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Traveling to or from Istanbul Airport soon? Chances are you’ll need access to the Istanbul Airport WiFi.

Here, we’ll tell you everything about Turk Telekom’s free wireless internet kiosks and VIP lounges at one of the largest airports in the country. There are some additional options we’ll talk about, too, so you won’t have to worry about connectivity issues when arriving. 

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Connecting to WiFi at Istanbul Airport

Istanbul Airport offers WiFi connectivity through Turk Telecom’s wireless internet kiosks, and you can connect from various devices such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones, among others. 

Using your passport or phone number, you can connect for an initial one hour free. If you need additional connection time or a complimentary quota, you can request it by paying supplementary fees.

Istanbul Airport Transfer Floor
Istanbul Airport Transfer Floor. Source: Pexels.

In the event of connectivity issues, seek assistance from Turk mobile Telekom personnel at the designated customer service points. Additionally, a helpline is available at 4440145 for further support.

Let’s talk about how you can connect to the WiFi kiosks at the airport.

Log in with your passport number

  • Tap the screen and follow the steps for passport verification.
  • Upon successful verification, you’ll receive a code – save it –this will be your access password.
  • Go to your device settings and look for the ‘IstanbulAirportTurkTelekomFree‘ WiFi network.
  • Select ‘Passport login‘ and enter your passport and access numbers.
  • Accept the terms and conditions of the service, and voilà, you have an internet login.

Log in using your phone number (SMS)

  • Go to a Turk Telekom kiosk and press on “Mobile Access”.
  • Choose the flag corresponding to your country and introduce your phone number. The country code is not needed.
  • Accept the terms and conditions and press “Enter” to complete the process.
  • You’ll receive an SMS code that you have to introduce and click on “Continue”.

>You may also be interested in the best eSIM plans for tourism within Asia.<

What other internet services are available at the airport?

Several Turkish airlines offer in-flight internet connectivity services. For specific rates and conditions, it’s advisable to contact the airline’s personnel directly or visit their official website. It may sometimes apply to specific classes, such as business class passengers.

Lastly, the Istanbul Airport Lounge is accessible to departing and transit passengers only. It offers a range of services, including high-speed internet connectivity. Passengers can enjoy complimentary WiFi for streaming movies or TV programs in the lounge.

Discover free WiFi hotspots at Istanbul Airport

Now that you’re aware of the kiosks where you can log in to the Airport WiFi network, here are the designated points:

  • 12 at Bosphorus
  • 3 near the C-E doors
  • 1 on the domestic departures floor
  • 6 on the transfer level
  • 6 on the departures level
  • 2 in the iGA Lounge
  • 1 in the international baggage claim area
  • 3 in the arrivals hall

VIP Lounge with WiFi at Istanbul Airport

VIP-lounge-airport-Istanbul
VIP Lounge with WiFi at Istanbul Airport / knaviation.net

Istanbul Airport boasts an array of waiting areas, many of which are open for passengers to enjoy freely. These facilities are designed to address the diverse needs of travelers during their waiting periods. 

This airport also offers VIP lounges to elevate the waiting experience for international passengers seeking a premium and exceptional stay. For an additional fee, guests can use a wide range of amenities that include:

  • Complimentary WiFi (ideal for watching movies and TV)
  • Private WiFi internet service (available for an extra charge)
  • Shower facilities
  • Welcome lounge
  • Prayer rooms
  • Sleeping and resting areas
  • Massage services
  • Food and beverage buffet
  • Children’s playground and flight entertainment. 
  • A pool table
  • Flight information

VIP lounges reservations are typically for a four-hour duration, but you can extend your stay by making advanced reservations. Remember, these are offered for certain airlines, while some are sold at the airport desk.

In case you want to use the iGA lounges, here are the rates as of 2024:

Adults (12 years and older)Children (7 to 12 years)Infants (0 to 6 years)
€85 (~$100) + VAT€42.50 (~$50) + VAT$0

You can find more information about additional Istanbul VIP lounges here.

Thoughts on airport WiFi services in Turkey

Istanbul Airport is fitted with cutting-edge services that make it one of the best-regarded airports globally. For internet connectivity, the airport offers three distinct options for travelers to connect to its WiFi network:

  • The airport provides an hour of free WiFi, possibly extending the duration for an additional fee.
  • For those dining or shopping, WiFi connection is available in restaurants and commercial areas, with fees based on usage.
  • In the airport’s VIP lounge, passengers can enjoy private WiFi and complimentary WiFi for a generously estimated duration of four hours.

While this free WiFi is convenient upon arrival at the airport, travelers venturing into different city destinations within Turkey may need to find alternative internet solutions. It’s advisable to explore the alternative options detailed below.

Exploring alternative internet options in Istanbul

In addition to the WiFi service at Istanbul Airport, there are various alternatives for staying connected while in Turkey:

International eSIM with unlimited internet

The eSIM is one of the most convenient alternatives for securing internet connectivity at Istanbul Airport and your Turkey excursion. It’s a virtual chip seamlessly integrated into the latest compatible mobile phone, offering numerous benefits for travelers, including unlimited internet connection.

With the Holafly eSIM for Istanbul, you’ll get access to unlimited data, with prices starting at $20.90 USD for 5 days. There’s no need to use your passport number or worry over an hourly time limit!

Unlimited data eSIM for Istanbul
eSIM Istanbul for tourists with Unlimited data / Image: Holafly and Pexels

After purchasing your eSIM, you’ll receive a QR code to scan and install it on your smartphone. You can do this before traveling to get unlimited data as soon as you arrive.

And if you happen to travel to more than one country in Europe, a European eSIM for travel from Holafly is your best option!

>Traveling around Turkey? Take your eSIM and get unlimited data during your trip<

Prepaid SIM Card Options

If your mobile device doesn’t support eSIM technology, there’s another convenient option available: prepaid SIM cards from the country’s major operators, namely Vodafone, Turk mobile Telekom, and Turkcell.

It’s worth noting that opting for this alternative may have some potential challenges, including language barriers, currency exchange considerations, varying opening hours, and potential wait times for personalized assistance.

SIM-cards-providers-in-Turkey
Prepaid SIM Card Outlets in Turkey / Source: mochileandoporelmundo.com

The cost of the SIM card is subject to variation based on the operator selected and your choice of prepaid plan:

Turkcell, Turk Telekom, and Vodafone Turkey

Turkcell: They offer a “Welcome Plan” tailored for tourists, which includes 20 GB of internet data, 200 minutes for voice calls, unlimited messaging, and unrestricted WhatsApp usage valid for 30 days. Make sure you have your passport ready for verification.

Turk Telekom: The available ‘Welcome’ plans start at just 110 TL (approximately $3.73) and include the following options:

  • 25 GB of data, 750 minutes (for use within Turkey), and an extra 5 GB allocated for social networks. Valid for 28 days.
  • 50 GB of data, 1500 minutes (for use within Turkey), and an additional 5 GB allocated for social networks. Valid for 28 days.
  • 75 GB of data, 750 minutes (for use within Turkey), and unlimited WhatsApp usage (calls not included). Valid for 15 days.

Vodafone Turkey: This provider also extends a warm welcome to tourists with special packages. Here are the options:

  • 20 GB of data, 750 minutes (for use within Turkey), and unlimited use of social networks, including WhatsApp, Telegram, and Messenger.
  • 35 GB of data, 750 minutes (for use within Turkey), and unlimited use of social networks, including WhatsApp, Telegram, and Messenger.
  • 50 GB of data, 750 minutes (for use within Turkey), and unlimited use of social networks, including WhatsApp, Telegram, and Messenger.
  • 70 GB of data, 750 minutes (for use within Turkey), and unlimited use of social networks, including WhatsApp, Telegram, and Messenger.

International roaming service

As a final option, you can also opt for the conventional international roaming in Turkey, which allows you to use your SIM card with your current operator and maintain access to your contracted mobile services as if you were back home.

While this remains a practical choice, it’s worth noting that international roaming can be pricey. Therefore, it’s advisable to consider it primarily for emergencies unless you have no budget constraints during your travels.

Final thoughts about Istanbul Airport WiFi

After reviewing the process for staying connected with the free WiFi and discussing the iGA lounge, which is the VIP area, we can tell there are some better options you can access.

You’ll have to pay to get into a VIP lounge, and the same goes if you plan to stay longer using the airport WiFi. But which is the option to stay connected at the airport?

If you need to use your mobile phone and even share data with other devices, the Turkey Holafly eSIM is a great option. You won’t pay high roaming prices; there is no limited WiFi access, and it’s private.

Plus, you’ll have other benefits, such as high-end customer support, up to 5G data speeds, an easy purchase and activation process, and much more.

FAQs: WiFi at Istanbul Airport

Is there free WiFi at Istanbul Airport?

Istanbul Airport offers passengers one hour of free wireless Internet access from its Turkish Telecommunication kiosks.

How can I connect to the internet at Istanbul Airport?

There are several options for accessing the internet at Istanbul Airport. You can connect to the airport’s WiFi network, buy an eSIM online with mobile data at Holafly store, rent a pocket WiFi device, or activate international roaming with your home country’s mobile operator.

Which Turkish airline provides in-flight WiFi?

Turkish Airlines is one of the carriers that offers in-flight internet services for an additional fee.

Brenda Beltrán

Brenda Beltrán

Content Manager

<p>I'm Brenda Beltrán, a Colombian content creator who loves traveling, tech, and video games. Since 2019, I've crafted written web content in entertainment and tech, starting as a video game, eSports, and tech journalist. Now, I'm dedicated to writing about traveling at Holafly, and I hope all the content I create helps you have fantastic new experiences!</p> <p>...</p> <p>Soy Brenda Beltrán, una creadora de contenido colombiana que ama viajar, la tecnología y los videojuegos. Desde 2019, he creado contenido escrito en el área de entretenimiento y tech, comenzando como periodista de videojuegos, eSports y tecnología. Ahora, me dedico a escribir sobre viajes en Holafly, ¡y espero que todo el contenido que creo te ayude a tener experiencias nuevas y fantásticas!</p>

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