Guides
How early should I leave for Istanbul Airport?
Planning your departure from IST or Sabiha Gökçen: airline recommendations, traffic margins, terminal security and an easy way to work out your hotel pickup time.
Updated:
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Short answer
Aim to be at the airport at least 3 hours before an international departure and 2 hours before a domestic one. Then add the drive from your hotel plus a rush-hour margin. Taksim to IST normally takes 45–60 minutes; on weekday evenings, add another 30 minutes.
Security at the terminal entrance
Istanbul Airport screens passengers at the terminal entrance and again after passport control. At busy times the entrance queue alone can take a while, so do not cut it fine.
Working out your pickup time
A simple formula: departure time − 3 hours (international) − drive time − traffic margin. For a 10:00 international flight from Taksim, leaving around 05:45–06:00 is comfortable.
Enter that as your pickup time when you book a private transfer, and your chauffeur will be at your hotel door.
Your ride is one tap away.
Frequently asked questions
How early should I get to Sabiha Gökçen?
At least 3 hours before international and 2 hours before domestic flights; add margin for bridge traffic if you are coming from the European side.
Do you do early-morning transfers?
Yes, we run 24/7, including midnight and pre-dawn pickups.