What to Do, Step by Step, After Landing at Istanbul Airport

Written by the Marhaba Service team · Updated: 7 November 2026

In What Order Do You Move Through Istanbul Airport?

The order never changes, and every stage has its own signs. The airport is large and the walks are usually long, so there is no need to rush. Simply move with the stream of passengers from your own flight.

1. Passport control: follow the Passport Control signs, stand in the lane the signs show for visitors, and keep the whole family's passports in one person's hand.
2. Baggage: once your passport is stamped, follow the Baggage Claim signs and find your flight number on the screens before you stand at a belt.
3. The exit: with your bags collected, follow the Exit signs, and count your suitcases before you go through the door.
4. Your car: in the arrivals hall, look for the sign with your name on it if you have booked.

What Should You Have Ready at Passport Control?

Have the passports ready, together with your hotel address written in Latin letters on your phone. Entry and visa rules change from time to time, so we do not list them here. Check them with the official authority before you travel.

If you are a family or a group, try to stay together in the same queue, so that nobody is left waiting for the others after their stamp. Keep your phone charged as well: it holds the address, the booking and the way to reach us once you are out.

How Do You Find Your Car in the Arrivals Hall?

By the sign that carries your name. We follow your flight, so a late landing does not upset the pick-up time. Waiting is free for 60 minutes from the moment you land, and after that it is 15 euros for every 30 minutes or part of it. If passport control or baggage takes longer than expected, let us know through our contact page and do not worry.

A fixed-price car from Istanbul Airport starts at 95 euros for the whole car, not per person, with tax, tolls and parking included.

How Long Is the Drive From Istanbul Airport Into the City?

It depends on traffic. These are the times we work with for the most requested districts, with the price of a Mercedes Vito:

Each destination has its own page, such as Istanbul Airport to Taksim and Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet.

What If Nobody Is There to Help You?

Ask the nearest member of staff in uniform or an information desk. It is quicker than searching on your own. These are the moments when a traveller most often needs to decide fast:

• Your suitcase has not arrived: go to the lost baggage desk before you leave the baggage hall, and keep your bag tag.
• You are not sure which way to go: show your boarding pass or hotel address to a member of staff. Something written is clearer than an explanation.
• You cannot see your driver: stay inside the arrivals hall, do not leave it, and call us.
• You have not booked a car: do not walk out until you know the full price and who issues the invoice.

When Is a Welcome Inside the Terminal Worth It?

It helps when you travel with children or older relatives, or when this is your first visit. With our Arabic meet and greet at Istanbul Airport, a member of the Marhaba Service team meets you inside the building, stays beside you through passport control and baggage, and walks you to the car. It costs 215 euros per person on arrival, and the priority lane, a porter, a personal assistant and the electric cart are included at no extra charge.

If you would rather have someone who speaks Arabic, some of our drivers do. Ask for one when you book, and we confirm in writing whether one is available on your date.

Before you land, save three things on your phone: the hotel address in Latin letters, the name of the district and your booking number. These three solve most of what can go wrong at the airport, so write them down before your flight takes off.

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