A city straddling continents with historic streets, markets, and waterfront views.
Average immigration wait at IST: approximately 45 minutes.
Recommended: Rail - Suburban rail avoids traffic congestion.
Metro and tram systems are fast and reliable. Compact city center.
Don't drag your bags through Istanbul. Luggage storage services available near the airport and in the city center.
Check current weather conditions for Istanbul before your layover. Dress in layers for airport-to-city transitions — terminals can be cold while city streets may be warm.
Transit is solid but crowded, so choose one neighborhood, avoid rush hour crossings, and don’t underestimate security re-entry time.
