İstanbul is considered to be one ofthe main air traffic hubs connecting international airlines from Europeto Middle-East, Asia and Africa.Hosting two international airports –Atatürk International Airport on theEuropean side (20 km from Taksim)and Sabiha International Gökçen Airport (50 km from Taksim) on the Asian side – İstanbul is reachable by most of the major international airlines and charters. The city is 2 to 4 hours from European destinations and 9 hours from North America.Turkish Airlines that flies to morecountries in the world than any other airline has more than 300 direct flights.

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

As the turn around port for manycruise ships, İstanbul is mostly reached from the Aegean Sea andTop cruise destination in Turkey. Besides, Karaköy Sea Port is also used as a stopping point for a number international ferries. The Bosphorus an important passageway for international 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

İstanbul has two railway stations: Haydarpaşa on the Asian side and

Sirkeci on the European side. However both are under restoration during

2015. 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: Sirkeci Station location: Ankara Caddesi Hocapaşa 34110, Eminönü Phone: +90 212 520 65 75. Working hours (for internationaltrains only): 07:00 AM – 12:00 AM

Haydarpaşa Station Location: Rasimpaşa Mahallesi, Kadıköy Phone: +90 216 348 80 20

İstanbul has extensive highways and road network requiring insurance for visitors coming from Europe. Driving is on the right side. Speed limits are 120 km/h for motorways, 90 km/h on main roads and 50 km/h in towns. Located in Esenler; city’s bus terminal is about 10 kilometers from the city center and serves both international and domestic lines.