Taxi & Transfers from Arnavutkoy District, Istanbul to New Istanbul Airport (IST)

How to Get from Arnavutköy to Istanbul Airport

The short 8-kilometre stretch between the winding lanes of Arnavutköy and the new Istanbul Airport packs more than just road. Whether you prefer a cost-saving metro transfer route, the predictability of a shuttle bus or the direct convenience of a taxi route, this guide covers each option in detail. Fares and times were confirmed in May 2025 to keep your plans on track.

Below you’ll discover public transport, shuttle, taxi, ride-hailing and a straightforward taxi-transfer route with Kiwitaxi. Each section notes travel time, typical fare and key tips so you can match wheels to your budget, schedule and luggage load.

Late-night arrivals should note schedules that pause overnight—scroll to the 24/7 options if your flight touches down after midnight.

By Metro

The quickest public link is the M11 line from Arnavutköy station to the airport in about 8 minutes. Trains run every 20 minutes and you pay roughly 26 ₺ with your Istanbulkart.

This transfer route avoids road traffic entirely, gliding under the city on a dedicated track. The platform sits steps from most hotels in Arnavutköy, making for a smooth start to your journey.

Note: the M11 stops service between midnight and 04:30, so plan accordingly if your arrival is early morning.

By Shuttle Bus

IETT and Havaist run shuttles from İDO ferry terminal near Arnavutköy’s quay. Four departures a day cover the distance in around 27 minutes for a flat fare of 13–40 ₺, depending on provider and time.

Buses board under the covered bays by the ferry dock, stow luggage in the underfloor hold and cruise along D 100 without transfers. Air-conditioning hums as you pass riverfront cafés and historic mosques.

These services feel like a mini-coach ride—no line changes but limited departures mean missing one run can stretch a wait on the quay.

By Taxi

Official taxis line up 24/7 on Kennedy Caddesi. The meter wakes at 6 ₺ and ticks about 5 ₺ per kilometre, delivering you to the terminal in roughly 18 minutes for around 46–50 ₺.

This taxi route offers door-to-door convenience: hop in with your bags and point at “Havalimanı” on the dashboard sticker. Drivers know back-street shortcuts beneath the bridges to shave minutes off peak-hour trips.,

Most cars accept cash or card; keeping small bills ready avoids any “no change” stalls during your ride. For faster pickups at odd hours, walking to the main street often skips the small‐road delays.

If you’ve luggage that won’t fit under seats, ask for a larger trunk space—many drivers have SUVs or station wagons on standby.

By Ride-Hailing

BiTaksi and Uber both serve Arnavutköy’s waterfront. Set your pickup at the ferry quay, lock in a fare of about 80–100 ₺ for standard cars or 120–150 ₺ for XL, and book instantly.

App-based payment means no cash scramble at journey’s end, and the rate locks before you confirm, turning any trip into a predictable taxi-transfer. Surge windows appear in peak-demand blocks, but booked price never changes mid-ride.

By Private Transfer

Pre-booking a car with Kiwitaxi secures one clear price—around $34 for an economy sedan, including up to 60 minutes’ free waiting and help with every bag. Your driver greets you at the quay with a name board and monitors ferry or flight delays for timely pickup.

This taxi-transfer option mirrors a street cab on timing yet skips meter surprises and queues. Upgrade to Comfort or Minivan classes in advance for extra space or quiet comfort and know your total cost before wheels roll.

Vehicle Classes for Your Transfer

• Compact Breeze – agile hatch for one or two with cabin bags
• Comfort Saloon – four seats plus room for medium suitcases
• Family Van – up to six passengers and a deep boot for strollers or surfboards
• Executive SUV – leather cabin, extra legroom and USB charging ports

Transfer with Children

Local regulations recommend child restraints for passengers under 12. Tick baby, toddler or booster when booking and the correct seat will be installed before departure—no frantic kiosk searches needed.

Most drivers pause at service lanes on request for quick snack or restroom breaks, turning potential back-seat boredom into a calm five-minute stretch.

Transfer with Pets

Small cats and dogs travel comfortably in hard-shell carriers; larger crates require the Family Van so a seat folds flat ahead of pickup.

Airport security rarely inspects vaccine papers on departure, yet having them handy speeds any checks and keeps your companion calm throughout the journey.

What to See around Istanbul Airport

Arrive early and unwind at the Terminal West Plaza: palm-shaded benches and coffee bars overlook the runway and nearby forested hills—a peaceful pre-flight pause.

Just a short taxi hop away, Oğuzhan Park’s rose gardens and walking paths offer a scenic stretch before check-in. A quaint kiosk serves fresh simit and Turkish tea beside a trickling fountain.

Choosing the right route leaves time for one last Istanbul moment—whether spotting planes taxi from a terrace or savouring a final sip of strong Türk kahvesi under open skies.