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35.8 km • ~51 mins

How to Get from Istanbul Airport (IST) to Kağıthane

Istanbul Airport (IST) is 35.8 km from Kağıthane on the European side. The journey takes about 50–85 minutes depending on mode, with the M11 metro and car transfers both around 50–60 minutes.

✓ Verified Oct 26, 2026 • 35.8 km road distance

Private Airport Transfer

Door-to-Door
51 mins •On Request, 24/7
€32 - €42 (Per Vehicle)
Luggage: 2 Pieces Free, Extra on Request
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. After baggage claim, meet your driver in the Arrivals hall or at the pre-booked meeting point.
  2. Confirm the booking name and fixed price before leaving the terminal.
  3. The driver helps with luggage to the car for the 35.8 km drive.
  4. Usually takes 45–60 minutes to Kağıthane depending on traffic.
  5. Get dropped off directly at your hotel or address in Kağıthane.
Kiwitaxi
✓ Fixed Price • Meet & Greet at Exit
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Official Airport Taxi

Available 24/7
55 mins •Available 24/7 at Official Ranks
€32 - €55 (Metered, Per Vehicle)
Luggage: Fits 2-3 Cases Depending on Taxi
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Exit Arrivals and follow signs to the official taxi rank outside the terminal doors.
  2. Ignore touts inside the hall; only use the queued yellow/maroon/electric licensed taxis at the rank.
  3. Ask the driver to start the meter and confirm card payment before boarding.
  4. The direct route to Kağıthane is about 35.8 km, normally 45–60 minutes.
  5. No Bosphorus bridge or toll is charged; pay the metered fare at your drop-off point in Kağıthane.

M11 Metro (Direct to Kağıthane)

Cheapest
55 mins •Every 20 Mins (06:00–00:00)
€0.70 / Person
Luggage: No Luggage Racks; One Case OK
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Follow signs to Transportation Floor (-2) from Arrivals.
  2. Buy or top up an Istanbulkart at Biletmatik machines (cash/card accepted).
  3. Board a southbound M11 train towards Gayrettepe from the airport station.
  4. Ride 5 stops and get off at Kağıthane station (about 30 minutes).
  5. Exit the station; you are in central Kağıthane, within walking distance or a short taxi ride to most addresses.

İETT H-2 Bus + M7 Metro

Budget Alternative
85 mins •See İETT Timetable
€2.10 / Person
Luggage: Limited Luggage Space
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Go to Transportation Floor (-2) and join the İETT H-2 bus queue.
  2. Pay with Istanbulkart or contactless bank card (charged as two fares, about 84 TRY).
  3. Ride to Mecidiyeköy (M2 metro/Metrobüs area).
  4. Transfer to M7 metro and ride one stop to Kağıthane.
  5. Follow signs from Kağıthane M7 station to your destination.

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⚠️ Important Local Taxi & Arrival Tips

  • Use only the official taxi rank outside Arrivals; ignore touts inside the terminal offering 'cheap' taxis or fixed prices.
  • Insist the meter is on before the taxi moves, and confirm the driver accepts card if you need to pay by card.
  • No Bosphorus bridge or toll applies for Kağıthane; any driver asking for an extra bridge fee is scamming you.
  • When buying Istanbulkart, use official Biletmatik machines; some machines may not accept foreign cards, so carry small TRY bills.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The M11 metro is cheapest at about 40 TRY (€0.70). It runs directly from the airport station to Kağıthane every 20 minutes from 06:00 to 00:00.

Is there a direct metro from Istanbul Airport to Kağıthane?

Yes, the M11 metro has a Kağıthane station. It is 5 stops after the airport and takes about 30 minutes on the train.

How long does the taxi or private transfer take from IST to Kağıthane?

The 35.8 km drive typically takes 45–60 minutes without heavy traffic. During rush hour it can take longer.

Can I pay for the metro and bus with a bank card?

Yes, many Biletmatik machines and buses accept contactless bank cards, but it is more reliable to have a loaded Istanbulkart or small TRY cash.

Is the M11 metro good for families with luggage?

It works with one suitcase per person, but there are no luggage racks and it can be crowded at rush hour, so a private transfer may be easier for families.

Are taxis from Istanbul Airport safe?

Use official taxi ranks and insist the meter is on. BiTaksi and İTaksi apps also hail licensed taxis, which reduces overcharging risk.

More transfers from Istanbul Airport (IST)

Arnavutköy · 20 km Başakşehir · 31.8 km Sultangazi · 33.3 km Şişli · 38.6 km Eyüpsultan · 39 km Bağcılar · 40.1 km Esenler · 40.7 km Gaziosmanpaşa · 42.8 km

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