Updated: 12 October 2026
When to leave your hotel
Airlines usually ask you to be at the airport 2–3 hours before an international flight. Check-in and security queues at Istanbul's airports do not disappear at night, because many flights leave early in the morning. We plan with 3 hours at the airport plus the longest likely drive.
The table shows the usual drive time from popular areas, and the pickup time we would suggest for a 07:00 international flight. Early in the morning the drive is often at the shorter end; the extra time is your margin.
| Pickup area | IST | SAW | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drive, min | Pickup | Drive, min | Pickup | |
| Sultanahmet | 50–95 | 02:15 | 50–90 | 02:30 |
| Sirkeci & Eminönü | 50–90 | 02:30 | 50–90 | 02:30 |
| Taksim | 45–80 | 02:30 | 45–85 | 02:30 |
| Galata & Karaköy | 45–85 | 02:30 | 45–90 | 02:30 |
| Beşiktaş | 45–85 | 02:30 | 45–85 | 02:30 |
| Nişantaşı & Şişli | 40–80 | 02:30 | 45–85 | 02:30 |
| Kadıköy & Moda | 55–105 | 02:15 | 35–65 | 02:45 |
| Üsküdar | 50–95 | 02:15 | 40–70 | 02:45 |
Pickup times are for a 07:00 international flight: 3 hours at the airport plus the longest usual drive. The booking form suggests a time from your own flight.
Check which airport is on your ticket. Istanbul has two: Istanbul Airport (IST) on the European side and Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) on the Asian side, on opposite ends of the city.
Your options at that hour
- A taxi from the street or the hotel door. Possible, but at 3 am you depend on who passes by. If you do, make sure the meter is switched on before your bags go in the boot.
- A ride app. In Istanbul the apps call ordinary licensed taxis. How many are nearby at night varies.
- Airport buses. Havaist runs to Istanbul Airport and Havabüs to Sabiha Gökçen. Check the current timetable and the walk to the stop with your luggage before you rely on an early departure.
- A pre-booked taxi. The car comes to your door at the agreed time, and the price and driver are fixed the evening before.
Booking an early pickup with Taksiport
- Book the evening before. We recommend booking at least 15 minutes before pickup; the form suggests a pickup time from your flight time.
- Get it in writing. We confirm the fixed price on WhatsApp and send your driver's name, plate number and phone.
- The driver waits at your door. If your driver is late or does not show, we send another car at the same price.
- Pay at the airport. Card or cash; the card price already includes the 11% card fee. Bridge and highway tolls are included.
Plans change? Cancellation is free up to 2 hours before pickup.
Tips for a smooth early start
- Settle your hotel bill the evening before and tell the night reception what time you leave.
- Send us the exact hotel name or a map pin. In parts of Sultanahmet and Galata cars cannot reach every door; the driver will tell you where to meet.
- Keep your passport and phone in your hand luggage, not in the suitcase in the boot.
- Save the driver's plate number from your confirmation, so you recognise the car in the dark.
Fixed prices to Istanbul Airport (IST)
- Sultanahmet1,900 TL
- Sirkeci & Eminönü1,900 TL
- Taksim1,700 TL
- Galata & Karaköy1,700 TL
- Beşiktaş1,700 TL
- Nişantaşı & Şişli1,700 TL
- Kadıköy & Moda2,150 TL
- Üsküdar2,150 TL
Fixed prices to Sabiha Gökçen (SAW)
- Sultanahmet2,300 TL
- Sirkeci & Eminönü2,300 TL
- Taksim2,100 TL
- Galata & Karaköy2,100 TL
- Beşiktaş2,100 TL
- Nişantaşı & Şişli2,100 TL
- Kadıköy & Moda1,500 TL
- Üsküdar1,500 TL
More guides
- Taxi to the airport in Istanbul: what to check before you get inLicensed taxis, the price, tolls and paying: avoid surprises.
- IST or SAW: which Istanbul airport are you flying from?Two airports, two sides of the city: distances and drive times.
- When should you leave your hotel for the airport in Istanbul?A simple rule, drive times by area and the rush hours to avoid.
- Evening flight after hotel check-out: how to use your last dayLeave bags, keep exploring, get picked up from any address.
- Taxi pickup in Sultanahmet, Galata and Cihangir: when the car can't reach your doorPedestrian streets, steep lanes and how to agree a meeting point.
- Airport taxi with family and luggage in IstanbulUp to 4 people in a standard taxi, larger groups and children.
- Going to the airport on holidays and road closure days in IstanbulBayram, marathon and event days: when to allow extra time.
- Paying for your airport taxi in Istanbul: card, lira, euros or dollarsCard or cash, euros and dollars, tolls and tips explained.
- From the Asian side of Istanbul to Sabiha Gökçen AirportKadıköy, Üsküdar, Ataşehir and the coast: times and prices to SAW.