Istanbul Airport to Izmit

Distance: 135.8 kmTravel time: 1 hr 30 minsNearest metro: Otogar Tram Station (Akçaray T1)
Istanbul Airport to Izmit
Istanbul Airport to Izmit
Istanbul Airport to Izmit

Overview

Izmit is the longest of our regular Istanbul Airport routes, roughly 136 kilometres and close to an hour and a half on the road, so this is a journey best booked as a private car rather than pieced together with public transport changes. Rather than waiting at a generic pickup point, you will find your name already raised inside the arrivals hall, the flight having been followed from take-off, before boarding a private V-Class or Sprinter bound for Kocaeli. We agree the fare for the whole 136-kilometre run with you by WhatsApp before departure, in Arabic or English, so the length of the road brings no surprise later. Istanbul Airport to Izmit suits travellers heading into Kocaeli Province for business, relocation or a coastal city with a genuinely Roman past.

Highlights

  • Roughly 136 km from Istanbul Airport to Izmit, close to 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Route follows the Marmara coast into Kocaeli Province and the Gulf of İzmit
  • Izmit sits on the site of ancient Nicomedia, a former Roman capital
  • Izmit Clock Tower and Seka Park mark the centre of the modern city
  • Otogar Tram Station (Akçaray T1) serves the city for later local trips
  • Driver checks the flight board and waits with your name at arrivals
  • Sprinter suits larger groups on this longer journey with full luggage
  • Local grills such as Kebapçı Mehmet Usta sit within reach of central hotels

Route details

About the destination

Izmit is a major industrial and coastal city in Kocaeli Province, situated along the Gulf of İzmit on the Marmara Sea, known for its rich Roman history as ancient Nicomedia and attractions like Seka Park and the İzmit Clock Tower.

Hotels nearby

  • Ramada Plaza By Wyndham Izmit
  • Hampton By Hilton Kocaeli Symbol
  • Wellborn Luxury Hotel

Landmarks nearby

  • Izmit Clock Tower
  • Seka Park
  • Imperial Pavilion Museum
  • Orhan Mosque
  • Gayret Gemi Museum

Restaurants nearby

  • Mini Köşk
  • Kebapçı Mehmet Usta
  • Yeşiloğlu Restoran
  • Romanya Restaurant

Nearest metro

Otogar Tram Station (Akçaray T1)

Good to know

  • Use the airport lounges or facilities before departure since the coastal road offers few stops
  • Charge devices fully given the length of this drive along the Marmara coast
  • Motorway traffic near the airport is lighter overnight, which can shorten the overall journey
  • Bring snacks or water for younger children on this longer stretch of road
  • Confirm your Izmit hotel or address clearly, since street numbering differs from central Istanbul
  • Seka Park and the waterfront are pleasant for stretching your legs after the drive
  • Ask the driver for an estimated arrival time so you can plan your first evening

Frequently Asked Questions

How does pickup work for such a long route from Istanbul Airport?
The process is the same as any transfer, with a driver waiting at arrivals holding your name, except the schedule allows extra buffer time given the roughly 136-kilometre distance ahead of you.
How long should we budget for the drive to Izmit?
Plan for close to one hour and thirty minutes along the Marmara coast, though the driver checks live traffic and flight data so the actual departure time adjusts if your flight runs early or late.
Is there a rest stop possible on such a long transfer?
Yes, a short stop can be arranged along the route if you ask in advance, though most passengers on this journey prefer to travel straight through given the vehicle's comfort.
Do you provide child seats for a long drive with young children?
Yes, once you share your children's ages with us beforehand, the correct seats are fitted for the whole journey, so even a toddler or infant travels safely all the way to Izmit.
What vehicle is most comfortable for this longer route?
Most families choose the V-Class for its legroom on a longer drive, while larger groups with more luggage often prefer the Sprinter, and we can advise based on your numbers.
Is the price for the full 136-kilometre distance fixed in advance?
Yes, the fare for the entire route to Izmit is agreed with you over WhatsApp before travel, in Arabic or English, and does not change however long the road takes on the day.
What happens if our incoming flight lands later than scheduled before this long drive?
The driver keeps an eye on your flight number, so a later-than-scheduled touchdown only moves the start of the journey to Izmit rather than touching the fare.
Does the driver know Izmit well or only the airport road?
Drivers on this route are familiar with central Izmit, including the Clock Tower area and Seka Park, and can bring you directly to a hotel or address within the city.
Is the car private for the whole distance to Izmit?
Yes, nobody outside your own party rides along, so the same driver and car stay with you for the whole 136-kilometre run to Izmit.
Are there sights worth seeing once we reach Izmit?
Izmit sits on the site of ancient Nicomedia and holds landmarks such as the Clock Tower, Seka Park and the Imperial Pavilion Museum, easily reached once the driver sets you down.
From $200