Layover In Istanbul, Ataturk Airport

Stuck on an Istanbul layover at The İstanbul International Ataturk Airport in Turkey? The airport offers a lot for those stuck on a long layover, both inside and outside the airport. If you’re trying to figure out if you are able to leave the airport on your Istanbul layover, click here for useful tips.

The Istanbul airport offers “Primeclass” CIP Service, regardless of airline or flight class, for all passengers that may need help in the airport. Click here to find out more. The airport also offers kid’s play rooms, hairdressers, photography service, shoeshiners, food and beverages, news stands, grocery, florist and medical services. You can find out more information here.

There’s a hotel inside the Istanbul airport for weary travelers. The International Airport Hotel of 85 rooms, which offers hourly accommodation. All rooms come with with TVs that show flight details, music system, 24 hour room service, internet access and minibar. For an additional list of hotels near the airport of varying price points, click here.

Getting to and from the airport into Istanbul is relatively easy, as the city center is not far (roughly 15 miles, depending on where you’re going) and you can get there by:

Car Hire: Companies include Airport VIP, Alamo, Avias, Avis, Budget, Hertz, National Car, Sixt and Ülger. You can find more information at counters at the International Terminal (Arrivals) just past baggage claim.

Rail: You can get on the rail from the airport in the Esenler Terminal. You can find a map and more information on the rail system here.

Bus: Havas operates airport shuttle buses to central Istanbul (Taksim Square) and to the bus terminal on demand (trip time is roughly 30 minutes). Here’s the Havas schedule from Ataturk

Taxis: Taxis or shared taxis, known as dolmus, are available outside the terminals.

Layover Guide’s Suggestions Of Things To Do On An Istanbul, Turkey Layover:

The Blue Mosque
One of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks, this mosque got its name from the color of the tiles inside. The Blue Mosque, with many domes and minarets, was built in order to compete with the Hagia Sophia, just across the street.

Galata Tower
Built in 500 A.D., Galata Tower is one of the recognizable landmarks of Istanbul and offers great panoramic views of the city. Originally named the Tower of Christ, it was used as a watchtower but now is a restaurant/club and lookout balcony.

Grand Bazaar
This is the place to come to shop! At what is said to be over 4,000 shops, bargaining is standard practice here, in the largest covered market in Turkey. You can buy anything from pottery and spices to leather.

Turkish Baths
The Turkish Baths offer it all – soaking, steaming, and tons of different types of massages. You can find listings of the best baths in Turkey here.

Topkapi Palace
This palace is a “historic area of Istanbul” and was the residents of the Ottoman Sultans from 1465 to 1853. Click here for museum’s contact and visiting information.

For dinner, cultural shows and belly dancing, check out this restaurant.

Have a suggestion for an Istanbul layover? Leave a comment below!

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