How to go from Taksim to Istanbul Airport? [CHEAPEST Way]

As a first time visitor to Istanbul (the most popular city of Turkey but surprisingly not it’s capital), I was most definitely parked in the most popular neighborhood around Taksim square at the popular Wabi Sabi hostel. So at the end of my 4 days, I was left wondering how to get from Taksim to Istanbul airport on a budget and here is my personal experience. 

If you prefer convenience and to pre-book to or from Istanbul airport, the most reliable operators are listed below – 

Pre-book Istanbul airport private transfer service for just €27

Pre-book airport shuttle bus transfer for just €8

Cheapest Way to Get from Taksim to Istanbul Airport

Hands down the cheapest way to go from Taksim square to Istanbul airport – be it either of the two – Istanbul airport (IST) on European side or Sahiba Gokcen airport (SAW) on the Asian side; is by airport shuttle bus service called Havaist. Havaist Taksim to Istanbul airport is the most common way to get to IST. 

You must know which airport your flight is from but the pickup point is same for both of them just as you turn right from the main Taksim square redlight. To be precise, these airport buses are parked right outside Point hotel in Taksim. 

At my awesome award-winning Wabi Sabi hostel, I asked about the fastest and cheapest way to get to IST airport from Taksim square and they happily pointed me in the right direction. 

As I was traveling solo and dragging a huge suitcase uphill on streets of Istanbul, even though the bus stop was just 500 m from the hostel, I wanted to be sure I was headed in the right direction so I asked for exact bus stop on the map. 

So if you enter “Havabus Taksim” on Google maps it will take you to the exact stop for Taksim to Istanbul airport bus that goes to either of the two Istanbul airports.  I have jotted it on the map below – 

It. was an easy ten min walk from the hostel and you can even ask which airport the bus is going to at the stop. There are clear time tables and ample lovely staff to assist you there. Plus they speak basic English so this was easy and hassle free. 

This bus from Taksim to Istanbul airport was super luxurious with individual TV screens on every seat. These are not your usual yellow buses and they have the route mentioned clearly on them too. They are easy to spot as well. 

Distance to the airport is just around 45 km and it takes around an hour in off-traffic hours. I would still budget around 90 mins incase you don’t catch the bus right off the bat or there’s some traffic en route. 

How much does it cost to go to Istanbul airport from Taksim Square? 

The cost for a bus ticket from Taksim to IST airport is just 67 Lira. I had heard it was 52 up to 60 but it was a little more than what I expected but still ok. 

A taxi from Taksim to Istanbul airport would cost anywhere from 350 to 500 lira and they are hard to get. You can either wave down a yellow taxi or book an Uber. 

However, bus was cheap , fast and convenient so I would not recommend using a taxi. 

You can even pay using your credit or debit card at the bus directly to the driver or using cash at the bus stand counter. There are helpful staff to guide you. 

So Havaist airport shuttle bus is definitely a practical and economical way to reach Istanbul airport. It is advisable to reach at least 3 hours prior to your international flight so head to the stop and check the time table (Though they run pretty frequently almost every 30 mins) beforehand.

If you purchase your Turkish eSIM beforehand, you can easily check the time table and arrive at the bus stop accordingly. 

Similarly, if you are also looking for a trip other way round. That is, from Istanbul airport to Taksim square, then you are in luck. Havaist buses run regularly and you can easily hop on one of them to get from IST airport to Taksim square easily. 

Since I was road tripping in a campervan across Turkey, my friend simply picked me up from the airport while we drove across the Black Sea. However, if I were to go alone for the first time in a new country from Istanbul airport to city center, then I would definitely take a cab. 

When I travel solo, I always just ensure I have 2 days hotel/ hostel stay booked in advance, a way to stay connected (For ex buying an Esim before departure like this one I got from Holafly) and a safe cab service like Uber to take me to my accommodation. 

In the next few days I do start exploring public modes of transport and looking for travel mates to continue my adventures. 

Where to Stay in Taksim Square?

Now if you happen to be in Istanbul and are looking for an upbeat neighborhood with tons of crazy shopping, hostels, food and bars, then Taksim square is your place. 

Ofcourse, the “new” favorite of everyone seems to be Kadikoy but for a first time solo traveler to Istanbul, Taksim will do just fine. 

Point Hotel Taksim – Since the Havaist bus stop is right outside this hotel. It’s literally the easiest place to stay if you want to get to Istanbul airport from Taksim. However, thats’ not the only reason I recommend it.

The hotel is fancy, affordable and has been reviewed over 2000 times. You can click here to read reviews and book your stay at Point hotel. 

Wabi Sabi Hostel – Well as I mentioned above, I was staying at the Wabi Sabi hostel. It was a cool place with a rooftop bar that hosted comedy nights and live events.

Plus, a great way to meet people easily and stay on a budget – especially if you are traveling solo. Wabi Sabi has smiling and helpful staff and is one of the most popular award-winning hostels in Turkey. Check it out now. 

Magnova Vitality boutique hotel – I love boutique hotel stays. So, I always add a boutique hotel option in my hotel recommendations.

This place looks like it’s been designed by an artist and is in close proximity to all major attractions like Galata tower, Spice bazaar etc. Tastefully done rooms and a high rating on hotel booking sites, give this hotel a big thumbs up from my side. 

FAQ’s

So if you want to go to Ist airport by bus and want to stay close to Taksim square, these are your best bets. Enjoy! 

• Author
• Recent Posts

Jo

Jo has been putting pen to paper from an early age when she started her "Dear Diary" and letters to her pen friends across the globe.
This alongside regular visits to Indian jungles in search of the Royal Bengal Tiger, fueled her zest for adventure, nature and wildlife.
Now she is a renowned travel blogger, outreach expert and has worked with over 500 travel brands in the last 15 years.

Latest posts by Jo (see all)

• From Dollars to Digital: Which Airlines Accept Cryptocurrency? - April 16, 2024
• Seamless Connectivity – Choosing the Best eSIM for Thailand Travel - April 15, 2024
• Lodhi Art District – Showcasing Best of Delhi’s Street Art - April 13, 2024