Istanbul Airport Arrival Guide 2026: Passport, e-Visa, Istanbulkart and Getting to the City
After landing at Istanbul Airport (IST) you pass passport control, collect your bags on the arrivals floor and walk through customs. Taxis wait at exits 9 and 13, Havaist buses and the M11 metro leave from below arrivals, and an Istanbulkart for public transport costs 165 TL. If you booked a transfer with us, your driver waits at Exit 13 by the 3E sign.
Before you fly: visa and passport
Citizens of many countries, including most EU countries and the UK, can visit Turkey without a visa for short stays; travellers from other countries apply for an e-Visa online. Use only the official site, evisa.gov.tr, and check the current rules for your passport on the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs website (mfa.gov.tr) before you travel. Your passport should be valid well beyond your stay.
Step by step after landing
- Passport control. Follow the signs for arrivals. Queues are longest when several long-haul flights land together.
- Baggage claim. Check the screens for your belt number.
- Customs. Walk through the green channel if you have nothing to declare.
- Arrivals hall. This is where you find ATMs, exchange offices, SIM card shops and the exits.
Where everything is
| What | Where at IST |
|---|---|
| Istanbul Airport Pickups drivers | Exit 13, by the 3E sign |
| Taxi ranks | Outside exits 9 and 13 |
| Havaist buses | Level −2, transportation floor |
| M11 metro | Below the terminal, signposted from arrivals |
Istanbulkart
Istanbulkart is the rechargeable card for metro, tram, bus and ferries. The card costs 165 TL (not refundable) and a standard full-fare metro ride costs 46.20 TL (tariff from 20 July 2026). Buy and top it up at the yellow machines in the arrivals hall and at stations. One card can be shared by several people travelling together.
Money and phone
Cards are accepted almost everywhere in Istanbul. Exchange offices in the city usually give better rates than at the airport, so change only a small amount on arrival. An eSIM bought before you travel is the easiest way to have data as soon as you land; free Wi-Fi is also available in the terminal.
Meeting your driver
If you booked with Istanbul Airport Pickups, your driver tracks your flight and messages you on WhatsApp when you land. Walk out through Exit 13: our team waits by the 3E sign with your name. The first 60 minutes after landing are free, so take your time at passport control and baggage claim.
Transfer prices for this trip: IST → Sultanahmet transfer · IST → Taksim / Beyoğlu transfer
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa for Turkey?
It depends on your passport. Many nationalities, including most EU citizens and the UK, can visit visa-free for short stays; others apply for an e-Visa at evisa.gov.tr. Check mfa.gov.tr for your country.
Where do I buy an Istanbulkart at the airport?
From the yellow machines in the arrivals hall or at the metro station. The card costs 165 TL in 2026.
How long does it take to get through Istanbul Airport after landing?
Usually 30 to 60 minutes for passport control and baggage, longer when several long-haul flights arrive together.
Where do I meet my Istanbul Airport Pickups driver?
At Istanbul Airport, go out through Exit 13: our team waits by the 3E sign with your name.