New Havaist Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet Line: Direct Shuttle Service (July 2025 Update)
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:
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Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii)
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Hagia Sophia
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Topkapi Palace
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Basilica Cistern
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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.
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Line Name: HVIST-20
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Route: Istanbul Airport → Aksaray → Sultanahmet
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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:
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Istanbulkart (recommended – easy and reusable)
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Contactless credit/debit cards
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Havaist mobile app
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Ticket machines at the airport
Where is Havaist Sultanahmet Station?
Here is the google map location of Havaist Bus Stop in Sultanahmet
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:
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You can buy an Istanbulkart at Istanbul Airport (look for kiosks or vending machines in the arrivals hall).
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Load balance onto your card using the same machines.
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Tap your card at the entrance of the Havaist bus — no need to talk to the driver or buy a separate ticket.
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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?
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Direct access to Istanbul’s historical core
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No need to transfer to tram or metro
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Comfortable ride with luggage space and Wi-Fi
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Saves money – much cheaper than taxis or private transfers
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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.
