Sultanahmet transfer and taxi to Old City hotels

Sultanahmet is a neighbourhood of the Fatih district, at the tip of the historic peninsula between the Golden Horn and the Sea of Marmara. It takes its name from the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, the Blue Mosque, which faces Hagia Sophia across a park.

Sultanahmet Square follows the line of the old Hippodrome of Constantinople. The Basilica Cistern lies about 150 metres southwest of Hagia Sophia, and Topkapı Palace spreads over the point beyond. The T1 tram runs through the quarter towards Sirkeci and Eminönü.

Hotels in the quarter range from restored wooden mansions to larger properties near the shore road along the Marmara. The building makes no difference to the fare; what the driver needs is the address on your confirmation.

Many small hotels here stand on steep, cobbled lanes between the monuments and the Marmara shore, and some streets near the main sights are closed to traffic. A van can reach most doors, but not all of them.

Where the car cannot get to the entrance, the driver stops at the closest point a vehicle can legally use and walks the last stretch with you if you would like help with the bags.

Look for your name on a printed sign as you leave the arrivals area: the driver waits right at the exit door you come out of, at IST or SAW alike. Your flight is tracked, and waiting for a late plane is free.

For the flight home, the measured run from Sultanahmet to Istanbul Airport is about 47 km and 45 minutes in free-flowing traffic, and to Sabiha Gökçen about 44 km and 38 minutes. Rush hour on the coastal road can add a good deal, so pick a pick-up time with slack.

There is no prepayment. When you reach your Sultanahmet hotel you pay the driver in euros, pounds or lira, or by Visa or Mastercard on the terminal in the car, tapping a contactless card if you prefer.

Travelling with small children? Child seats and boosters are free; give their ages with the booking. A return trip in the Eco Van from IST costs €100, two one-way fares with no extras added.

For six or more travellers with luggage, compare the Sprinter at €80 from IST with booking two smaller vans. One Sprinter usually keeps a family or tour group together and simplifies unloading in a narrow lane.