Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
GETTING TO İSTANBUL
As it's the national capital in all but name, getting to İstanbul is easy. There are two inter-
national airports and two otogars (bus stations) from which international services arrive
and depart. At the time of research international rail connections were few and far between,
but this situation may change when upgrades to rail lines throughout the country are com-
pleted.
Flights, tours and rail tickets can be booked at www.lonelyplanet.com/bookings .
Atatürk International Airport
The city's main airport, Atatürk International Airport (IST, Atatürk Havalımanı; 212-463
3000; www.ataturkairport.com ) , is in Yeşilköy, 23km west of Sultanahmet. The international
terminal (Dış Hatlar) is polished and organised. Close by, the domestic terminal (İç Hatlar)
is smaller but no less efficient.
There are car-hire desks, exchange offices, stands of mobile-phone companies, a 24-hour
pharmacy, ATMs and a PTT (post office) at the international arrivals area. There is also a
Tourist Information Desk ( 212-465 3451; International Arrivals Hall, Atatürk International Air-
port; 9am-10pm ) supplying maps, advice and brochures. A 24-hour supermarket is located
on the walkway to the metro. The 24-hour left-luggage service ( 212-465 3442; 24hr)
charges 18 to 25 per suitcase per 24 hours; you'll find the booth to your right as you exit
customs.
One of the few annoying things about Atatürk airport is that travellers must pay to use a
trolley on either side of immigration. You can pay in lira ( 1) or euros (€1), which you get
back when you return the trolley.
Taxi
A taxi from the airport costs around 40 to Sultanahmet, 50 to Taksim Meydanı (Taksim
Square) and 70 to Kadıköy.
Metro & Tram
There's an efficient metro service from the airport to Zeytinburnu, from where it's easy to
connect with the tram to Sultanahmet, Eminönü and Kabataş. From Kabataş, there's a fu-
nicular to Taksim Meydanı.
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