After a long flight, the last thing you want to do is fumble with your suitcase in the dark while trying to find your way to a taxi. So here are four things that will make your arrival at Istanbul’s Atatürk Airport after midnight a lot easier.
1. Look for the Istanbul airport taxi booth
If you haven’t made a reservation in advance, Istanbul’s airport offers official Istanbul airport taxi services. It is located in the passenger terminal building – look for signs that say “Havaş” (the Turkish word for ‘airport shuttle’) or “Official Transport to and from Istanbul airports.” It should be right across from you when you walk out of the terminal building as you’re exiting customs.
2. Grab your luggage
At Istanbul’s Atatürk Airport, all taxis are metered, but if there are five or more passengers in the vehicle, only flat rates to specific destinations will apply; otherwise, all fares are calculated using the meter. Since this is Turkey, tipping is not recommended.
3. Pay the Istanbul airport taxi driver
If your destination is in Istanbul, you’ll be given a voucher to pay for the Istanbul airport taxi ride at one of several Istanbul airport taxi booths near the baggage claim area on the way out. If it’s not Istanbul, or if you’ve opted for a flat rate fare, you can pay your Istanbul airport taxi driver directly after exiting the vehicle – make sure they put all of your luggage in the trunk first.
4. Head outside
Istanbul’s Atatürk Airport has experienced some significant traffic congestion over the past few years, especially during peak hours like late night arrival and early morning departures (that’s evening and late-night for most people). The easiest way to avoid Istanbul airport taxi traffic is to come outside after midnight. Istanbul’s Atatürk Airport parking areas are not located that close to the passenger terminal building, so it might be a good idea to head out to the Istanbul airport taxi stand just in case there are Istanbul airport taxis available – your Istanbul airport taxi should still be waiting for you even if it takes an hour or two (there may be some Istanbul international flights departing late at night).
Suppose you’re arriving early in the morning and wish to grab an Istanbul city bus instead of taking an Istanbul airport taxi home (after possibly enduring a long check-in line and Istanbul security). In that case, they do stop at Istanbul’s Atatürk Airport. The easiest way to find them is by heading down towards the Istanbul airport taxi stand or Istanbul international arrival area. Istanbul bus public transportation runs 24/7, so you should be good at any time of the day.
And there you have it – Istanbul Airport Taxi Istanbul flat rates are available for destinations in Istanbul Province only. If this is your first visit to Turkey, make sure to check out the Istanbul weather page, which offers monthly averages along with other weather information, including the current Istanbul weather—enjoying Istanbul?