Last Updated on December 17, 2024 by Sarah Wilson
Many airlines offer stopover programmes to make long layovers more interesting. When you book a flight that stops in an airline’s main hub, you might have the chance to stay in that city for a few hours to a few nights without extra cost. Some airlines also give discounts on hotels and activities if your flight requires a stop.
For example, Turkish Airlines has two options. “Stopover Istanbul” is for layovers over 20 hours, and “TourIstanbul” is for 6 to 24 hours.
To use these programmes, just look for the “Stopover Istanbul” or “TourIstanbul” logos when booking on the Turkish Airlines website.
On my recent trip to Botswana and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe via Johannesburg, I had an 11-hour long layover at Istanbul Airport. Even though there was actually a much better connecting flight available, it was considerably more expensive, and as I like to save money on travel expenses whenever I can, I chose the longer layover.
With 11 hours between flights, I could therefore use the Touristanbul programme.
What is Touristanbul?
Touristanbul is a free service provided by Turkish Airlines for passengers with international connecting flights through Istanbul. If you have a long layover of six to 24 hours at Istanbul Airport, you can join a Touristanbul excursion.
This service lets you see some of Istanbul’s famous historical sites and try some Turkish food.
You can choose from eight different tours based on your flight schedule, and after the tour, you’ll be driven back to the airport.
How to Book Your Touristanbul Tour
To join one of the Touristanbul programmes during your layover, all you need to do is make your way through immigration and customs to the Arrivals Hall.
Note that when you enter the arrivals area, several tour companies will be vying for your attention. Ignore them; just turn right and keep walking until you see meeting point 4. The Turkish Airlines office is also there, but don’t queue up to see them. You want the Hotel Desk that’s right next door.
You will need to show them your Turkish Airlines boarding pass or a booking reference, and they will put you on the next tour. It’s that easy to organise, and there is no need to make reservations in advance.
You’ll be told where to wait for your guide. Just before your tour starts, the guide appears and will take a roll call, so listen out for your name and then follow your guide.
On your tour, you will see some of İstanbul’s most iconic sites and monuments and have a chance to enjoy some traditional Turkish and Ottoman food.
Do I Need A Visa To Enter Turkey?
Check here to see if you need to obtain an e-visa for Turkey. As a British citizen, I am exempt, but the current cost is $50 for US citizens.
Can Anyone Join A Free Touristanbul Tour?
Only passengers transferring internationally and flying with Turkish Airlines on both segments are eligible for a complimentary tour.
Connection times between your flights should not be longer than 24 hours and shorter than six hours. Istanbul Airport is a long way from the historic centre, so with transfer times less than six hours, it’s not really worth heading into the city.
What Time Do The Tours Depart?
Touristanbul’s tours run daily at the following times: 8:00 – 11:30, 8:30 – 15:00, 8:30 – 18:00, 12:00 – 18:00, and 16:00 – 21:30. You can only join one tour.
What’s Included In Your Free Touriststanbul Tour
- Transportation service by shuttle bus
- An English-speaking professional tour guide
- Breakfast / Lunch or Dinner (My tour included dinner, and I was surprised by how much food there was – soup, salads, kebabs and a dessert. Soft drinks are also included. If you have special dietary requirements, just let them know when you book the tour.)
- All museum fees
Is There A Minimum Number Needed For A Tour To Take Place?
The tour will take place even if there is just one passenger. I was kind of hoping I would be the only one!
What Do I Do With My Bags?
I put my small suitcase in the luggage compartment under the bus. If you want to avoid taking your bags on the bus, there is a baggage office next to the Hotel Desk.
Pros and Cons of the Turkish Airlines Stopover Programme
Pros
It was great to have something to do to pass the time during my long layover at Istanbul Airport. Although I have to say, it’s a really nice airport.
The free meal included was surprisingly good and plentiful.
Flights with longer layovers are often cheaper than direct flights. A long layover could be an excellent way to save money if you’re on a tight budget. I saved around 400 euros.
The bus gets you back to the airport on time.
English-speaking guide.
Cons
The tour group size can be large. There were at least 50 in our group, but then again, I was travelling on a Sunday afternoon in high season.
The walking tour is a little bit rushed at first, possibly because the bus has to park a fair distance from the historic centre. Several people on the tour weren’t aware that you needed to walk. At a guess, I would say we covered around three to four kilometres.
If English isn’t your first language, you might struggle to understand the guide.
Would I Do It Again?
To be honest, I think if I have another long layover at Istanbul Airport, I would probably take advantage of the free transportation provided with the tour into town and then sneak off to do a little shopping. (Do let the guide know if you plan to do this)
And as I’d forgotten how beautiful Istanbul was, it’s been years since I last visited, I’d probably allow myself a few nights rather than a few hours.
But do remember, if you decide to travel independently, the new Istanbul airport is a long way from Sultanahmet, Istanbul’s historic centre, so allow plenty of time to get back to the airport.
How Far Is The New Istanbul Airport From The Istanbul’s Historic Centre?
The distance between the new Istanbul Airport and the city’s historic centre (Sultanahmet) is approximately 50 kilometres. Journey time takes around an hour if traffic conditions are normal.
For More Posts On Turkey, Check These Out
Visit to Ancient Ephesus in Turkey
36 Perfect Hours in Cesme, Alacati, Turkey
Hot Air Ballooning in Turkey with Video
Review of the Taskonaklar Cave Hotel in Turkey
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Great post! I really would like to try this out but most my Istanbul layovers have been either quite short or very long. Last time, I took a coach in, which was a bit chaotic! It shoukd be easier with the metro running directly to the airport. Great way to see the city’s highlights if it’s your first time in Istanbul
I was looking into this option but wondered if my flight arrives at 6:30 would I make it in time for the 8:00 tour? I attempted to reach touristanbul, but their response was just what is found on their site and did not specifically answer my question.
Thank you!
Yes, if your flight arrives on time, you should manage it. Ideally though, you need to register for the tour half an hour beforehand. My flight landed at 2pm and the next tour was at 4pm. I got to the booking desk about 2:45. I saw some people register for tour about 15 minutes before it was due to leave.
So I guess, flight on time and no hold ups in immigration, you’ll be ok 🙂