Istanbul Ataturk International Airport (IST)

Overview

Located 15 miles (24km) west of Istanbul, Ataturk International Airport is the biggest airport in Turkey and among the busiest in the world. Considered a major travel hub between the east and the west, flights to Ataturk International Airport are available on most major international airlines, with routes to far-flung cities like Cape Town, Dubai, Hong Kong, New York, Amsterdam, Chicago and Singapore.

The terminal is an attractive place to spend a layover, with colourful mosaics covering the walls and luxury products adorning shop windows. Ataturk International Airport has a great selection of restaurants and duty-free shops as well.

Location

The airport is situated 15 miles (23km) west of Istanbul.

Getting to the city

The Istanbul Metro system provides quick and easy access to the city, including the intercity bus terminal. Tickets cost around TRY 1.30. Use metro station Zeytinburnu and transfer to a tram to reach the Eminonu ferry or Sea Bus docks. The airport Havas Bus leaves from the Departures terminal gate and connects to Taksim Square or Kozyatagi. Shuttle buses depart from 4am to 1am, and take 40 minutes into the city. Taxis are also available and cost roughly $20 into downtown. Taxi rates are 50 percent higher between midnight and 6am.

Time

GMT +2 (GMT +3 from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October).

Contacts

Tel: +90 212 463 3000.

see full airport guide

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Antalya International Airport (AYT)

Overview

The primary airport serving the Turkish Riviera, Antalya Havalimani Airport processes nearly 19 million passengers per year, however it rarely feels crowded as the large facility is capable of handling up to 35 million passengers annually.

The airport is served by a number of budget airlines operating flights to Turkish holiday resorts, a fact which often means there are cheap flights to Antalya Havalimani Airport available, but has driven up the prices in the airport's restaurants and shops. Nonetheless there are plenty of dining and shopping options in the terminals, some of which are open 24 hours a day.

While some travellers complain that the staff at Antalya Havalimani Airport is unfriendly, the airport has a reputation for efficiency, and its location eight miles (13km) northeast of Antalya makes it the perfect gateway to the sunny beaches of the Turkish Mediterranean.

Location

The airport is situated six miles (10km) from Antalya.

Getting to the city

Taxis are available from outside Arrivals for around YTL 12 and there is a bus service to Antalya from the Domestic and International terminals for YTL 3.

Time

GMT +2 (GMT +3 from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October).

Contacts

Tel: +90 (0)242 444 7423.

see full airport guide

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Izmir Adnan Menderes International Airport (ADB)

Overview

Named after a former Turkish Prime Minister, Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport is located 11 miles (18km) from downtown Izmir and is one of the busiest airports in Turkey.

Serving more than six million passengers each year, flights to Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport come in from destinations around Europe and the Middle East, including London, Amsterdam, Tehran, Athens, Belfast, Moscow, Malta and Istanbul.

A popular gateway to the resorts along Turkey's Aegean coastline, Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport is conveniently located and has good facilities with a modest selection of shops and restaurants. The International Terminal, completed in 2006, is a colourful and airy space that is pleasant for layovers, although the airport doesn't offer much in the way of entertainment.

Location

The airport is located 11 miles (18km) from Izmir.

Getting to the city

The Havas airport shuttle bus to the centre of Izmir can be caught from the domestic terminal. Travel time is 50 minutes. Trains also service the airport and leave from the International terminal to the Basmane train station in the city, but these are usually only in the afternoons. Taxis are also available for around YTL 20-30.

Time

GMT +2 (GMT +3 from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October).

Contacts

Tel: +90 (0)232 455 0000.

see full airport guide

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ATM Dalaman Airport (DLM)

Overview

Located just outside Dalaman in southwest Turkey, Dalaman International Airport is a good point of entry for tourists heading to the sunny resorts along the Turkish Riviera.

The facility is new and modern, with a domestic and international terminal offering flights to more than 120 destinations in Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. Facilities include good entertainment for kids with baby-care rooms and an arcade, however passengers may want to bring some snacks to eat while they wait in the terminal, as the fast-food outlets crowding the food court are notoriously overpriced.

Location

The airport is situated about four miles (6km) from Dalaman.

Getting to the city

Taxis are available outside the terminal, and there are bus services to Dalaman via Marmaris and Fethiye, which leave from the domestic terminal. Dalaman airport taxis connect passengers to the Otogar bus terminal.

Time

GMT +2 (GMT +3 from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October).

Contacts

Tel: +90 (0)252 792 5555.

see full airport guide

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Esenboga International Airport (ESB)

Location

The airport is located northeast of Ankara, 17 miles (28km) from the city centre.

Getting to the city

The Havas bus service operates between the airport and a central city terminal, stopping at various points en route. The fare for a one-way journey is 9.50 YTL. Metered taxis are also available, and various private companies run shuttles.

Time

GMT +2 (GMT +3 from March to October).

Contacts

Tel: +90 (0)312 590 4000.

see full airport guide

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Bodrum Airport (Milas-Bodrum Airport) (BJV)

Location

The airport is situated 22 miles (36km) northeast of Bodrum, and 10 miles (16km) south of Milas.

Getting to the city

There is an airport shuttle bus which travels to and from Bodrum city centre, stopping at various points en route. The trip to the central bus station in Bodrum costs about €3. HAVAS coaches operate from the domestic terminal are timed with Turkish Airlines flights to and from Istanbul. There are plenty of airport taxis available; their rates are fixed and generally quite fair.

Time

Local time is GMT +2 (GMT +3 from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October).

Contacts

Tel: +90 252 523 0101

see full airport guide

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Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW)

Overview

Sabiha Gökçen International Airport is located on the Asian side of Istanbul. The newly built terminal handles over ten million passengers annually.

With a wide selection of shopping opportunities and range of transport options to get passengers to and from the airport, Sabiha Gökçen International Airport is a convenient entry and exit point for those holidaying in Istanbul. In 2010, the World Low Cost Airlines Congress in London awarded the title 'World's Best Airport' to Sabiha Gökçen International Airport.

Location

The airport is 22 miles (35km) south-east of Istanbul.

Getting to the city

Buses connect the airport to various parts of Istanbul. Tickets are TL 1.65 and the journey into Istanbul takes between 30 and 45 minutes. Shuttles to the historical centre of Istanbul run every half hour between 5am and midnight. Tickets are TL 18 for the 40 minute trip.

Time

GMT +2 (GMT +3 from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October).

Contacts

Tel: +90 216 588 88 88.

see full airport guide

Istanbul Ataturk Airport Taxis: the taxi fares above are intended as a guideline only.