Great news for travelers arriving at Istanbul Airport (IST)! The new Havaist shuttle service now runs directly to Sultanahmet, the historic heart of Istanbul. If you're wondering how to get from the airport to the Blue Mosque or your hotel in the Old City without expensive taxis or multiple transfers, the Havaist bus is now your most convenient option.

 

 

What is Havaist?

 

Havaist is the official airport transfer service in Istanbul, providing comfortable, reliable, and direct shuttles between Istanbul Airport and the city’s most popular neighborhoods. Known for their clean, modern fleet, Havaist shuttles feature onboard Wi-Fi, USB chargers, and large luggage space, making them a favorite among both locals and tourists.

 

 

 

New Sultanahmet Line Details

 

As of July 2025, Havaist has launched a dedicated shuttle line to Sultanahmet, offering travelers an easy, budget-friendly way to reach the city’s top attractions like:

• Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii)

• Hagia Sophia

• Topkapi Palace

• Basilica Cistern

• Grand Bazaar

Final Stop: The last stop on this new route is located right under the Blue Mosque, near Arasta Bazaar – an ideal drop-off point for tourists staying in the Old City.

• Line Name: HVIST-20

• Route: Istanbul Airport → Aksaray → Sultanahmet

• Duration: ~60–75 minutes depending on traffic

 

 

Ticket Price – Only 275 TL!

 

The fare for this Havaist shuttle to Sultanahmet is just 275 Turkish Liras, which is about 6 Euros (as of July 2025). That’s a great deal compared to taxi fares, which usually start from €25–€30.

You can pay using:

• Istanbulkart (recommended – easy and reusable)

• Contactless credit/debit cards

• Havaist mobile app

• Ticket machines at the airport

 

 

Where is Havaist Sultanahmet Station?

Here is the google map location of Havaist Bus Stop in Sultanahmet 

Havaist Sultanahmet Stop

https://maps.app.goo.gl/yaUJpqtZnVeiHGNy7

 

How to Use Istanbulkart on Havaist Buses

 

 

The Istanbulkart is the universal transport card used across Istanbul. It works not only on metro, trams, and buses — but also on Havaist airport shuttles.

Here’s how it works:

• You can buy an Istanbulkart at Istanbul Airport (look for kiosks or vending machines in the arrivals hall).

• Load balance onto your card using the same machines.

• Tap your card at the entrance of the Havaist bus — no need to talk to the driver or buy a separate ticket.

• One Istanbulkart can be used by multiple people (tap once per person).

Pro tip: You can continue using the same Istanbulkart throughout your stay — for metro rides, trams to Sultanahmet, ferries, and more!

Why Choose Havaist to Sultanahmet?

 

• Direct access to Istanbul’s historical core

• No need to transfer to tram or metro

• Comfortable ride with luggage space and Wi-Fi

• Saves money – much cheaper than taxis or private transfers

• Last stop right by major attractions like the Blue Mosque, Arasta Bazaar, and Topkapi Palace

 

 

 

Shuttle Timetable & Frequency

 

The Havaist Sultanahmet line  operates every 30–60 minutes, depending on the time of day. It runs 7 days a week, and schedules are available at hava.ist.

Be sure to allow extra time if you’re heading to the airport, especially during rush hours.

 

 

Final Thoughts

 

The new Havaist shuttle to Sultanahmet is a game-changer for visitors who want a budget-friendly, hassle-free, and direct ride from Istanbul Airport to the heart of the city. With a final stop just steps away from the Blue Mosque, and the convenience of using your Istanbulkart, this is the smartest way to start your Istanbul adventure.

 

 

Havaist Bus

Update, 22.01.2026: Havaist Sultanahmet Bus HVİST-11 is temporarily closed. Passengers should use Havaist Bus HVL-1 Aksaray instead.

Budget-friendly transfers from Istanbul Airport, Havaist Airport Shuttle Bus, and Havaist Bus is operating almost at every half an hour from the Istanbul airport and they arrive until the Aksaray Metro Station. If you want to get to Taksim square, Havaist Airport Shuttles operate almost at every 30 to 40 minutes from and to the Istanbul airport.

 

Important info: Havaist bus no longer goes to Beyazit Square station since Ordu Street is closed for the vehicles.

 

 

 

Havaist Bus Price

 

Havaist Bus number of Istanbul airport to Beyazit Square Line ( Aksaray Metro) is HVIST -12

Istanbul Airport Aksaray Metro ( Beyazit Square) Havaist shuttles price is 275 Liras and it takes about 90 minutes and it takes you until Aksaray Metro ( until & from Beyazit Square between 21:30 - 09:30 am )

 

Taksim Havaist shuttles price is also 204 Turkish Liras and it takes about 90 minutes and it takes you until Taksim Square.

Havaist Bus number of Istanbul airport to Taksim Square is HVIST -16

 

Havaist Bus Timetable

You can see Istanbul airport - Aksaray Metro / Beyazit Square Havaist Bus Timetable at the image below.

 

 

You can see Istanbul airport - Taksim Square Havaist Bus Timetable at the image below.

 

 

 

How to Buy Ticket for Havaist Bus?

 

Havaist Payment Methods are cash, bank/credit cards and tickets with QR code. You can get Tickets with QR code at the airports and Havaist stations.

You will need to exchange some money at the airport in order to pay in Turkish Liras.

 

You can also download the  Havaist Shuttles App and use it for your payments in public transportations. It still needs to be improved but it works alright.

First, you need to create an account and top up the money by using your credit card in order to use Havaist Airport Bus Service.

 

Once you have money on the Havaist application's account, buy the tickets and it will create a QR code.

*Tip! We suggest you exchange only 50-100 Euros/Dollars at the airport since the commissions are really high. You can exchange later in Grand Bazaar with zero (0) commission or with low commission near Taksim Square (on Istiklal Street).

 

 

 

Havaist Bus Routes

 

Sultanahmet and Taksim Square havaist airport shuttle bus stations are the most popular ones.

 

If you need to get to some other destination, please check the map and the list below for other stations of Havaist Airport buses. You can also check on the Google map for the closest havaist bus or havaist shuttle bus stop to your location.

 

 

 İST6 ALİBEYKÖY OTOGARI (Coach Station)-ISTANBUL AIRPORT: 31 km., 45 min.
İST17 AVCILAR-HALKALI-AIRPORT: 40 km., 100 min.
İST15 BAHÇEŞEHİR-AIRPORT: 42 km., 100 min.
İST4 BAKIRKÖY İDO-AIRPORT: 44 km., 80 min.
İST14 BAŞAKŞEHİR-AIRPORT: 27 km., 40 min.
İST5 BEŞİKTAŞ-AIRPORT: 43 km., 90 min.
İST3 ESENLER OTOGAR-AIRPORT: 39 km., 75 min.
İST7 KADIKÖY-AIRPORT: 64 km., 110 min.
İST8 PENDİK-AIRPORT: 97 km., 100 min.
İST19 TAKSİM- AIRPORT: 40 km., 80 min.
İST2 TÜYAP EXHIBITION CENTER-AIRPORT: 58 km., 100 min.