Navigating Istanbul: Best Routes to Sultanahmet from Turkish Airports

Introduction

Istanbul, a city rich in history and culture, offers numerous transportation options for tourists visiting the city. Whether you arrive at Ataturk Airport, the now-defunct Ataturk Airport for passenger flights (which you may be referring to Istanbul Airport or Sabiha G?k?en), or Istanbul Airport, getting to popular destinations like Sultanahmet can be a straightforward process. Here are the best routes to help you navigate from major airports to Sultanahmet:

Route from Ataturk Airport to Sultanahmet

Currently, Ataturk Airport no longer exists for passenger flights. You might be referring to either Istanbul Airport or the smaller Sabiha G?k?en airport on the Asian side of the city. From these airports, the most convenient way to reach Sultanahmet is by taking the Havata bus service.

The Havata Airport Shuttle Bus departs every 30 minutes from the airport and costs 8 TL. The journey takes around 45 minutes and terminates at Sultanahmet. Alternately, you can use a taxi, which typically takes 25-30 minutes and costs 40-50 TL.

Route from Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet

From Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet, follow these detailed steps:

Step 1: Take the Metro Line U to the last station Kagthane. Step 2: Walk 300 meters outside the station to reach Metro Line 7 (M7). Step 3: Ride M7 to Moda Mecidiyek?y Station. Step 4: Switch to M2 and ride to Taksim Square. Step 5: For Sultanahmet Square, take the Funicular (F1) from Taksim to Kabata?. Step 6: Continue by taking the T1 Tram line to Sultanahmet Square.

Alternative Route via Metro and Subways

An alternative route, especially for those starting from Taksim Square, involves:

Step 1: Take the F1 Funicular from Taksim to Kabata?. Step 2: Switch to the T1 Tram line to reach Sultanahmet Square.

Direct Route from Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet Square

From Istanbul Airport, another straightforward route is:

Step 1: Go to the -1 floor where the shuttle buses are located. Step 2: Find the No. 12 Havaist Company Bus stop and board it. Step 3: Pay about 3 TL. Step 4: Get off at the final stop in Beyaz?t. Step 5: You will be a few hundred meters from the Grand Bazaar and Sultanahmet Square.

This route avoids the bustling areas of Istiklal Caddesi and Galata Tower, making it a more efficient choice for time management.

Conclusion

With these detailed routes, traveling from major Istanbul airports to Sultanahmet is a straight and pleasant journey. Whether you choose the Havata bus, the metro lines, or the direct shuttle buses, you can seamlessly reach the heart of this historic and vibrant city.