How to get a private transfer from Istanbul Airport — prices and payment options?

On the Havabus route to Sabiha Gökçen airport, a passenger paid with Istanbul Kart using a terminal next to the driver — Istanbul Kart payment does work on this route, unlike on some other Havaist routes.

On Havaist route 11 (return from the airport), cash was refused even after directly asking a kiosk staff member. Had to buy an Istanbul Kart and top it up for two trips — total cost 1025 TRY.

A Havaist ticket from the New Airport to Sultanahmet was purchased directly at the airport for 380 TRY.

When booking a transfer through Trip, the driver independently tracks the flight and contacts you via WhatsApp and the Trip app, sharing the parking meeting point and directions inside the airport. The wait for the driver was around 8–10 minutes. No additional charges were made beyond the amount deducted at the time of booking.

On the Taksim–New Airport Havaist route, payment is accepted by Istanbul Kart or bank card on the spot. On another route (upon arrival at the airport), cash was not accepted, but debit cards were processed without issue. Istanbul Kart payments caused delays: cards were collected from all passengers, a staff member went to the bus station to issue tickets, then returned the cards — if departure time is tight, this process can be stressful.

When booking a transfer via Tripcom, one hour of free waiting is included. If you cannot exit the airport within that time, it is advisable to clarify with the provider in advance what happens after the free waiting period expires — whether the driver waits longer and under what conditions.

One traveller reported a negative experience with the provider Rimo Tours: when one flight in a split-party booking was delayed, the driver left without waiting and no refund was issued. Direct attempts to arrange a later pickup by one hour were refused.

Booking a transfer via the 724 service online with on-site payment costs around 3,000 TRY for two passengers. After booking, instructions arrive by email. The pickup desk is directly opposite the airport exit — staff meet you and escort you to the minibus.

It's possible to pay in USD by contacting the transfer provider directly via WhatsApp — many drivers accept dollar payments without requiring currency exchange.

The Havaist airport bus does not accept Istanbul Kart — only Turkish lira cash is accepted. It's worth confirming the payment method with the driver at the stop before boarding.