How to get from Istanbul Airport (IST) to Fatih 2025? Taxi, Havaist Bus & Metro Options
After your flight lands at Istanbul Airport (IST), the next step is getting to Fatih. Here’s a breakdown of all transportation options — taxi, metro, Havaist bus, or private transfer — so you can choose what fits your budget and time.
Istanbul Airport To Fatih Transportation
Contents
Just landed at Istanbul Airport (IST) and heading to Fatih — the historic heart of the city? Whether you prefer a fast taxi, the budget-friendly Havaist bus, or the metro, this guide covers all your options with real prices, travel times, and insider tips. Read on to pick the best Istanbul Airport transfer for your needs — and avoid tourist traps.
Need a direct ride? Book your private Istanbul Airport transfer to Fatih now from just €35!
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After your flight lands at Istanbul Airport (IST), the next step is to find the best IST airport transfer option to reach your destination. Here you can find details for each one and then select the most suitable option for your journey.
Transportation Options to Fatih
There are several ways to get from Istanbul Airport to Fatih, each with varying costs and travel times. Below, we outline the options and provide a summary in the chart for quick reference.
Istanbul Airport to Fatih by IETT BUS
Using the IETT city bus is the most economical option. There are several bus lines (e.g., H1, H2, H3, H6, H8), but most require a transfer to reach Fatih. The cost is approximately 1.5 Euros per person with an Istanbul Card. However, the journey can take up to 2 hours and is not recommended for those with heavy luggage or limited time.
Havaist Bus to Fatih — Budget-Friendly and Comfortable
- Route: Havaist Line HVIST-12 (IST to Aksaray/Fatih area)
- Ticket Price (2025): 85 TL per person
- Travel Time: 70–90 minutes depending on traffic
- Where to Board: Havaist stop outside the arrivals hall
- Ticket Purchase: Pay via Istanbulkart or Havaist App
- (Insider tip: No big luggage fees — great for budget travelers.)
Istanbul Airport to Fatih by Metro
The Istanbul Airport to Fatih Metro route involves multiple transfers: the M11 line to Kağıthane, the M7 line to Şişli, and the M2 line to Yenikapı. From Yenikapı, you may need a tram or bus to your specific destination. This option takes approximately 2 hours and costs around 1.5 Euros per person with an Istanbul Card.
Metro from Istanbul Airport to Fatih — Cheapest Option
- Lines Needed: M11 Airport Line → Change at Gayrettepe → M2 Metro to Vezneciler/Fatih
- Cost: 15–30 TL (Istanbulkart required)
- Travel Time: Approx. 80 mins
- Best for: Solo or light travelers avoiding traffic jams.
Istanbul Airport to Fatih by Havaist
The Havaist bus Istanbul Airport to Fatih is a more direct and comfortable public transportation option. The Havaist 12 line runs between Istanbul Airport and Aksaray in Fatih, with a journey time of about 90 minutes. The cost is 5 Euros per person. However, you may need to transfer to another form of transport depending on your final destination in Fatih.
Istanbul Airport to Fatih by Taxi
A taxi from Istanbul Airport to Fatih is a convenient option, especially for groups or those with heavy luggage. The Istanbul Airport to Fatih taxi fare varies by taxi type:
- Yellow Taxi: Approximately 20 Euros
- Turquoise Taxi: Approximately 24 Euros
- Black Taxi: Approximately 35 Euros
The journey takes about 40–60 minutes, depending on traffic. However, taxis are not always reliable, and prices are not fixed, so a private Istanbul airport transfer might be a better choice for peace of mind.
Istanbul Airport to Fatih by Airport Transfer
Using a private IST airport transfer is the most comfortable and stress-free option. The journey takes about 40 minutes, and the cost is 35 Euros for a minivan accommodating up to six people. If your destination is Sultanahmet, ensure you account for traffic when scheduling your pick-up time.
Private Transfer to Fatih — Door-to-Door Convenience
- Price: Starting at €35 for a private car (up to 4 passengers)
- Travel Time: 40–60 minutes
- Benefits: Fixed price, English-speaking driver, meet & greet service
- Book Instantly: Get a Private Transfer Quote Now
Contact us now via WhatsApp: +90 543 615 2061 for easy booking
Additional Information
If you're heading to Sultanahmet, a taxi from Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet costs between 20–35 Euros based on taxi type. The Istanbul Airport to Blue Mosque taxi fare is similar, as the Blue Mosque is located in Sultanahmet. For budget-conscious travelers, the metro and Havaist bus are economical alternatives.
For travelers asking how to get from Istanbul Airport to Fatih, the distance is approximately 42 km. The fastest options are by taxi or private airport transfer. Public transportation like the metro or Havaist bus provides affordable alternatives, albeit with longer travel times.
If you're departing from Fatih to Istanbul Airport, the same options are available. A private Istanbul transfer ensures a timely and comfortable journey, especially during peak hours when traffic in Sultanahmet and Fatih can be heavy.
In the chart below, you’ll find a concise summary of all transportation options. For more detailed information, refer to the sections that follow.
Quick Comparison Table - 2025 Prices Updated
Istanbul Airport to Fatih by Bus (IETT)
The city bus (IETT) is the cheapest but also the most time-consuming way to reach Fatih. Several lines (H1, H2, H3, H6, H8) connect the airport to the city, but you’ll need at least one transfer to get to Fatih.
- Cost: ~₺45 with Istanbulkart (~€1.5 per person)
- Travel Time: ~2 hours
- Downside: Not direct, limited departures, and inconvenient if carrying luggage
Unless you’re on a very tight budget, the metro or Havaist bus is a much better choice.
To get more information about Metro you can check the next part.
If a private airport shuttle suits your preferences, explore further and reserve your Istanbul Airport Transfer.
Istanbul Airport to Fatih by Metro (Cheapest but Longest)
The metro is the lowest-cost way to reach Fatih, but it requires 3 transfers: M11 → M7 → M2, ending at Yenikapı. From there, you may need a tram or bus depending on your exact destination.
- Cost: ~110 TL (€4) with single/double-pass tickets, or just €1.5 per trip with an Istanbulkart
- Duration: Around 2 hours
- Downside: Multiple line changes, luggage hassle, tiring after a long flight
Tip: Good for solo travelers with light bags. For families or groups, Havaist or a private transfer is far more practical.
If you're considering a private airport shuttle, explore further details and book your Istanbul Airport Transfer.
Istanbul Airport to Fatih by Havaist Bus (Best Public Transport Option)
If you prefer public transport, Havaist shuttles are the most practical choice. They’re modern, comfortable, and go directly to key city points.
- Route: Take Havaist-12 from Istanbul Airport (pick-up at -2 floor, Column 12)
- Cost: 139 TL (~€5 per person)
- Duration: ~90 minutes to Aksaray (Fatih’s main stop). Depending on your final address, total travel time may reach 2 hours.
- Frequency: Every 30 minutes
Tip: Great balance of price and comfort compared to metro or IETT buses.
Istanbul Airport to Fatih by Taxi
How much does it cost from Istanbul to Fatih by Taxi and how long does it take?
There are 3 different taxis in Istanbul, here we brought the price for each to Fatih. Also, it takes around one hour from the IST airport to Fatih, but depending on the time it could be more, especially when your destination is in Sultanahmet. The prices in the chart accounted for the center of Fatih district by 42 KM. so it could be more for different spots in the district.
But there is a big problem with taxis, Maybe not for all of them but for most of them that they are not reliable and the price is not Fixed price.
To avoid any hassles with taxis unexpected fees or hidden costs from other transportation options, consider opting for a private airport transfer.
Istanbul Airport to Fatih by Private Transfer
Duration: Around 1 hour from Istanbul Airport (IST) to Fatih or Sultanahmet. For return trips, allow extra time—especially in the evening, when traffic can be heavy. We recommend leaving your hotel at least 4.5 hours before your flight to ensure a stress-free journey.
Cost: Private transfers range between €30–€40 for a comfortable minivan (1–6 passengers). Prices vary by company, but you can expect fixed rates, professional drivers, and door-to-door service.
Book your hassle-free airport transfer now – fixed price, no surprises, 24/7 availability.
Join over 15,000 satisfied travelers who have chosen Istanbul airport transfer service with Rento Transfer since 2010. Discover Istanbul your way—luxury, convenience, and professionalism guaranteed.
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Transfer From Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet
One of the most popular regions in the Fatih district that attracts lots of tourists each year is Sultanahmet Area. There are lots of good hotels in this area that have the best location for tourists who want to be close to Blue Mosque, Aya Sophia, and Grand Bazar. If you need a private Istanbul transfer or VIP shuttle you can reserve it on our website. it will cost 35 Euro for a private minivan with a capacity of 1 to 6 people. so if you are 3 people it will cost you like 11 euros per person or if you are 6 people it will cost you just 6 euros that would be same as public transportation. Just be aware in the daytime there is lots of traffic in this area because of the narrow streets, so you must be careful about your pick-up time for departure to the airport.
in the photo you can see the price for a private shuttle from Istanbul airport to Sultanahmet, Also you can have a luxury private minivan for a group of 1 to 4 people by 75 Euro.
Transfer From Istanbul Airport to Aksaray
There is another famous area in the Fatih district by the name of Aksaray. There are lots of hotels in this area and most of them are economical hotels with a lower price compared with hotels in Sultanahmet. So if you want to be close to Sultanahmet but have a hotel with a better price, or you want to be close to Grand Bazar or Laleli area you can book a hotel in this area. You can book your Istanbul airport transfer from Istanbul Airport to Aksaray on Rento airport transfer website and it costs 35 Euro for a private minivan with 1 to 6 people capacity.
Conclusion
Traveling from Istanbul Airport to Fatih offers a variety of transportation options to suit every budget and preference. Whether you choose the affordability of the metro or Havaist bus or the convenience of a private Istanbul airport transfer or taxi, each method has its own advantages.
For those visiting iconic landmarks like the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace, the Sultanahmet area provides an excellent base. Consider your group size, budget, and time when selecting the best transportation option. If you value convenience and reliability, a private IST airport transfer is the top choice for a seamless journey.
Compare your options above, but for the fastest & safest choice, book your private transfer from Istanbul Airport to Fatih now.
E-Mail: reservation@rentotransfer.com
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