Arriving in Istanbul Late at Night (2026): Getting from IST or SAW to Your Hotel
After midnight the metro from both Istanbul airports is closed or limited, so the practical choices are a taxi from the rank, an airport bus where a night trip is scheduled, or a pre-booked private transfer. With Istanbul Airport Pickups there is no night surcharge: a 03:00 pickup costs the same as one at noon, from €42 per car from IST to Taksim.
What still runs after midnight
| Option | At night | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Metro (M11 at IST, M4 at SAW) | Closed or limited | The M4 from SAW runs roughly 06:00 to midnight |
| Airport buses (Havaist, Havabüs) | Some night trips | Check the timetable for your landing time |
| Taxi | 24 hours | Same metered tariff day and night: 71.94 TL plus 47.92 TL per km |
| Private transfer | 24 hours, pre-booked | Fixed price, driver waits with your name |
Why a late landing is different
Late flights often land in waves, so passport control and baggage claim can take longer than in the day. If you have booked a car, that matters: we track your flight, and the 60 minutes of free waiting start when you land, not at the time you first gave us. An early or delayed landing does not cost extra.
The roads, on the other hand, are quiet. The drive from Istanbul Airport (IST) to Taksim or Sultanahmet usually takes 45 to 55 minutes at night, and from Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) to Kadıköy around 45 minutes.
Delayed flight or a long wait after landing
A flight delay and extra waiting are two different things. A delay costs nothing: we follow the flight number you gave us, and the 60 free minutes start at the actual landing time, however late that is. Extra waiting is time you need after those 60 minutes, for example because a bag is lost. Message or call us before the free hour ends; if a driver can stay longer, extra waiting is charged per 15 minutes (Economy €5, Standard Class €20, First Class €40, Van Standard €10, Van First Class €15, Minibus €15). Without contact by the end of the free hour, the booking can be treated as a no-show. See our service terms.
Night prices with Istanbul Airport Pickups
There is no night surcharge. The only time-of-day difference is the afternoon peak (15:00–19:00 at IST and 14:45–21:00 at SAW, +30%), so most night and early-morning pickups are at the normal price. Economy, one way, per car, for up to 3 passengers:
- IST to Taksim: €42
- IST to Karaköy: €44
- IST to Sultanahmet: €46
- SAW to Kadıköy: €45
- SAW to Taksim or Sultanahmet: €50
A van for up to 7 people starts at €58 from IST. See all routes on the price table.
Meeting your driver at night
The meeting points are the same 24 hours a day. At IST: leave arrivals through Exit 13; our team waits at the 3E sign with your name. At SAW: walk out to the TÜRSAB building opposite column 5 and tell reception you are here for 3E. You do not need mobile data: if you cannot find us, call or message +90 536 297 30 08, staffed 24/7.
Early-morning departures
For a flight before 08:00 you will usually leave your hotel between 03:00 and 05:00. Book the airport transfer in advance and give the hotel's exact address; the driver is at the door at the agreed time. Booking the arrival and the departure together gives 10% off the return leg.
Transfer prices for this trip: IST → Sultanahmet transfer · IST → Taksim / Beyoğlu transfer · SAW → Kadıköy transfer
Frequently asked questions
Is there a night surcharge for airport transfers in Istanbul?
Not with Istanbul Airport Pickups. A 03:00 pickup costs the same as one at noon. Only afternoon peak hours (15:00–19:00 at IST, 14:45–21:00 at SAW) cost 30% more.
Does the metro run from Istanbul Airport at night?
Metro lines from both airports are closed or limited late at night; the M4 from Sabiha Gökçen runs roughly from 06:00 to midnight. Check the operator before you travel.
Are Istanbul taxis more expensive at night?
The taxi tariff in force since July 2026 has one rate day and night: 71.94 TL to start plus 47.92 TL per km.
What happens if my night flight is delayed?
We track the flight. Your 60 minutes of free waiting start when you actually land, and a delay costs nothing extra.