Istanbul Airport Visit

Ralph96



Joined: 01/07/2008
Posts: 531

Message Posted:
25/04/2011 14:43

Hello all,

I have a six hour wait in Istanbul's main airport on my way back to Cyprus. How far by taxi to the tourist spots in town.

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11281

Message Posted:
25/04/2011 14:54

30+ Minutes in the rush hour and it's always rush hour from the Atatürk Airport to the old city center... Don't forget to ask the price of the taxi drive first..!

▶ [ http://is.gd/ThhshF/map_Istanbul ].

dublinderm


Joined: 26/09/2009
Posts: 538

Message Posted:
25/04/2011 15:01

Do not forget the €15 per person visa that you will have to get to be allowed out of the airport.



Remember you ONLY have six hours. I always advise people that time disappears at an airport. Those long six hours will quickly diminish to the point where you will be running to the boarding gate.



Mind you at 19 YTL for a beer, a trip out may not be a bad idea.



You could always try taking a room in the 'airside' hotel. They do them by the hour (not for the usual reason!!). You could watch a bit of television and have a shower to freshen up before the second part of your journey.



Good Luck,



DD

Pugwash


Joined: 06/09/2010
Posts: 1797

Message Posted:
25/04/2011 15:10

Yes 6 hours is not really enough time

MaggieAndBernie



Joined: 26/07/2008
Posts: 2012

Message Posted:
25/04/2011 15:19

Turkish Air used to do 1/2 day excursions into the city - complimentary if you're flying with them! worth checking out on their web site.



Maggie

martinD41


Joined: 06/09/2010
Posts: 3001

Message Posted:
25/04/2011 15:22

You won't have time to see the sights, but you will be pestered to buy a Carpet...........

Pipie


Joined: 05/01/2008
Posts: 5499

Message Posted:
25/04/2011 15:35

Pay to go in the VIP lounge, access internet, grab a shower, complimentary travel pack ,watch Tv in very comfy surroundings, complmentary/drinks/snacks. 6 hours will whizz by !! hope this helps.

phylray



Joined: 21/09/2007
Posts: 1727

Message Posted:
25/04/2011 21:13

You won't get pestered to buy a carpet unless you go near the Grand Bazaar (Capeli carsi)

I know how you feel, but so much to see in the 'Bul and even the airport has much to offer.

I found time passed quite quickly !

Brinsley


Joined: 04/04/2009
Posts: 6858

Message Posted:
25/04/2011 21:47

Msg 1

Hope this helps if I can get the link to work!

http://www.cyprus44.com/forums/58343.asp



Richard

Pugwash


Joined: 06/09/2010
Posts: 1797

Message Posted:
25/04/2011 21:55

Phylray it is kapali = covered, still a good experience but you do need plenty of time.

Ridle


Joined: 01/01/2009
Posts: 144

Message Posted:
25/04/2011 22:27

You can travel by metro then by tram to Sultanhamet or a little further to the bosphoris where you can see some of the most important sights of Istanbul. It will take about 30 mins each way & allowing for 2 hrs check in it will give you 3 hours in Istanbul. In my opinion it is well worth a look & makes you want to return. Do some research first, it will be well worth it.

Brinsley


Joined: 04/04/2009
Posts: 6858

Message Posted:
25/04/2011 22:57

Msg 11

I disagree, Istanbul is such a fascinating and absorbing City that a fleeting self organised tour for a few hours, the traveller will miss the return to the connecting airplane unless organised by THY as M&B mentioned in Msg 5.

Best spend a month in Istanbul and that's not long enough!



Richard

MaggieAndBernie



Joined: 26/07/2008
Posts: 2012

Message Posted:
25/04/2011 23:12

Ralph



Check out Turkish Airlines trips - they have various to choose from depending how long you have!



http://www.istanbulinhours.com/



Maggie

Ridle


Joined: 01/01/2009
Posts: 144

Message Posted:
25/04/2011 23:55

Msg 13. I think it is best to visit Istanbul for 2-3 days at a time. after all who would want to or indeed can spend 1 month or more at a time in any city however interesting. Ralph96 I think just wants to gain a little insight into the city to save kicking heels at the airport. There is plenty of time for a 3 hour visit & still catch the flight. Denis

Brinsley


Joined: 04/04/2009
Posts: 6858

Message Posted:
26/04/2011 00:02

Msg 14

Really! Try spending more than three days in Ankara and you'll go brain dead!



Richard

carollynne


Joined: 19/11/2009
Posts: 128

Message Posted:
26/04/2011 07:06

We've just come back from Istanbul having spent 2 days there.... not enough IMO, I loved it. There is a shopping mall called viaport just 5 minutes from Ataturk, or you can get the metro right from the airport to one of the other sights.



After we purchased our visa, we had to queue for at least half an hour just to get through passport control.

Have a look at this site http://www.letsgoistanbul.com/

Ridle


Joined: 01/01/2009
Posts: 144

Message Posted:
26/04/2011 09:22

Msg 16 Who mentioned Ankara? I thought we were talking about Istanbul.

flightholiday


Joined: 19/07/2007
Posts: 3217

Message Posted:
26/04/2011 15:13

Steve Msg 1 - You do not have enough time to do this safely. At least 2.5 hours will be used getting in and out of Ataturk airport and if the arrival or departure times are wrong all you would do would be to sit in traffic jams from there or back.

Plus as well as the cost of a very short rushed tour you need to but the visa for Turkey.