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

For all those who want to save 50 €, here is the cheapest way to get from Istanbul IST International Airport to the center of Istanbul. A quick and easy guide on how to get on the bus, where to find it and where to get off to reach the most popular area of ​​Istanbul - Sultanahmet Square. At the same time, the first video of Turkey Trip 2023.
/ @mjtravel566
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[@LisaLaurenVlog]

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

[@discoverwithmebydriving9265]

Nice one mate

[@hazrijamaludin7343]

Thank you so much for the guide, really appreciated.

[@mjtravel566]

No probs. Happy to help.

[@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

[@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.

[@moonchaudhry335]

Very useful video brother, thanks for sharing informative content

[@mjtravel566]

Thanks for the positive comments.

[@shokhanmohammedfatah3000]

Thank you very much, it was very useful.

[@mjtravel566]

@@shokhanmohammedfatah3000 happy to help you

[@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.

[@nathalieacosta9112]

Súper súper helpful thank you!!

[@mjtravel566]

You're welcome!

[@jgalindo06]

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

[@mjtravel566]

Anytime. I am glad this helped you.

[@sammi159]

Thank you very much. Very helpful video

[@mjtravel566]

No probs.

[@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

[@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...

[@danialmakhan]

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

[@mjtravel566]

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

[@mudassarmushtaqganai2243]

very helpful video

[@mjtravel566]

Thanks and I am glad to help

[@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.

[@NS-hj7km]

Thank you!

[@mjtravel566]

No probs

[@javalam7769]

Thanks bruv.

[@mjtravel566]

No worries bro

[@user-sv3px6he9r]

I m From Pakistan. Very useful.thanks

[@mjtravel566]

No probs. Anytime.

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@FF-xl7yw]

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

[@mjtravel566]

No probs. Thanks for watching

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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 =))

[@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.

[@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

[@walimuhammad3119]

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

[@mjtravel566]

Yes, no problem with the card payments

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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?

[@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 🙏

[@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

[@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 👍🏽

[@gayanfung]

How long was the bus ride ?

[@mjtravel566]

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

[@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

[@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

[@wiama]

how to get back to the airport? same thing?

[@mjtravel566]

Yes same thing just the opposite order.

[@gabrielrincon7930]

The buses working 24 hrs?

[@mjtravel566]

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

[@user-ez7cm4hn2l]

Aksaray non askaray

[@josemariamachado5558]

cómo puedo escucharlo en español?

[@mjtravel566]

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

[@-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.

[@OuattaraNoel]

Now it's 204 TL

[@mjtravel566]

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

[@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 🇵🇰🥰

[@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!

[@krissvector1609]

Bro... just take the metro.