Getting Here
Located in the heart of the world, Istanbul is easily accessible by air, rail, sea and road.
By air
Hosting two international airports (Atatürk Airport on the European side and Sabiha Gökçen Airport on the Asian side), Istanbul is reachable by most of the major international airlines and charters. The city is from 2 to 5 hours from European destinations and 9 hours from North America. Useful information to remember: Airport: +90 212 465 55 55 THY General Directorate: +90 212 463 63 63 THY Reservation: +90 212 444 08 49
From İstanbul to International cities…
City | Flight distance | City | City Flight distance | City | City Flight distance |
| Athens | 349 miles | Madrid | 1564 miles | Zurich | 1000 miles |
| Amsterdam | 1253 miles | Moscow | 1028 miles | Tel Aviv | 688 miles |
| Berlin | 992 miles | Oslo | 1520 miles | Kuwait | 1605 miles |
| Bucharest | 305 miles | Paris | 1277 miles | Bahrain | 1697 miles |
| Budapest | 614 miles | Prague | 868 miles | New York | 4538 miles |
| Brussels | 1226 miles | Rome | 839 miles | Los Angeles | 5220 miles |
| Copenhagen | 1144 miles | Sofia | 271 miles | Rio de Janerio | 6400 miles |
| Dublin | 1568 miles | Stockholm | 1290 miles | Buenos Aires | 7570 miles |
| Helsinki | 1295 miles | Vienna | 748 miles | Beijing | 4159 miles |
| Lisbon | 1860 miles | Warsaw | 842 miles | Tokyo | 5291 miles |
| London | 1423 miles | Zagreb | 947 miles | Cape Town | 4908 miles |
By sea
As the turn around port for many cruise ships, Istanbul is mostly reached from the Aegean Sea. Besides, Karaköy Sea Port is also used as a stopping point for a number of international ferries. The Bosphorus is an important passageway for international cargo ships and tankers, and a crucial stopping place for mediterranean cruises. Useful information to remember: Port Phone: +90 212 251 50 00 General Directorate of Turkish Maritimes Authority JSC Rıhtım Caddesi Merkez Han No: 4 80120 Karaköy
By rail
İstanbul has two railway stations: Haydarpaşa on the Asian side and
Sirkeci on the European side. However both are under restoration
It is important to check this before planning your trip. The
city can be reached from Belgrade (via Balkan Express), Bucharest (via
Bosphorus Express), Budapest(via TransBalkan Express), Kischinev
(via Prietenia Express), Pythion (via IC 90/91) and Munich (via IstanbulExpress).
Useful information to remember: Useful information to remember: Haydarpaşa Station Location: Rasimpaşa Mahallesi, Kadıköy Phone: +90 216 348 80 21 Working hours: 8:00 AM – 06:00 PM Sirkeci Station Location: Ankara Caddesi Hocapaşa, Eminönü Phone: +90 212 520 65 75 / 4128 ext. Working hours (for international trains only): 07:00 AM – 12:00 AM
By road
Istanbul has a very extensive road network requiring Green Card and appropriate insurance for visitors coming from Europe. Driving is on the right. Speed limits are 120 km/h for motorways, 90 km/h on main roads and 50 km/h in towns. Located in Esenler; the city’s international bus terminal is about ten kilometers from the city center and serves all international and domestic lines.
