12 hour stopover in Istanbul (Atatürk)
We booked with Turkish Airlines a flight from Valencia (Spain) to JFK airport (New York) knowing that we would have to stay in Istanbul (Atatürk) for over 12 hours.
What are we entitled to for this 12 hour stay?
Best Answer
Anybody travelling with Turkish Airlines can get a free tour of the city, including lunch and sometimes breakfast. Turkish Airlines can't arrange a visa for you, you must have the right to enter Turkey. Because the tours have fixed departure times, this will only work if you arrive in the morning in Istanbul.
If no earlier connection was available, you can also avail yourself of a complimentary hotel room.
You cannot use both these services during the same layover. If your connection is eligible for both, you have to choose between the tour and the hotel room.
See also the FAQ about city tours.
Pictures about "12 hour stopover in Istanbul (Atatürk)"
What can you do on a 12 hour layover in Istanbul?
A Longer Layover / More Than 10-12 Hours- Sultanahmet Square (Hippodrome, 20 mins),
- Topkapi Palace (one hour),
- Hagia Sophia Museum (one hour),
- Archaeology Museums (2 hrs),
- Blue Mosque (45 mins),
- Basilica Cistern (30 mins),
- Grand Bazaar (one hour).
Can I leave the airport during a layover in Istanbul?
If you leave the airport, you will need an e-Visa. It's a quick and easy online process, which involves filling out this online application, paying the $50 fee (for US citizens), and printing your confirmed e-visa, and Be sure to apply at least 48 hours before the departure time from your original destination.Can I leave Istanbul Airport during layover without visa?
Do I need to get transit visa? Answer: If you will not leave the transit lounge at the airport you are not required to have transit visa. Otherwise, you have to make visa application to the nearest Turkish Representation.What can you do on a 12 hour layover?
What to do during a long layover- Escape the airport on your own to explore the city.
- Take an organized tour of the city.
- Book yourself into a transfer hotel.
- Try out the local cuisine.
- Indulge in the comfort food you've been avoiding.
- Take a shower.
- Phone a friend.
- Find a meditation room.
Turkish Airlines: Free Transit Hotel (12 hour Layover)
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Ahmed Mulla, Yusuf Eser, Emir Anık, Enes Bayraktar