Passing through Atatürk International Airport? A layover in Istanbul is more doable than you might think. The city is only about 60 minutes from the airport, and with a bit of planning you can stretch your legs, grab a real meal, and see something new before your next flight.
Important Details Before You Go
Three things to verify before you walk out of ISL:
- Can you legally enter Turkey? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 60-minute journey each way by local transport, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the TRY. A travel-friendly debit card with no foreign transaction fees will save you money here.
Exploring Istanbul on a Layover
With limited time, focus on what’s accessible. In Istanbul, two standouts are:
- Sultanahmet Square (Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque Exterior) — The architecture is worth seeing, even from the outside.
- Grand Bazaar (Quick Visit) — Great for picking up a quick snack or souvenir between flights.
Both are realistic options even if you only have a few hours to spare.
If you’d rather stay inside ISL — maybe your layover is shorter than expected, or you just prefer to stay close to your gate — there are still ways to pass the time:
- Turkish Airlines CIP Lounge (Historical)
- ATU Duty Free Shopping (Historical)
The Best Way Into Istanbul from ISL
You have two main options for getting from Atatürk International Airport into town:
- local transport: About 60 minutes, affordable, and consistent. This is what we recommend for time-conscious travelers.
- Taxi or ride-share: Around 80 minutes in normal traffic. More comfortable for groups or heavy luggage, but pricier and less predictable.
Whichever you choose, keep the return journey in mind. Build in extra time — you do not want to be rushing through security.
Food Worth Trying
In Istanbul
If you make it into town, Deraliye Terrace Restaurant is a good bet for a proper meal. For something different, try Hamdi Restaurant.
Inside ISL
If you’re staying in the terminal, Simit Sarayı (Historical at ISL) is your main option. Sbarro (Historical at ISL) works too if you want something quick.
Money & Budget Tips
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into Istanbul might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$6 USD
- A meal: ~$11 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$27 USD
Cards are increasingly accepted in Istanbul, but cash is still useful for smaller purchases.
Staying Connected
Most airports offer free WiFi these days, and ISL is no exception — connect and browse while you sort out your plans. If you’re heading into Istanbul and want data on the go, pick up a local SIM from a shop in the arrivals hall or download an eSIM before you land. Airalo and Holafly are popular options that let you set up data access before you even touch down.
Where to Leave Your Bags
Specific locker facilities at ISL aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Istanbul itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
Where to Rest During Your Layover
Sometimes the best layover plan is no plan at all. If you need sleep at ISL, scope out the quieter gate areas first. Noise-canceling headphones and an eye mask go a long way in a busy terminal.
Lounge access is another option if you want a real seat and maybe a shower. Check Priority Pass or ask at the information desk about day-use rates.
Final Thoughts
Not every layover leads somewhere interesting, but a layover in Istanbul genuinely does. There’s enough to fill a few hours with good food, interesting sights, and the kind of experience that makes a journey feel like more than just getting from A to B.
Make the most of it. You’ve got this.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.