Istanbul Airport is one of the world's busiest transfer hubs, and many travellers pass through without ever seeing the city. Turkish Airlines' Touristanbul programme offers eligible connecting passengers a free guided tour of Istanbul during their layover. Here is how it works.
Who can join
Touristanbul is open to Turkish Airlines passengers on international connecting flights through Istanbul Airport whose layover lasts between six and 24 hours, and whose flight times fit the tour schedule. The inbound and outbound flights must be on the same booking reference, and the ticket must be a Turkish Airlines ticket with a number starting 235. At least one hour and 25 minutes must remain between the end of the tour and the next departure. You cannot combine Touristanbul with the airline's separate Stopover programme during the same layover.
The tour itself is free, including transport from and back to the airport, but you are responsible for any visa you need to enter Türkiye. Many nationalities, including British, American and Canadian citizens, can currently enter visa-free for short stays.
Tour options
According to the airline's schedule, updated on May 1, 2026, four tours are offered. A panoramic sightseeing tour runs from 08:00 to 11:30 and is seen from the vehicle only. A half-day tour from 08:30 to 15:00 includes breakfast. An evening tour runs from 16:00 to 21:30 and includes dinner. A Bosphorus tour from 18:30 to 23:00 operates only between April 1 and Oct. 31, so autumn travellers have a few weeks left to catch it this year.
Stops can include Taksim Square, the Valens Aqueduct, Eminönü, the Galata Bridge, Dolmabahçe Palace, the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia (viewed from outside), Topkapı Palace, the Grand Bazaar and a Bosphorus or Golden Horn boat trip. Itineraries vary, so check which stops apply to your tour. Yıldız Palace has been dropped from the winter programme.
How to register
You can book online by entering your booking reference or ticket number and surname on the Touristanbul page. Alternatively, visit the Touristanbul desk in the transfer area for an eligibility check, then register at the desk on the arrivals level at least 30 minutes before the tour departs. Allow around 45 minutes to reach the desk, since you will need to clear passport control first.
Remember that you will need to go back through security on your return, so keep an eye on the clock and follow the guide's timings.
Sources
Photo: Arild Vågen / CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
