We sent our in-house influencer, Edward Kim, to Turkey on a travel research mission. His firsthand experience brings you the most authentic tips and recommendations straight from the field.

Istanbul Airport is one of the busiest in the world, handling close to 80 million passengers year on year. As a key gateway bridging Europe and Asia, it’s designed to ensure a seamless entry into Turkey.

Upon landing, you’ll either disembark via an air bridge or shuttle bus, depending on your gate. The airport's sheer size is impressive, with its modern architecture, wide-open spaces, and clear signage in both Turkish and English guiding you seamlessly through the process. While the walk from the gate to immigration can be long, the well-organized flow of the airport ensures you’re always moving in the right direction.

The airport is designed to handle large crowds, so even if the airport is bustling, its efficiency stands out. Prepare to have your passport, visa (or e-visa), and return ticket ready to speed up the process through immigration and customs. For first-time visitors, expect the journey from plane to hotel to take around 1 to 2 hours.

This blog will take you through the specifics of navigating your arrival at Istanbul airport. You might also want to check out our guide to exploring Istanbul and our beginner’s guide to Turkey. 

Everything You Need Ready Before You Arrive at Istanbul

• Flight tickets: Book your flight using sites like Skyscanner or Turkish Airlines. After booking, download your e-ticket or boarding pass to your phone.

• Passport or ID Card: Apply for a passport through your country’s passport office. Make sure it's valid for at least 6 months after your trip.

• Visa (if required): As of the latest information, citizens from 78 countries and territories do not need a visa to enter Turkey for tourism or commercial purposes, while nationals from another 40 countries can obtain an e-Visa online for a fee prior to arrival​. There are 63 countries eligible to apply for a single-entry e-Visa under certain conditions.

• In total, this means that travelers from over 180 countries have varying visa requirements, either being visa-exempt, eligible for e-Visas, or needing to obtain a visa before arrival.

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So you can skip the frustration and focus on exploring all that Turkey has to offer.

• Travel Insurance: Available via services like Allianz, Acko, or XCover. Ensure it covers medical expenses abroad.

• Travel Permits: Check with the Turkish consulate or embassy if you need a special permit. It’s usually required for long stays or work visas.

• Hotel and Car Reservation Info: Book accommodation on Booking.com or Airbnb. For cars, use Hertz or Rentalcars.com. Save your confirmations to your phone for immediate reference.

Entering Istanbul Airport: First Impressions

As soon as you enter the airport, the first thing you notice is its big and modern architecture. The building is bright, with high ceilings and large windows, making it feel open and airy. The floors are shiny, and everything looks clean and new. You’ll immediately see signs in multiple languages, so it’s easy to figure out where to go, whether you need to find arrivals, baggage claim, or transfer flights.

The airport is busy, but the layout is simple and organized. Even though there are lots of people, everything moves smoothly, and the staff are helpful if you need directions.

You’ll hear the sounds of announcements, people chatting, and suitcases rolling. The sheer size of the airport and volume of passengers can intimidate first-time travelers.

That said, the airport is designed to handle a lot of travelers, so you won’t feel lost or confused as long as you follow the signs. It’s a welcoming space that prepares you for the energy of Istanbul itself.

Facilities: Numerous & Convenient

Wi-Fi

Once you’ve disembarked and are inside the terminal, the first thing you might want to do is connect to Wi-Fi. Open your phone’s Wi-Fi settings, select “IstanbulAirportTurkTelekomFree”, and sign in by entering your phone number. This way, you can stay connected and inform anyone waiting for you that you’ve arrived. If you need help connecting to the airport Wi-Fi, ask a staff member for assistance.

Restrooms, Baby-care, & Pet-care Facilities

Restrooms and baby-care areas are available in plenty around the departure gates. Pet care facilities are located after the security checkpoints on the departures floor. Istanbul airport has accessible restrooms and adult-changing facilities. Look for signs pointing to the nearest restroom, or ask staff for directions if needed.

Rest / Nap zones

Complimentary “Napzone” areas are available throughout the terminal, offering passengers the opportunity to rest until their flights. Six rest areas are available, with a combined capacity to accommodate 278 individuals.

Information Points

If you're unsure about your next step, look for signs pointing to the nearest Information Point. The staff will help with directions, finding transportation, or any other questions you have about the airport. This is also the place to avail Wheelchair service for accompanying passengers.

Once you have all the information you might need, it’s time to head to passport control.

Passport Control: Quick & Efficient

The walk to immigration was long but well-marked with clear, blue signs in both English and Turkish. There were two lines—one for Turkish passport holders and one for others—I joined the latter. Both lines moved quickly thanks to the number of open counters. 

The immigration officer asked for my passport and visa, glanced at both, and briefly reviewed my entry details on their system. I was asked two simple questions: the purpose of my visit and how long I intended to stay. Some officers may also request proof of a return ticket or accommodation, so it’s best to have those ready.

Once the officer verified my documents, they stamped my passport without much conversation. The entire process was quick and efficient, lasting no more than a few minutes. With my passport now stamped, I was officially cleared to enter Turkey.

For first-time visitors, my advice is to keep your passport, visa, and travel documents handy. Be prepared to answer a few basic questions, and the process will go smoothly.

Pro tip: Have your passport, visa, and documents ready to keep things moving quickly at passport control.

Baggage Claim & Customs: Well-staffed and Organized

After clearing immigration, I followed the signs to baggage claim, which were clearly marked in both English and Turkish. The baggage area was spacious and easy to navigate. Electronic screens above the conveyor belts displayed flight numbers, making it simple to find the correct carousel.

Once at the designated belt, I waited for my luggage, which typically takes around 10-20 minutes, depending on how fast the bags are unloaded. It's helpful to keep your baggage claim tag handy in case you need to verify your luggage or report missing items.

When my bag arrived, I double-checked the tag to ensure it was mine and proceeded to the customs area. Here, you may need to pass through the green 'Nothing to Declare' lane or the red lane if you're carrying items that require declaration.

Overall, the process was straightforward, and staff were available in case of any questions or issues.

SIM Cards: Plenty of Options, But High Prices

Once I passed customs, I headed toward the SIM card kiosks located in the arrivals area. Multiple providers, such as Turkcell and Vodafone, had stalls offering prepaid SIM cards for calls and data. The process was simple: I approached a representative, who asked for my passport to register the SIM card, a standard procedure for visitors.

They offered several plans, varying by data allowance and call minutes. It took me a while to find the best plan due to the heavy fees, but after comparing the plans, I found one that fit my needs. After selecting my plan, the SIM was activated on the spot, and I was connected with mobile data almost immediately.

If you're using an eSIM, it’s even more convenient. You can purchase and activate an eSIM plan online before arrival. Once in Turkey, all you need to do is scan the QR code and your eSIM will be activated instantly, eliminating the need to visit a physical kiosk.

Whether you go with a physical SIM or eSIM, you’ll be set for calls and data, allowing you to navigate, book transport, or make calls as soon as you step out of the airport.

ATM / Currency exchange: Easy to Avail, But Know Your Fees

After customs, I went to one of the ATMs in the arrivals hall. Major Turkish banks like Garanti and Akbank have ATMs that accept international cards. I inserted my card, chose my language, entered my PIN, and selected the amount.

I opted for a moderate amount since airport rates can be less favorable. Always choose to be charged in local currency (TRY) to avoid extra fees. Be sure to notify your bank of your travel to prevent issues with card use.

Once I got my cash, I collected my card and receipt, ready to use local currency for immediate expenses.

Taxi System / Public Transport: Be Mindful of Unofficial Rides

Getting a taxi at Istanbul Airport was slightly difficult. Just outside the official area, unlicensed drivers tried to offer me overpriced rides. I ignored them and stuck to the marked taxis to avoid being overcharged. 

The official licensed taxi line is clearly marked, and once I reached there, an attendant quickly directed me to the next available cab. The ride was smooth, the driver friendly, and the fare fair, thanks to the meter.

Pro tip: In tourist areas, mentioning you have local connections can help you avoid inflated prices.

Taxi to the Hotel: Smooth, If You Plan Ahead

Getting to my hotel was easy because I had the address and directions saved in advance. If you’re using a hotel shuttle, just go to the pickup spot. If not, apps or calling your host work just as well.

Once I knew I was close to the hotel, I made sure to learn the area—like the nearest transport, restaurants and landmarks. This helped me communicate the hotel’s location with cab drivers later during my stay in Istanbul.

Overall Impressions: Istanbul Airport Delivers on Efficiency

From start to finish, Istanbul Airport is designed to handle large volumes of passengers efficiently. Clear signage, helpful staff, and smooth processes make navigating this busy hub feel seamless. 

Whether you’re arriving for a business trip or starting a Turkish adventure, you’ll find that the airport sets a positive tone for your stay. Just have your documents ready, stick to official transport options, and don’t hesitate to reach out to an attendant in case you need help.

We also have a beginner's guide to Turkey and comprehensive guides to the cities of Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, and Antalya in addition to the province of Izmir. You can also check out our Turkish dining recommendations and a list of unique, off-the-beat things to do in Turkey.