Where is Galataport?
Galataport sits on the European shore of the Bosphorus in Karaköy and Tophane, between the Galata Bridge and Beşiktaş. It opened in 2021 and its cruise terminal is built underground, beneath a public waterfront promenade with shops, cafés and museums. When you leave the ship you go through the terminal and come out at street level, a short walk from the Tophane tram stop.
Because the port is in the middle of the city, Taksim and Sultanahmet are close. The airports are not: both are around 45 to 50 km away.
Galataport to Istanbul Airport (IST)
Istanbul Airport is about 45 km from Galataport, roughly 57 minutes by car outside rush hour. With suitcases straight off a cruise, a pre-booked car is the easiest option: a private transfer costs a fixed €44 per car in a sedan for up to 3 passengers, or €58 in a minivan for up to 7. See all prices.
Galataport to Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW)
Sabiha Gökçen is on the Asian side, about 48 km and around 58 minutes away, crossing the Bosphorus by bridge. A transfer costs a fixed €46 per car. Plan extra time on weekday afternoons, when bridge traffic is heavy. See all prices.
Galataport to Taksim
Taksim Square is about 3 km uphill from the port, roughly 10 to 15 minutes by car. Without luggage you can walk or take the funicular from Kabataş; with suitcases a car is far easier. A private transfer costs €40 per car. Galataport to Taksim.
Galataport to Sultanahmet
Sultanahmet, with Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, is about 5 km away across the Galata Bridge, 15 to 20 minutes by car. The T1 tram runs from Tophane to Sultanahmet, but it is crowded and not made for big suitcases. A private transfer to your hotel door costs €45 per car. Galataport to Sultanahmet.
Tips for disembarkation day
- Tell us your ship and disembarkation time when you book, so the driver is there when you come out.
- Allow time for the airport. Most passengers leave the ship in the morning; for a flight the same day, give yourself at least three hours between leaving the terminal and departure.
- Pick a car that fits your luggage. Cruise passengers often travel with more bags than usual: a minivan takes up to 7 passengers and 7 suitcases.
- The price is per car and fixed. Tolls are included and you pay the driver in cash in euro, US dollar or Turkish lira.
All routes and prices from the port are on our Galataport taxi page.