Istanbul

Located on either side of the Bosphorus, Istanbul is widely considered to be the gateway to both Europe and Asia – the nearest European city to Asia, and the nearest Asian city to Europe.

The European side of the city is the historical peninsula, also known as the “Golden Horn” because of the colour of the water at sunset. In the old walled city there are streets of wooden Byzantine and Ottoman houses, churches and synagogues. The large natural port has seen much use since Byzantine and Ottoman times and is still a busy, popular port today. From here ferries depart to the Asian side of Istanbul, and Ukraine, Izmir, and Italy among others.

On the Asian side of the city in the Üsküdar district some of the oldest history of Istanbul can be found – here Byzas (the commander-in-chief of the Megarians who founded their colony here) started his empire. This area has always been very prosperous as a result of the various industries that have flourished here and the presence of armies of the empire. Today this culturally rich area gives a wonderful view on its history

Airport information

British passport holders require a tourist visa for entry into Turkey. It can be obtained upon arrival at Sabiha Gökçen International Airport, and costs £10/€15/$20 (payable in cash). To obtain an entry visa prior to departure, or for entry requirements for other nationalities, please contact the Consulate General for the Republic of Turkey.

easyJet flies to Sabiha Gokcen International Airport, which is located on the Anatolian shore of Istanbul at Pendik / Kurtkoy, at a distance of 40 km to Kadikoy, 12 km to Pendik and 50 km to Taksim.

By car

Sabiha Gokcen International Airport has a convenient connection (1.5 kms) to the TEM motorway.

By train

Pendik Train station is located 4 kms from the airport.

By coach

An airport bus service, Havas, operates between Taksim Square in central Istanbul and the airport, and between the bus terminal and the airport on demand. The journey time is approximately 30 minutes.

Hotels

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