Originally Posted by
1k-all-the-way
I hope a traveler experienced with Istanbul can help.
We arrive to new IST airport from ath at 17.30, and depart for SFO next morning at 8.25. I've been to Istanbul but not new airport. Is a night at an Istanbul hotel possible? My friend has never been and wants to go. We are on TK in business and Stargold if that helps.
I'm seeing all kinds of info about it taking 2 or 3 hours to travel each way and you have to be at airport 3 hours before departure. Any real world advice or recommendations on this? Many thanks...
So, with a taxi a downtown hotel would take about 30-45 minutes, and with public transportation it would take about 1h-1h30min depending on the location of your hotel.
Also the 3h before departure thing is just an advisory and you would be perfectly fine if you arrive 1h30-2h before your flight.
It would be definitely more cost effective than staying at the YOTEL thus IMO go for it as you are flying J on the IST-SFO leg which would allow you to take sufficient rest before arriving at SFO.
If you need hotel suggestions please let me know your preferred hotel chain.