ISTANBUL ATATURK AIRPORT review : 22 July 2008 : by Michael Asher

Customer Rating : n/a

Arrived on an international flight at Istanbul Ataturk Airport around 1215pm today. Queues for Passport Control so long they went out into the passageway beyond the zig-zag lines of railings. 45 minutes later arrived in front of an Immigration officer and was processed promptly and courteously. The queue seems to be divided into three chunks; one for Turkish nationals and two for others. My section fed eight inspection desks. Only two were manned, although the section for Turks had many more officers and small queues. I have found this to be a frequent experience and not a pleasant one. Avoid Istanbul Ataturk airport unless you are prepared for long waits in an area which can be hot; has low ceilings and no evidence of air-conditioning operating. It is a shame.

ISTANBUL ATATURK AIRPORT review : 13 June 2008 : by Nick Paul

Customer Rating : n/a

Tip for passport control - if you go to gate H, the passport desks there are less used than those closer to the gates A, etc. so if you are in a hurry, walk a further 100m on and you should be through passport control very quickly. As security control is at the gates, not straight after passport control, do not leave shopping until the last minute or you will get caught up in a queue for boarding which might cause some delays.

ISTANBUL ATATURK AIRPORT review : 10 June 2008 : by Alasdair Brooks

Customer Rating : 4/5

I was pleasantly surprised by Ataturk airport. It was well organised, with quick immigration processing by friendly immigration officers in an adequately staffed immigration area (American airports could learn a thing or two here from the Turks). The separate visa queue also went quickly and efficiently (though travellers from the UK should remember that they only take USD or Euros). I dashed off to use the (clean and modern) toilet facilities at baggage retrieval, and my wife already had our suitcase by the time I made it back. Leaving was equally simple, with the slight quirk that security is before check-in, so you go straight from check-in to passport control without having to go through security again (though there is a second security area once you reach your specific gate). Airside is neatly and sensibly laid out, with plenty of shopping without the sense of being in a busy glorified shopping mall you get from most UK airports - though as noted in several other comments, food and drink are pricey. There was some slight chaos at boarding, but this seems to have been the airline's fault rather than a flaw with the airport

Istanbul Ataturk Airport review by Paul Whiteley

5 April 2008 2008   Customer Rating :

International terminal. Large queues to purchase tourist visa on arrival but processed quickly. Likewise passport control. Bag waiting on carousel once through. Taxi ranks outside well controlled. Upon departure quick clearance through first security point; BA check-in very quick. Agree with cost of goods airside though English language books in the main bookstore very reasonably priced. I liked the café bars at various departure gates. Good experience all round.

Istanbul Ataturk Airport review by R Sharpe

27 March 2008 2008   Customer Rating :

I agree about the cost of foods in Istanbul Airport! Even the worst food Burger King combo meal worked out to be around $12US. It is a nice clean airport and lots of shops and places to hang out in - as long as you aren't hungry!!

Istanbul Ataturk Airport review by H Smythe

26 March 2008 2008   Customer Rating :

Flew into and out of Istanbul over Easter. Was no trouble at all - very large and spacious. Turkish Airlines check-in was appalling and had an extremely slow queue but the rest of the airport was good with a fair choise of shops. The only gripe is that the drinks and food were horrifically expensive - considerably more than at British airports.

Istanbul Ataturk Airport review by Antony Davies

12 February 2008   Customer Rating :

Inbound to IST very quick to purchase visa, clear immigration, customs and exit airport. Using the Hafif Metro to Zeytaburnum, then the tram to the city's Sultanahmet district took less than one hour and cost just 2.6 YTL (£1.30). Departing the airport is very spacious in most areas, quick and polite check in staff for Swiss, again security and passport control very quick and all efficiently organised. A large range of shops, but food outlets are very expensive!! (two soft drinks and a toasted sandwich YTL 23 - (around £11 GBP)

Istanbul Ataturk Airport review by Guy Senior

1 November 2007   Customer Rating :

Flew into this airport in mid October. No more than 5 minute wait at (separate) visa and immigration queues and only a short wait for bags. I was on the train within 30 minutes of getting off the plane. Airport looked clean and spacious.

Istanbul Ataturk Airport review by Nick Paul

29 October 2007   Customer Rating :

Late evening arrival from STN. Visa queue 10 mins. Passport control quick though and no other delays, but long walk to domestic terminal if you are connecting inside Turkey - some moving walkways but otherwise up ramps and round quite a maze of passages to get to gates. All signed and not difficult though. Return journey, passport control quite efficient and no untoward delays. Shopping choice good but duty free prices are high. Couldn't notice any extremes of smoking though around the terminal or at gates so as a non-smoker quite happy with that, and new facilities being added to improve shopping. Used CIP lounge as short time to wait for connections - good service, nice choice of refreshments and varied seating areas including some very plush rooms and good business desks too but intrusive noise from adjoining areas plus 4 tvs on different channels were competing as well. Security not an issue - prompt, no extra delays or problems. Whole airport appeared nice and clean and was a good experience.

Istanbul Ataturk Airport review by Brett Watson

11 September 2007   Customer Rating :

Queue for visa a little slow on inbound, but moved at a reasonable pace considering a lot of flights arrived at the same time. Bags arrived quickly. Domestic terminal very busy in morning peak, but lines moved at a good pace and wait times were not to long. Receiving bags off domestic flight was very quick so off the plane to outside the domestic terminal. Outbound international terminal: check in was quick, passport control was a little slow, Good selection of shoping and restaurants and generally easy to move around. Overall an easy to use and efficient airport.

Istanbul Ataturk Airport review by Greg Szczotka

25 August 2007   Customer Rating :

Ataturk is a modern, friendly and well organised airport, came from london on 18th August, immigration was bit slow, but if not travelling within EU, you have to be a bit more patient, baggage arrived quickly, departure 4 days later: painless, no queues at check-ins even though it was 1h before departure, good duty-free shops, some queues to security but not as bad as in london, very nice and easy to use airport: the only disadvantage is that smoking is permitted in many areas, but in turkey for some reason you can smoke absolutely everywhere - hope that will change when they are eventually allowed into the EC.

Istanbul Ataturk Airport review by Mohammad Zia Ebrahimi

3 July 2007   Customer Rating :

Have been using IST for many times and this time arriving from Rome FCO. terminal was clean, Immigration was not so fast and depending on arrival time it could take 1 hour or less. Luggage was ready after immigration finished. Havas shuttle buses to city are very good while taxi fee to city is sometimes USD 35-40. on outbond trip: Security at entrance was so fast surprisingly, Check in was not so bad and depends on airline but no arrangement from airport staff to manage the passenger queues. Immigration was fast and security at gate was efficient.

Istanbul Ataturk Airport review by Sally Hardman

19 January 2007   Customer Rating : n/a

Check in here is awful, not organised particularly well, not enough desks open when we last travelled which had a knock on effect on then getting through security. We were surprised that everyone managed to make their flights as it took so long . And then there is the palaver at the gate itself - more security and little organisation. Have to say, though, that the Airport Hotel was marvellous, great rooms, superb staff and lovely breakfast looking out over the apron. We are used to many different airports and to be honest they all have their faults - at least at Ataturk Airport you can pass the time by people watching.

Istanbul Ataturk Airport review by Matthew Parkinson

25 November 2006

Nice and clean and easy to use. Check in with THY was slow but nothing to get really worked up about. However, there was a late (5 min pre boarding) change of gate which wasn't announced ... and of course the new gate was at the other end. Needless to say, takeoff was late and if you are flying to Heathrow that is a disaster - we flew around London for half an hour before being able to land.

Istanbul Ataturk Airport review by Robert Clark

13 May 2006

Good looking international section, very poor domestic half. DEPARTURES: In the mornings when conecting from domestic to international terminals the 1st security checkpoint is downright a third world situation. It is organized chaos. Basically, whoever squeezes and pushes their way the best will be able to make their flight. Hard to pass people in this situation when they are using trash bags as their carry-on. Hang on tight to the person you are travelling with, otherswise you could lose them in the wave of people cramming their way in. Istanbul Security was doing nothing to alleviate the situation. After that, it is a very long line through customs to depart the country. I only made it through since some very nice Norwegians allowed my wife and I to cut so we could make our flight into Vienna. It seemed like another 2 or 3 security checkpoints before you finally get to your gate. But you're not done. You will still be crammed on a bus to be taken to your aircraft. Its creepy in here, as many Turkish people don't understand that staring at somebody is impolite. In the US it is not tolerated, but in Turkey there is nothing you can do. DEPARTING TO ISRAEL OR USA: Extra security on Turkish Airlines. You bags that you have already checked in may be checked back out, and you will have to go through each of them with Turkish security before they will place a G.A.S. sticker on your passport. Without that sticker on the back of your passport, you won't be leaving. INTERNATIONAL TERMINAL: The terminal all in all is not that bad, if you get the chance to actually enjoy it. Some really good Duty Free stores, and cafes, although the prices for even Efes are very overpriced. ARRIVAL: Very simplistic, plenty of customs kiosks set up. Visas are available for purchase at the airport right next to the customs. DOMESTIC TERMINAL: Very poor in comparison. Bad lighting, not very clean, and little to do. Nice bar in the middle, but very expensive...but a good place to kill time as the atmosphere in here is better than the rest of the terminal. The Information desk had no information. Flights that were taking off after mine had a gate scheduled, but mine did not. The lady who worked there spoke little english, and said "You come back in more time." Don't expect much in domestic. Overall, Istanbul isn't a bad airport, it just has a few hiccups here and there. It needs to improve on security and the domestic side needs a revamp.

Istanbul Ataturk Airport review by Takaya Ikezawa

29 May 2005

I have used this Ataturk Airport more than a dozen of times in the past and feel OK in general, as for its international terminal facilities. However, the security check might be too strict. You have to walk through a metal detection gateway while having all of your belongings through X-ray screener to enter the terminal. One day, when I proceeded to the security check at the entrance, I precautionary took out/off all of metal materials, cell phone, wallet, coins, belt, rings, watch etc., and walked through the gateway but it alarmed. The personnel demanded me to take off my shoes and I tried again; however it alarmed again although only things I put on were a woolen jacket, a cotton shirt, cotton pants, cotton socks and cotton underwear! There are long queues at pasport control on departure most of the time but this can move fast but you will see a long queue once again for metal detection gateway, X-ray screening for your cabin baggage, and checking your pasport and boarding pass at boarding gates, even if you left the airline lounge after sipping a few cups of coffee after you heard the boarding announcement in the lounge. The pasport control on arrival, especially at midnight, could be a truely nightmare. As you can see in the previous comments, passport control personnel are quite slow, even though they don't ask you questions such as purpose and duration of your visit. In addition to that, when I took a flight from FRA arriving at 2 am, I saw a few counters open and arrived passengers filled in front. I could hardly say they were in lines. Most of the people in lines seemed from Russia or eastern Europe. I happened to realize then that Russian women are awfully clueless and mannerless. Once my line moved a bit faster than other lines, then some of the women in the line called all of their friends in other lines to come and the line in front of me suddenly got longer than ever since I stood at the end of the queue! And also another woman suddenly muscled her way into the line. I complained but she insisted that she had been there in line! There was no personnel to control those mannerless people. I could go out the terminal almost 2 hours after landed, even though I had trouble neither with my luggage nor at custom. Since then I have been trying to avoid arriving at midnight. Domestic terminal is quite poor and seedy. Terribly long queue for entering terminal, check-in, and security check once again before boarding gates in the peak periods. Many Turkish people jump the line. Nothing fun to kill time both before and after the security check. Especilally the self- service cafe after the security check charges 4 USD for a can of coke. All in all, they could manage to catch up world-class standard for facilities (only international terminal though), but their operation is still need improvements.

Istanbul Ataturk Airport review by Murat Nal

18 May 2005

Wall to wall marble, full length windows, plenty of space, very bright and very clean. Numerous toilets through out the airport in sparkling condition. Airport staff very friendly. C.I.P.Lounge. serves hot and cold food. with plenty of seating and internet access. Food lounge area was over crowded and Burger King franchise the most expensive I have seen. However on my last visit a month ago they had built an extension to the international terminal with lots more bars, shops and food outlets. Contrary to others here I find the Taxis to be cheap at Istanbul Airport. I took a taxi from LHR to my home (45min.) cost was £65. in Istanbul same distance would cost £10.

Istanbul Ataturk Airport review by Francesco Lulli

26 April 2005

Ataturk Airport is a very good facility, though I would hardly call it impressive. It's just a nice, clean modern airport, in the league of Athens Venizelos and Lisbon: a welcome change from the past. Immigration can be a pain; even though Turkish officers are generally relaxed and don't question arriving passengers (after all, Turkey grants automatic visas on arrival to nearly every country in the world), they are terribly slow at stamping those passports. I had a problem with a delayed flight leaving IST at about midnight, the screen at the boarding gate kept displaying a "Last Call" sign for 2 hours, leaving passengers in big confusion (it was mainly the airline's fault, but one expects to see a "Late" sign on the screens at least). I hated the hotel booking service in the arrival hall, very unprofessional, they put you up in 3rd tier hotels for the price of a Holiday Inn and make you pay for porterage though you never asked for it; I'm prepared to be scammed in Sultanahmet, not at the official tourist board in the airport. Also, avoid airport taxis and take the train, you can then switch to a more reasonably priced taxi in Aksaray or connect to the tramway going all the way to Sultanahmet (this is best done at Zeytinburnu).

Istanbul Ataturk Airport review by Alfian Hazemi

1 April 2005

IST airport is a futuristic airport. It is spacious and bright. The Turkish Airlines staff were friendly but unfortunately the Turkish Immigration Officer werent friendly at all. I flew TK from STR to KUL via IST and DXB. Overall impression IST would be still an airport once again to be visited. The airport is near to Sultanahmet.

Istanbul Ataturk Airport review by Bob Cumbers

30 January 2005

I have passed thru Istanbul's Atatürk Airport's International terminal half a dozen times in the past few months. I agree with the other posts that Atatürk is a modern and spacious airport. I personally have not had any troubles with airport security, granted their English can be limited, but I'm sure that International passengers have similar problems at North American airports. The security procedures are very detailed especially with the US flights. If you are transferring from a connecting flight heading to the USA you will be escorted down to the tarmac to identify your checked baggage for additional search. Your boarding pass and ID will also be checked at least five times. Other airports can take a lesson on security from this airport. One other note the price for a three month visa for US residents has now been reduced to $20.

Istanbul Ataturk Airport review by David Jordan

19 January 2005

I was really impressed by the new international terminal, hence it is wholly another world compared to the old one!! Super spacious, bright, excellent shopping facilities, very clean interior/toilets and very quick transfers guided by efficient and polite staff to your connection flight. And there is a new hotel name is Airport Hotel with a lots of services. there are 80 rooms, fitness centre, delicious foods.

Istanbul Ataturk Airport review by J Winston

19 January 2005

Atatürk Airport is attractive. TAV, the operator of the Atatürk Airport International Terminal, offers a brand new service and a CIP approach for passengers. Their intention is to eliminate all anxiety and stress you may experience before and after the flight, to be by you at every step and to make sure that you feel secure. While you are greeted at the terminal entrance or upon arrival from your trip, by the stewardesses, the porter takes care of the baggage. X-Ray, check-in and passport procedures are carried out without you being concerned about the queue, and likewise at the special Prime Class point of payment in the Main Duty Free Store. In the Prime Class CIP Hall that has been especially designed with priority given to comfort and quality, you can rest in a quiet atmosphere away from the crowd, noise pollution and the stress of monitoring the flight schedule. You would like to know how? Their hostesses will monitor your flights on your behalf, and while you continue to work at the Business Corner, you will be able to connect to the Internet, enjoy the hot and cold buffet. Furthermore, if you want to be relieved of the tiresome day, you will be able to receive your personal shower kit, and take a shower at the airport with the comfort of your own house. What's more, the cost of all these services is only USD 45.

Istanbul Ataturk Airport by  Murat Ozbas

10 December 2004

I always use Istanbul Ataturk Airport every time I come from New York for a visit. The airport itself is modern and clean. However, the security staff is rude and arrogant. On my last time. One security officer yelled at us because we were all standing in Turkish citizens line and said go to "other citizen's" line because the line was shorter. Well when we went over there, the officer at the window yelled at us and we said that the other officer sent us here. He said "then go that officer who sent you over here." I should've said thanks for the warm welcome.

Istanbul Ataturk Airport by  A Nikolaidis

14 November 2004

I've used the International Terminal many times on my short Athens-Istanbul-Athens trips. At first I was impressed by the architecture and it's facilities since Athens Hellinikon Airport was a quite different experience. Sad to say that the security staff is unacceptable, impolite and arrogant with no knowledge of English (they just use the body-language) though. Strict security measures is no excuse for all this rude behaviour which can ruin your trip from the very beginning. I was surprised to find out that police officers were by far more friendly and helpful than those guys at the security checks, despite their lack of English. The Havaş bus service is a great option for those going to the City centre and want to avoid those always-looking-for-victims taxi drivers. I must admit that Istanbul Intl. Terminal is a very functional airport, with great and spacious lounges. Hope they reconsider the attitude of the private security staff.

Istanbul Ataturk Airport review by Mike Chaudron

22 September 2004

Flew through Istanbul to Bahrain on 11 Sept 04. The Istanbul airport is nicely laid out and has plenty of services for long layovers. The only bad thing about the terminal is that it is filled with second hand smoke. I went to the non-smoking area in the food court, and it consisted of about 5 tables in a the middle of the area, with smoke everywhere. There is free wi-fi for your laptop through out the airport, which made it nice to get some work done during a long layover. The Transfer Desk is a little disconcerting. I went there to check in for my Gulf Air flight. The lady at the desk then takes your tickets and passports and leaves. (They wait until they have 4 or 5) and then they go get you checked in. It clearly concerns you when you see someone leave with your passport and tickets. When I questioned them about it, they said that was the way they had to do it. The airport is very good, but they should change the way they handle transfers.

Istanbul Ataturk Airport review by B Scott

25 June 2004

What a pleasant experience, except for the food and beverage prices - far more expensive than Istanbul. You have to go through security just to enter the airport, but even on a Monday morning, it was fast. Very bright and open, decent shopping. Some long walks, but moving sidewalks help. Security again at the gate, but it was efficient. Very bright and airy, a nice change from cement boxes. There's also inbound duty free and good multi-lingual announcements.

Istanbul Ataturk Airport review by Marta Santiago

26 May 2004

I traveled to Istanbul from March 15 until March 25, 2004. Istanbul and all the nearest areas are like a paradise for me. I felt extremely comfortable at the Ataturk's Airport. was really impressed with the facilities. It has been built with modern arquitecture that makes you feel in a very luxury place.

Istanbul Ataturk Airport review by Robert Moran

18 May 2004

I have flown in and out of Istanbul Ataturk International several times, to and from JFK, ORD, LHR, TLV, FRA, etc. The kind of airport you would like to be at if you have a long layover. Spacious, clean, modern with glass windows and marble floors all around, efficient, lots of shops, restaurants, etc. Compared to many boring airports in the US and Europe, it is much more traveler friendly. Oh, it also has free wireless access for anyone with a properly equipped laptop (802.11b at the time of writing) in the terminal...Hello European and US airports, look at IST for some lessons to be learned! Staff is generally courteous. On one occasion, i just happened to be standing to a security/police officer, whose cell phone went off. He asked for my permission to answer it. I was quite impressed.

Istanbul Ataturk Airport review by Jonathan Waterhouse

4 April 2004

Metropolitan Light Rail made easier to reach to Aksaray. If you want to go to Sultanahmet Area you have to transfer to another tram in Aksaray. The Station is just under the airport. "Flags" Restaurant serves international dishes with reasonable prices. I think the free shop is quite cheap in accordance to the others. To buy "Akbil", a very smart electronic ticket of Istanbul Municipality, makes easier, the in-urban transportation.

Istanbul Ataturk Airport review by Ken Sterling

11 March 2004

I have flown in and out of Ataturk airport 10 times over the past three years. It was always a pleasant experience. The staff were courteous and were extremely helpful if asked. Some of the shops are a bit expensive though the duty-free liquor shop had good prices. Chanel perfume was quite a bit less than the LAX duty free shop.

Istanbul Ataturk Airport review by Michael Moxley

18 January 2004

Having to spend a total of 12 hours transit in Istanbul, I got to explore the airport pretty well. I'd heard lots of good things about it, but in reality, I wasn't happy with what I saw. Not that many duty free shops at all, and the prices were expensive. When i asked a man standing in front of his shop about a bar, he said there was no bar at the airport, and to my amazement, I found one just a few stores away! The attitude of the airport staff was rude, not showing a sign of Turkish hospitality. Long queues at the security check point in front of gates 216-218. There were three flights departing from there, and only two checkpoints available! It took about 45 min to get to the gate! Altogether, not a pleasant experience, and this airport can be dirt boring after spending 2 hours in it.

Istanbul Ataturk Airport review by Timmy Thanh

6 January 2004

I transited through this airport once (Turkish Airlines Bangkok to Amsterdam), it was a really unpleasant experience. The staff, especially the security officers, were rude, arrogant and not helpful at all. After I successfully passed the metal detectors (no beeps), one security officer just harshly grabbed my arm and pulled me separately for a search. He did not even say sorry or anything when he finished his "search". He just pointed to the direction where all passengers were going.

Istanbul Ataturk Airport review by Eugene Scout

15 December 2003

Istanbul Ataturk Int'l deserves all the appreciations in that the facilities and the staff work in synergy. Top to bottom glass windows gives a very good outside view and provides fresh daylight into the area. Recent connection of the light railway makes the city center travel much easier than before. Close proximity of the sea buses is helpful for travellers to the Anatolian side of the city without bothering to take a cab which would be expensive and troublesome in busy city traffic. Friendliness of the staff in every corner shows typical and traditional Turkish hospitality and not to mention that Istanbul Airport has been awarded second in the World in terms of safety after a study upon 9/11 attacks. Connection between the Int'l and domestic terminal with the help of moving walkways makes it very convenient unlike three years ago when the old building was in operation.

Istanbul Ataturk Airport review by Rolf Oldenburger

9 November 2003

A little update on the comment I have made in July of this year. The transfer process to domestic flights at Istanbul Ataturk International Airport has changed back to the good. We now leave our aircraft and head to our connecting domestic flight without the hassle of lining up for passport control, which is done at the final destination.

Istanbul Ataturk Airport review by George Benigsen

4 August 2003

Ataturk Airport, where it gets its name from the countries revolutionary founder and its first president is one of the most secure and well organized airports in Europe, reflecting a modern side of Turkey and Turkish hospitality. Very close to its historical centre and offering public transportation with ease to the heart of Istanbul.

Istanbul Ataturk Airport review by Rolf Oldenburger

28 July 2003

I have seen a big change in transfers to domestic lines. On my trips in 2002, we could easily fetch a trolley for our cabin luggage upon leaving our aircraft and proceed to the gate for our connecting domestic flight to Ankara (or wherever one might go), within the very same terminal building. This year, however, things had changed to the bad in Istanbul. As opposed to last year, where international passengers would make their transfers to domestic flights at the very same terminal and go through customs and passport control in their final destinations (in my case, in Ankara), we had to queue up for our passport control in Istanbul (with fear of missing the connecting flight), exit through customs and -without even a trolley to carry our cabin bag- rush along a very very long route (extremely difficult for the elderly or families with children) to the adjacent old terminal which is now used for domestic flights. Upon arrival in Ankara, we again had to go through the international arrivals section (without passport control) to collect our luggage. Even though this may not have been the decision of the airport authority, but perhaps that of the customs or the border police, it goes without saying that things have become very difficult for international passengers taking connecting flights to other cities within the country. I wish they could reconsider making life easier for passengers as it was until last year.

Istanbul Ataturk Airport review by Bill Riley

2 June 2003

A delightful, clean, modern airport with good catering facilities. On arrival don't forget that you will be charged GB10 tax but our American cousins have to fork out US$100 which is a bit naughty. After the nightmare of Heathrow T.1. this airport is a breath of fresh air.

Istanbul Ataturk Airport review by Luigi Vallero

2 January 2003

The new international terminal of Ataturk Airport is very attractive, with a good selection of shops and food outlets. Though prices tend to be on the expensive side, if compared to street prices in downtown Istanbul, you can still find lots of places selling Turkish Delight, gourmet Turkish food and wine plus all the other retail shops that can be found at any world class airport for a last minute buy. Personnel is generally very well trained, helpful and efficient. A bit lengthy the arrival processing at passport control, even for EU arriving passengers. The old international terminal, now turned to the role of domestic, shows its age but is however a huge improvement to the original domestic terminal I had the misfortune of using seven years ago. Overall a very good impression of Turkey, either to arriving or departing passengers.

Istanbul Ataturk Airport review by Delyan Manchev

2 January 2003

Do not agree with Mr Martinez. Ataturk airport is one of the closest airports to city center. It takes 10-15 minutes to Sultanahmet, 15-20 minutes to Taksim with heavy trafic. Very convenient and efficient shuttle (25-30 minutes to Taksim). If you want to buy fresh turkish delight this is NOT the place. All delights are packed in ready-made boxes (you can not pick them from the trays like in city shops) and the prices are 3-5 times higher than in the city. Duty-free shops are good value.

Istanbul Ataturk Airport review by Craig Martinez

2 January 2003

The new international terminal at Ataturk International Aiport is very clean and modern, though a bit distant from the city center and Sultahnamet tourist area. The departures hall is airy and open. Interestingly, all persons entering the airport have to proceed through a security screening, passenger or non-passenger. Passengers are screened again at the gate. After passport control there are various shopping and eating choices from high brow duty free items to small gifts, fast food to sit down restaurants. If you want to buy fresh Turkish delight then this is the place. Most stores take Liras and Euros. The only inconvenience is that there are no cash machines or ATMs after passport control, so have money.

Istanbul Ataturk Airport review by Stephen D'Arcy

18 September 2002

In May 2002, flew LHR-Istanbul then transferred to Istanbul-Cape Town flight, with assistance of Turkish Airlines staff who made the transfer seamless - I was on the connecting plane before I knew it! On the return I took time to try the bar (they accept Euros) and look at the excellent shopping facilities. The sort of airport you'd like to spend time in.

Istanbul Ataturk Airport review by Heather Kinser

16 September 2002

I agree with the comments below - Istanbul's new International Terminal is fantastic! When I first came to Turkey it was via the old terminal and though I was terribly sleepy, I was frightened that if I fell asleep, the roaches might eat me alive! The new terminal is bright and shiny, filled with great shops, restaurants, and places to relax. The toilets are wonderfully clean and the staff friendly.

Istanbul Ataturk Airport review by Daniel Sunden

24 August 2002

In July I had my first Transfer from the new Terminal of Istanbul's Ataturk International Airport. I was really impressed by the new international terminal, hence it is wholly another world compared to the old one!! Super spacious, bright, excellent shopping facilities, very clean interior/toilets and very quick transfers guided by efficient and polite staff to your connection flight. It sure will become an important hub in southeastern Europe for the CIS and Middle East.






 

IMPORTANT NOTE