Athens - Istanbul Flights
Transportation from City Center to Athens Airport
Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport
There are various options for traveling from Athens city center to Athens International Airport. Public transport options such as the metro, train, and buses are commonly used. The Line 3 blue metro route offers direct services to the airport and takes about 40 minutes. Additionally, suburban trains heading towards Kiato also provide access to the airport from the city center.
Taxis or private transfer services offer a quick and comfortable journey from the city center to the airport. These methods are particularly suitable for passengers with heavy luggage or those who prefer not to depend on public transport schedules. Most taxi and transfer services offer fixed-rate fares.
To reach Athens International Airport from the city center, there are four main bus lines. The most frequently used is the X95, which offers a direct service from Syntagma Square to the airport, taking about an hour, and costs 6 Euros. The other lines include:
- X93: Kifisos KTEL Station – Airport
- X96: Piraeus – Airport
- X97: Eliniko Metro Station – Airport
These buses specifically cater to airport travelers and operate at frequencies ranging from every 15 minutes to 1 hour. Departure points in the city center may vary, so checking the specific terminal information for routes and timings is advised. Additionally, KTEL express bus lines to destinations outside the city, such as Markopoulo and Rafina, are also available for airport travel.
Traveling from Athens city center to Athens International Airport is most convenient and fast using the metro. The blue line 3 directly connects the city center to the airport. Metro services run daily from 06:30 to 23:30, every 30 minutes, with an approximate journey time of 40 minutes.
Suburban railway is also an option for airport access. Trains depart hourly from Athens Central Railway Station (Larissa Station). Additionally, from Doukissis Plakentias station, suburban railway trains depart every 15-25 minutes to the airport.
Athens Airport ticket prices are as follows:
- Regular Express Bus Ticket: 6 Euro
- Discounted Express Bus Ticket: 3 Euro
- Regular Athens Metro Airport Ticket: 10 Euro
- Discounted Athens Metro Airport Ticket: 5 Euro
- Two-way Athens Metro Airport Ticket: 18 Euro
- 3-day Tourist Ticket for all public transport (including one two-way airport ticket): 20 Euro
Using hotel shuttle services from the city center of Athens to the airport is a convenient and comfortable option. If your hotel offers an airport transfer service, it's important to reserve this service in advance. This ensures that on the day of your departure, the vehicle provided by the hotel will pick you up and directly transport you to the Athens Airport.
Such services usually require prior planning and are adjusted according to your flight schedules. You can inquire about the details of the transfer service and make your reservation by contacting your hotel's reception or customer service. While some hotels offer this service free of charge, others may require a certain fee.
Traveling from Athens city center to the Athens International Airport with a rental car is an ideal option, especially for those who wish to explore the city and its surroundings. You can visit historical and natural attractions in Athens at your own pace. For instance, you could explore the famous Acropolis, the Parthenon, the Ancient Agora, and the historical neighborhood of Plaka, followed by a trip to the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion. Additionally, you can discover picturesque coastal areas like Glyfada, Vouliagmeni, and Varkiza.
When it comes to choosing a rental car, customers typically select from various options based on their budget and needs. At Athens Airport, popular international car rental companies such as Hertz, Sixt, Budget, and Avis are available, along with local firms. Most of these companies offer the convenience of online reservations, allowing customers to save time.
Traveling from Athens city center to the airport by private vehicle is a quick and convenient option. Road signs prominently display directions to Spata, where Athens Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos" is located. The journey can be made via Mesogeion Avenue and Attiki Odos (from the Pallini overpass towards Spata), or through the Ymittos Ring Road, via Katehaki Avenue. The drive usually takes about 30-45 minutes.
The toll fee for Attiki Odos is €2.80. Near the airport, P1 and P2 parking areas cater to short-term parking needs, while P3 offers long-term parking. P1 and P2 are a short walk from the terminal, with a total of 1,360 spots. P3 is located across Attiki Odos, a 5-10 minute walk from the terminal. A free shuttle bus also connects P3 with the airport terminal in about 8 minutes.
From Athens city center to the Athens International Airport, private transfer services offer a comfortable and stress-free transportation option. This service is particularly ideal for those with a lot of luggage or who wish to get to the airport swiftly. Private transfers usually require advance reservations and directly pick passengers up from a specified location to the airport.
In Athens, some example companies providing such services include Welcome Pickups, Athens Airport Taxi, GoTransfers, and Keytours. These companies offer a range of vehicle sizes and service options to cater to the needs of their customers. They generally have fixed pricing and most offer the convenience of online booking, making travel planning easier.
Traveling from Athens city center to Athens International Airport by taxi is a convenient option, especially for those who are short on time or prefer a comfortable journey. Easily accessible taxis in the city center provide fast and direct transportation to the airport. The taxi fare structure is fixed, with different rates for day and night.
Taxi fares from the city center to the airport are as follows:
- Daytime flat rate: 40 Euro (05:00-00:00)
- Night-time flat rate: 55 Euro (00:00-05:00)
These prices include all additional charges such as VAT, meter start, luggage fee, Attiki Odos toll, and airport charge. Taxis generally offer a reliable and comfortable option, but it is advised to agree on the price with the driver before starting your journey.
Transportation from Istanbul Airport to City Center
Istanbul New Airport
Located in the northwest of Istanbul, in the Arnavutköy district, the Istanbul New Airport stands out with its modern architecture and vast capacity. With a current capacity to accommodate 90 million passengers annually, the airport aims to double this number, planning to serve up to 200 million passengers in the future. Turkish Airlines conducts a significant portion of the total flights at the airport, while it also serves as a transit and destination point for various airlines from Europe and Asia.
The airport is 40 km away from one of Istanbul's most renowned areas, Taksim, and 49 km from Sultanahmet. You can cover this distance in approximately 50 minutes by private vehicle. Thanks to the direct connection via the D20 highway, reaching the city center is quite easy and fast.
There are numerous transportation options from the airport to the city center for passengers. Buses operated by IBB Bus Co. and HAVAIST buses offer both economical and swift choices. All these alternatives enable easy access to different parts of the city. However, passengers wishing to use public transportation need to have an Istanbul Card.
On the other hand, taxis or private transfer services can provide direct transportation to a hotel or a desired point in the city center. These methods are especially ideal for those with lots of luggage or those who wish to quickly reach a specific area.
Reaching the city from Istanbul's new airport has become much easier with the HAVAIST bus service. These buses offer various routes to many main areas of the city.
Passengers can make payments directly inside the bus using a credit or bank card. Alternatively, there is an option for secure online payment via the website or mobile app. After payment, passengers can complete their transactions by scanning the received QR code on the device inside the bus.
HAVAIST buses provide efficient access to Istanbul's new airport with nine different routes from HVİST-5 to HVİST-15. Depending on city traffic, the average travel time of these routes is approximately 100 minutes.
These buses operate round the clock in both directions, ensuring passengers find a suitable travel time regardless of their flight details. For current bus hours, stops, and departure times, you can visit the hava.ist website.
HVİST-5 – Istanbul Airport - Esenler Bus Terminal (Journey Time: 60 minutes)
Route: Istanbul Airport → Hasdal → Bus Terminal Road → Esenler Bus Terminal.
HVİST-6 – Istanbul Airport - Halkalı - Başakşehir (Journey Time: 60 minutes)
Route: Istanbul Airport → Başakşehir Metrokent → Demirciler Sitesi (Mall Off) → Atatürk District (Arenapark) → Çimentepe → Kanuni S.S.H. Entrance → Housing Cooperative → Halkalı Station.
HVİST-7 – Istanbul Airport - Beylikdüzü - Çatalca (Journey Time: 75 minutes)
Route: Istanbul Airport → Çatalca State Hospital → Tepecik → Büyükçekmece → TÜYAP → Cumhuriyet District → Beylikdüzü Marmarapark Mall.
HVİST-8 – Istanbul Airport - Avcılar - Bahçeşehir (Journey Time: 100 minutes)
Route: Istanbul Airport → Ispartakule Buildings → Bahçeşehir Center → Haramidere Industrial Estate (Torium) → Avcılar Mosque.
HVİST-9 – Istanbul Airport - Kadıköy - Tepeüstü (Journey Time: 100 minutes)
Route: Istanbul Airport → Kavacik Bridge → Tepeüstü → Yenisahra → Acıbadem Metro → Kadıköy.
HVİST-10 – Istanbul Airport - Pendik - Sabiha Gökçen Airport (Journey Time: 110 minutes)
Route: Istanbul Airport → Sabiha Gökçen Airport → Tavşantepe Metro → Pendik YHT Station.
HVİST-13 – Istanbul Airport - Bakırköy - Yenibosna (Journey Time: 90 minutes)
Route: Istanbul Airport → Kuleli → Şirinevler → Ataköy 3rd Section → Bakırköy IDO Pier.
HVİST-14 – Istanbul Airport - Taksim - Beşiktaş (Journey Time: 90 minutes)
Route: Istanbul Airport → 4.Levent → Zincirlikuyu Metrobus → Beşiktaş Pier → Taksim.
HVİST-15 – Istanbul Airport - Yenikapı - Aksaray (Journey Time: 100 minutes)
Route: Istanbul Airport → Nurtepe Viaduct → Ayvansaray → Ulubatlı → Aksaray → Yenikapı Marmaray → Yenikapı Coast.
Istanbul New Airport provides easy access to different parts of the city. The IETT municipal buses regularly service from the airport to various destinations in the city, such as Mahmutbey, Mecidiyekoy, Halkalı, Arnavutköy, Alibeyköy, Hacıosman, and Cevizlibağ. Buses are located at the exit of the airport's arrivals floor. However, it should be noted that there is no direct transportation to popular tourist areas such as Beşiktaş, Taksim, and Sultanahmet by these buses.
From Istanbul New Airport, there are bus routes H1, H2, H3, H6, H8, and H9 that you can use to reach specific points in the city. For example, the H1 bus line services between the Airport and Mahmutbey Metro, the H2 bus line between the Airport and Mecidiyeköy, and the H3 bus line between the Airport and Halkalı. When planning your trip, it would be beneficial to consider the routes and departure times of the buses.
H1 – Airport – Mahmutbey Metro
- Route: Airport, İkitelli Bridge, Sanayi District, July 15 District, Pirireis, Halkalı Street, İnönü Street, Karacaoğlan Primary School, Mahmutbey Metro.
H2 – Airport – Mecidiyeköy
- Route: Airport, Kıyı Safety, Hasdal, Highways 1st Regional Directorate, Disaster Coordination Center, Nurtepe Viaduct, Çağlayan Road, Mecidiyeköy Metrobus.
H3 – Airport – Halkalı
- Route: Airport, Ironworkers Site, Masko 1, Masko 2, İmsan, IETT İkitelli Garage, Atatürk District, İkitelli Street, Halkalı Road, Güneşpark Residences, Koca Ali Street, Halkalı Park, Halkalı Police Station, Europe Residences 3, Sakarya Street, Station District Mukhtarlık, Toki Residences, Bezirganbahçe Toki, Lake Residences, Gültepe District, Halkalı Marmaray, Customs.
H6 – Airport – Mescid-i Selam/Arnavutköy
- Route: Airport, Picnic Area, Çamlıktepe, Terkos Road, Çamlık District, Çangalçeşme Road, Taşoluk Municipality, Sancaktepe, Ottoman Mansions, Nargül Street, Çardaktepe, Y. Selim District, Hasan Tahsin Street, Taşoluk Road, Taşoluk Green Mosque, Arnavutköy Municipality, Kiptaş Residences, Hz. Ömer Mosque, Kozlar, Cemal Reşit Rey Primary School, Osmangazi Street, Redif Street, Arnavutköy, Nezip Fazıl Street, Gaziosmanpaşa Street, Fatih Street, Arnavutköy State Hospital, Boğazköy Road, Road Maintenance, Çamlık, Balcılar, Forest Management, Kayabaşı Road, Fener Hill, Fener Hill Road, Sincanlar, Arnavutköy Road, Tepeüstü, Habibler, Mescid-i Selam Mosque, Mescid-i Selam, Hayırlıoğlu Mosque, Government Mansion, Public Bread Factory, Mimar Sinan Boulevard, Salt Storage, Yunus Emre District.
H8 – Airport – Hacıosman/Sarıyer
- Route: Airport, Kilyos Cemetery, Aslan Nursery, Uskumruköy Road/Cemetery, Green Valley, Green Valley Nursery, North Mansions, Ormanada, Demirciköy Road, Zekeriyaköy, Sümerler, Darüşşafaka, İnşirah Mosque, Büyükdere Street, Çayırbaşı Street, Maslak Station, İTÜ ARI Technocity, Maslak, İzzetpaşa, Atatürk Auto Industry, Atatürk Auto Industry 1, Şişli Etfal Hospital, Mecidiyeköy, Darüşşafaka, Security Houses, Hacıosman.
You can opt for the M11 / U1 & U2 Metro Line to travel from Istanbul Airport to the city center. This line serves a route of approximately 69 km, stretching between Gayrettepe and Halkalı, passing through Istanbul Airport. However, the direction towards Halkalı is not yet in operation. On your journey from Istanbul Airport to Gayrettepe using the M11 line, the stops you will encounter are: Istanbul Airport, Terminal 2, İhsaniye, Göktürk, Kemerburgaz, Hasdal, Kâğıthane, and finally, Gayrettepe.
From the Gayrettepe stop, you can transfer to various other metro lines to reach different parts of Istanbul. Specifically, by using the M2 line from Gayrettepe, you can easily get to central locations like Taksim, Şişhane, or Vezneciler.
Renting a car from the Istanbul New Airport to explore the city is a preferred mode of transportation, offering both flexibility and freedom. This vast airport hosts a myriad of both national and international car rental companies, ensuring visitors can easily find a vehicle to suit their needs.
In the arrival terminal of the airport, you can find both international and local car rental firms such as Sixt, Green Motion, Avis, Budget, Central, Hertz, Alamo, Enterprise, Dokay, Garenta, Europcar, Goldcar, Avec, Payless, Ülger Rent a Car, Comet, Euronet, Çizgi Rent a Car, and Lux Rent a Car. By making an online reservation, you can secure your desired vehicle in advance and hit the road as soon as you arrive at the airport. This way, you can explore the unique beauties of Istanbul at your own pace.
For those wishing to travel from Istanbul Airport to the city center, a private transfer is an ideal choice for those seeking comfort and speed. Before starting your journey, you'll be greeted at the airport by a professional driver ready to serve you. Once you step into your air-conditioned private vehicle, you'll quickly make your way to the heart of the city, completing your trip without interruptions.
For transportation to Istanbul's historical and tourist areas like Sultanahmet, Sirkeci, Taksim, Laleli, and Beşiktaş, there are online transfer services available around the clock. You can easily make a reservation online from popular transfer companies such as Efendi Travel, Shuttle Direct, Tranigo, Flamenco Travel, City Transfer Istanbul, Metro Transfer, and Quick Shuttle. With this, you can prepare a comfortable travel plan without worrying about Istanbul's hustle and bustle or its traffic.
Taxis are the ideal choice for those who want a quick journey from Istanbul Airport to the city. It is quite easy to access taxis that serve continuously at the domestic and international arrivals sections of the airport, every day and hour of the week.
Due to Istanbul's dynamic nature, the city's traffic density and distances can vary. However, it is easy to travel by taxi from the airport to central districts such as Avcılar, Başakşehir, Beşiktaş, Beyoğlu, Şişli, Kadıköy, and Üsküdar. If you want to decide which type of taxi you need for your journey, there are three different taxi options available: yellow, turquoise, and black.
Yellow Taxis: These taxis are the most commonly used taxis in Istanbul and generally provide service at economical prices. They are the taxis we most frequently encounter in daily life.
Turquoise (Blue) Taxis: Turquoise taxis consist of newer and more comfortable vehicles compared to yellow taxis. In terms of pricing, they are about 15% more expensive than yellow taxis. They might have a more spacious and comfortable interior.
Black Taxis: Referred to as VIP, these taxis consist of luxury vehicles and stand out with their level of comfort and service. In terms of pricing, they can be twice as expensive as yellow taxis. They are ideal for business trips or passengers with special service expectations.
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport
Sabiha Gökçen Airport is located in the Pendik Kurtköy region of Istanbul, serving as a modern air transportation hub on the Asian side of the city. This airport is 12 km to Pendik, 40 km to Kadıköy, and 50 km to Taksim. Its direct connection to the TEM highway offers easy access for travelers.
Traveling from the airport to the city center is quite practical. Especially, buses operated by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality and the popular HAVABUS services run regularly in line with flight landing schedules. These buses offer passengers an economical and swift option, easing the transportation to main centers like Kadıköy and Taksim.
Moreover, from 2021 onwards, there is also an option to travel from Sabiha Gökçen to Kadıköy via the M4 metro line, and to Sultanahmet from Ayrılık Çeşmesi through the Metrobus (Ünalan) and Marmaray. This new mode of transportation provides a fast and comfortable alternative, making it a preferred choice for many travelers.
Of course, taxis operate 24/7, allowing passengers to quickly reach their hotels or other desired locations directly. For those with a lot of luggage or wishing to travel to tourist areas like Sultanahmet, there are private transfer companies available within the airport offering their services.
Reaching the city center from Sabiha Gökçen Airport using the HAVABÜS service is quite convenient. Services are provided on three distinct routes: Kadıköy, Yenisahra, and Taksim.
The Sabiha Gökçen - Taksim route departs from Sabiha Gökçen and passes through Kavacık, FSM Bridge, 1. Levent, Zincirlikuyu Metrobüs, and Dolapdere before arriving in Taksim. This journey typically takes about an hour and a half, but this can vary depending on traffic conditions.
For the Kadıköy route, the HAVABÜS departs from Sabiha Gökçen and reaches Kadıköy via the TEM Connection Road and Yeni Sahra. These trips usually last about an hour. Additionally, buses departing from Kadıköy also pass through the Yenisahra Metro Station, with this leg of the journey taking approximately 45 minutes.
For up-to-date information on stops, departure times, and other details, you can visit the havabus.com website.
Sabiha Gökçen Airport is strategically located on the Asian side of Istanbul and provides easy access to the city center and important areas. With the IETT buses departing from the airport, you can easily reach central points such as Kadıköy, 4. Levent, Bostancı, Uzunçayır metrobus line, Pendik YHT station, and Sultanbeyli/Necip Fazıl Metro station. The "Istanbul Card" offers great convenience for public transport use in Istanbul. You can obtain this card at the airport or at refill points in the city center and use it for all public transportation vehicles. With the mobile application of Istanbul Card, it's quite easy to access route and time information.
All buses departing from the airport take off from the opposite side of the arrivals floor exit. Due to traffic congestion, travel times may vary, so it's advisable to adjust your plans accordingly. Additionally, for more detailed information and bus departure times, you can visit the official website of IETT.
Bus Lines:
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Towards Kadıköy: Buses E10 and E11 operate from Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Kadıköy. From Kadıköy, you can take a ferry or boat to Eminönü, Karaköy, and Kabataş.
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Towards 4. Levent: With bus line E3, you can easily reach 4. Levent from Sabiha Gökçen Airport.
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Towards Bostancı: Bus E9 operates from Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Bostancı.
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Metrobus Connection: With the 16S bus line, you can transfer to the Uzunçayır metrobus line and from there access other areas of the city by metrobus.
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Towards Pendik: Buses MR60 and 132H serve from the airport to Pendik YHT station.
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Towards Sultanbeyli: With bus number 131C, you can reach the Sultanbeyli/Necip Fazıl Metro station.
Reaching the city center from Sabiha Gökçen via the M4 Kadıköy-Sabiha Gökçen Airport Metro Line is quite straightforward. This line starts from Sabiha Gökçen Airport and sequentially stops at Kurtköy, Yayalar-Şeyhli, Fevzi Çakmak-Hospital, Tavşantepe, Pendik, Yakacık-Adnan Kahveci, Kartal, Soğanlık, Hospital-Court, Esenkent, Gülsuyu, Retirement Home, Maltepe, Küçükyalı, Bostancı, Kozyatağı, Yenisahra, Göztepe, Ünalan, Acıbadem, Ayrılık Çeşmesi, and finally ends at Kadıköy.
Thanks to this metro line, one can have a fast and comfortable journey between the airport and the city center, and by making connections in Kadıköy, you can reach different parts of Istanbul.
In Istanbul's bustling traffic, renting a car is a great option to move around the city with ease. Especially for extended stays, you can experience the comfort of traveling in your own vehicle.
Sabiha Gökçen Airport hosts a variety of local and international car rental agencies to cater to passengers' needs, allowing them to choose the most suitable vehicle. These rental offices are located in the terminal's arrival floor and operate 24/7. To find the best fit for your needs, you can compare services by visiting the websites of well-known car rental companies like Avec Car Rental, Avro Rent a Car, and Avis, as well as local providers, and make your reservation online.
Opting for a private transfer service from Sabiha Gökçen Airport to the city offers both a speedy and comfortable travel experience. Compared to public transportation or other transit options, this method allows direct transit to your desired location without waiting at the airport. If you have a lot of luggage, a private transfer presents a significant advantage, as you can directly get into your vehicle and proceed.
You can easily book your transfer online before even arriving at the airport. With such a reservation, a driver will greet you with your name upon arrival. Some of the private transfer companies operating at Sabiha Gökçen include Progo, Mesa Tour, Yume Turizm, Aden VIP Transfer, VIP Vito Transfer, HRH Lucky Turizm, Transfer 212, and Fansa Turizm. You can choose the company that best fits your needs to ensure a comfortable journey.
Taking a taxi from Sabiha Gökçen Airport to the city center is a convenient option for passengers. Once your plane lands, you can easily find taxis at the terminal exit ready to take you directly to the city center or your hotel. Especially when traveling to tourist areas, taxis stand out as a reliable mode of transportation. These taxis are operated by the Sabiha Gökçen Airport Transportation and Operating Cooperative (SawKoop) and provide service 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The airport offers passengers three different types of taxis: yellow (economical), turquoise (comfort), and black (luxury class). Due to their affordability, yellow taxis are frequently chosen by many travelers. Although each type of taxi has its own unique pricing, there's no distinction between day and night rates for any route. For route and pricing information regarding Sabiha Gökçen Airport taxis, you can visit the official SawKoop website or call +90 216 304 41 27 for detailed information.