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50.1 km • ~64 mins

How to Get from Istanbul Airport (IST) to Üsküdar

Istanbul Airport (IST) is 50.1 km northwest of Üsküdar on the Asian side of the Bosphorus. Door-to-door rides take about 64 minutes without traffic, while public transport takes 85 minutes to over 2 hours depending on connections.

✓ Verified Oct 26, 2026 • 50.1 km road distance

Private Transfer (Door-to-Door)

Recommended
64 mins •On Request (24/7)
€75 (Per Vehicle)
Luggage: 2 Pieces Free
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Collect luggage and exit to the Arrivals hall.
  2. Look for your driver holding a name board near the meeting point; pre-booked drivers wait in the hall, not outside.
  3. Confirm the destination Üsküdar and fixed price with the driver before leaving.
  4. Board the private car and travel directly across the Bosphorus bridge to your Üsküdar address.
  5. Journey takes about 64 minutes without heavy traffic.
Kiwitaxi
✓ Fixed Price • Meet & Greet at Exit
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Official Airport Taxi

Metered
64 mins •24/7
€44 - €75 (Plus Bridge Toll)
Luggage: 2 Pieces Free
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Exit Arrivals and follow official taxi rank signs, ignoring touts inside the terminal.
  2. Join the official rank and state Üsküdar; confirm the meter will be started.
  3. Expect the driver to add the Bosphorus bridge toll to the metered fare for this Asian-side trip.
  4. Pay with Turkish lira or card if the taxi accepts cards; use BiTaksi/İTaksi for a licensed taxi if hailing.
  5. Journey normally 64 minutes; allow up to 90 minutes in heavy traffic.

Metro + Marmaray (via Gayrettepe & Yenikapı)

Cheapest
85 mins •Every 20 Mins (06:00-00:00)
€1.80 / Person
Luggage: Hand Luggage Only
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. From Arrivals, follow signs to the Metro M11 on floor -2.
  2. Buy or top up an Istanbulkart at Biletmatik machines before entering the platform.
  3. Take M11 to Gayrettepe, then change to M2 metro towards Yenikapı.
  4. At Yenikapı, change to Marmaray suburban train towards Gebze and get off at Üsküdar.
  5. Exit Üsküdar station and walk or take a short taxi to your final address in the district.

Havaist HVL-9 + Funicular + Ferry (via Taksim)

Scenic Route
120 mins •See hava.ist Timetable
€7.50 / Person
Luggage: 1 Free Bag in Hold
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. From Arrivals, go down to the Transportation floor -2 and find Havaist Platform 16.
  2. Pay on board HVL-9 with Istanbulkart or contactless bank card; ask the driver if the departure stops at Beşiktaş or goes direct to Taksim.
  3. If going to Taksim, walk to the F1 funicular and ride down to Kabataş.
  4. At Kabataş, take a Şehir Hatları ferry to Üsküdar.
  5. From Üsküdar pier, walk or take a short taxi to your final destination.

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⚠️ Important Local Taxi & Arrival Tips

  • Ignore touts inside the Arrivals hall who offer unofficial taxis or transfers; use the official taxi rank or your pre-booked driver only.
  • Always ensure the taxi meter is switched on and ask if the Bosphorus bridge toll for the Asian-side trip is already included in the final fare.
  • Buy Istanbulkart or Havaist tickets only from official Biletmatik machines, Havaist staff or the driver, never from people reselling cards near the metro entrance.
  • If you pre-booked a private transfer, do not follow someone who approaches you without the agreed name; official drivers wait in the Arrivals hall with identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Take the M11 metro to Gayrettepe, M2 to Yenikapı and Marmaray to Üsküdar. It costs about €1.80 with an Istanbulkart and takes around 85 minutes.

Is there a direct bus or train from Istanbul Airport to Üsküdar?

No direct bus or train runs to Üsküdar. The best public route is metro + Marmaray with two changes, or Havaist HVL-9 to Taksim plus funicular and ferry.

How much is a taxi from IST to Üsküdar?

A metered taxi costs roughly €44-€58 for standard or higher class cars, plus the Bosphorus bridge toll; luxury taxis can cost up to €75. The trip takes about 64 minutes without heavy traffic.

Can I pay by card on Havaist coaches and the metro?

Havaist accepts contactless bank cards and Istanbulkart on board. The metro and Marmaray use Istanbulkart; Biletmatik machines often take cash, while card acceptance varies.

What is the best option for a family with luggage from IST to Üsküdar?

A pre-booked private transfer is usually best: it is door-to-door, includes luggage space and avoids changing trains or dragging suitcases through stations. Taxis also work but prices vary with traffic.

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

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