ComeToGuide
50.8 km • ~60 mins

How to Get from Istanbul Airport (IST) to Avcılar

Istanbul Airport is about 50.8 km north-east of Avcılar on the European side, with no Bosphorus bridge required. Depending on traffic and mode, the journey takes roughly 60 minutes by car to 110 minutes by metro and Metrobus.

✓ Verified Oct 25, 2026 • 50.8 km road distance

Official Airport Taxi

Metered Taxi
60 mins •On Demand
€45 - €65 (Metered)
Luggage: 1-2 Pieces In Boot
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Exit Arrivals and use the official taxi rank outside; ignore touts inside the hall.
  2. Tell the driver you are going to Avcılar and ask for the meter.
  3. Confirm card payment or use the BiTaksi/İTaksi app to book a licensed taxi.
  4. Ensure the meter starts at the official TRY rate; no flat Avcılar price.
  5. Ride about 60 minutes and pay by meter, around €45-€65.

Havaist HVIST-9 Coach

Direct Coach
80 mins •Regular departures, see hava.ist timetable
€4.40 / Person
Luggage: Luggage in Hold
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. From Arrivals follow signs to Transportation floor -2 by escalator/lift.
  2. Load an Istanbulkart or use a contactless bank card for the 245 TRY fare.
  3. Go to Platform 9 for the Havaist HVIST-9 Avcılar - Bahçeşehir coach.
  4. Board and stow luggage in the hold; get off at the Avcılar stop.
  5. From the Avcılar stop, walk or take a short local taxi to your hotel.

M11 Metro + Metrobus

Cheapest
110 mins •M11 every 20 mins; Metrobus see timetable
About €1.30 / Person
Luggage: Limited luggage space
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. From Arrivals follow signs to floor -2 and the M11 metro station.
  2. Load an Istanbulkart and board M11 towards Gayrettepe (about 40 TRY).
  3. Ride about 35 minutes and get off at Gayrettepe.
  4. Follow signs to Zincirlikuyu Metrobus and board towards Beylikdüzü/Tüyap.
  5. Get off at Avcılar Metrobus station and walk or take a local taxi.

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⚠️ Important Local Taxi & Arrival Tips

  • Ignore taxi touts inside Arrivals; always use the official taxi rank outside or BiTaksi/İTaksi to book a licensed metered taxi.
  • Make sure the meter is running from the official start amount; do not accept a fixed Avcılar price from a taxi driver.
  • Pay for Havaist and metro only with Istanbulkart or a contactless bank card; don't buy tickets from people outside machines.
  • No Bosphorus bridge toll applies to Avcılar, so refuse any driver who tries to add one.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest way from Istanbul Airport to Avcılar?

The cheapest route is M11 metro plus Metrobus, costing about €1.30 per person with Istanbulkart. The direct Havaist HVIST-9 coach is a little more at €4.40 but much simpler.

Is there a direct bus from IST to Avcılar?

Yes, Havaist HVIST-9 departs from Platform 9 on floor -2 and stops at Avcılar before continuing to Bahçeşehir. The fare is 245 TRY, about €4.40, and luggage goes in the hold.

How long does it take by taxi from Istanbul Airport to Avcılar?

A metered taxi takes about 60 minutes in normal traffic and costs roughly €45-€65 depending on the car class and traffic. Avcılar is on the European side so there is no Bosphorus bridge toll.

How do I get to Avcılar at night if the M11 metro is closed?

The M11 metro runs about 06:00-00:00 and has no night service. At night use an official taxi or a pre-booked private transfer, which both run on demand.

Can I pay by card for airport transport to Avcılar?

Havaist coaches and the metro accept contactless bank cards or Istanbulkart. Taxis prefer card but confirm before the ride; private transfers can be paid online when booking.

Is a private transfer worth it for Avcılar?

Yes for families or travellers with lots of luggage; a private transfer meets you in arrivals and takes about 60 minutes door to door, avoiding the metro transfer and local leg.

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