Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Istanbul Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit. Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.
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I found that I had been robbed whilst napping in Area F. I assume I was an easy target being older, unable to walk well and as I had visited the Rolex shop earlier.” – a traveller
IST Airport Overview
To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Istanbul Airport.
What to Expect
The new Istanbul Airport (code: IST) opened in April 2019 and replaces the old Istanbul Ataturk Airport, which now operates private jets only. The airport currently has one terminal for both Domestic and International flights; however, the airport has only opened Phase I to date. Construction is expected to continue until 2028. The new terminal is currently the world’s largest single-terminal building (under one roof), and it will only grow. The airport advertises space for over 150 restaurants and cafes, plenty of shopping to pass the time and modern amenities to make your time at the airport fly by.
Sleeping in Istanbul Airport
The airport has “Nap Zones” in the International terminal equipped with semi-reclined seats. These can be found in Gates A, B, C, E, F, G, and a few other areas. Some readers have mentioned round couches at Gate B9, B17, B18 and 20+ lounge chairs (with a bamboo privacy wall) at the upper level of the E1/E2 section. Unfortunately, the airport has installed centre pieces on the round couches (see photo above), so sleep will not be as good here as it was in the past. Thumbs down Istanbul Airport! Besides the floor, you may be able to stretch on the seats at empty gates. You’ll find armrests every three seats or so, enabling a decent stretch out, for now, anyway. As the airport traffic grows, there may be a few empty gates. If you’re planning to stay landside, keep in mind that one of our readers was woken up three times to be reminded that sleeping in the terminal is prohibited (January, 2024).
For those of you who don’t mind paying for comfort, small cocoon-like sleep pods can be rented by the hour. Perfect for some privacy during a layover. There are also several hotels located at and near the airport, including one on-site, which offers rooms both Landside and Airside. See the Airport Hotels section below for locations.
Read traveller airport reviews for more tips. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Istanbul Airport Guide.
To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos.
In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security.
Airport Hours
The airport is open 24 hours.
Rest & Relaxation Zones
A few options are available to tired passengers looking to catch some rest in between flights. A reader tells us: “The new Istanbul Airport has “Nap Zones” in the International terminal. There is one near the Gate D section. There may also be others. They are equipped with day beds. ” Other readers have mentioned round couches at Gate B9 (even though these now have wooden centre pieces, making sleeping more challenging) and 20+ lounge chairs (with a bamboo privacy wall) at the upper level of the E1/E2 section.
Recliner chairs can be found in the following locations: Opposite Check-in Area A and S • Domestic Area, Food Court Area • Domestic Area, near Gate G8 • International Area, Near Gate A5, A7, B4, B18, C1, C4, E1, and E4 • International Areas A and B, opposite Gourmet Trilogy • Transfer Area, opposite Security Checkpoints.
Istanbul Airport Hotels, Day Rooms & Sleep Pods
Quick Facts
- Nearest Hotel: Inside the Airport
- Sleep Cabins or Pods: Yes
- Day Rooms: Yes
- Nearby Hotels with Free Shuttles: Yes
When the prospect of sleeping on the floor or in a chair gives you nightmares, there is good news for those who are looking to sleep at Istanbul Airport in comfort. If you are on a layover, you don’t have to go through security, as two transit hotels offer both short-term and overnight rates. Sleep pods, perfect for single travellers seeking some privacy, are also available. The off-site hotels are a bit of a distance from the airport, but we have included a few nearby hotels in case you want to stay somewhere other than a sleep cabin.
Hotels at Istanbul Airport
- IGA Sleepod – Location: Airside, near Gates D. Sleep pods can be rented hourly at a rate of 10 EUR per hour between 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM and 15 EUR between 7:00 PM – 7:00 AM. Blankets and pillows cost 5 EUR.
- YOTEL Istanbul Hotel Landside – The hotel’s landside/public zone section offers several sleep cabins. Guests here have 24/7 access to the gym and self-service food and drinks. Location: Landside, Opposite Terminal Door Entrance 7. » Check Rates
- YOTEL Istanbul Hotel Airside – The airside/secure zone section of the hotel offers several cabins with self-serve check-in. Day rooms are available for a minimum of 4 hours. Location: Airside. » Check Rates
Hotels near the airport
- Park Inn by Radisson, Istanbul Airport, Odayeri – No airport shuttle. » Check Rates
- Durusu Club Hotel – No airport shuttle. » Check Rates
- Menalo Hotel Premium Istanbul Airport – Airport shuttle is available ($). » Check Rates
Reader Tip: “If you are flying with Turkish Airlines and you have a layover of a minimum of four hours and a maximum of nine hours, you may be eligible for a free stay in a sleep cabin.” Check with the airline.
For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near the new Istanbul Airport that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating and popularity.
Airport Lounges
Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships
Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges that you can enter by paying at the door.
- IGA Lounge – International Departures Level, Airside, on the left after passport control. Showers are available. Hours: open 24 hours. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door • Prepaid lounge pass.
- IGA Lounge -International Departures Level, Airside, on the right after passport control, near Gate G11. Hours: open 24 hours. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door • Prepaid lounge pass.
- SkyTeam Lounge – (Temporarily closed) Airside, Level H. Showers are available. Hours: open 24 hours. Lounge Access: Lounge membership programs.
Airline Lounges
If you are a First or Business Class traveller, you may have access to the lounges listed below. For more information, check the airline’s website.
Turkish Airlines International CIP Lounge (Location: Unknown), Turkish Airlines Lounge Miles & Smiles (Location: Airside) • Turkish Airlines Business Lounge (Location: Airside) • Turkish Airlines Domestic Lounge (Location: Airside).
Related Pages: Istanbul Airport Lounges
Drinking Water
Free water dispensers can be found in 18 locations throughout the terminal. A reader tells us, “There is a water fountain with drinkable water near the entrance to the museum. There is also one located on the left side of the escalator as you come down from passport control and enter the baggage claim area. (They try to make you pass through a duty-free shop.)”
Food & Drinks
There are over 150 food concessions throughout the terminal (Landside and Airside), most operating 24/7. Vending machines selling snacks and refreshments are also located throughout the terminal.
Luggage Storage & Lockers
IGA Left Luggage offers services in the following locations: Arrival Level, near Exit 14 • Arrival Level, opposite Exit 13 • Departure Level, near Gates 1 and 6. Rates: Plastic Bag TRY 90 • Medium-size luggage TRY 115 • Large-size luggage TRY 240 • Oversize luggage TRY 300 • XXL-sized Luggage TRY 375. Prices refer to 24 hours of usage.
Mobile Charging
Charging stations can be found at the check-in waiting areas and the seating areas near the gates. A reader tells us that mobile charging is available at every gate under the seats. (May 2019).
Showers
Freshen up in between flights. Showers are available in the following areas:
- IGA Lounge – IGA International Lounge – Airside. Showers cost 15 EUR. See Airport Lounges above.
- The Ambassador Spa & Beauty Salon – Offers steam room and shower packages. Showers cost 25 EUR for 20 minutes. See also Spa Services below.
- YOTEL Hotel – Airside and Landside locations. See Airport Hotels above.
WiFi/Internet
Free WiFi is available at Istanbul Airport for one hour. To connect, go to a login page and create an account. A reader tells us, “there are two ways to get free wifi 1) By using your phone number (not necessarily Turkish number, any country is applicable). You will receive a code to that number which will be needed to start using the wifi 2) By using your passport at wifi kiosks So basically, you have at least two hours of free wifi by using both of the above options The wifi name is “Turktelekomfree” or “Istanbulairport Turktelekomfree”. Connect to it and you will be redirected to a page where you can choose either option given above. ” (January 2020)
Security & Safety
At the time of this update, we have had a couple of reports of pickpockets at Istanbul Airport. No other safety issues have been reported at IST.
Sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when you are travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:
- Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
- Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
- Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
- Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.
More Airport Information
ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available from over ten different institutes. Fees may apply, so check your bank’s fee schedule and daily withdrawal limit if you are travelling internationally. You may also want to notify your bank of your travel plans. Locations: Landside in both the Domestic and International Areas.
Banking Services – Several Bank Branches including Türkiye İş Bankas, QNB, Garanti BBVA, and Ziraat Bankası are available at the terminal.
Currency Exchange – Global Exchange offers services at 43 locations in Istanbul Airport.
Duty-Free & Shopping – Duty-free shopping is available at UniFree Duty-Free. A good variety of additional shops are available to pass your time at the airport. Hours: unknown.
Family Services
- Baby Care Rooms – If you are travelling with an infant, there are dedicated rooms equipped with diaper-changing facilities and comfortable seating for private nursing. These rooms can be found at the following locations:
- Airside – International Departures, Concourse A, across from Gate A6 • International Departures, Concourse B, Gate B4 • International Departures, Concourse D, Gate D2 • International Departures, Concourse F, Gate F5 • Domestic Departures, Concourse G, Gate G5 • Arrivals Level, Opposite Exit 12 • Departures Level, Check-in Area B.
- Children’s Play Area – When you want to ensure your kids burn off all their energy before their flight, take them to the children’s play area. Locations: Airside, Domestic Area, Gate G5, G2 • Airside, International Area, Gate A6, B4, B8/B9, D2, F9 • Landside, Departures, Ticket Offices 5-6 • Landside, Departures, Check-in C/D, N • Airside, International Area, opposite Sleepods.
- Strollers – The airport supplies complimentary strollers. Pick-up points are located throughout the terminal.
Library – Pick up a book from the airport’s library, browse through a periodical or take your kids to the children’s reading zone. Books can be returned to any public library in Turkey. Hours: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Luggage Wrapping – iGA Baggage Wrap offers services landside, in the Departures Area, between Check-ins G and H. Rates and hours: unknown.
Medical Services – Round-the-clock urgent care is available throughout the airport. On top of this, 10 polyclinic areas providing 24/7 services can be found in several areas of the terminal.
Museums and Exhibitions – Istanbul Airport is home to the ‘Türkiye’s Treasures; Faces of the Throne’ exhibition, featuring 316 works from 29 museums. Location: International Departure Floor. Passengers can also visit the Pioneers of Modern Science exhibition, which displays the work of world-renowned Muslim scientists. Location: International Departure Area, Pier B.
Pharmacy – Three are available: The Airport Pharmacy (International Terminal, Landside, Departures Area) • Melike Sultan Pharmacy (International Terminal, Landside, Arrivals Area, near Exit 13) • İstanbul Havalimanı Eczane (Unknown). Hours: 24 hours.
Postal Services – Send your last-minute postcards at the PTT post office located in the Domestic Departure Level.
Prayer Rooms – There are 22 rooms for Muslim men and 22 for Muslim women. In addition, three prayer rooms can be used by individuals of all religions backgrounds. Locations: Multiple prayer rooms can be found in each concourse, and locations are available landside and airside.
SIM Cards – A reader tells us you can purchase SIM cards in the Domestic Terminal near the food court. Unfortunately, tourist SIM cards at the airport are incredibly overpriced compared to stores in Istanbul.
Smoking – Istanbul Airport features a total of 13 smoking terraces. Ten of these are located airside, in the International Area, while an additional three can be found in the Domestic Area.
Spa Services – The Ambassador Spa & Beauty Salon offers 30-minute treatments, full-day spa and beauty services, steam room and shower packages, and even a place to nap for a few hours. Locations: Airside, beside the IGA Lounge. Hours: 24 hours.
Bus
Whether you are looking for a local bus or a luxury coach bus, the airport is well-connected. Havaist offers luxury passenger (with luggage) transportation and connects every 15 and 40 minutes to/from the airport. They offer connections on 10 different lines. Local bus transportation is also available to a variety of destinations at a lower price. For routes and schedules, visit the hava.ist and iett.istanbul websites.
Car Rentals
The following agencies operate at Istanbul Airport: Avec • Payless • Elitcar Rental • Ülger Rent A Car • Sixt Rent A Car • Green Motion • 5S Otomotiv • Rent Go • Çizgi Rent A Car • Eva • Cimla Rent A Car • Castle • Avis & Budget • Ziirat Filo • Hertz • Enterprise Rent A Car • Garenta • Europcar • Budget • WindyCar • Okmobility • HDY Everyday.
Hotel Shuttles
At the time of this update, we could not find any hotels that offer airport shuttles. See also Airport Hotels above to see some hotel options at the airport.
Metro
Passengers can now reach Istanbul’s city centre thanks to the newly built metro line. Visit the airport website for more information.
Taxi
Taxis are available 24 hours a day and can be found outside the Domestic and International Arrivals and Departures halls. Three services are provided: black “E” type, blue “D” type, and orange “C” type taxis. Fares can be checked on the airport website.
Last updated: 2024-08-26
This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning. All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice. The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or write a review.