Havaist Shuttle Buses
When you land at Istanbul Airport, one of your first questions will be: “How do I get to the city center?” While taxis and private transfers are available, they can be pricey and subject to traffic variations. The smarter choice is Havaist shuttle buses—the official airport coaches that run 24/7.
Havaist is the most reliable, affordable, and comfortable way to travel from Istanbul Airport to central locations like Taksim and Sultanahmet.
✨ Why Choose Havaist?
- Reliable & Frequent: Departures every 30–60 minutes, even at night.
- Affordable: Only €3.50–€7.50 per ride (depending on route).
- Comfortable: Spacious seats, Wi-Fi, luggage storage, USB charging.
- Direct Routes: Get straight to Taksim, Sultanahmet, Kadıköy, and more.
- Cashless Payments: Pay by card or via the Havaist app.
Better Option: Compared to taxis (€30-40) or private transfers, Havaist offers a fixed, budget-friendly fare with no hidden surprises.
🛣️ Main Routes & Travel Times
Here are the most popular Havaist bus lines for tourists from Istanbul Airport:
| Route | Line Code | Est. Time | Fare (EUR) | Key Stops | Final Destination Details | Distance |
| Istanbul Airport → Sultanahmet | HVİST-11 | 90 min | €5.60 | Eminönü İskele, Nurtepe Viyadük | İspark Dalbastı Parking Lot - Across from Sultanahmet Park | 50 km |
| Istanbul Airport → Taksim | HVL-9 | 90 min | €7.25 | Beşiktaş, Zincirlikuyu, 4.Levent | The Havaist stop in front of Point Hotel at Taksim Square | 48 km |
| Istanbul Airport → Kadıköy | HVL-6 | 120 min | €7.95 | Acıbadem Metro, Yenisahra, Tepeüstü | İETT platforms near Haydarpaşa, İstanbul Airport bus stops | 75 km |
| Istanbul Airport → Sabiha Gökçen Airport | HVİST-13 | 120 min | €6.35 | Direct route | İETT platforms located in the arrivals area of Sabiha Gökçen Airport | 85 km |
| Istanbul Airport → Aksaray Metro | HVL-1 | 90 min | €7.25 | Ulubatlı, Ayvansaray, Nurtepe | Aksaray Metro Station (Located in Aksaray Square) | 53 km |
| Istanbul Airport → Beylikdüzü | HVL-2 | 90 min | €7.15 | Tüyap, Büyükçekmece, Tepecik, Serbest Bölge | The Beylikdüzü İETT bus stop on the Büyükçekmece direction, in front of Marmara Park Shopping Center | 67 km |
🕑 Schedules at a Glance
- Daytime (05:00–00:00): Departures every 30 minutes.
- Nighttime (00:00–05:00): Departures every 45–60 minutes.
- Year-round Service: Runs 24/7, with extra buses in summer.
Tip: Always arrive at the bus stop 10–15 minutes early—buses can fill up quickly during peak travel hours.
🎟️ Ticket Prices & Payment Options
| Fare Type | Price in € | Details |
| Standard Ticket | €3.50–€7.50 | Based on distance/route |
| Children under 6 | Free | No separate seat |
| Students | Discounts available | With valid ID |
How to Pay:
- 💳 Credit/Debit Card: Contactless payment onboard
- 📱 Havaist App: Buy tickets in advance, scan QR code on bus
- ❌ No Cash: Only digital and card payments are accepted
🛋️ Onboard Amenities
- 📶 Free Wi-Fi to stay connected
- 💺 Comfortable seating with extra legroom
- 🎒 Ample luggage storage under the bus
- 🔌 USB charging ports for your devices
- 🌡️ Air conditioning & heating year-round
- ♿ Accessibility features for disabled passengers
Pro Traveler Tip: Grab a window seat for beautiful views of Istanbul’s skyline as you approach the city.
🚏 Where to Find the Buses
Havaist stops are clearly marked at the Arrival Terminal of Istanbul Airport. Look for large blue buses with the Havaist logo.
📌 Final Tips Before You Go
Use the Havaist App for real-time schedules.
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✅ Expect delays during rush hour (08:00–10:00 and 17:00–19:00).
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✅ If the bus is full, you’ll need to wait for the next one.
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✅ Keep valuables with you inside the bus.
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⌛ Travel Time: Typically 1 to 1.5 hours or more depending on traffic.
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💸 Cost: Approximately €3.50–€7.50 one way for many routes (e.g. airport → Taksim Square / Aksaray etc.).
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Destinations Covered: Taksim, Sultanahmet, Beşiktaş, Kadıköy, Levent, Üsküdar, and more.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I find the fares?
What payment methods are accepted?
- Major routes (Taksim, Aksaray, Bakırköy, etc.): Istanbulkart, credit/debit card, or online ticket. - Other routes (Sabiha Gökçen, Avcılar, Silivri, etc.): QR wallet balance, card, or cash.
Can I use a one-way ticket for both directions?
How does the QR/credit system work?
Is there a round-trip ticket discount?
Yes, only if purchased online via the website or app. Outbound valid for 3 days, return valid for 30 days. Refunds are not possible.
Where can I find bus stops?
Where are the airport bus stops located?
- Istanbul Airport: Departure from floor -2 (arrival platforms). - Sabiha Gökçen Airport: Next to Simit Sarayı, opposite the arrivals exit.
Where can I check departure times?
Can buses leave earlier or later than scheduled?
How much luggage can I bring?
Do I need to specify my drop-off stop for luggage?
I lost belongings on the bus. What should I do?
Can I travel with a pet?
Yes, small pets (cats, dogs, birds) with vaccination records are allowed if carried in a locked cage or on your lap.
Who can travel for free?
- Children aged 0–6 (lap seat, or regular seat if available). - Veterans and first-degree relatives of martyrs with a valid Free Transportation Card.
Are there discounts?
- Disabled passengers: 40% (with official ID, requires registration). - Retired passengers: 20% (requires uploading documents online).
What if the bus is full at my stop?
You can check real-time occupancy in the app/website. If needed, call +90 850 888 33 34 or WhatsApp +90 534 500 79 43.
