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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A walkway with escalators and travelators connects the two terminals.
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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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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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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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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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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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