How to Get from Istanbul Airport (IST) to Beşiktaş: Bus, Metro, Taxi & Transfers
You can find the details for duration and cost of ist airport transfer to Besiktas and it's hotels
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Landing at Istanbul International Airport (IST) and heading to Beşiktaş? You have several transport options, from budget-friendly public transport to fast, door-to-door private transfers.
Beşiktaş is located about 45 km from Istanbul Airport, and the journey typically takes 40 to 90 minutes depending on traffic and the transport method you choose. Options include IETT buses, metro connections, Havaist airport shuttles, taxis, and private airport transfers.
Below, you’ll find a clear comparison of each option, including travel time, cost, and who each option is best for—so you can choose the smartest way to get from IST to Beşiktaş without stress.
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Istanbul Airport (IST) to Beşiktaş: Distance & Travel Time
The distance from Istanbul International Airport (IST) to Beşiktaş is approximately 45 kilometers. Travel time depends heavily on traffic and the transport option you choose.
On average:
• Taxi or private transfer: 40–60 minutes
• Metro (with transfers): 80–90 minutes
• Havaist shuttle: 75–90 minutes
• Public bus (IETT): up to 180 minutes
During rush hours (07:30–10:00 and 16:30–19:30), travel times can increase significantly, especially for taxis and buses.
Istanbul Airport to Besiktas By Bus
Purchasing an Istanbulkart for public transportation in Istanbul will reduce the cost of your trip to 60TL (2 Euros). Without an Istanbulkart, the fare will be 120TL (4 Euros) when using double-pass cards.
Istanbulkart Explained (Where to Buy, Cost, When You Need It)
Istanbulkart is the official public transportation card used on buses, metro, tram, and ferries.
Where to buy
• Airport metro stations
• Ticket machines inside the terminal
• Authorized kiosks
Cost
• Card fee: approximately 70 TL
• Pay-as-you-go balance (top-up as needed)
When you need it
• Required for metro, buses, and trams
• Not needed for taxis, Havaist, or private transfers
Using Istanbulkart reduces fares and avoids buying single-use cards for each transfer.
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Istanbul Airport to Besiktas By Metro
If you want to use Public transportation to reach Besiktas district, the Metro and Havaist would be better than Bus for sure.
To travel by metro, take the M11 line from Istanbul Airport to Kagithane station, then transfer to the M7 line to reach Yildiz station, followed by a short walk or bus to your final destination.
As you can see in the image below, it takes around 90 minutes from Istanbul airport to Besiktas by Metro and will cost 35 TL or around 1 euro if you use the Istanbulkart ( Istanbul public transportation card), otherwise, you need a three-pass card and will cost you 3 Euros.
Lets Explore the Besiktas IST transportation options step-by-step
To get from Istanbul Airport (IST) to Beşiktaş via metro you can:
Step 1: Take the M11 Metro Line (Istanbul Airport Metro)
- Direction: Take the M11 metro line from Istanbul Airport.
- Transfer Point: Get off at Kağıthane Station (M11 line’s connection to other metro lines).
Step 2: Transfer to the M7 Metro Line
- Direction: At Kağıthane Station, switch to the M7 metro line (Mecidiyeköy – Mahmutbey).
- Destination: Take the M7 line towards Mecidiyeköy and get off at the Mecidiyeköy Station.
Step 3: Take a Taxi or Bus to Beşiktaş
- The metro does not directly connect to Beşiktaş, so you can:
- Taxi: Take a short taxi ride from Mecidiyeköy to Beşiktaş.
- Bus/Minibus: Use a bus or dolmuş (minibus) heading to Beşiktaş from Mecidiyeköy. Look for buses with "Beşiktaş" on the route.
An other option that can take you to Besiktas from Istanbul airport is to use Direct Metro Connection to Gayrettepe:
Step 1: Take the M11 Metro Line:
- From Istanbul Airport Metro Station, board the M11 Metro (direction: Kağıthane – Gayrettepe).
Step 2: Arrive at Gayrettepe:
- Stay on the M11 metro and get off at the Gayrettepe Station.
- Gayrettepe is currently the main connection point for reaching central areas like Beşiktaş and Levent.
Step 3: Take the M2 Metro Line (Yenikapı - Hacıosman)
- From Gayrettepe Station, board the M2 Metro Line in the direction of Yenikapı.
Step 4: Get off at the next station:
- Beşiktaş Station is just one stop away from Gayrettepe on the M2 line.
This is the fastest option, taking approximately 5 minutes.
Additional Notes:
- Duration: The journey by M11 metro from Istanbul Airport to Gayrettepe takes approximately 30–35 minutes.
- Cost: You'll need an Istanbulkart to use the metro. Make sure to top it up before boarding.
- Connections: From Gayrettepe, you can access other parts of Istanbul, including Beşiktaş, via a short taxi ride or bus.
Alternate Option: Havaist Shuttle
If you'd prefer a direct bus:
- Take the Havaist shuttle bus from Istanbul Airport to Beşiktaş. This is a convenient, direct option, but it may take longer due to traffic.
Istanbul Airport to Besiktas By Havaist
A convenient public transport option to get to Besiktas from Istanbul Airport is the Havaist bus service. You can find Havaist Buses on the -2 Floor outside the arrival hall. As you can see in the image below, it takes around 80 minutes to reach Besiktas and it costs you 114TL ( 4 Euros ).
Traveling from Istanbul Airport to Besiktas by Taxi
It takes around 50 minutes to reach Besiktas from Istanbul Airport. You can see the taxi fares from Istanbul Airport to Besiktas for different kinds of taxis.
Istanbul Airport Transfer to Besiktas By Airport Transfer
For a hassle-free experience, consider booking a Istanbul transfer from Istanbul Airport to Besiktas. Learn more about the available options provided by Rento Turkey airport transfer company.
Airport Transfer Duration:
From Istanbul New Airport (IST): It takes around one hour from/to Istanbul New Airport to the Besiktas district. You won't normally be stuck in Istanbul traffic if you have your hotel in this district.
Airport Transfer Cost:
Transfer cost for Besiktas via private Istanbul airport transfers could be something between 30 and 40 euros.
Best Option by Traveler Type
Solo travelers on a budget
The metro or Havaist shuttle offers the best balance between cost and reliability.
Families or groups with luggage
A private airport transfer or large-capacity taxi is the most practical option, avoiding multiple transfers and stairs.
Late-night or early-morning arrivals
Taxi or private transfer is the safest and most reliable choice, as public transport has limited overnight availability.
Travelers with heavy luggage
Private transfers or taxis are strongly recommended. Public transport requires walking, stairs, and vehicle changes.
Business travelers or tight schedules
Istanbul Private airport transfer ensures fixed pricing, no waiting, and predictable travel time.
Common Mistakes When Traveling from IST to Beşiktaş
Assuming taxis have fixed prices: Airport taxis are metered. Traffic and route choice can significantly increase the fare.
Not checking metro connections: The metro does not go directly to Beşiktaş. You must transfer and use a taxi or bus for the final leg.
Traveling without an Istanbulkart: Without an Istanbulkart, public transport fares are higher and less convenient.
Underestimating peak-hour traffic: Road travel during rush hours can double your journey time.
Choosing the cheapest option with heavy luggage: Public transport is not luggage-friendly and can quickly become exhausting.
