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Instead of spending your free hours at the airport, explore the highlights and hidden gems of Istanbul on a short guided tour around the city with this Istanbul Layover Tour ticket curated by Thrillark. 

Key Highlights

  • At the local food market, sample the rich and diverse Turkish cuisine
  • Take a ferry ride from Europe to Asia to get a sense of what it's like to be on the other side of the world
  • Visit the 1,500-year-old Hagia Sofia, which is a mix of Islamic and Christian architecture
  • Explore the Grand Bazaar, a 15th-century marketplace with 4,000 stores
  • Catch sight of the Blue Mosque and participate in a live call to prayer

About Istanbul Layover Tour from Istanbul Airport

Instead of waiting at the airport during your layover, take this tour and explore the magnificent Istanbul city. Your schedule will be updated based on your arrival time, and when you meet at the airport, your guide will confirm the ideal plan for you. You will be able to go inside the sites if your flight arrives before 4:00 PM. If your flight arrives after 4:00 PM, you will not be able to go inside the sites instead you can explore the city at night and uncover its secrets. The Hagia Sofia, Blue Mosque, Roman Hippodrome, Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, Galata Bridge, Bosphorus Bridge, Bosporus to Kadköy cruise, Maidens Tower, Kadköy food market, Karaköy district, Taksim Square, and Istiklal Avenue are just a few of the attractions to explore. You can also add on a Turkish bath for 50 euros, supper at a local restaurant for 10 to 20 euros, or a baklava taste for 5 to 10 euros to your package.

Inclusions

  • Pick-up and drop-off from the airport
  • Fees for the tram in the center and ferry cruise to and from the Asian side
  • Professional licensed tour guide
  • Service charges and local taxes

Exclusions

  • Entrance fees for the Treasury and Harem sections in Topkapi Palace are not included
  • Tips and personal expenses
  • Anything not mentioned in the inclusions

Additional Information

Restrictions:
  • Smoking is strictly restricted to designated areas.
  • Pets are not allowed on the Istanbul Layover Tour.
Timings:
  • The  Istanbul Layover Tour starts from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
  • The duration of the Istanbul Layover Tour will be around 5 - 8 hours.
What to wear:
  • We recommend you dress up in line with the local customs.
  • We recommend you to wear comfortable shoes as there will be a fair amount of walking on uneven surfaces.
Eligibility:
  • Infants and toddlers between 0-3 years are allowed free of charge.
  • Guests above the age of 3 years will be charged as per the adult fare.
Things to Note:
  • Please note that the car will be used only for pick up and drop off. Once you arrive at the center the tour will be walking and we use the tram or the ferry depending on the itinerary you choose.
  • Women must bring a scarf to cover their hair when visiting the mosque or borrow one at the mosque.
  • If you have any luggage with you we suggest you store it at the airport luggage store for a small charge.
  • Please note that you might need a visa to leave Istanbul airport; please apply for an e-visa to save time at the airport.
  • Please note that the Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays, and you will have additional time to spend at the other locations instead.
  • Please note that it is not suitable for wheelchair users. 

Cancellation Policy

  • For a full refund cancel at least 24 hours prior to the start of the tour.
  • No-shows and late cancellations are non-refundable.

My Voucher

  • Your  Istanbul Layover Tour tickets are valid for the event date and time stated.
  • Your  Istanbul Layover Tour tickets will be mailed to you once you’ve made a booking. All you have to do is show the voucher with a Govt id proof.
Meeting Point:
Present your voucher at the start of the tour.

Istanbul Layover Tour from Istanbul Airport Frequently Asked Questions

Can I visit Istanbul during my layover?
Yes, in addition to getting a free hotel stay, you can also get a complimentary Istanbul layover tour when flying with Turkish Airlines. Touristanbul offers free sightseeing tours of Istanbul when you have a layover between 6-24 hours.
Can I leave Istanbul airport during a layover?
If you have less than 10 hours, you shouldn't leave the airport. You'll need to think about how to spend your time inside the New Istanbul Airport (IST) with this amount of time. There are many services and amenities where you can spend time inside the airport.
What to do in Istanbul airport layover?
Take a tour of Sultanahmet Square. Getting to Sultanahmet from the airport is a breeze on Istanbul's Metro. Go shopping at the Grand Bazaar. Explore Eminönü and the Spice Bazaar. Stroll around Karaköy.
Is Istanbul airport safe for a layover?
Yes, a layover in Istanbul is considered safe.
Is a 1-hour layover enough time in Istanbul?
No, for a layover in New Istanbul Airport, we recommend you always have a layover of at least 10–12 hours so you can enjoy your time in Istanbul's city center.

Ratings & Reviews

A
Abdulkarim almusairiei
5
Travelled January 2024

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5
Travelled December 2022

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5
Travelled January 2024

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5
Travelled March 2022

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5
Travelled July 2024

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Travelled November 2022

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5
Travelled December 2022

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5
Travelled August 2023

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5
Travelled August 2024

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5
Travelled September 2022

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Travelled April 2024

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5
Travelled August 2021

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Travelled December 2021

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Travelled January 2024

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Travelled December 2021

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5
Travelled September 2023

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Travelled December 2023

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Travelled May 2024

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5
Travelled January 2023

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5
Travelled June 2022

Fast booking

Istanbul Layover Tour from Istanbul Airport

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