Your Complete Istanbul Airport Guide by Travel Code

Planning your layover, overnight sleepover or quickly passing through? Travel Code’s Istanbul Airport Guide provides comprehensive details to help make your visit smooth. Explore everything including airport lounges, Wi-Fi, mobile charging, locker storage, 24-hour dining options, airport hotels, and beyond.

"I discovered I had been robbed while napping in Area F. Guess I was an easy target due to my age and mobility limitations, especially as I visited the Rolex store earlier." – a traveller

Istanbul Airport (IST) Overview

Officially opened on April 6, 2019, Istanbul Airport replaced Istanbul Atatürk Airport (currently for cargo/private flights only). IST comprises one immense terminal with eight concourses (A-H), with over 150 eateries, many shopping outlets, and modern amenities.

Sleeping at Istanbul Airport

Istanbul Airport's airside terminals feature designated Nap Zones with semi-reclined seats, located near Gates A, B, C, E, F, G, and others. Visitors mention round sofas near Gate B9, B17, B18 and lounge chairs near Gates E1/E2, though comfort has been slightly reduced due to recent installations.

Officially, sleeping Landside is discouraged by security; to avoid disturbance, airside Nap Zones or hourly rental sleep pods are recommended. IST also offers convenient sleeping pod rentals and an on-site hotel for greater comfort. Check airport hotels below.

Reading visitor reviews might provide more insight. To help keep our guide up-to-date, consider submitting tips or photos via Travel Code.

Airport Hours & Facilities

IST is open 24 hours, featuring relaxation zones and various services such as lounges, showers, luggage lockers, charging points, and free unlimited Wi-Fi.

Istanbul Airport Hotels, Day Rooms & Sleep Pods

• Nearest Hotel: On-site within the airport.
• Sleep Cabins or Pods: Yes, hourly rentals.
• Day Rooms: Yes.
• Nearby Hotels with Shuttles: Selected hotels nearby provide paid transfer options.

On-site hotel options:

• IGA Sleepod: Hourly pods near Gate D. Hourly rate from 12 EUR.
• YOTEL Istanbul Landside: Located opposite Terminal Entrance Door 7. Check Rates.
• YOTEL Istanbul Airside: Secure zone day rooms available from minimum 4-hour stays. Check Rates.

Nearby hotel examples:

• Park Inn by Radisson (no shuttle, taxi recommended).
• Durusu Club Hotel (taxi recommended).
• Menalo Hotel Premium Istanbul Airport (paid shuttle available).

Tip: Flying Turkish Airlines on a layover (4–9 hours)? You might qualify for a complimentary sleep cabin. Check eligibility with your airline or through Travel Code’s corporate travel service.

Airport Lounges & Services

IST offers accessible lounges like the 24-hour IGA Lounges (international departures) and SkyTeam Lounge (currently closed), providing comfort amenities like showers and food. Airlines such as Turkish Airlines offer exclusive lounges for their premium passengers.

Food & Beverage, Water Stations, Charging & Wi-Fi

Over 150 food outlets deliver 24-hour service. Free drinking water refill stations located in each concourse, and convenient mobile device charging points found at gates. The airport provides free unlimited Wi-Fi via "IGA FREE Wi-Fi".

Security & Safeguarding Tips

IST is largely safe but reports of occasional theft highlight the need for vigilance. Locate security offices, keep belongings secure, remain visible and alert, especially if alone or vulnerable.

Additional Airport Facilities

• ATM & Currency Exchange: ATM and Global Exchange booths widely available.
• Family Services: Play areas, baby rooms, and complimentary strollers.
• Medical & Pharmacy: 24-hour medical services and pharmacies available.
• Spa & Showers: Available through Ambassador Spa and YOTEL hotel.
• Duty-Free Shopping: UniFree Duty-Free and various retail shops.

Getting To & From Istanbul Airport

• By Bus: Havaist luxury coaches or local city buses widely available.
• By Car: Multiple car rental services accessible directly from IST.
• By Metro: Metro Line M11 provides convenient connections downtown.
• Taxis: Select from Black "E", Blue "D", and Orange "C" category taxis for city transfers.

For organizing business group travel, consider group flight booking services via Travel Code.

Please note: All information presented here is provided as a guide only, and details may change. Always verify arrangements directly or through Travel Code customer support.