I recently had a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Bishkek, with a stopover in Istanbul, Turkey. Due to the flight schedule it looked it might make sense to spend a night in an Istanbul airport hotel, so I immediately set out to evaluate my options. I realized that few people had compared the numerous hotels that are close to the new Istanbul Airport, and that most of the information online was about hotels that were miles away, close to the airport that had ceased operations in 2019!
So, I spent hours researching options for new Istanbul Airport hotels. These are the best Istanbul Airport hotels as of Summer 2020, though I’m sure that more will pop up in the upcoming months as the new Istanbul Airport becomes more established and travelers realize that they definitely don’t want to be sleeping anywhere near the old Istanbul airport if they have an early morning flight!
(Istanbul Airport photo courtesy İGA.)
YotelAir Istanbul Airport
The only hotel located inside Istanbul’s new airport, the YotelAir Istanbul Airport has both landside rooms (before security) and airside rooms (inside the secure area). Both hotels offer comfortable amenities including rain showers, adjustable beds and high-speed wireless internet.
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Because there are different security requirements for landside and airside rooms at YotelAir Istanbul Airport, they are treated as separate hotels for reservation purposes.
Only book a room at the “Duty Free – International Transit Area” link if you have a valid boarding pass for an international flight- it’s required to enter the hotel (which is after security and passport control). Only hand luggage is allowed in the airside hotel, as it’s on the other side of security.
If Istanbul is your starting or ending point, or if you’re not transiting between international flights, it’s better to book a room using the “City Entrance” link. Since this is before the bag drop and security screening, you can bring all your luggage in.
Reserve a landside room (City Entrance) at YotelAir Istanbul Airport.
Reserve an airside room (Duty-Free – International Transit Area) at YotelAir Istanbul Airport.
Confused about which room to book? Scroll to the bottom of each listing and it will explain if your itinerary meets their check-in requirements.
MENALO Hotel Express Istanbul Airport
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One of the newest Istanbul Airport hotels, MENALO Hotel Express Istanbul Airport opened less than one year ago. They are still establishing their presence, meaning room rates are relatively low and customer service levels are very high. They offer airport transfer services for about the same price as a taxi, and the drive between the Istanbul Airport and the hotel takes about fifteen minutes. This is a great option for business travelers who don’t have a lot of room in their expense report.
Park Inn by Radisson Istanbul Airport Odayeri
Just down the road from the new Istanbul Airport, the Park Inn by Radisson Istanbul Airport Odayeri is a new member of the well-established Park Inn family of hotels.
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Only ten minutes away from the airport, the Park Inn has a full-service restaurant featuring a daily breakfast buffet, along with facilities including an outdoor sundeck and swimming pool. Airport shuttle services are also available.
Istanbul Airport Durusu Club Hotel
Ideal for families looking to unwind before a long flight, the Istanbul Airport Durusu Club Hotel is a large hotel complex located less than fifteen minutes away from the new Istanbul Airport.
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The Durusu Club Hotel is situated in the middle of a large natural park with walking trails, a 700-year-old tree (!), indoor swimming pool, outdoor swimming pool and even a petting zoo for children. You can choose between garden-, lake- and forest-view rooms, or upgrade to a suite. There is a restaurant and wine bar on site, and airport shuttle services are available.
Other Istanbul Airport Hotel Options
Keep an eye on this map (centered on the new airport – zoom out to see the surrounding areas) to see what new hotels are opening near the city’s new airport.
The New Istanbul Airport: Essential Travel Information
When did the new Istanbul airport open?
The new Istanbul airport opened fully in the spring of 2019. It became Istanbul’s primary airport in April 2019. This is now the primary hub for commercial passenger service in Istanbul, as Ataturk Airport is now closed.
Where is the new Istanbul airport?
Istanbul’s new airport is located about twenty-five miles north of the old airport (Ataturk International Airport) and a full fifty miles west of Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (the city’s second, smaller airport). It is on the European side of Istanbul, to the northwest of the city center.
What is the best way to get to the new Istanbul airport?
The new Istanbul airport is well-served by round-the-clock bus service operated by two different companies.
- HAVAIST provides (WiFi-equipped!) bus service between the new Istanbul airport and Sultanahmet, Beşiktaş, Taksim Square. and other important points in Istanbul. You can only pay for HAVAIST buses with an ISTANBULKART transportation card, which is available for purchase at the airport. Read my complete guide to riding the HAVAIST bus between the new Istanbul airport and the city.
- IETT also operates buses to the new Istanbul airport. More of a commuter service, their buses run to the old Ataturk airport and nearby metrobus stations. Click here for more information about IETT options.
Other transportation options include private vehicle or taxi. I haven’t personally taken a taxi to the new Istanbul airport, but I’ve read online that it should cost approximately €30, or 200 Turkish lira. All reputable taxis will use a meter, and there is no difference in fare between day and night. If you do use a bridge to cross the Bosphorus from the European side to the Asian side, the passenger is responsible for the toll.
If you’re spending more than a quick overnight in Istanbul, you’ll want to read my new guide about where to stay in Istanbul. It highlights the best areas to stay in Istanbul, and the best hotels at every price point in each of the recommended districts.
Have you stayed at any of these hotels near the new Istanbul airport. Which would you recommend for my overnight layover in Istanbul? Let me know in the comments!
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