Getting there and around
Airport
Istanbul's Atatürk Airport is Turkey's largest and busiest. Any number of popular regular services from the Middle East, the USA, Australia and Europe land here. In 2001 another airport, Sabiha Gokçen International Airport, opened at Kurtköy on the Asian side of the city, though most flights still arrive and depart from Atatürk.
Atatürk Airport is 23km (14mi) west of Sultanahmet. A taxi into the city centre is the quickest option; it takes around half an hour. Another option is to take an airport bus or the metro.
Istanbul's Atatürk Airport is Turkey's largest and busiest. Any number of popular regular services from the Middle East, the USA, Australia and Europe land here. In 2001 another airport, Sabiha Gokçen International Airport, opened at Kurtköy on the Asian side of the city, though most flights still arrive and depart from Atatürk.
Atatürk Airport is 23km (14mi) west of Sultanahmet. A taxi into the city centre is the quickest option; it takes around half an hour. Another option is to take an airport bus or the metro.
Public transport
Istanbul has a decent public transport network. Walking is the best way to see Istanbul - though the ferries rate a close second.
The main bus station, the International Istanbul Bus Station, or more simply, the 'otogar', is 10km (6mi) west of Sultanahmet at Esenler. Both city and private buses run services in Istanbul. The suburban trains are reliable and inexpensive, running from Sirkeci station. There are several tramlines to choose from if you want a ride with a view. Istanbul has a large fleet of yellow taxis, but a cheaper way of getting around the streets is to hire a dolmus, a shared taxi or minibus. Ferries and catamarans can take you along the Golden Horn or up the Bosphorus. Two lines of Istanbul's Metro system are in operation. The most useful for foreign visitors is the light-rail line connecting Atatürk Airport and Aksaray Square.
Istanbul has a decent public transport network. Walking is the best way to see Istanbul - though the ferries rate a close second.
The main bus station, the International Istanbul Bus Station, or more simply, the 'otogar', is 10km (6mi) west of Sultanahmet at Esenler. Both city and private buses run services in Istanbul. The suburban trains are reliable and inexpensive, running from Sirkeci station. There are several tramlines to choose from if you want a ride with a view. Istanbul has a large fleet of yellow taxis, but a cheaper way of getting around the streets is to hire a dolmus, a shared taxi or minibus. Ferries and catamarans can take you along the Golden Horn or up the Bosphorus. Two lines of Istanbul's Metro system are in operation. The most useful for foreign visitors is the light-rail line connecting Atatürk Airport and Aksaray Square.