Airport

Istanbul (IST) for first-timers: terminals, transit, and taxis

Istanbul Airport is one of the largest single-terminal airports in the world. A little orientation before you land goes a long way.

A single massive terminal building (one of the largest in the world) with five concourses (A, B, D, F international; G domestic) — no internal train between them, all connected on foot.

After you land

  • Arrival gates are on Level 1; go down to Ground floor for immigration, baggage claim, and customs.

Ground transport

Taxi

  • Main taxi stands are outside the domestic and international exit doors — orange (cheapest), turquoise, and black (most expensive) taxis available.

Bus

  • Buses depart from the transportation floor (Level -2).

Metro

  • M11 line connects to Gayrettepe, with onward connections to the wider Istanbul metro network.
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