How to Get from Istanbul Airport (IST) to Bakırköy

Istanbul Airport (IST) is about 48 km northwest of Bakırköy on the European side. The trip takes roughly 57 minutes by taxi or private transfer, about 75 minutes by direct Havaist coach, and about 100 minutes by metro and Marmaray.

✓ Verified Oct 25, 2026 • 48 km road distance

Private Airport Transfer

Door-to-Door

57 mins •On Request (24/7)

€55 - €75 (Per Vehicle)

Luggage: Suitcase Included

How to take it step-by-step:

After passport control and baggage reclaim, follow signs to the Arrivals hall where your driver meets you with a name board.
Confirm your booking reference and the final address in Bakırköy before leaving the terminal.
Walk with the driver to the designated pickup area or short-term parking.
Board the vehicle and keep the confirmation contact handy during the 48 km drive.
The driver drops you directly at your hotel or street address in Bakırköy.

Kiwitaxi

✓ Fixed Price • Meet & Greet at Exit

Book Fixed-Price Transfer

Official Airport Taxi

24/7 Metered

57 mins •24/7 at Official Rank

€43 - €72 (Metered)

Luggage: Luggage in Boot

How to take it step-by-step:

Exit Arrivals and use the official taxi rank directly outside; ignore any touts inside the terminal.
Ask the driver to start the meter before moving.
Confirm payment by card or cash; card machines may not work in every taxi, so carry some TRY.
The route to Bakırköy stays on the European side, so no Bosphorus bridge toll should be added.
Ask to be dropped at your Bakırköy address and pay the metered fare.

Havaist HVL-4 Coach

Direct to Bakırköy

75 mins •Regular Departures, See Timetable

€5.50 / Person

Luggage: Luggage Goes in Hold

How to take it step-by-step:

After Arrivals, follow signs to the Transportation floor (-2) by escalator or lift.
Find Havaist platform 10A for HVL-4 to Merter and Bakırköy İDO ferry terminal.
Board with Istanbulkart or a contactless bank card; the fare is paid on board.
Ride through Merter and İncirli and get off at Bakırköy İDO ferry terminal.
From the terminal, walk or take a short taxi to your final address in central Bakırköy.

M11 Metro + M2 + Marmaray

Cheapest

100 mins •M11 Every 20 Mins (06:00–00:00)

€1.80 / Person

Luggage: No Luggage Racks; One Case Manageable

How to take it step-by-step:

From Arrivals, go down to the Transportation floor (-2) and follow signs to the M11 metro station.
Buy or top up an Istanbulkart at the Biletmatik machines before entering.
Take M11 from İstanbul Havalimanı to Gayrettepe (about 35 minutes).
At Gayrettepe, transfer to M2 metro and ride to Yenikapı.
At Yenikapı, change to the Marmaray suburban rail toward Halkalı and get off at Bakırköy station.
Exit Bakırköy station and walk or take a short taxi to your final address.

Istanbul Airport Deals

Compare all terminal car rental desks with free 48h cancellation.

Small Medium Large

Compare Terminal Car Prices

Landing in Turkey?

Skip expensive airport SIM kiosks. Activate a 5G eSIM on your phone in 2 minutes before takeoff.

Get Turkey eSIM

Was your flight delayed or cancelled?

In some cases passengers are entitled to compensation. AirHelp checks your flight for free and only charges a fee if they win your claim.

Check my rights for free

⚠️ Important Local Taxi & Arrival Tips

Only use the official taxi rank outside Arrivals; ignore touts inside the terminal who may overcharge.
Make sure the taxi meter is running from the start; Bakırköy is on the European side so no bridge toll should be added.
For Havaist and metro, buy or use an Istanbulkart or contactless card; do not pay cash to unofficial helpers at ticket machines.
If using a pre-booked transfer, confirm the driver has a name board and never pay the full fare in cash before arrival.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest way to get from Istanbul Airport to Bakırköy?

Use M11 metro to Gayrettepe, M2 to Yenikapı and Marmaray to Bakırköy; the total is about €1.80 per person with Istanbulkart transfers. Havaist HVL-4 is easier but costs about €5.50.

How long does it take to get from IST to Bakırköy?

A taxi or private transfer takes about 57 minutes without heavy traffic. Havaist coach takes around 75 minutes, and the metro plus Marmaray combo takes about 100 minutes including transfers.

Is there a direct bus from Istanbul Airport to Bakırköy?

Yes, Havaist coach HVL-4 leaves from platform 10A on floor -2 via Merter and İncirli to Bakırköy İDO ferry terminal.

How do I pay for the Havaist bus and metro?

Havaist accepts Istanbulkart or a contactless bank card on board. The metro requires an Istanbulkart, which you can buy or top up at Biletmatik machines on floor -2.

Are Istanbul Airport taxis safe?

Use the official taxi rank outside Arrivals and make sure the meter is on. There is no Bosphorus bridge toll to Bakırköy, and you can also use the BiTaksi or İTaksi apps to hail licensed taxis.

What is the best option if I arrive late at night?

The M11 metro stops around midnight and Havaist does not guarantee 24/7 service. For late arrivals, a pre-booked private transfer or a taxi from the official rank is the most reliable choice.

More transfers from Istanbul Airport (IST)

Arnavutköy · 20 km Başakşehir · 31.8 km Eyüpsultan · 39 km Bağcılar · 40.1 km Esenler · 40.7 km Beyoğlu · 43.7 km Taksim Square · 44.3 km Bayrampaşa · 44.3 km