How to TAKE A BUS from ISTANBUL AIRPORT to THE CITY CENTER and SAVE 50€!!!

[@rashidsingapore6249]

Very very very good . I'm going next week Dec 4. Thank u from Singapore

[@mjtravel566]

@@rashidsingapore6249 I am sending greetings to Singapore. And have a lovely stay in Istanbul!

[@danialmakhan]

Dude this was the exact route my wife and i needed 😂😂😂 thank you!

[@mjtravel566]

@@danialmakhan Good to hear that!! Always happy to help

[@funkyjan1]

I will go next week for 10 hours layover alone ,1st time Turkey and planning to go to city center. Same as your route. Thank you so much

[@mjtravel566]

@@funkyjan1 10 hours is a lot of time. Enjoy there and let us know your thoughts

[@alansatar4647]

Mj, very nicely done. I will be traveling to Istanbul in September, your video will save me money. Thank you

[@mjtravel566]

I am glad I can help. Enjoy your trip and the city.

[@migcellinares5727]

Excellent directions thank you

[@mjtravel566]

My pleasure

[@rays7970]

Thank you for showing us a recent step by step guide of taking a havaist bus from the airport and also the tram station, where to get on from and where to get off as well. Thank you

[@mjtravel566]

You're welcome

[@boastfulmum]

Thank you so much this is so helpful. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@mjtravel566]

@@boastfulmum happy to help

[@discoverwithmebydriving9265]

Nice one mate

[@moonchaudhry335]

Very useful video brother, thanks for sharing informative content

[@mjtravel566]

Thanks for the positive comments.

[@LisaLaurenVlog]

Thank you so much for this video. I’ll be staying at Sultanahmet area and this video was so helpful. 😊

[@amiek9226]

Thank you! We will be arriving in Istanbul in 3 days, so this information is much appreciated.

[@mjtravel566]

@@amiek9226 I am happy to help. Have a good stay in Istanbul and let me know how the prices have changed now for the tickets. Much appreciated

[@iyadhhammemi2349]

Thanks bro ! You saved my life 😊

[@mjtravel566]

@@iyadhhammemi2349I am glad to hear that!!

[@MsBrieBrutal]

I’m going to Istanbul alone next month for the first time. This is a very informative video, I feel prepared for my trip thanks to you!

[@mjtravel566]

@@MsBrieBrutal You going to make it with no problems. The route is easy and straightforward. And thank you for the comment. Appreciate it.

[@101wonderment]

extemely helpful for my trip to Istanbul! thanks a lot! D

[@mjtravel566]

Happy to help. Prices might be slightly different now for the bus but as I know from other people travelling recently to the city centre, it is still much cheaper than the taxi.

[@pennycanada-v5z]

Thank you MJ. Your video blog was helpful to compare bus and metro trip from the airport. My Instanbul vacy is in August. I am an avid female solo traveler in my early 70s I need visuals for instructions rather than written. I wish you could be my guide throughout my journey. Keep giving us helpful tips! You're the best online friend!

[@mjtravel566]

@@pennycanada-v5z Thank you very much for nice words. I hope you're gonna have an amazing trip to Istanbul, all the best for you.

[@jpfrommanila]

Wow. Thanks for showing us the way.

[@mjtravel566]

@@jpfrommanila Anytime. No worries, 🙂

[@adriandragos2953]

Great video. Thank you!

[@mjtravel566]

@@adriandragos2953 My pleasure

[@KabirAhmad-x4n]

I m From Pakistan. Very useful.thanks

[@mjtravel566]

No probs. Anytime.

[@jgalindo06]

A big thank you NJ TRAVEL. This was so useful to me!! ❤

[@mjtravel566]

Anytime. I am glad this helped you.

[@gloriananatalia]

Nice video, this is what i need

[@mjtravel566]

@@gloriananataliaThank you. I wish you a good trip to Istanbul.

[@shokhanmohammedfatah3000]

Thank you very much, it was very useful.

[@mjtravel566]

@@shokhanmohammedfatah3000 happy to help you

[@malcellery1538]

Excellent video

[@mjtravel566]

@@malcellery1538 Hope it is still up to date. I know the prices went up but the route remains the same. Thanks.

[@malcellery1538]

@@mjtravel566 Yes the route is still the same. HavaIst is now TRY204, I would guess the overall cost has probably gone up only 1 to 2 Euros.

[@hazrijamaludin7343]

Thank you so much for the guide, really appreciated.

[@mjtravel566]

No probs. Happy to help.

[@sammi159]

Thank you very much. Very helpful video

[@mjtravel566]

No probs.

[@yunusemreko8950]

In İstanbul dont use taxis if you dont have to. Taxi in İstanbul isnt safe. Even for locals. Out of İstanbul there is no danger but in İstanbul its a problem. İnvestigate public transport with Istanbul card. Its safer, cheaper and faster.

[@mjtravel566]

@@yunusemreko8950 Thank you for this advise. I think it may be very useful for all tourists to rely on public transport. Let's avoid taxis

[@Zz33zzz]

That's absolute drivel. Taxis are fine, just ask the price before you go in. I just came back from Istanbul. Paid less than 1000 lira to go to Eminonu from the airport. Easy, convenient and for a 1 hour trip, it's very reasonable.

[@mjtravel566]

@@Zz33zzz Let people decide what they prefer to use. For some 1000 lira may be cheap for others using a public transport is saving money. Everyone has a choice. And it is not about to criticize those ones who prefer to use taxis. It is down to the personal choice and let's keep that way.

[@Zz33zzz]

@@yunusemreko8950 don't tell people to avoid taxis If you can't afford 1000 lira, maybe you should avoid holidays

[@NS-hj7km]

Thank you!

[@mjtravel566]

No probs

[@mikeschmied5754]

Thanks a lot 😊❤

[@mjtravel566]

@@mikeschmied5754 You're welcome

[@mudassarmushtaqganai2243]

very helpful video

[@mjtravel566]

Thanks and I am glad to help

[@herrypashaaditya3930]

thank you so much is so helpful

[@mjtravel566]

Happy to help

[@MA-ex5sz]

Thank you so much for your kind efforts... 🙌🙌🙌❤❤❤❤🤗🌹🎀💕💕💕

[@mjtravel566]

Happy to help,any questions? Ask...

[@plantkingdom6880]

Great video. So clear and informative. Thanks! I was wondering if anyone knew if the Sultanahmet Square stays open 24 hours a day or do the gates lock at a certain time, so as to prevent entry and exit to where the Hajia Sophia and Blue mosque are. If open, is there law enforcement presence there? I'm thinking perhaps some people may enjoy strolling the square late evening or so.

[@mjtravel566]

No problem. I am glad to help. Not sure about the gates at Sultanahmet though. As far as I remember they close the gates at some point but not sure whether all of them or just some

[@javalam7769]

Thanks bruv.

[@mjtravel566]

No worries bro

[@kaym7704]

I just came back from Istanbul. Depending on where you are going sometimes the metro is more hassle. It was a lot cheaper but it took about 50 min from IST to Taksim square. Because the airport train does not go to Gayrettepe station, you have to connect two times (one you have to exit and enter a new station) to get to Taksim. Overall I would take the bus, but once the airport train reaches Gayrettepe, it would be easier on the metro.

[@mjtravel566]

Yes I agree with you. Once they develop the metro it will be the fastest and most convenient way to get to the city centre. For now though the bus is less hassle

[@notmyname8527]

The Gayratappe line is open

[@patricetan]

Thanks for the video, do you know if we can use the istanbulkart for the bus? And do we need to tap out upon getting off the bus and/or when exiting the station?

[@mjtravel566]

@@patricetan for the Havaist bus you don't need a Istanbulkart. However you will need it for the public transport within the city so it is necessary to get one.

[@mohammedditta3168]

Thanks

[@mjtravel566]

@@mohammedditta3168 Anytime

[@nathalieacosta9112]

Súper súper helpful thank you!!

[@mjtravel566]

You're welcome!

[@FF-xl7yw]

Excellent. Very helpful!! enough of the stupid Taxi monopoly!!!!!

[@mjtravel566]

No probs. Thanks for watching

[@stefaniaazoitei731]

Extremely helpful!! Could you please say if in the bus, the stations are announced? So you know where to get down?

[@mjtravel566]

There are no stops on the way. The bust stops on the final station next to the metro station so you know this is the one for you

[@jankalajgutova8617]

Thanks 👌

[@mjtravel566]

No worries 😁

[@jankalajgutova8617]

we'll see in 8 days how we can handle it I have already been twice, but from Sabiha Gökçen route to Kadıköy

[@mjtravel566]

@@jankalajgutova8617 will be fine. In case you need some help let me know so will try to assist

[@Vee.3]

Thank you so much for this! You saved us and i watched your video as we were on route to the hotel via your video! Thank you .. now we have to get back and be there at 4am. Not sure how i will do it

[@mjtravel566]

I am always happy to help

[@akyka23]

Hi! Did the bus make stops along its route or did it go directly from the airport to the final destination?

[@mjtravel566]

@@akyka23 this line to askaray metro is a direct bus so no other stops on the way

[@DzenyDzeny]

Great video, helps a lot for planning a visit to Istanbul...Where do we buy the istanbul tram card and where do we put money on it? Also, which REGULAR sim card do you recommend for a small amount of internet during a five day visit to istanbul? =))

[@mjtravel566]

You can buy it in the ticket machine or in any place where they sell tickets, little kiosks. Regarding the SIM card I recommend airalo.com where you can choose the package you are interested in. It is esim which means you can install it on your phone and use it whenever you want.

[@DzenyDzeny]

@@mjtravel566 I was too quick with the ticket question, it was nicely explained in the video 😄 Yeah, i have read about eSims but would prefer a regular one, not sure which one though. Lets see, i might find something once there =))

[@kasia5376]

❤

[@-nf9vt]

Please remember to have translators because you are in a foreign country. If not you can opt to learn the foreign language. Immersive translate has been working for me. Moreover it can work as both a translator and a learning tool.

[@jch1774]

Thank you for the useful video. A quick question, for the IstabulKart, should I purchase it at the airport or at the tram station or at Akasaray Metro station? TIA.

[@mjtravel566]

If you travel from the airport with Havaist bus you don't need InstanbulKart yet so you can purchase it when you get off the bus at Aksaray Metro Station. There are many places or kiosks where you can get it there either at Aksaray or near the tram station. You will need the card to get the tram or any other public transport. I hope this clears your question.

[@mahimagupta1481]

Hey, this was really helpful. I understand this is the cheapest way to get from the airport to Sultanhamet. We will be travelling with out luggages (full size) from the airport. Would you say it would be convenient to take the route as mentioned by you in this case? (considering there are multiple changes, going up and down the stairs)

[@mjtravel566]

Yes no problem. Luggage is included in the price of the ticket. I travelled with mine too. In the shuttle bus no problem at all. When you change for the tram it is the matter of 300m going with the luggage. The tram could be crowded though especially in the peak times however I don't see it impossible. People are generally nice so they will give you some space. But yes this is the cheapest option to get to the Sultanahmet.

[@mianm.irfanumar5911]

​@mjtravel566 bro your video is really helpful, can I take one large luggage bag(the one which is booked while boarding around 25kgs) and one hand baggage on of the buses from airport to hotel ? I won't be taking luggage on tram etc Thank you

[@philipsymonds-j4t]

Do you have to buy tickets at the kiosk in the airport, or do they accept the Istanbulkart, also it there a ticket office for the bus back to the airport at the Aksaray Metro , THanks

[@mjtravel566]

@@philipsymonds-j4t at the airport you can buy it in the kiosk, in the way back you can buy it with the driver. It is also possible to purchase tickets online directly on the official website

[@philipsymonds-j4t]

@@mjtravel566 Thanks

[@lilianaamin4868]

Thank you for this video. My husband and I will be traveling in few days. We are seniors (old) traveling with luggage and we are wondering if after arriving in Aksaray is it easy to get a taxi and how much does it cost to Sultanahmet square. Thank you again

[@mjtravel566]

Hi, it should not be a problem to catch the taxi from Aksaray to Sultanahmet. I am not sure of the price though but it is close so I suppose it should not be expensive to get there. Just make sure you agree the price with the driver before you actually get in. Thank you and good luck with your trip.

[@ZaidZakir]

the price for this same bus has increased to now 206 TL. thanks for the video

[@mjtravel566]

Everything increased there now and not that cheap anymore. Thanks for the update my friend.

[@jrp1002]

Hi, can you tell how to get ticket if we have to reach the airport? For eg like my hotel is on H6 route so do I directly board the bus or take ticket in advance?

[@mjtravel566]

@@jrp1002 Hi, you don't need to book in advance. You can purchase the ticket on the bus with the driver on the day of the trip.

[@italymaryseason3562]

Hi! Can I buy the Istanbul card (city card ) at the Airport ? Tks

[@mjtravel566]

@@italymaryseason3562 Hi, yes you should be able to get the card on the airport. Look for the kiosks or vending machines around the arrival area.

[@walimuhammad3119]

Ver helpful. Do they accept visa or mastercard to pay for the bus ticket?

[@mjtravel566]

Yes, no problem with the card payments

[@ramisa653]

Is there another way that's more disability accessible other than going down the stairs at aksaray metro area to get to the other side of the road? Thank you

[@mjtravel566]

As far as I know there are stairs only, not sure about any lift down I am afraid. Not too many disabled friendly solutions there.

[@cezarcristian2521]

Hello. What is type of card is your Instanbul card and where did you get it from? Because I've found an Instanbul e-pass card with all sorts of high prices, not 50 TL. Thank you.

[@mjtravel566]

It is called Istanbul card and you can get it anywhere where they sell tickets also machines

[@uddinbachun7970]

Why taking the bus to Aksaray if you are going to SultanAhmet.. The last time in 2019 I took the bus from the airport directly to Sultanahmet Square. From there it was a just 8 mins walk to my hotel.. Is there any changes.

[@mjtravel566]

@@uddinbachun7970 As far as I know there were no direct buses to Sultanahmet from the airport and this was the fastest connection from the airport. Maybe now something has changed and there are more services. I have heard there is a metro now going to the centre of Istanbul which was not possible at the time I was doing this video.

[@_Alfa.Bravo_]

Better take the METRO for just 70 Lira = 1,80€ !!!! Qicker, cleaner and better for enviroment

[@mjtravel566]

@@_Alfa.Bravo_ Next time. I may do. Thanks for the advice.

[@sidkings]

IST to Aksaray Metro is now 170 lira, still better than rip off taxi

[@mjtravel566]

Yes the prices went up like crazy since last year I am afraid but like you said still better than rip off taxi

[@farhanahansa2252]

Hi. Very useful..... Do we have to jump off at Aksary and then take a tram to Sultan Ahmed.? .... Does the bus not take you to Sultan Ahmed ...... The last time we had to get off in Taksim.

[@mjtravel566]

Yes you need to get off at Aksaray Metro station and then catch the tram to Sultanahmet. Just a few stops.

[@farhanahansa2252]

@mjtravel566 Many, many thanks. Your blog is most useful. Much appreciated. Keep up the good work. God bless. Keep safe...... I'm looking forward to more helpful one. 🙂

[@mjtravel566]

@@farhanahansa2252 that comment is the best motivation for me to work hard. Thank you so much and wish you a safe trip and pleasant stay in Turkiye.

[@farhanahansa2252]

@mjtravel566 😃. I'm so pleased..... my next bucket list is Uzbekistan..... so I'll be awaiting your detailed guide. All the best and keep up the excellent work 👏 👍 👌. Safe travels. God bless

[@farhanahansa2252]

Just another question.... I'm flying to Sabiha.... I guess this is from Sabiha that you are guiding us?

[@gayanfung]

How long was the bus ride ?

[@mjtravel566]

It takes about 45 min and the whole tournee around 1hrs

[@faisalishaque2000]

Can I use an Istanbul card (red colour you showed) for the bus?

[@mjtravel566]

Yes the card works for all public transport including the buses but you can't use it in Havaist as it is a private company.

[@faisalishaque2000]

@@mjtravel566 Thank you so much 🙏

[@rays7970]

Is the Havaist cheaper than the new metro from the airport?

[@mjtravel566]

The thing is with the metro you need to change more times. There is no direct line to the center yet

[@shaheenhydross6799]

Sir there is no bus from akasaray to sulthan ahmed

[@mjtravel566]

There is a direct tram from nearby Yusufpasa. You need to walk a little to catch the tram. Just follow the steps in the video and you will make it.

[@amirtz7112]

Where to get that Istanbul card?

[@mjtravel566]

Every place where they sell tickets like little kiosks, shops and official vendors, also machines located next to the bus/tram stations

[@honda.spares.man1]

I used the coach, it was 130tl now.

[@mjtravel566]

Wow. They nearly double the price within a few months time...

[@honda.spares.man1]

@mjtravel566 yes, nearly everything has gone up 30% if not 50% now. Not too bad for something like the coach still as its still like £5. The other transport methods have gone up too, bus, ferry, etc for foreigners it's not a lot thankfully in terms of transport costs. A lot of prices online are still showing old rates.

[@mjtravel566]

@@honda.spares.man1 Unfortunately Istanbul is getting very expensive and Turkiye in general too. It used to be so affordable. I understand there is a hard economic situation across the whole country but where isn't nowadays. I just don't like the idea of taking advantage of the tourists and putting the prices 50 % up for them. Once they wanted to charge me 9 £ for a beer. It is far too much...

[@honda.spares.man1]

@mjtravel566 I agree. Hopefully the economy improves and stabilises with things returning back down a little soon. It's the same worldwide though with the rise.

[@ZaidZakir]

the price is now 206 TL

[@sidkings]

Is the ticket office open 24hrs? My plane lands at 1am

[@mjtravel566]

I am not sure of that. Don't want to guess to put wrong info for you. I think you will be able to check this directly on Havaist website

[@sidkings]

@@mjtravel566 I will order a ticket online. It's valid for 3 days 👍🏽

[@workutesfaye1053]

How can i get the bus and tram card . Where at the airport?

[@mjtravel566]

Not sure if you can get it at the airport. A few months back when I was there they did not sell it there. Outside of the airport they basically sell it everywhere where they sell tickets ( little kiosks) . Also available in ticket machines. My advice is when you go to the main terminal ask the employees there whether and where it is possible to get the Istanbul card.

[@notmyname8527]

If you want to save use the metro .

[@mjtravel566]

@@notmyname8527 How much is metro now to Sultanahmet comparing with the bus service?

[@notmyname8527]

@@mjtravel566 I think Bus is around USD 8 now and metro plus Tram should be less than USD2.00. Not sure Going there in a week. We are four so its either Taxi or Metro for us

[@wiama]

how to get back to the airport? same thing?

[@mjtravel566]

Yes same thing just the opposite order.

[@annduehermannsen227]

Alternatively for the bus, you can take the metro

[@mjtravel566]

Yes alternatively there is a metro line but in my opinion the bus is less hassle and easier to get to Sultanahmet

[@kaym7704]

We took the metro and although it was cheaper, but it was more of a hassle. At one point you have to exit the station and walk to a nearby one across the street. I rather take the bus next time. Metro took about 50 min from IST to Taksim and it was very busy.

[@mjtravel566]

@@kaym7704 yes that was a reason why took the bus instead of the metro

[@josemariamachado5558]

cómo puedo escucharlo en español?

[@mjtravel566]

Yo creo qué no hay opcion en espanol. Ło siento.

[@DoliPrane-h5j]

Aksaray non askaray

[@cigikaygisiz7031]

this airport is sabiha gokcen airport, dont do a mistake.. istanbul airport is the biggest airport of istanbul, sabiha is the second one

[@mjtravel566]

The airport in this video is Istanbul airport and yes it is the biggest in Istanbul. I am not sure where you see a mistake?

[@IntoTheHalfMoon13]

bro is onto nothing

[@plantkingdom6880]

@@IntoTheHalfMoon13 ? We need to make sure, don't we? Just in case there's been a mistake?

[@timverheyen9440]

No he shows the new airport not Sabiha Gokcen!

[@gabrielrincon7930]

The buses working 24 hrs?

[@mjtravel566]

Havaist should operate 24/7 but buses may be less frequent from 00.00 to 4 am.

[@zakirullahkhan667]

Sir how can I get Istanbul card please make video on Istanbul card 🧧

[@mjtravel566]

Hi, this is simple. Just head to any point / shop / machine / kiosk where they sell tickets. You will be able to get the card in all these locations. I hope it helped.

[@zakirullahkhan667]

@@mjtravel566 I don't understand please make a video on Istanbul card 🧧 please 🙏? Big fan from Pakistan 🇵🇰🥰

[@OuattaraNoel]

Now it's 204 TL

[@mjtravel566]

@@OuattaraNoel wow, it went up...still cheaper than taxi though

[@OuattaraNoel]

@@mjtravel566 yes it's better than taxi next time i will try metro maybe

[@mjtravel566]

@@OuattaraNoel yes, who knows maybe it is worth to try it

[@krissvector1609]

Bro... just take the metro.