There are two airports serving the Turkish city - Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW). The good news is, it’s easy to reach Istanbul cruise port in a variety of ways from both airports.

It’s possible to take a private transfer or split the cost on a group minibus. Taxis are available from outside both airport terminals and there are other less convenient (but cheaper) modes of transport including Metro and bus.

Where is the Cruise Port in Istanbul

Istanbul cruise port is located in the areas of Galata and Karaköy, close to Galata Tower and within easy access across the bridge to Sultanahmet Square, the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and the Grand Bazaar.

Istanbul cruise port terminal, also known as Galataport, is a relatively new and modern port. With a design inspired by the basilica cisterns of Istanbul, it’s the world’s first underground cruise ship terminal. There are cultural and arts centers near the port, plus, a whole host of designer shops, restaurants, and cafes.

How Far from Istanbul Airports to Cruise Port

The nearest airport to Galata cruise port is Istanbul Airport (IST), 40 kilometers away, with a journey time of an hour by road.

Alternatively, if you’re flying into Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW), east of the cruise port, it’s 55 kilometers away and takes approximately 70 minutes by taxi or private shuttle.

Sabiha Gökçen Airport

Sabiha Gökçen is Istanbul’s second airport. The airport is a main hub for Pegasus Airlines and AnadoluJet. It has two passenger terminals, one catering to domestic flights and the other to international departures and arrivals.

A taxi journey will cost approximately €30 from Sabiha Gökçen Airport to the port of Istanbul, and the same rates can be applied for a return journey to the airport.

Istanbul Airport

Istanbul Airport is the largest and newest airport in the city. It’s located on the European side of Istanbul, serving more than 350 destinations across over 100 countries. It’s a prominent transportation hub, connecting Europe with Asia and Africa.

The average taxi fare from Istanbul Airport (IST) is €25-30 one way. As with any city, always agree a price to the cruise port prior to commencing your journey, as some drivers may add on the price of the toll to cross the river.

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Transportation from Airport to Istanbul Galata Cruise Port

In addition to the transportation methods above, there are also more affordable ways to travel to the cruise port in Istanbul.

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Bus from Istanbul Airports to Cruise Port

Havabus shuttle buses run from Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) to Taksim, the closest location to the cruise port. A one way ticket cost is less than €3 per person and the same route can be taken on your return journey back to the airport. The journey time is around 1.5 hours.

The service also operates from Istanbul Airport (IST) to Taksim Square. Upon arrival, you can hop on the F1 tram from Taksim Station to Kabataş, then it’s a 10-15 minute walk to Galataport. It takes 90 minutes in total and costs just under €4 per person for a single journey.

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Private Transfer Istanbul Airports to Cruise Port

The most comfortable and luxurious way to reach Istanbul port from Sabiha Gökçen Airport is via private transfer. The journey time is approximately one hour, and the cost can range from €40-45.

If you’re traveling from Istanbul Airport to the cruise port terminal, the cost of a private transfer is €35-40 with a duration of around 45 minutes.

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Luggage at the Istanbul Galata Cruise Port

If you need to store luggage, Istanbul cruise port uses a hatch system to create a secure customs and baggage area when no ships are docked. In the cruise port there are passenger check-ins, waiting rooms and they have the capacity to store thousands of pieces of luggage for passengers underground.