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Ataturk/Yesilkov Intl (IST) Airport Guide

Airport Name

Ataturk International Airport (Istanbul)

Airport Location

The airport is located 24km (15 miles) west of Istanbul.

Terminals

2

IATA Code

IST

Telephone

+90 (0)212 663 6400 / 2550

Airport Overview

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Ataturk International Airport is on the European side of Istanbul. The airport, named after the founder of the Turkish republic, has two terminals: domestic and international. The international terminal, inaugurated in 2001, is acclaimed for its aesthetics, technology and flyer-friendliness. More than 20 million passengers use the airport each year.

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Terminal Transfer

A walkway with escalators and travelators connects the two terminals.

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Getting into Town

Rail: The light rail metro system connects the airport to Esenler.

Taxi: Taxis or dolmus (shared taxis) are available from the airport.

Bus: Havas airport buses run to central Istanbul (Taksim Square) and to the bus terminal on demand (journey time: 30 minutes). Services also operate to Akmerkez (Etiler).

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Car Parking

There is a car park located at each terminal; with space for 7,200 cars at the International Terminal. A valet service is available (tel: +90 (0)212 465 4433).

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Information Desks

Information desks are located in both terminals. Staff can provide information on facilities and services available at the airport, and on hotels and tourist attractions in Istanbul. They can also assist passengers with young children/disabilities.

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Airport Facilities

Money and communications: There are banks, ATMs and bureaux de change. Post offices are located in both the International and the Domestic terminals.

Eating and drinking: There are 24-hour restaurants, snack bars, cafés, fast-food and bars.

Shopping: There is 24-hour shopping at the airport, including an authentic Bazaar and duty-free shopping in the International Terminal.

Luggage: There is a lost property office in the International Terminal. A 24-hour left-luggage facility and a porter service are also available.

Other facilities: These include first aid, a 24-hour pharmacy, baby-care rooms and a play room.

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Airport Hotels

Travel agencies in the International Terminal offer 24-hour hotel reservations. Construction of an overnight stay hotel at the airport has just been completed (May 2004). The new Istanbul International Airport Hotel boasts 85 rooms, a gym, two conference rooms and a business corner. Nearby hotels include the Radisson SAS Conference and Airport Hotel (tel: +90 (0)212 475 2323), the Polat Renaissance Istanbul Hotel (tel: +90 (0)212 663 1700), the Airport Inn Hotel (tel: +90 (0)212 663 7859) and Cinar Hotel (tel: +90 (0)212 663 2900), all within 2 miles (4km), and the Crowne Plaza Hotel Istanbul (tel: +90 (0)212 560 8100), 5 miles (8km) from the airport.

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Airport Disabled Facilities

The airport has lifts and wheelchair-accessible toilets. Disabled passengers requiring assistance with boarding aircraft are advised to contact their airline in advance. Wheelchairs are available at the airport, but passengers should make advance arrangements with their airline. A bridge taxi is available after passport control on the Departures floor, for those who need to get to distant gates (tel: +90 (0)212 663 2550).

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Flight guide to Istanbul

Overview of Istanbul

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Ataturk/Yesilkov Intl

London (LHR) to Istanbul (IST)
from£163rtnwith British Airways
London (LHR) to Istanbul (IST)
from£163rtnwith British Airways
London (LHR) to Istanbul (IST)
from£137rtnwith Flight Centre
London (LHR) to Istanbul (IST)
from£208rtnwith Czech Airlines
London (LHR) to Istanbul (IST)
from£223rtnwith Czech Airlines
London (LHR) to Istanbul (IST)
from£222rtnwith KLM
London (LHR) to Istanbul (IST)
from£222rtnwith KLM
London (LHR) to Istanbul (IST)
from£163rtnwith British Airways

Driving Directions

From central Istanbul, take the E-5 or O-1/O-2 motorways to the airport; the airport is signposted.

Car Rentals

Car hire companies include Airport Tours, Avias, Avis, Budget, Hertz, National Car, Sixt and Ulger. Counters are located in the International Terminal (Arrivals) just after the baggage reclaim area.

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Contributors to this guide: Word Travels, World Airport Guide, Cheapflights

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World Airport Guides

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