Istanbul Never Really Closes — But Transport Does
Istanbul Airport (IST) is one of the busiest hubs in the world and works around the clock. A large share of flights from Asia, the Gulf, Africa and the Americas arrive late in the evening or in the small hours, and many European connections leave early in the morning. Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) also handles plenty of night flights, especially with low-cost airlines.
The airports stay open all night; the question is how you get into the city. Some public transport keeps running, some stops, and after a long flight a 2 am arrival is not the moment to work out bus connections. This guide explains what is available at night and how our 24/7 transfers work.
What Runs After Midnight?
| Option | At night | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Metro (M11 from IST, M4 from SAW) | Usually closes around midnight on weekdays | Night service on some lines at weekends — check current Metro Istanbul hours |
| Havaist / Havabus airport buses | Some lines run through the night | Lower frequency; ends at a terminus, not your hotel |
| Taxi | Available 24/7 at the rank | Metered; tolls added on top |
| Uber / BiTaksi | Works at night | Hails licensed taxis; waiting time varies |
| Private transfer | 24/7 | Pre-booked, fixed price, driver waiting in arrivals |
Timetables change, so always check the operators' websites for the current schedule before you fly.
Taking a Taxi at Night
Official taxis wait at the airport rank all night and are generally safe. The usual advice applies even more after dark: walk to the official rank and ignore anyone offering a ride inside the terminal, make sure the meter is switched on, follow the route on your phone and note the licence plate. Istanbul taxis do not normally charge a separate night rate, but at night there are fewer alternatives if something goes wrong. Our Istanbul Airport taxi guide covers taxi types, payment and common problems in detail.
How Our 24/7 Transfer Works
- ✓Book in advance with your flight number — even for a 3 am landing.
- ✓We track your flight and send the driver for the actual landing time.
- ✓60 minutes of free waiting from landing, for passport control and baggage.
- ✓Your driver waits in arrivals with a sign showing your name — see meeting points.
- ✓Same price day and night — no night surcharge, tolls included.
- ✓WhatsApp contact — our team answers 24/7 if you cannot find the driver.
Prices are fixed per vehicle: from Istanbul Airport from €25, from Sabiha Gökçen from €40. See every district on the transfer price list.
Night Routes from the Airport
At night the roads are quiet, so journeys are usually at the short end of the normal range. Popular night routes include Istanbul Airport to Taksim, Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet, Karaköy & Galata and Kadıköy on the Asian side. From Sabiha Gökçen, see SAW to Taksim and SAW to Sultanahmet.
Overnight Connections and Early Departures
Landing late with a morning flight from the other airport? We drive between Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gökçen through the night — or to a hotel for a few hours of sleep and on to the second airport in the morning. With a long gap between two flights at IST, you might even see a little of the city at dawn: see Istanbul layover with a private driver.
For early departures, we pick you up at your hotel at any hour. From central districts we suggest leaving about three and a half hours before an international flight; roads are quieter before 6 am, but security queues at the airport can be long in the early-morning wave of departures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Istanbul Airport open 24 hours?
Yes. Istanbul Airport operates around the clock, with arrivals and departures throughout the night, and Sabiha Gökçen also handles many night flights. Our transfers run 24/7 at both airports.
Is the metro open at 2 am?
Generally not on weekdays. Istanbul's metro lines usually run from about 6 am to around midnight, with a night service on some lines at weekends. Check Metro Istanbul for current hours before you travel.
Is it safe to take a taxi at night?
Official taxis from the rank are generally safe at any hour. Use the rank rather than accepting offers inside the terminal, make sure the meter is running and keep the plate number. If you prefer to avoid that late at night, pre-book a transfer.
What if my flight lands three hours late?
We track your flight and send the driver for the actual landing time, so a delay does not cost extra, and 60 minutes of free waiting still starts from when you land.
Is there a night surcharge for your transfers?
No. Our prices are the same at 3 am as at 3 pm.