Top Istanbul Airport & Hotel Transfers - page 9

There are plenty of high-rated Istanbul airport transfers available for visitors who want a seamless arrival and departure experience. These transfer services got the highest ratings from prior customers: 

• Private Transfer from Istanbul Airport to Fatih, Beyoglu and Besiktas
• Istanbul Private Transfer - Airports, Cruise Ports and Hotels
• Professional Airport Transfer Services in All Turkey
• Istanbul Airport Private Transfers
• Airport Istanbul Private Transfer IST or SAW Airport

Yes, booking a private airport transfer in Istanbul is worth it; it's a comfortable and convenient way to get into the city after a long flight. You’ll avoid confusing taxi queues and your driver will be waiting for you when you arrive. Best of all, you’ll know the cost of the transport before you book.

Most Istanbul airport transfers cost around US$40, but some luxury vehicles can cost more than US$200. Prices will vary based on group size and whether you book a luxury or traditional vehicle. Istanbul has two airports so be sure your transfer goes to the airport you are arriving at.

Most visitors to Istanbul will arrive at Istanbul Airport (IST) which is generally a 45-minute drive from the city center on the European side of the city. Traffic to the city can often be quite congested and this ride can take up to an hour during busy times of day.

An Istanbul airport transfer typically includes pickup by a professional driver at the airport, assistance with luggage, a comfortable ride in a private or shared vehicle, and drop-off at your hotel. Drivers will typically monitor your flight arrival time for delays and adjust your pick-up accordingly. Some services offer bottled water and child seats.

Tipping on top of the taxi fare is not typical in Istanbul, though you may want to tip if the driver helps with your luggage. It is most common to round up a taxi fare in Istanbul. The local currency is the Turkish lira and most drivers accept both cash and card.

There are tons of fun tours and excursions in Istanbul aside from airport transfers. According to previous travelers, these are the best activities to book for your next trip:

• Dinner Cruises

• Sunset Cruises

• Spas

• Hammams & Turkish Baths

• Private Drivers

Istanbul airport transfer prices vary depending on duration and inclusions. If you’re looking for high-quality experiences on the lower end of the price range, these are the best tours to book now: 

• Istanbul Airport Private Transfer to/From Old City

• Private Economic VIP Transfer to/From Istanbul Airport

• Sabiha Gokcen Airport Private Arrival Transfer

• Istanbul Airport Private Arrival Transfer

• Exclusive and Luxury VIP Airport Transfer Service Across Turkey

It’s important to know that there are two main passenger airports in Istanbul: Istanbul Airport on the European side of the city and Sabiha Gökçen International Airport on the Asian side. Istanbul Airport is the main international airport, while Sabiha Gökçen is predominantly for domestic flights. Make sure you book your transfer from or to the correct airport, and that it’s suitable for your group’s size and the amount of luggage you have. Many transfers use minibuses that have ample room for luggage.

If you’re visiting Istanbul in summer, book an airport transfer in an air-conditioned vehicle, so you don’t overheat on your drive into the city. Check whether an infant or child seat is available if you’re traveling with younger kids. It’s also a good idea to check how much driver waiting time a transfer includes—most services track your flight, so your driver is on time to meet you. It’s important to factor in time for delays getting through immigration, or you might have to pay extra if your driver has to wait.

The best time of year to book Istanbul airport transfers is whenever you have a flight to or from the city. While the historic city is a year-round destination, the summer months of June to August are peak travel season as the weather is generally warm and conditions are good for outdoor sightseeing. Spring and fall are cooler but still pleasant. Winters can be quite cold and wet, but there are plenty of indoor attractions where you can stay warm and dry, and prices tend to be lower.