Are there 24/7 buses?

Most airports keep at least one night bus or coach on standby—check the overhead screens near arrivals for the current stand.

Is it safe to take taxis overnight?

Stick to signed ranks and insist on the meter. Note any official surcharge for night operations before you hop in.

ISTTürkiyeTPL: night-owl-plan

Istanbul Airport

Istanbul, Türkiye

Drop-off

Taksim / Sultanahmet (Historic City Center)

Pin before customs

Fastest

M11 Istanbul Airport – Gayrettepe Metro Line

metro · 8-20m

Data

Nov 28

Audit

Quick verdict

Fastest into town

Service: M11 Istanbul Airport – Gayrettepe Metro Line
Headway: 8-20
Backup: M2 Yenikapı – Hacıosman Metro (via Gayrettepe or Mecidiyeköy) · 5-10m

Note

Rapid metro from Istanbul Airport to Gayrettepe, where you can transfer to M2 metro for central areas such as Şişli, Taksim and Yenikapı. Trains typically run from around 06:00 to 00:40 with intervals of about 8–10 minutes at peak and up to ~20 minutes off‑peak.

Late arrivals

Istanbul: Night-Owl Operations

After-midnight contingencies for delayed flights and red-eyes. Targets queries likeistanbul airport busandist to city centerfor eSIM funnels.

Lines that keep running

Brief

This is the overnight lifeline when the metro or flagship express shuts down.

Service: Havaist HVIST-11 Istanbul Airport – Sultanahmet
Mode: coach
Freq: 30-60m
Note: Dedicated Havaist route running directly from Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet Square by the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. Aimed at tourists to the Old City, with luggage space and dynamic 24/7 service frequency aligned with flight arrivals.

Backup when rail sleeps

Brief

If even this pauses, default to the licensed taxi rank or approved ride-hailing pickup outside arrivals.

Service: Havaist HVIST-16 Istanbul Airport – Taksim
Mode: coach
Freq: 20-40m
Note: Airport coach linking Istanbul Airport directly to Taksim Square, also serving key stops such as Beşiktaş/Levent on some routings. Runs most of the day and evening with dynamic frequency adjusted to flight schedules; journey typically 60–90 minutes depending on traffic.

Ticketing tips

Brief

Load balance onto the local transit card before midnight because some kiosks shut or stop accepting bills after hours.

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FAQs

01Are there 24/7 buses?: Most airports keep at least one night bus or coach on standby—check the overhead screens near arrivals for the current stand.
02Is it safe to take taxis overnight?: Stick to signed ranks and insist on the meter. Note any official surcharge for night operations before you hop in.