Panoramic view of Istanbul from Galata Tower

Plan your visit / Istanbul travel guide

ARRIVE WITH CONFIDENCE

Istanbul airports, transport & city experience

A practical guide for international teams—from landing at IST or SAW to moving around the city and joining the optional post-event tour.

Compare airports Transport options Essential apps City experience

BEFORE YOU BOOK

Send your flight details to your representative

The event venue, partner hotel and transfer plan will be confirmed separately. Before purchasing a non-changeable transfer, share your airport, flight number, arrival time and passenger count with your official representative.

Two international gateways

Choose the route that fits your arrival

Always check the airport code on your ticket: IST and SAW are on opposite sides of Istanbul.

IST

EUROPEAN SIDE

Istanbul Airport

Arnavutköy

Istanbul’s main global hub is northwest of the city. It is usually the more direct arrival point for hotels and venues on the European side.

M11 metroRail connection toward Gayrettepe and interchange points. Best when travelling light and avoiding road traffic.

Havaist airport shuttleCoach routes serve major districts. Check the live stop list and timetable before leaving the terminal.

Official taxi or arranged transferUse the signed taxi rank or a transfer confirmed by your delegation. Road time varies significantly with traffic.

Plan roughly 60–90 minutes to central hotelsOfficial airport site ↗

Entrance of Sabiha Gökçen International Airport

SAW

ASIAN SIDE

Sabiha Gökçen Airport

Pendik

Located on Istanbul’s Asian side, SAW is convenient for Kadıköy and Asian-side stays. Reaching European-side hotels can take longer at busy hours.

M4 metroDirect rail access toward Kadıköy with connections to Marmaray, ferries and the wider metro network.

Havabus shuttleDirect coach services connect the airport with Kadıköy and Taksim. Use the official schedule for current departure times.

Official taxi or arranged transferA practical choice for families and groups with luggage; allow extra time when crossing to the European side.

Plan roughly 70–120 minutes to European-side hotelsOfficial airport site ↗

Airport photographs: Kallerna (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Jose Mario Pires / Stegop (CC BY-SA 3.0), via Wikimedia Commons.

Terminal to hotel

Four reliable ways into the city

Choose by luggage, group size, arrival time and the location of your hotel—not only by price.

⌁

Metro & rail

Most predictable during heavy traffic. You may need one or more transfers, so it works best with manageable luggage.

Pay with İstanbulkart or another currently accepted method shown at the station.

▰

Airport shuttle

Havaist and Havabus connect airports with major hubs. Confirm your closest stop and the last connection to your hotel.

Schedules, stops and payment methods can change; check the operator on your travel day.

◆

Licensed taxi

Use the official airport taxi line or request a licensed taxi through an established app. Confirm the plate and keep the meter running.

Do not accept informal ride offers inside the arrivals hall.

◎

Group transfer

Often the simplest option for delegations arriving together with equipment or multiple suitcases.

Only use the pickup instructions confirmed by your representative or the event team.

TAXISafe arrival checklist

Join the signed official queue or book through the app.
Check the vehicle plate before entering.
Show the hotel name and full address in writing.
Follow the route on your phone and request a receipt.
Tolls and bridge charges may be added where applicable.

Download before departure

Useful transport apps

Keep mobile data active after landing. A physical İstanbulkart remains a useful backup for public transport.

İK

İstanbulkart Mobil

Manage supported transport payments, QR travel and card balance features.

↗ M

Metro İstanbul

Network maps, line information and live service notices.

↗ G

Google Maps / Moovit

Door-to-door directions across metro, tram, bus, ferry and walking routes.

↗ Bi

BiTaksi

Request a licensed taxi, see driver details and share your trip.

↗ U

Uber

In Istanbul, the app connects passengers with available licensed taxi options.

↗ H

Havaist / Havabus

Check current airport-shuttle stops, schedules and service notices.

↗

EUROPE + ASIA

One city, many layers

Istanbul brings historic districts, waterfront life, universities, museums, technology spaces and two continents into one extraordinary urban experience.

OPTIONAL · DAY AFTER THE CLOSING CEREMONY

Science, culture & Istanbul city tour

Participants may request an additional one-day city experience combining a science or technology visit, a hosted lunch and guided sightseeing. The final route will be designed around opening hours, group size and traffic conditions.

Delegation pickup

Departure from the announced meeting point or partner hotel.

Science & innovation stop

A museum, technology venue or educational visit selected for the confirmed program.

Hosted lunch

One lunch meal is included in the optional tour package.

City discovery

Guided sightseeing and panoramic stops introducing Istanbul’s history, culture and waterfront.

Return transfer

Group return to the announced central drop-off point.

1RequestTell your representative how many people may join.

2Minimum groupThe organizers review demand and supplier availability.

3ConfirmationPrice, payment, route and pickup details are shared officially.

LIVE INFORMATION

Check again before you travel

Transport routes, fares and timetables may change. This guide was reviewed in September 2026; always confirm live information with the operator on your travel day.

Metro İstanbul ↗Havaist ↗Havabus ↗Back to visit hub