Havaist – Istanbul Airport Shuttle Bus – (October, 2026 update)
Before Havaist began operating as the Istanbul Airport Shuttle Bus, IETT buses were the only public transportation option from Istanbul Airport. Since early 2023, the Istanbul Airport Metro (Metro Line M11) has connected the airport to the city; nevertheless, IST Havaist shuttle buses remain a popular and cost effective alternative. Havaist and IETT buses run frequent routes across Istanbul, while Istanbul Seyahat buses handle intercity transfers.
Havaist Shuttle Buses
Havaist buses offer high quality, comfortable transfers from Istanbul Airport to 50 major city hubs. Each shuttle can accommodate up to 46 passengers and is equipped with TV screens, Wi-Fi, vending machine for snacks and USB charging points. Payment can be made via cash at the airport’s designated points, credit card, the Havaist App, or by using a QR code.
You can pre book tickets online, which provides bonuses and discounts. Alternatively, you can use an Istanbulkart, which costs 165₺ and can be used by multiple passengers. The Istanbulkart is valid for various transportation modes, including the metro, tram, and ferry, and can be easily recharged.
Havaist buses operate 24/7 from Istanbul Airport on many different routes, connecting the airport to almost every part of the city. Note that travel times can be affected by heavy traffic.
Where is the Havaist Bus Station at Istanbul International Airport?
The Havaist bus station is located on the -2 floor of the terminal. It is easily accessible by elevators and escalators from both the Departures and Arrivals levels, with plenty of signage to guide you.
Havaist Routes from Istanbul Airport
Here are the two of the most popular Havaist shuttle buses from Istanbul Airport to major city hubs:
Havaist Bus from Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet
Havaist Bus to Sultanahmet HVL13 started to operate again. But this time location of the station has changed. The new havaist bus station is called Çatladıkapı Station. There is a 7-12 minutes walk until Blue Mosque from there. Here is the google map location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/1W35mc8Zc6vQtxhm7
You can check how far you need to walk from Sultanahmet (Catladikapı) Havaist Station to your hotel.
It operates 24/7 with departures roughly every 45-60 minutes (journey ~80-100 minutes, depending on the traffic). At the airport, look for the Peron 11 stand signed for “Sultanahmet” or the bus no HVIST-11. For live times and any service updates, check the Havaist app/website before you go.
En route, Havaist Sultanahmet HVL13 makes limited stops, including Miniatürk and Sirkeci before arriving at Sultanahmet Area, which is ideal for hotels around the Hippodrome, Basilica Cistern, and Topkapi Palace.
Havaist Bus from Istanbul Airport to Taksim
Havaist bus at Istanbul Airport offers a direct and comfortable airport bus connection from Istanbul Airport to Taksim.
The Havaist airport bus to Taksim operates 24/7, with departures usually every 30-60 minutes depending on the time of day. The journey from Istanbul Airport to Taksim generally takes around 80-100 minutes, but this can change according to Istanbul traffic.
At Istanbul Airport, follow the signs to the Havaist bus departure area (-2nd floor ) and look for the Taksim route. Before traveling, it is always useful to check the official Havaist app or website for live departure times, platform details, and possible service updates.
The Havaist Taksim airport bus is one of the most popular routes for visitors staying around Taksim Square, Istiklal Street, Cihangir, Galata, Nişantaşı, and nearby hotels. It is a practical option if you want a direct transfer from Istanbul Airport to the city center without using the metro or changing vehicles.
Check the chart below for the updated Havaist Bus prices, routes and timings.
| Line | From | To | Duration | Frequency | Price ( Turkish Liras) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HVL9 | Istanbul Airport | Taksim Square | 90 min | Every 20′-30′ | 470 ₺ |
| HVL9 | Istanbul Airport | Beşiktaş | 75 min | Every 30′-60′ | 470 ₺ |
| HVL1 | Istanbul Airport | Aksaray Metro | 90 min | Every 20′-25′ | 470 ₺ |
| HVL11 | Istanbul Airport | Sabiha Gökçen Airport | 110 min | Every 45′-90′ | 515 ₺ |
| HVL13 | Istanbul Airport | Sultanahmet (Çatladikapi) | 110 min | Every 45′-90′ | 470 ₺ |
Other Popular Havaist Bus Routes & Prices ( August 2026 Update )
| Line | Duration | Frequency | Destination | Price ( Turkish Liras) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HVL3 | 75 min | Every 45′-60′ | Istanbul Airport – Esenler Otogar | 370 ₺ |
| HVL7 | 90 min | Every 60′-70′ | Istanbul Airport – Başakşehir | 350 ₺ |
| HVL2 | 90 min | Every 20′ | Istanbul Airport – Beylikdüzü | 460 ₺ |
| HVL2 | 120 min | Every 60′ | Istanbul Airport – Avcılar | 460 ₺ |
| HVL4 | 80 min | Every 30′ | Istanbul Airport – Bakırköy | 420 ₺ |
| HVL1 | 90 min | Every 20′-25′ | Istanbul Airport – Aksaray Metro | 470 ₺ |
| HVL11 | 110 min | Every 45′-90′ | Istanbul Airport – Sabiha Gökçen Airport | 515 ₺ |
| HVL6 | 120 min | Every 45′ | Istanbul Airport – Kadıköy | 515 ₺ |
| HVL9 | 75 min | Every 30′-60′ | Istanbul Airport – Beşiktaş | 470 ₺ |
| HVL9 | 90 min | Every 20′-30′ | Istanbul Airport – Taksim Square | 470 ₺ |
IETT Airport Shuttle Buses
Comparing to Havaist Airport Shuttle, IETT public buses cater more to locals and travel to less touristic areas. If you know your exact location, you might find a suitable bus route. Seven IETT lines connect the airport to Istanbul. The Mobiett app can be very helpful for navigating these routes. IETT bus tickets are cheaper but involve more stops, making the journey longer. An Istanbulkart is required to pay for IETT buses and can be purchased from vending machines at the bus station.
| Line | Duration | Frequency | Destination | Price (Turkish Liras) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IETT H-1 | 98 min | Every 80′ | Istanbul Airport – Mahmutbey Metro Station | 46,2 ₺ |
| IETT H-2 | 104 min | Every 25′-30′ | Istanbul Airport – Mecidiyeköy | 46,2 ₺ |
| IETT H-3 | 109 min | Every 90′ | Istanbul Airport – Halkalı Marmaray Station | 46,2 ₺ |
| IETT H-6 | 93 min | Every 30′-50′ | Istanbul Airport – Yunus Emre Borough / Arnavutköy | 46,2 ₺ |
| IETT H-8 | 131 min | Every 3-4 hours | Istanbul Airport – Hacıosman Metro Station / Sarıyer | 46,2 ₺ |
| IETT H-9 | 123 min | 4 times/day | Istanbul Airport – Cevizlibağ | 46,2 ₺ |
Intercity Buses from Istanbul Airport
Three bus companies, HAVALINES, BURULAŞ, and Istanbul Seyahat handle intercity transfers to and from Istanbul Airport. You can travel to Bursa, Edirne and many other major cities around Istanbul, with these intercity coach buses.
They are located on the same floor (-2nd floor) as well as the Havaist airport Shuttle. For more information, visit their websites:
