ComeToGuide
View All Airports
87.5 km • ~87 mins

How to Get from Istanbul Airport (IST) to Tuzla

Tuzla is a district on Istanbul's Asian side, about 87.5 km from Istanbul Airport. Travel time ranges from 87 minutes for a private transfer to 110-125 minutes for public transport combinations.

✓ Verified Oct 26, 2026 • 87.5 km road distance

Pre-Booked Private Transfer

Fastest & Door-to-Door
87 mins •On Request (24/7)
€95 (Per Vehicle)
Luggage: 2-3 Bags Free
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Pre-book a private transfer online before you land.
  2. Meet your driver in the Arrivals hall; they will hold a name board.
  3. Confirm your final address in Tuzla and that the Bosphorus bridge toll is included.
  4. Travel directly to Tuzla in about 87 minutes.
Kiwitaxi
✓ Fixed Price • Meet & Greet at Exit
Book Fixed-Price Transfer

Official Airport Taxi

Metered
87 mins •24/7
€77 - €100 (Per Vehicle)
Luggage: 2 Suitcases
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Exit Arrivals and use the official taxi rank directly outside the terminal doors.
  2. Ignore touts and insist the meter is on.
  3. Confirm the driver will add the Bosphorus bridge toll for the Asian side.
  4. The trip is about 87.5 km and takes about 87 minutes without heavy traffic.

Metro & Marmaray via Gayrettepe

Cheapest
110 mins •Every 20 Mins (06:00-00:00)
€1.80 / Person
Luggage: 1 Suitcase Feasible
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Follow signs to the Transportation floor (-2) and buy or top up an Istanbulkart at a Biletmatik machine.
  2. Take M11 metro from Istanbul Havalimanı towards Gayrettepe, riding 6 stops to Gayrettepe (about 35 minutes).
  3. At Gayrettepe, transfer to M2 metro towards Yenikapı and ride to Yenikapı station.
  4. At Yenikapı, change to Marmaray suburban train towards Gebze/Pendik and ride to Tuzla station.
  5. Exit at Tuzla and walk or take a local taxi to your final address.

Havaist Coach via Kadıköy

Bus + Train
125 mins •Regular departures (see timetable)
€8.00 / Person
Luggage: 2 Pieces Free
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Go to the Transportation floor (-2) and find Havaist Platform 14.
  2. Board HVİST-14 coach to Kadıköy ferry terminals; pay 390 TRY with Istanbulkart or contactless bank card.
  3. At Kadıköy, take M4 metro one stop to Ayrılık Çeşmesi.
  4. Transfer to Marmaray suburban train towards Gebze/Pendik and ride to Tuzla station.
  5. Exit at Tuzla and complete the last leg on foot or by local taxi.

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 who may overcharge or use unlicensed vehicles.
  • Make sure the taxi meter is on and check whether the bridge toll for the Asian side has been added to the fare.
  • For public transport, buy an Istanbulkart at the official Biletmatik machines; avoid anyone selling cards at a premium.
  • If paying by card in a taxi, confirm before the ride, as some taxis may claim the reader is broken.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Take M11 metro to Gayrettepe, M2 to Yenikapı, then Marmaray to Tuzla. It costs about €1.80 per person with an Istanbulkart and takes around 110 minutes.

How long is the drive from IST to Tuzla?

The drive is about 87.5 km and takes about 87 minutes without heavy traffic. During rush hours it can take longer.

Is there a direct bus from Istanbul Airport to Tuzla?

No, there is no direct bus. The closest option is the Havaist HVİST-14 to Kadıköy, then M4 and Marmaray to Tuzla.

Is it better to take a taxi or a private transfer?

A private transfer offers a fixed price and pre-arranged meeting, while a taxi is metered and may be cheaper for solo travellers. Families with luggage often prefer private transfers.

Can I use a contactless bank card on all public transport?

Contactless bank cards are accepted on Havaist buses. For metro and Marmaray, an Istanbulkart is the standard payment method, though some new validators may accept contactless cards.

Does the airport metro run at night?

The M11 metro runs about 06:00–00:00. For late night arrivals, you'll need a taxi or private transfer.

More transfers from Istanbul Airport (IST)

Arnavutköy · 20 km Başakşehir · 31.8 km Sultangazi · 33.3 km Kağıthane · 35.8 km Şişli · 38.6 km Eyüpsultan · 39 km Bağcılar · 40.1 km Esenler Bus Terminal · 40.5 km

Some links are affiliate links: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Prices are indicative and can change.