How to get from Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet (Old City)
High confidenceChecked May 2026
Take the Havaist HVST-12 bus to Sultanahmet for ~₺250. Yellow taxis are fine if you insist on the meter.
Best options
Best overall
Havaist HVST-12 bus direct to Sultanahmet — runs 24/7, ~75 min.
Cheapest safe
M11 metro to Gayrettepe, transfer to M2 Vezneciler. ~₺50 total.
Best at night
Yellow taxi from the official rank — confirm meter is on. ₺900–₺1300 + bridge toll.
With luggage / kids
Havaist bus has dedicated luggage holds. Easier than dragging bags through the metro.
Taxi fare
₺900–₺1300 metered + tolls
Ride-hailing
Uber works but dispatches a yellow BiTaksi. No Bolt/Grab.
restricted
Public transport
Havaist HVST-12 direct to Sultanahmet; or M11 metro + M2 transfer.
After landing — step by step
- 1Exit arrivals and follow 'HAVAIST' signs to the bus lot
- 2Buy ticket from the kiosk or onboard (card accepted)
- 3Board HVST-12 for Sultanahmet; sit anywhere with a luggage tag
- 4If taking a taxi: queue at the OFFICIAL rank, take a numbered ticket
- 5Insist 'taksimetre lütfen' before pulling away
Scam warnings
Drivers 'rounding' the meter heavily on arrival
Claiming the card machine is broken to force cash with no change
Taking the long way via the second bridge
Avoid this
- • Drivers offering a 'fixed fare' before you reach the rank
- • Any car without a yellow plate and meter
- • Paying USD or EUR — always TRY
SOURCES