Istanbul Airport: Complete Guide 2026

Quick Answer for Gulf Visitors

What is Istanbul's new airport called, and what's its code? Its official name is "Istanbul Airport," with the international code IST, and it's the main airport that replaced the old Ataturk Airport.

How far is the city from the airport? The airport sits in the northern part of the European side, roughly 35 to 45 kilometres from the city centre, with travel time varying significantly depending on traffic.

Is it the same as Sabiha Gokcen Airport? No, they are two entirely different airports; Istanbul Airport is on the European side, while Sabiha Gokcen is on the Asian side.

Istanbul Airport is Turkey's main air gateway today, and one of the largest airports in the world in terms of its single-terminal building. For Gulf visitors arriving in Istanbul for the first time, the airport's name, code, and exact location relative to the former Ataturk Airport and Sabiha Gokcen can be a source of confusion. This guide focuses on the airport itself: its name and code, the terminal layout, prayer rooms and lounges, its location relative to the city, and how it differs from the other two options. Details on how to actually get from the airport to your hotel are covered at length in our Istanbul airport transfer guide; this guide summarises that in a single paragraph to avoid repetition.

The Airport's Name and Code

The airport's official name is "Istanbul Airport," also known as "the new Istanbul Airport" to distinguish it from the former Ataturk Airport, which served the city for decades before closing to commercial flights. Its international code, used on tickets and booking systems, is IST — the same code previously used for Ataturk Airport, which causes some confusion for anyone researching the code's history. If you see IST on your ticket, it refers to the current new airport, not the old one.

The Single-Terminal Layout

One of Istanbul Airport's standout features is its reliance on a single, massive terminal building serving all international and domestic flights, unlike some major airports that split flights across multiple separate buildings. This design relatively simplifies moving through the airport, since you don't need to shuttle between different buildings to connect from an international to a domestic flight. However, the sheer size of that one building means long walking distances between gates, so it's worth budgeting extra time for moving around inside, especially when connecting between gates that are far apart.

Prayer Rooms for Travellers

Istanbul Airport includes dedicated prayer rooms spread across different parts of the terminal, equipped with ablution areas and separate spaces, which should reassure Gulf visitors looking for a suitable place to pray during a layover or waiting period. Prayer rooms are available in both the international and domestic flight areas, and the airport's internal signage clearly directs travellers to them.

Lounges and General Services

The airport hosts a large number of airline-operated lounges as well as some independent lounges accessible with a paid pass or through membership programmes, offering quiet spaces to rest between long flights. The airport also features a wide range of shops, restaurants and general service facilities spread throughout its halls. As for baggage, the airport follows standard international procedures for check-in and collection, and it's worth checking your gate and walking route on the display screens as soon as you arrive, since the large building takes time to navigate between sections.

Distance to Central Istanbul

Istanbul Airport sits in the northern part of the city's European side, in the Arnavutkoy area, relatively far from historic central Istanbul and areas like Sultanahmet and Taksim. The distance to the city centre is roughly 35 to 45 kilometres, but actual travel time depends heavily on traffic and varies noticeably between rush hour and the rest of the day. If you're arranging your transfer from the airport to your hotel, our Istanbul airport transfer guide covers transport options, approximate prices and travel times in full detail, and if you'd rather drive yourself from the moment you land, you can book a car directly through car rental in Istanbul from inside the arrivals hall itself.

The Former Ataturk Airport: A Bit of History

Before Istanbul Airport opened, Ataturk International Airport was the main airport serving the city for many decades, also located on the European side, but in an area closer to the city centre than the new airport's location. Ataturk Airport was closed to commercial air traffic after all flights were moved to the new airport, and it no longer receives commercial passengers. If you come across old signage or outdated information online referring to "Ataturk Airport" as your arrival point in Istanbul, know that it's outdated; all commercial flights to Istanbul's European side arrive today through the new Istanbul Airport.

The Difference Between It and Sabiha Gokcen Airport

Istanbul is served by two main airports today: Istanbul Airport on the European side of the city, and Sabiha Gokcen Airport on the Asian side. The geographic difference between them matters a great deal when planning your trip; if your hotel or itinerary is centred on the Asian side, or if your ticket specifies Sabiha Gokcen, moving between it and the new airport takes a long time across the Bosphorus bridges, so it's worth avoiding confusion between the two when booking transport. Sabiha Gokcen is relatively smaller and typically served by low-cost airlines, while Istanbul Airport is the main hub for most major international carriers. Details on getting around from Sabiha Gokcen are covered in our Sabiha Gokcen airport transfer guide if your flight arrives there.

A Quick Summary of Getting From the Airport

As for getting from the airport to your hotel, in brief: multiple options are available, including dedicated buses, the metro line connecting to the city centre, taxis, and pre-arranged private transfers, with travel times ranging widely depending on the mode of transport and traffic conditions. For full details on each option, approximate prices and booking tips, see our Istanbul airport transfer guide, dedicated entirely to that topic.

Quick Comparison Table

FAQ

1. What is the new Istanbul airport called? Its official name is "Istanbul Airport," with the code IST.
2. Is the new Istanbul Airport the same as Ataturk Airport? No, they are different airports; Ataturk closed to commercial traffic after the new airport opened and flights moved there.
3. How far is the city centre from the airport? Roughly 35 to 45 kilometres, with travel time varying depending on traffic.
4. Is there a prayer room at the airport? Yes, prayer rooms are spread across multiple areas of the single terminal building.
5. Does the airport have one terminal or several buildings? A single massive terminal serves all international and domestic flights.
6. What's the difference between it and Sabiha Gokcen Airport? Istanbul Airport is on the European side and serves most major carriers, while Sabiha Gokcen is on the Asian side and mostly serves low-cost carriers.
7. How do I get from the airport to my hotel? By bus, metro, taxi or private transfer — full details in our Istanbul airport transfer guide.
8. Can I rent a car directly at the airport? Yes, through car rental in Istanbul from inside the arrivals hall.
9. Are there lounges at the airport? Yes, a large number of airline lounges as well as independent lounges.
10. Does Ataturk Airport receive commercial flights today? No, it stopped receiving commercial flights after Istanbul Airport opened.

Conclusion

Istanbul Airport is the city's main air gateway today, coded IST, with a single massive terminal that includes prayer rooms, lounges and comprehensive facilities. It sits in the northern European side, roughly 35-45 kilometres from the city centre, and it's entirely different from Sabiha Gokcen Airport on the Asian side and from the former Ataturk Airport, which no longer handles commercial flights. For full details on getting from the airport to your hotel, see our Istanbul airport transfer guide, and for those who prefer to drive themselves, car rental in Istanbul is available directly from the arrivals hall.

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