Istanbul Ataturk Airport IST Airport Traveler Guide

Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers

When it comes to picking up and dropping off passengers at the airport, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, curbside parking is strictly prohibited, so you'll need to find a designated parking area if you plan on leaving your vehicle unattended. There are several parking options available, including short-term and long-term parking, so be sure to choose the one that best suits your needs.

If you're simply dropping off or picking up a passenger and don't plan on leaving your vehicle, you can take advantage of the airport's cell-phone waiting areas. These areas allow you to wait in your car until your passenger is ready to be picked up, eliminating the need to circle the airport or park in a lot. Just be sure to keep your phone handy so you can be reached when your passenger is ready to be picked up.

Parking Facilities & Options

Istanbul Ataturk Airport offers a variety of parking options for travelers. The airport has several parking lots and garages located near the terminals, making it easy for passengers to park their vehicles and head straight to their flights.

For those who need to wait for arriving passengers, the airport also has cell phone waiting areas available. These areas allow drivers to park their vehicles for free while waiting for their loved ones to arrive.

Handicapped parking is available at Istanbul Airport, with designated spaces located near the terminals for easy access.

For those looking for more economical parking options, off-airport parking is available near the airport. These parking facilities offer shuttle service to and from the airport terminals, making it a convenient and affordable option for travelers.

Get details about IST parking options and rates, along with more economical off-airport parking here.

Transportation Options

As the largest airport in Turkey, IST Airport offers a variety of transportation options for travelers to choose from. Whether you're looking for a rental car, taxi, shared ride, airport shuttle, or public transportation, you'll find it all here.

• Rental Cars: For those who prefer to rent a car, there are several car rental facilities available at the airport. Major providers such as Avis, Budget, Europcar, and Hertz are all located within the airport and offer a range of vehicles to suit your needs.
• Taxis: If you're looking for a taxi, you'll find them easily accessible at the designated taxi drop-off areas outside each terminal. Fare prices vary depending on your destination, but you can expect to pay around 50-60 Turkish Lira for a trip to the city center.
• Shared Ride Services: Shared ride services such as Uber and Lyft are also available at the airport. Pickup areas are located outside each terminal, and fares are typically lower than those of traditional taxis.
• Airport Shuttles: For those who prefer a more budget-friendly option, the airport shuttle is a great choice. The shuttle service operates 24/7 and offers pickup and drop-off at various locations throughout the city. Fares are reasonable and vary depending on your destination.
• Public Transportation: Finally, public transportation is also available at Istanbul Ataturk Airport. The metro and bus systems are both located within walking distance of the terminals, and offer a convenient and affordable way to travel throughout the city.

Airport Hotels

Looking for a place to rest between flights or a base for exploring the city? We've got you covered! Our list of hotels near the airport offers a range of options, from convenient transit hotels to comfortable accommodations in picturesque districts. Some of these hotels are located within the airport itself, perfect for international travelers seeking immediate rest. Others are just a short drive away and offer a range of amenities such as complimentary WiFi, air conditioning, and scenic views. Ready to explore your options? Check out our IST Airport Hotels now.

Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport

Istanbul Ataturk Airport offers a variety of dining and shopping options for travelers to enjoy. If you're looking for a quick bite to eat, head to Burger King or Starbucks, both located in the departure area of the airport. For a more substantial meal, try out Bosphorus Restaurant, which serves traditional Turkish cuisine, or Kebapçı İskender, known for their delicious kebabs. Both restaurants are located in the international terminal of the airport.

When it comes to shopping, Istanbul Airport has plenty of options to keep you entertained. If you're looking for souvenirs, head to Turkish Delight by Hacı Bekir or the Grand Bazaar Shops, both located in the departure area. For luxury fashion brands, check out Burberry, Gucci, and Prada, all located in the international terminal. If you're in need of some last-minute electronics, head to Teknosa or Vodafone, both located in the departure area.

The locations of all food, shops, and services at IST can be found using iFly's interactive map. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and news stands, check out the food and shopping page.

Passenger Services

Istanbul Airport is one of the busiest airports in Turkey, serving millions of passengers every year. The airport offers a wide range of passenger services to make your travel experience as comfortable and convenient as possible.

For those who need to stay connected, the airport provides free Wi-Fi access throughout the terminals. Passengers can easily connect to the network and stay connected with their loved ones or work while waiting for their flights.

If you have lost an item at the airport, you can visit the Lost and Found office located in the Arrivals Hall of the International Terminal. The office is open 24 hours a day, and you can report your lost item or retrieve a found item.

Traveling with children? IST has designated children's areas where kids can play and have fun while waiting for their flights. These areas are equipped with toys, games, and other activities to keep children entertained.

The airport also offers special-needs services for passengers who require assistance. These services include wheelchair assistance, special seating, and other accommodations. Passengers can request these services at the time of booking or upon arrival at the airport.

Need to do some banking? The airport has several banks and ATMs located throughout the terminals. Passengers can easily access these services to withdraw cash or exchange currency.

In case of a medical emergency, the airport has a medical center located in the International Terminal. The center is staffed with trained medical professionals who can provide emergency medical care to passengers in need.

Flight Status Info

As an air traveler, it is important to stay updated on the status of your flight to avoid any inconvenience or delay. IST Airport offers various ways for passengers to check their flight status.

One of the easiest ways to check flight status is by using the in-airport Flight Information Display System (FIDS). These displays are located throughout the airport and provide real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.

Passengers can also stay informed about any changes to their flight status by downloading their airline's mobile phone app. These apps often provide push notifications, text messages, and emails about departure delays, cancellations, or gate changes.

Another way to check flight status is by visiting the airport's official website. the airport's website provides real-time updates on flight departures, arrivals, delays, and gate information. Passengers can also check the status of their flight departure at Istanbul Ataturk Airport by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.

By utilizing these resources, air travelers can stay informed and avoid any unexpected changes to their flight status.

Passengers can check the status of their flight departure at Istanbul Airport by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.

Airport Facts & Stats

• Location: Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is located in Istanbul, Turkey.
• Terminals: The airport features two terminals: one for domestic flights and one for international flights.
• Airlines Served: Major airlines serving IST include Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, and Saudia. For a full list of airlines, visit the IST Airlines Served page.
• Passenger Traffic: Istanbul Ataturk Airport handles approximately 150,000 passengers daily.
• Daily Flights: The airport accommodates over 1,200 daily flights.
• Top Destinations: The most popular destinations from IST are Antalya, Ankara, Izmir, Adana, and Munich.
• Hub Status: Istanbul Ataturk Airport serves as a hub for Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, and Saudia.

Airport History

The airport is one of the busiest airports in Turkey, serving as the main hub for Turkish Airlines. The airport was opened in 1924 and has undergone several expansions and renovations over the years. Here are some significant events in the airport's history:

• 1924 - Istanbul Ataturk Airport opens as Yesilkoy Airport with a single runway and a small terminal building.
• 1953 - The airport is renamed Istanbul Airport in honor of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder and first president of Turkey.
• 1985 - The airport undergoes a major expansion, including the construction of a new terminal building and the addition of a second runway.
• 2001 - The airport is privatized and operated by TAV Airports Holding.
• 2005 - The airport handles its first millionth passenger in a single month.
• 2011 - A new international terminal is opened, increasing the airport's capacity to 60 million passengers per year.
• 2018 - IST ceases operations and all flights are transferred to the newly built Istanbul Airport.

Despite its closure, IST Airport remains an important part of Turkey's aviation history and its legacy lives on through the new Istanbul Airport.

Airport Contact Information

For more information about Istanbul Atatürk Airport, please refer to the following contact details:

• IATA Code: IST
• Airport Website
• Phone: +90 444 1 442
• Email: [email protected]
• Mailing Address: Istanbul Airport, Tayakadın, Terminal Caddesi No:1, 34283 Arnavutköy/İstanbul, Turkey

Note that the contact information provided here is subject to change by the airport operator(s).

About this Page: Please note that while we strive to keep the content on this page current and accurate, we cannot guarantee it due to the ever-changing nature of airports and airlines; for more details about our data and practices, refer to our Trust & Transparency statement. To report any data issues, use our feedback form.