to Köroğlu Subway Station, which serve from 6 in the morning till the midnight, as well as the 28 Mayıs Subway Station. You may continue your journey from here by transferring to subway line to reach your desired destination.

It would be advisable to keep in mind that the transport by road takes nearly an hour. Passengers looking for a faster and more comfortable option may take the cabs serving in the airport and reach the city center in a shorter time.