The Istanbul Ataturk Airport Car Rental Guide

The Istanbul international airport commonly referred to as Ataturk international airport is the main serving airport in Istanbul Turkey. It is located in Yesilkoy which is on the European side of Istanbul. The airport serves approximately 38 million passengers every year and is ranked at number thirty in the list of the world’s busiest airports in passenger traffic while it is ranked 17^th in terms of passenger traffic, internationally.

The airport has 4 terminals;

• domestic flights – terminal 1
• international flights  - terminal 2
• cargo flights  - terminal 3
• the fourth terminal is for general aviation

Tips on travelling through the Istanbul airport

• Make sure you are at the airport at least two hours earlier. This is because, as much as there may be delays at times, there may be traffic, and long queues on which you may have to wait.
• You can eat at the various restaurants when you arrive at the terminals, especially if you will be waiting for hours for your flight.
• You can gain access to the bureau de change and the pharmacy from the arrival floor.

Checking in at the Istanbul airport

You are advised to arrive at least two hours prior to your flight. You need to have your ticket, valid ID and passport. Passengers who do not produce IDs are not allowed to board the planes. The restriction on baggage varies from the various airlines. All passengers are advised to have their ID at the various counters to check in. You should ensure you have a visa where applicable.

Facilities at the Istanbul airport 

The facilities available at the Istanbul international airport are simply impressive as they are constantly renovated to serve the high number of passengers.

The airport has availed travelators and escalator walkways that connect the various terminals. You can access various banks and bureau de change facilities from the airport, there are also ATM machines and post offices at the international and domestic terminals.

There are very many snack bars, cafes, restaurants, bars as well as fast food joints in the airport and they are always open. The airport also has shopping facilities that are open 24/7 where the travelers can enjoy duty free shopping as well as authentic bazaars situated in the international terminal.

 The Istanbul airport also offers a conference and business facility as it has made available the airport’s conference centers which hold different number of delegates. They also offer facilities for the disabled persons.

Car hire services in the Istanbul international airport

While there are many transport means you can use from the Istanbul airport to your hotel or vise versa, the most recommended way to travel to and from Istanbul is by car rental.  There are various car rental agencies in the arrival terminals that you can compare for the best rates. You can get cheap car hire agencies within the airport too.

With your car rental from the Istanbul international airport, you can enjoy the amazing sites that Istanbul has to offer at your own convenience. You will get the chance to drive to the various ancient archaeological sites, the museums, the old mosques, museums palaces and bazaars as well as the Taksim shopping area which is full of life and entertainment. Car rental is the best way to discover more in Istanbul.