Question 1

Does Istanbul Airport have more than one terminal?

Accepted Answer

No — IGA describes the whole building as one terminal of 1.4 million square metres under a single roof, split into an international side (piers A–F) and a domestic side (pier G) rather than separate terminal buildings.

Question 2

How do I get across the terminal quickly for a tight connection?

Accepted Answer

The iGA Buggy is a 3-to-5-seat shuttle that runs from stops in the international area (North, near Pier D; West, opposite Gate C1; East, opposite Gate E1) and one in the domestic area to the boarding gates. It is free for iGA Pass members, Meet & Greet guests, travellers 65 or older, and pregnant guests; everyone else can buy a ride at the Buggy desks.

Question 3

Where do liquids get checked — at the entrance or at the gate?

Accepted Answer

At the terminal entrance, there is no restriction on liquids beyond dangerous items. The familiar 100 ml-per-container rule, in a single 1-litre resealable bag, only applies at the second, airside security checkpoint just before the departure gates.

Question 4

Can I take the metro straight to the terminal?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The M11 line has its own Istanbul Airport station inside the terminal building, running from Kağıthane since January 22, 2023. A Gayrettepe connection was added January 29, 2024, Taşoluk and Arnavutköy stops on March 19, 2024, and the line was extended through to Halkalı on June 20, 2026.

Question 5

Is there a hotel I can sleep in without leaving the terminal?

Accepted Answer

Two YOTEL properties sit inside the building. YOTEL Istanbul Airport (Landside) is before security, near entrance 7, bookable from 4 hours with no boarding pass required. YOTELAIR Istanbul Airport (Airside) is inside the international transit (Duty Free) area — check-in there requires an international boarding pass in hand.

Question 6

What is the difference between the orange, turquoise and black taxis?

Accepted Answer

All three run the same UKOME-regulated taximeter, but at different fixed multiples: turquoise (D) costs 15% more than orange (C), and black luxury (E) costs 70% more, in exchange for more boot space and higher passenger capacity. All three queue at the Domestic and International exit doors or on the departures floor.

Question 7

What is the Sunflower Lanyard, and do I need paperwork to get one?

Accepted Answer

It is a hidden-disability awareness scheme — for conditions like dementia, a speech impediment or dyslexia — that originated in England; Istanbul Airport calls its adoption of the scheme "a Turkish first." It is free at any information desk and needs no medical report; staff who see it know a guest may need more time or support.

Istanbul, İstanbul Province

IST questions travelers actually ask