Istanbul Airport to Bakirkoy, Then to IFM: Route Guide

If you land at Istanbul Airport (IST), you can reach Bakırköy in about 40–70 minutes by taxi or car, or on Havaist buses; if you land at Sabiha Gökçen (SAW), it takes 60–90 minutes by car, or about 90 minutes using the M4 metro and a Marmaray transfer. Once you are settled in Bakırköy, you reach IFM by taking the Marmaray to Yeşilköy, which takes 30–40 minutes on public transport or 15–25 minutes by car.

This article is a three-stage route plan for exhibitors and visitors coming from abroad to a fair at IFM. Our address: Zeytinlik Mahallesi, Fazılpaşa Sokak No:4, 34140 Bakırköy / Istanbul.

First, read your airport correctly

Istanbul's passenger airports are Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen (SAW). Atatürk Havalimanı is closed to passenger flights. The last stop on the M1A metro is still called Atatürk Havalimanı, so signs can be confusing; the airport code on your ticket is IST or SAW.

Stage 1: From the airport to Bakırköy

From IST: with luggage and fair materials, a taxi is the route with the fewest changes; taxis run on the meter. If you use Havaist buses, check the current route towards Bakırköy and the drop-off point before you set off.

From SAW by public transport:

1. Take the M4 metro at the airport (Kadıköy direction).
2. Get off at Ayrılık Çeşmesi and transfer to Marmaray.
3. Take the Marmaray towards Halkalı through the tunnel under the Bosphorus to the European side.
4. Get off at Bakırköy station; the walk to the address is about 8 minutes.

Stage 2: Arriving in Bakırköy and check-in

• Check-in is from 14:00. For flights landing early in the morning, early check-in depends on availability; ask in advance.
• Late-night arrivals are planned by letting us know in advance. Send your flight number and estimated arrival time on WhatsApp.
• The building has a lift and security cameras; after a long journey it is easy to get your suitcase and fair materials upstairs.
• Have your passport ready at check-in; in Türkiye, every guest's identity details are reported by law at accommodation establishments.
• Payment can be made in cash, by bank transfer, or by credit card on site.

How to plan your arrival day

Trying to get to the fair on the same day after a long flight is tiring. If you can, arrive a day before the fair's first day. On the evening you arrive, a short walk to Marmaray Bakırköy station to see the entrance and the platform saves you from finding the way for the first time the next morning. You can also get your Istanbulkart ready that evening. If your flight is delayed or passport control takes longer, send your new estimated arrival time on WhatsApp; late check-ins are planned by letting us know in advance.

Stage 3: From Bakırköy to IFM

Take the Halkalı-bound train from Marmaray Bakırköy station; get off at Yeşilköy, after Ataköy and Yeşilyurt. The journey on public transport, walking included, takes about 30–40 minutes. Alternatively, from İncirli (an 18-minute walk) you can take the M1A to DTM-İstanbul Fuar Merkezi station. By taxi the drive is 15–25 minutes. Detailed steps are in Getting from Bakırköy to IFM.

Practical notes for visitors from abroad

• Istanbulkart: valid on Marmaray, metro, Metrobus, tram, ferry and buses. Getting one on your first day makes the whole fair week easier.
• Address: save the address in Turkish on your phone to show the taxi driver.
• Timetables: check the current timetable for Marmaray and Havaist on official sources.
• Emergency: in a medical emergency, call 112. You can find the on-duty pharmacy on the Istanbul Chamber of Pharmacists website or on e-Devlet.

The trip back after the fair

If you are heading straight to the airport on the last day, remember that checkout is at 11:00; late checkout depends on availability. Plan in advance whether you will start your return from the venue or from Bakırköy, depending on your flight time. Our morning plan article helps for a fair morning.

Booking

To book, just send your dates and the number of people; you do not need to share card details online. Call 0532 655 43 32 or, from abroad, write on WhatsApp to +90 532 655 43 32. Our line is open 24/7. For apartment options, see the apartments page.

Common questions