Istanbul has two Airports. The main Airport is located on the European side of Istanbul and called as Ataturk Airport (IST), The airport was modernised on 2000 and again extended in 2004. The airport can host up to 20 million Passengers a year.

When you arrive to Ataturk Airport your first stop will be the Passport control. If you need to obtain a visa to Enter to turkey, you can get it at the office just next to the passport control. Be sure to get your visa before getting in the Passport Control line. After the passport control, there are 11 baggage bands. Four on left side and seven on right side. There is a digital TV which shows baggage bands according to the flights just after the pass port control. So you shall know where to go, by following the Screen.

After the baggage claim, there is the customs. Turkey uses a Red/Green channel system. Unless you are spot checked you can pass the custom and exit from the arriving hall. Just after the exit, you will be on the welcome hall where you can find Exchange offices, banks, information desk and cafes..

If you dont have a pick up service, you have three options, Airport Taxis, which are reliable. Airport Shuttle buses going to several main destinations ( www.havas.com.tr) and Metro, which is cheapest and often fastest.  If you plan to go by Metro, there is a website, www.turkeytravelplanner.com,  that provides very detailed information on how to do so--how to buy a token, how to get off at the right stop, etc.

The second airport of Istanbul is called Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW). it is located on the Asian side of Istanbul and is used mainly by charter companies. SAW is the newest airport in Turkey. This small airport is also hosting flights to domestic destinations. SAW is quiet far from the city center and the only travel alternatives are Airport taxis and Shuttle buses. Both Havas and THY have shuttles to main locations inside the city. 

Havas Do Not run buses from Taksim Square to link up with Easyjet flights on your return, You have to travel to halfway between Levent4 and Levent to a place called Yapi Kredi Plaza to catch a bus on the hour up till 10am and then from 1pm.The only buses from Taksim are at 7.30am and 5pm. Fare 8.5 Lire.