Istanbul Airport: One of the Most Important Airports in Europe and the World

Istanbul Airport (IST): One of Turkey’s Largest and Most Important Airports

Istanbul Airport (IST) is one of Turkey’s largest and most important airports and a major international aviation hub connecting Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Located in the Arnavutköy district on the European side of Istanbul, the airport began operations in 2019. Following the transfer of passenger flights from Atatürk Airport, the IST airport code was also transferred to the new airport.

Istanbul’s strategic geographical location has made the airport an important hub for international and, in particular, transit flights. Turkish Airlines operates a significant portion of its international flight network from Istanbul Airport, contributing to the city’s growing role as a major global aviation hub.

Istanbul Airport Passenger Statistics

According to the latest statistics from Airports Council International (ACI World), Istanbul Airport handled 84,437,710 passengers in 2025, representing an increase of approximately 5.5% compared with 2024.

In simple terms, an average of more than 231,000 passengers per day used Istanbul Airport in 2025. However, daily passenger numbers varied throughout the year.

Istanbul Airport’s Ranking in Europe

With approximately 84.4 million passengers in 2025, Istanbul Airport was the second-busiest airport in Europe that year.

An interesting point is that Istanbul Airport was very close to London Heathrow in terms of passenger traffic in 2025. Heathrow handled 84,482,126 passengers, while Istanbul Airport handled 84,437,710 passengers—a difference of just 44,416 passengers.

This means that the two airports were separated by only a very small margin in the 2025 European passenger traffic rankings, with Heathrow ranking 7th and Istanbul Airport 8th globally in total passenger traffic.

Istanbul Airport’s Global Ranking

According to the ACI World global ranking based on total passenger traffic, Istanbul Airport ranked eighth in the world in 2025, with 84,437,710 passengers. The airport was only 44,416 passengers behind London Heathrow, which recorded 84,482,126 passengers.

Therefore, in 2025, Istanbul Airport was the second-busiest airport in Europe and the eighth-busiest airport in the world in terms of total passenger traffic.

Istanbul Airport’s Remarkable Growth

Istanbul Airport has experienced significant growth in passenger traffic compared with previous years. In 2019, the airport’s first full year of operation, Istanbul ranked 28th in the world by passenger traffic. By 2025, it had climbed to 8th place globally. Passenger numbers also increased by approximately 61.8% compared with 2019.

This rapid growth highlights how Istanbul Airport has become one of the world’s major aviation hubs in a relatively short period of time.

Why Is Istanbul Airport So Important?

Several key factors have contributed to Istanbul Airport’s development into a major international aviation hub:

• Strategic geographic location between Europe and Asia
• An extensive network of international flights
• The strong presence of Turkish Airlines
• High-capacity terminals and modern airport infrastructure
• Easy access to Istanbul and Turkey’s major tourist destinations
• The continued growth of Turkey’s tourism industry
• Increasing transit traffic between Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa

In 2025, Istanbul Airport also recorded 5.5% passenger growth compared with the previous year, while ACI Europe reported that passenger traffic across Türkiye increased by approximately 5.8%.

Why Does This Data Matter to Travelers?

The airport’s exceptionally high passenger traffic highlights its position as one of the busiest air transportation hubs in Europe. If you plan to drive to Istanbul Airport in a private or rental car, it is advisable to allow extra time for reaching the airport, finding a parking space, returning a rental car, and getting to the terminal.

For travelers arriving at the airport by private car, knowing the Istanbul Airport parking fees for 2026 is also important, especially if you plan to park your vehicle for a few hours, several days, or an extended period.

Istanbul Airport Parking Fees in 2026: Complete Guide

If you plan to drive to Istanbul Airport (Istanbul Airport – IST) in a private or rental car, one of the key things to consider before your trip is the parking cost. Istanbul Airport has a large parking complex with both covered and open-air parking areas, and parking fees are calculated based on the duration of stay, vehicle type, and parking area.

In 2026, parking fees for passenger cars in the multi-story parking garage start at TRY 250 for the first hour, while parking for 12 to 24 hours costs TRY 740. Open-air parking is more affordable, with a 12- to 24-hour parking fee of TRY 520 for passenger cars.

Where Is Istanbul Airport Parking Located?

Istanbul Airport parking is located within the main airport complex and includes both covered and open-air parking areas. The multi-story parking garage is located close to the terminal, making it a convenient option for travelers who want quick and easy access to the terminal building.

The Istanbul Airport parking complex has a very large capacity and is equipped with smart systems, including license plate recognition and security cameras. According to official information from İGA, the airport’s parking facilities have a total capacity of approximately 40,000 vehicles.

Istanbul Airport Parking Fees in 2026

Parking rates at Istanbul Airport vary depending on the type of parking area. For passenger cars, the 2026 parking fees are as follows:

Parking fees may be subject to change. Travelers are advised to check the latest official tariff before using Istanbul Airport parking.

How Much Does One Day of Parking Cost at Istanbul Airport?

For a passenger car, the 12- to 24-hour parking fees in 2026 are as follows:

• Multi-Storey Parking: TRY 740
• Outdoor Parking: TRY 520

For example, if you park your car in the outdoor parking area for three days, the approximate cost would be TRY 1,560, based on the daily rate. For the multi-storey parking garage, the cost would be approximately TRY 2,220.

These calculations are based on the stated daily rates and may vary depending on the actual parking duration, applicable tariffs, or any changes to the airport’s parking fees.

Parking Costs for Several Days

For multi-day trips, comparing Istanbul Airport parking costs becomes even more important.

For longer trips, it is worth considering monthly subscriptions and long-term parking options in addition to the daily rates. According to the official 2026 tariffs, the monthly subscription fee for a passenger car is TRY 9,480 in the multi-storey parking garage and TRY 6,670 in the outdoor parking area.

Is Istanbul Airport Parking Safe?

Istanbul Airport parking is equipped with security and smart monitoring systems. According to official information from İGA, the parking complex uses license plate recognition technology and approximately 2,500 security cameras. The parking facilities also have a total capacity of around 40,000 vehicles.

However, as with any public parking facility, it is recommended that you avoid leaving valuable items inside your vehicle when parking.

Long-Term Parking at Istanbul Airport

If you plan to stay outside Istanbul for an extended period, choosing the right type of parking can make a significant difference. According to the 2026 parking tariffs, the monthly subscription for a passenger car is TRY 6,670 in the outdoor parking area, compared with TRY 9,480 in the multi-storey parking garage.

Therefore, if reducing parking costs is your priority, outdoor parking is generally the more economical option.

Parking and Car Rental at Istanbul Airport

If you are planning to rent a car for your trip to Istanbul, you may not need to use the airport parking facilities at all. You can pick up your rental car at the airport and return it to the designated location at the end of your trip.

For travelers who plan to use a car for getting around Istanbul, shopping, taking trips outside the city, or visiting attractions beyond the city center, renting a car at Istanbul Airport can be a practical option.

By booking your rental car in advance, you can choose the vehicle you want and arrange the pickup and return times ahead of your trip.

How to Reduce Istanbul Airport Parking Costs

Several tips can help you reduce the cost of parking your car:

1. Choose Outdoor Parking

If covered parking is not essential for you, the outdoor parking area is less expensive.

2. Calculate Your Parking Duration in Advance

Before arriving at the airport, estimate how long you will need to park and compare the parking cost with other transportation options, such as taxis, the metro, or a rental car.

3. Consider a Monthly Subscription for Long-Term Parking

If you plan to leave your car at the airport for an extended period, a monthly parking subscription may be more economical than paying the daily rate.

4. Consider Your Entry and Exit Times

Parking fees are calculated according to specific time periods. Staying for a few additional hours may move your parking duration into the next pricing bracket, increasing the total cost.

5. Consider Renting a Car

If you do not have a private vehicle but need a car during your Istanbul trip, car rental can be a practical alternative to taking multiple taxi rides throughout your stay.

Is Parking at Istanbul Airport Cost-Effective for a Multi-Day Trip?

For a short trip, leaving your car at the airport can be convenient. However, for longer trips, it is important to calculate the total cost more carefully.

For example, one week of parking in the outdoor parking area would cost approximately TRY 3,640, while calculating the daily rate for the multi-storey parking garage would result in approximately TRY 5,180. Therefore, if you are traveling for several days, comparing the parking cost with other transportation options can help you make a more economical choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Is Istanbul Airport Parking in 2026?

For passenger cars, parking for 12 to 24 hours costs TRY 740 in the multi-storey parking garage and TRY 520 in the outdoor parking area.

How Much Does One Hour of Parking Cost at Istanbul Airport?

In 2026, the first hour costs TRY 250 for a passenger car in the multi-storey parking garage and TRY 190 in the outdoor parking area.

Is Outdoor Parking Cheaper Than Multi-Storey Parking?

Yes. Outdoor parking is less expensive. The 12- to 24-hour rate is TRY 520 for passenger cars in the outdoor parking area, compared with TRY 740 in the multi-storey parking garage.

Does Istanbul Airport Offer Long-Term Parking?

Yes. In 2026, the monthly subscription fee for a passenger car is TRY 9,480 in the multi-storey parking garage and TRY 6,670 in the outdoor parking area.

Is Istanbul Airport Parking Open 24 Hours?

Yes. The airport parking complex operates 24 hours a day, and parking and valet services are provided by İGA.

How to Pay Istanbul Airport Parking Fees

Parking fees at Istanbul Airport (IST) are paid after the vehicle's parking period ends. For standard, one-time parking, passengers can visit one of the parking payment points before exiting the parking facility. According to official İGA information, these payment points are located in different areas of the parking complex and can be used for standard parking and valet services.

Parking Payment Process

The payment process generally works as follows:

1. When you enter the parking facility, your vehicle enters one of the designated parking areas.
2. The parking system records the vehicle and license plate information.
3. After returning to the airport, visit one of the parking payment points before leaving the parking facility.
4. The parking fee is calculated according to the duration of your stay and the applicable rate for the parking area.
5. Once the payment has been completed, you can exit the parking facility with your vehicle.

Istanbul Airport uses an automated license plate recognition system, and the parking complex is equipped with approximately 2,500 cameras. This allows vehicle entry, parking, and exit to be managed systematically.

Where Are the Payment Points Located?

For standard parking, payment points are located in Purple Car Park P3 and Red Car Park P3. Passengers using valet services can also pay at designated points inside the terminal, including locations near Exit 9 on the Domestic Arrivals level and Exit 13 on the International Arrivals level.

Payment Through iGA Pass

Istanbul Airport also offers special services such as iGA Pass Extra, Premium, and Daily. Depending on the package, these services may include parking and valet services. For some packages, the vehicle's license plate must be registered in advance through the user's account, and the services can be managed through the Istanbul Airport mobile app.

Important: For standard one-time parking, you do not need to purchase an iGA Pass package. Simply park your vehicle and, before exiting, visit a payment point to settle the parking fee.

Istanbul International Airport Parking Fees When Renting a Car from Rentifa

If you have rented a car from Rentifa and the vehicle is scheduled to be picked up or returned at Istanbul Airport (IST), you do not need to pay a separate airport parking fee for the standard vehicle handover and return process.

However, if the rental car remains in the airport parking facility for more than 30 minutes for the purpose of vehicle handover, parking charges for the additional time may be calculated separately. When returning the vehicle, you should also park it in the designated area specified by Rentifa and follow the vehicle return instructions to avoid additional parking charges.

Important Note for Rentifa Customers

Do not confuse airport parking fees with the car rental cost. Parking rates are determined by the airport and may vary depending on how long the vehicle remains in the parking facility. Therefore, when making your reservation, check the vehicle pickup and return location as well as any potential parking charges.

If you are picking up your rental car at Istanbul Airport or returning it there at the end of your trip, it is recommended that you coordinate the exact pickup or return time with Rentifa to avoid additional charges caused by keeping the vehicle in the parking area for longer than necessary.

Note: Airport parking rules and fees may change. For travel in 2026, check the latest conditions provided by Rentifa and Istanbul Airport before picking up or returning your rental car.

Conclusion

If you are planning a trip to Istanbul, we recommend booking your rental car a few days before your trip. This allows you to choose your preferred vehicle in advance and arrange for free pickup at the designated location in Istanbul Airport parking, so you can start your journey smoothly and without unnecessary hassle.

To view the latest list of available cars and current prices, click here:

Rent a Car in Istanbul with Rentifa