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76.3 km • ~75 mins

How to Get from Istanbul Airport (IST) to Kartal

Istanbul Airport is 76.3 km northwest of Kartal on the Asian side, across the Bosphorus. Depending on traffic and mode, the journey takes about 75 minutes by car or taxi and around 2 hours by public transport.

✓ Verified Oct 26, 2026 • 76.3 km road distance

Pre-Booked Private Transfer

Door-to-Door
75 mins •On Request
€80 - €100 (Per Vehicle)
Luggage: 2 Pieces Free
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. After baggage claim, exit into the Arrivals Hall; your pre-booked driver meets you there with a name board.
  2. Confirm the destination Kartal and the fixed price; the driver helps with your luggage.
  3. Board the private car or minivan and travel via the O-7/E-5 across the Bosphorus Bridge; tolls are included in the fixed price.
  4. The driver drops you directly at your hotel or address in Kartal.
Kiwitaxi
✓ Fixed Price • Meet & Greet at Exit
Book Fixed-Price Transfer

Official Airport Taxi

Metered
75 mins •24/7
€67 - €114 (Per Vehicle, + Toll)
Luggage: 2 Pieces Free
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Exit Arrivals to the official taxi ranks directly outside; ignore touts inside the terminal.
  2. Choose a licensed yellow, turquoise or black taxi and confirm the driver will use the meter.
  3. Give the destination 'Kartal'; the route crosses the Bosphorus Bridge, so the bridge toll is added to the meter.
  4. Pay by cash or card after confirming card acceptance before the ride; trip takes about 75 minutes in light traffic.

M11 + M2 + Marmaray Train

Cheapest
115 mins •M11 Every 20 Mins (06:00-00:00)
€1.80 / Person
Luggage: Carry-On Only
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Follow signs to the Transportation floor -2; buy or top up an Istanbulkart at Biletmatik machines.
  2. Board the M11 metro from Istanbul Havalimanı towards Gayrettepe (about 35 minutes).
  3. At Gayrettepe, transfer to the M2 metro towards Yenikapı and ride to the final station Yenikapı.
  4. Follow signs to Marmaray and board any train towards Gebze or Pendik; alight at Kartal station.
  5. Walk from Kartal station to your final address in the district.

Havaist HVİST-14 + M4 Metro

Shuttle + Metro
120 mins •Regular Departures, See Timetable
€7.60 / Person
Luggage: 1 Suitcase + Hand Luggage
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Follow signs to the Transportation floor -2 and go to Platform 14 for the Havaist HVİST-14 to Kadıköy.
  2. Pay on board with Istanbulkart or a contactless bank card; luggage is stored in the hold.
  3. Ride the coach to Kadıköy ferry terminals on the Asian side (about 90 minutes).
  4. Walk to the nearby Kadıköy M4 metro station and board a train towards Sabiha Gökçen or Pendik.
  5. Get off at Kartal metro station and walk to your final destination in Kartal.

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⚠️ Important Local Taxi & Arrival Tips

  • Use only the official taxi ranks outside Arrivals; ignore touts offering 'cheap taxi' inside the terminal.
  • Ensure the taxi meter is running from the start; tariffs vary by taxi class and the Bosphorus bridge toll is extra for the Asian-side trip to Kartal.
  • Prefer card-paying taxis or confirm card acceptance before the ride, as some drivers may claim the card machine is broken.
  • Buy Havaist and metro tickets only at official machines, buses or the metro station; do not accept unsolicited help with Istanbulkart top-ups.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a taxi from Istanbul Airport to Kartal?

A metered taxi usually costs €67 to €114 depending on the vehicle class, plus the Bosphorus bridge toll. The journey takes about 75 minutes without heavy traffic.

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

Take the M11 metro to Gayrettepe, transfer to the M2 to Yenikapı, then Marmaray to Kartal. With Istanbulkart transfer discounts the total is about €1.80 per person.

Is there a direct bus from Istanbul Airport to Kartal?

No direct bus goes to Kartal. The closest airport coach is Havaist HVİST-14 to Kadıköy, where you can change to the M4 metro to Kartal.

Can I use Istanbulkart for airport buses and the metro?

Yes, Istanbulkart works on Havaist coaches, the M11, M2, Marmaray and M4. You can buy or top up the card at Biletmatik machines on floor -2.

How long does it take to get from Istanbul Airport to Kartal by public transport?

Plan for around 2 hours including walking and transfers. Driving or a taxi takes about 75 minutes in light traffic.

Which option is best for families with luggage?

A pre-booked private transfer is usually best for families: door-to-door, fixed price, driver meets you in arrivals and helps with luggage.

More transfers from Istanbul Airport (IST)

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