Sleeping in Airports

Istanbul Airport Guide

Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Istanbul Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit.  Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.

I found that I had been robbed whilst napping in Area F. I assume I was an easy target being older, unable to walk well and as I had visited the Rolex shop earlier.” – a traveller

IST Airport Overview

To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Istanbul Airport.

What to Expect

The new Istanbul Airport (code: IST) opened in April 2019 and replaces the old Istanbul Ataturk Airport, which now operates cargo flights and private jets only. The airport currently has one terminal for both Domestic and International flights; however, the airport has only opened Phase I to date. Construction is expected to continue until 2027. The new terminal is currently the largest, single terminal building (under one roof) in the world and it is only going to grow. The airport advertises space for over 150 restaurants and cafes, plenty of shopping to pass the time and modern amenities to make your time at the airport fly by.

istanbul airport guide
Gate B9 (Photo courtesy of Daffsu / February 2020)

Sleeping in Istanbul Airport

The new Istanbul Airport has “Nap Zones” in the International terminal that are equipped with semi-reclined seats. There is one near Gate D section and there are other five located throughout the terminal. Other readers have mentioned round couches at Gate B9, B17, B18 and 20+ lounge chairs (with a bamboo privacy wall) at upper level of the E1/E2 section. Unfortunately the airport has installed centre pieces on the round couches (see photo above), so sleep will not be as good here as it was in the past. Thumbs down Istanbul Airport! Besides the floor, you may be able to stretch on the seats at empty gates. You’ll find armrests every 3 seats or so, enabling a decent stretch out for now anyways. As the airport traffic grows, there may be few empty gates.

For those of you who don’t mind paying for comfort, there are small cocoon-like sleep pods that can be rented by the hour.  Perfect for some privacy during a layover.    There are also several hotels located at and near the airport including one on-site which offers rooms both Landside and Airside. See the Airport Hotels section below for locations or read some traveller airport reviews for more tips.

To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos. You can also visit the airport’s web site for current information.  For more airport information continue scrolling down to explore more in our Istanbul Airport Guide.

In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security.  For more information on Europe’s Schengen Area, click here.

airport loungeAirport Lounges

Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships

Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges that you can enter by paying at the door.

  • IGA Lounge – International Departures Level, Airside, on the left after passport control. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door • Prepaid lounge pass.
  • SkyTeam Lounge – Airside, Level H. Hours: open 24 hours. Lounge Access: Lounge membership programs.

Airline Lounges

If you are a First or Business Class traveller you may have access to the lounges listed below. For more information, check the airline’s website.
Turkish Airlines International CIP Lounge (Location: Unknown), Turkish Airlines Lounge Miles & Smiles (Location: Airside) • Turkish Airlines Business Lounge (Location: Airside) • Turkish Airlines International VIP Lounge (Location: Unknown) .

Related Pages: Istanbul Airport Lounges

airport hotelsIstanbul Airport Hotels, Day Rooms & Sleep Pods

Quick Facts
  • Nearest Hotel:  Inside the Airport
  • Sleep Cabins or Pods: Yes
  • Day Rooms: Yes
  • Nearby Hotels with Free Shuttles: No

When the prospect of sleeping on the floor or in a chair is giving you nightmares, there is good news for those of you who are looking to sleep at Istanbul Airport in comfort. If you are on a layover, you don’t have to go through security as there are two transit hotels offering both short-term and overnight rates. Sleep pods, perfect for single travellers seeking some privacy, are also available. The off-site hotels are a bit of distance from the airport so there doesn’t seem to be any hotels with airport shuttles, but we have included a few nearby hotels in case you want to stay somewhere other than a sleep cabin.

Hotels at Istanbul Airport

istanbul airport sleep pods
IGA Sleepods (Photo courtesy of SUMER S.SHAREEF / January 2020)
  • IGA Sleepod – Location: Airside, near Gates D. Sleep pods can be rented on an hourly basis at a rate of 15 EUR per hour between 7:00AM – 7:00PM and 20 EUR between 7:00PM – 7:00AM. Blankets and pillows cost 3 EUR.
  • YOTEL Istanbul Hotel Landside – The landside/public zone section of the hotel offers several sleep cabins. Guests here have 24/7 access to the gym and self service food and drinks. Location: Landside, Opposite Terminal Door Entrance 7. » Check Rates
  • YOTEL Istanbul Hotel Airside – The airside/secure zone section of the hotel offers several cabins with self serve check-in. Day rooms are available for a minimum of 4 hours. Location: Airside. » Check Rates

Hotels near the airport

  • Park Inn by Radisson, Istanbul Airport, Odayeri – No airport shuttle. » Check Rates
  • Durusu Club Hotel – No airport shuttle. » Check Rates
  • Menalo Hotel Premium Istanbul Airport – Airport shuttle is available ($). » Check Rates

Reader Tip: “If you are flying with Turkish Airlines and you have a layover of minimum 4 hours and maximum 9 hours, you maybe eligible for a free stay in a sleep cabin.” Check with the airline.

For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near the new Istanbul Airport that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating and popularity.

wifiAirport WiFi/Internet

Free WiFi is available at Istanbul Airport for one hour.  To connect, go to a login page and create an account.  A reader tells us “there are two ways to get free wifi 1) By using your phone number (not necessarily Turkish number, any country is applicable). You will receive a code to that number which will be needed to start using the wifi 2) By using your passport at wifi kiosks So basically, you have at least two hours of free wifi by using both of the above options The wifi name is “Turktelekomfree” or “Istanbulairport Turktelekomfree”. Connect to it and you will be redirected to a page where you can choose either option given above. ”  (January 2020)

airport infoMore Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover At The Airport

ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available from seven different institutes. Fees may apply, so be sure to check your bank’s fee schedule and your daily withdrawal limit if you are travelling internationally. You may also want to notify your bank of your travel plans. Locations: Landside and Airside in both the Domestic and International Areas.

Banking Services – Bank Branches are available at the airport. It appears as though services are available Landside and Airside in both the Domestic and International Areas.

Currency Exchange – Global Exchange offers services at 43 different locations in Istanbul Airport.

Duty Free & Shopping – UniFree Duty Free is available offering a high-tech shopping experience including 3-D Hologram systems (think virtual shopping), rechargeable smart shopping baskets, mobile payment points and more. A good variety of additional shops are available to pass your time at the airport. Hours: unknown.

Family Services

  • Baby Care Rooms – If you are travelling with an infant, there are dedicated rooms equipped with diaper changing facilities and comfortable seating for private nursing. These rooms can be found at the following locations:
    • Airside – International Departures, Concourse A, across from Gate A6 • International Departures, Concourse B, Gate B2 • International Departures, at the start of Concourse D • International Departures, Concourse F, Gate F5 • Domestic Departures, Concourse G, Gate G5.
  • Children’s Play Area – When you want to ensure your kids burn off all their energy before their flight, take them to the children’s play area. Locations: Airside, Domestic Area, Gate G5, G2 • Airside, International Area, Gate A6, B4, B8/B9, D2, F9 • Landside, Departures, Ticket Offices 5-6 • Landside, Departures, Check-in C/D, N •
  • Strollers – The airport supplies complimentary strollers. Pick-up points are located throughout the terminal.

Food & Drink – There are over 150 food concessions throughout the terminal (Landside and Airside) most of which operate 24/7.

Library – Pick up a book from the airport’s library, browse through a periodical or take your kids to the children’s reading zone. Books can be returned to any public library in Turkey. Hours: 7:00AM – 11:00PM

Luggage Storage & Lockers – IGA Left Luggage offers services in the following locations: Arrival Level, Domestic Passenger Exit • Arrival Level, opposite Exit 13 • Departure Level, near Gates 1 and 6. Rates: Plastic Bag TRY 55 • Medium-size luggage TRY 75 • Large-size luggage TRY 155 • Oversize luggage TRY 280. Prices refer to 24 hours of usage.

Luggage Wrapping – iGA Baggage Wrap offers services Landside, in the Departures Area, between Check ins G and H. Rates and hours: unknown.

Medical Services – Round-the-clock urgent care is available throughout the airport. On top of this, 10 polyclinic areas providing 24/7 services can be found in several areas of the terminal.

Mobile Charging – A reader tells us that mobile charging is available at every gate under the seats. (May 2019)

Museums and Exhibitions – Istanbul Airport is home to the ‘Türkiye’s Treasures; Faces of the Throne’ exhibition, featuring 316 works from 29 museums. Location: International Departure Floor. Passengers can also visit the Pioneers of Modern Science exhibition which displays the work of world-renowned Muslim scientists. Location: International Departure Area, Pier B.

Pharmacy – Three are available: The Airport Pharmacy (International Terminal, Landside, Departures Area) • Melike Sultan Pharmacy (International Terminal, Landside, Arrivals Area) • İstanbul Havalimanı Eczane (Unknown). Hours: 24 hours.

Postal Services – Send your last minute postcards at the PTT post office located in the Domestic Departure Level.

Prayer Rooms – There are 22 rooms available for men and 22 rooms available for women. Locations: Multiple prayer rooms can be found in each concourse and locations are available landside and airside.

Rest Zones – A few options are available to tired passengers looking to catch some rest in between flights. A reader tells us: “The new Istanbul Airport has “Nap Zones” in the International terminal. There is one near Gate D section. There may also be others. They are equipped with day beds. ” Other readers have mentioned round couches at Gate B9 (even though these now have wooden centre pieces making sleeping more challenging) and 20+ lounge chairs (with a bamboo privacy wall) at upper level of the E1/E2 section.

Showers – Freshen up in between flights. Showers are available in the following area:

  • IGA Lounge – Landside: Airside. Showers cost 15 EUR. See Airport Lounges above.
  • The Ambassador Spa & Beauty Salon – Offers steam room and shower packages. Showers cost 25 EUR for 20 minutes. See also Spa Services below.
  • YOTEL Hotel – Airside and Landside locations. See Airport Hotels above.

SIM Cards – A reader tells us you can purchase SIM cards in the Domestic Terminal near the food court. Unfortunately, tourist SIM cards at the airport are incredibly overpriced compared to stores in Istanbul.

Smoking – Istanbul Airport features a total of 13 smoking terraces. 10 of these are located airside, in the International Area, while an additional 3 can be found in the Domestic Area.

Spa Services – The Ambassador Spa & Beauty Salon offers 30 minute treatments, full day spa and beauty services, steam room and shower packages, and even a place to catch a nap for a few hours. Locations: Airside, beside the IGA Lounge. Hours: 24 hours.

airport hoursAirport Hours

The airport is open 24 hours.

airlinesAirlines

The New Istanbul Airport is served by the following airlines: Aegean Airlines • Aeroflot • Afriqiyah Airways • Air Albania • Air Algérie • Air Arabia • Air Arabia Marco • Air Astana • Air Cairo • Air Connect Aviation • Air France • Air Montenegro • Air Serbia • Air Baltic • Ariana Afghan Airlines •Arkia Israeli Airlines • Armenian Airlines • Asiana Airlines ATA Airlines • Azerbaijan Airlines • Azimuth Airlines • Belavia • Berniq Air • British Airways • China Sichaun Airlines • China Southern Airlines • Corendon Airlines • Crown Airlines • EasyJet • Egyptair • Emirates • El-Al Israel Airlines • Emirates • Ethiopian Airlines • Etihad Airways • Fly Baghdad • Fly Dubai • Fly Jordan • Fly Lili • Fly One • Fly Oya • Flyadeal • FlyArystan • Flyone Armenia • Freebird • Ghadames Air • Gulf Air • IndiGo • Iran Air • Iran Airtour • Iran Aseman Airlines • IrAero Airlines • Iraqi Airways • Israir Airlines • Jazeera Airways • Jordan Aviation • Kam Air • KLM • Korean Air • Kuwait Airways • LOT • Lufthansa • Libyan Airlines • Libyan Wings • Mahan Air • Medsky Airways • Meraj Airlines • Middle East Airlines • Mongolian Airlines • Nouvelair • Oman Air • Pakistan International Airlines • Pegas Fly • Pegasus Airlines • Pobeda Airlines • Qanot Shark • Qatar Airways • Qeshm Air • Red Wings Airlines • Royal Air Maroc • Royal Jordanian • S7 Airlines • Salam Air • Saudia Arabian Airlines • SCAT • Singapore Airlines • Somon Air • Tarom Romanian Airlines • Transavia France • Tunisair • Turkish Airlines • Turkmenistan Airlines • UR Airlines • UT Air Aviation • Uzbekistan Airways • Wizz Air .

transportationAirport Transportation: Getting To/From The Airport

Bus

Whether you are looking for a local bus or a luxury coach bus, the airport is well connected. Havaist offers luxury passenger (with luggage) transportation and connects every 15 and 40 minutes to/from the airport. They offer connections on 20 different lines. Local bus transportation is also available to a variety of destinations at a lower price. For routes and schedules visit the hava.ist and iett.istanbul web sites.

Hotel Shuttles

At the time of this update we were unable to find any hotels that offer airport shuttles.  See also Airport Hotels above to see some hotel options at the airport.

Metro

Passengers can now reach Istanbul’s city centre thanks to the newly built metro line. Visit the airport website for more information.

Taxi

Taxis are available 24 hours a day and can be found outside the Domestic and International Arrivals and Departures halls. Three services are provided: black “E” type, blue “D” type, and orange “C” type taxis.

Airport Photo Gallery

Related Pages: Istanbul Airport Photos

Last updated: 2024-02-06

This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning.  All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice.   The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or  write a review.