Turkish Airlines offers two or three direct flights every day from Batman to Istanbul. The points of arrival for the flights in this route range from Istanbul Airport (IST) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) whereas the journeys take nearly two and a half hours. Some flights in this route are operated as connecting over Ankara Esenboğa Airport (ESB) as well. The duration of the journey in connecting flights, which offer an opportunity to increase the flight alternatives in this route, varies by the layover at Ankara.
As a city in the Southeastern Anatolia, Batman is located on the lands with high cultural background thanks to its history of thousands of years. The most remarkable icon in the city is Hasankeyf, which is said to be more than 10 thousand years old. This settlement resembling an ant nest by thousands of amazing caves bears the architectural traces of a civilization beyond comparison. The site offers a view of quite interesting lifestyle between the intertwined caves and creates a touristic attraction with the caves inhabited even today. It would be recommendable to visit this magnificent Hasankeyf site which is under the threat of sinking into water, as well as the Malabadi Bridge and take a peaceful break at the recreation spots on the banks of Tigris River.
Turkish Airlines flights from Batman take off from Batman Airport (BAL), the sole airport serving in the city, which is 7 kilometers from the center.
Passengers wishing to reach Batman Airport (BAL) from the city center may use the municipal bus services. The buses operate in the route City Hall, Diyarbakır Caddesi and Gültepe Kavşağı in line with the flight hours. It is also possible to get to the airport easily via the cabs serving all around the city.
As the most populous city in Turkey, Istanbul is an extremely crowd-pulling destination by its unique lifestyle, cultural background and natural beauties doubling its value. Being a remarkable world city by its strategic location extending over the two continents as well as its cosmopolitan population, this magnificent metropolis serves as a significant stop for millions of passengers each year. Business trips, honeymoons, a weekend away, large organizations, cultural and congress trips, annual leaves... A large number of guests visiting Istanbul for various reasons take all their chances to get to know this enchanting city and witness the marvels it harbors. Visitors keep up with the city’s tempo to enjoy their stays to the fullest; taking a rest at a lovely tea garden by the sea with a cup of tea and simit (Turkish bagel), having an enjoyable time at a concert in Hagia Irene, enjoying a fine dinner at an elegant restaurant by the Bosporus or breathing in the fresh air in Emirgan forest surrounded by blossoming tulips are only a few activities Istanbul offers for its guests.
As the city with the busiest air traffic countrywide, Istanbul hosts two international airports: Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW). Those holding a flight ticket to Istanbul with Turkish Airlines may select amongst these two airports their points of arrival.
Istanbul Airport (IST) is located on the D20 road and one end of the road connects to TEM. Soon there will be a 07 connection in Odayeri. These roads offer the option of connecting to both TEM and E5.
Istanbul Airport is 35 km from the city center. You can reach the city by IETT, taxi, Havaist, or private vehicle. It takes around 30 minutes to reach the city center by taxi and costs around 100-110 TL. For more information on how to reach Istanbul Airport check the transport information page. In addition, there are plenty of car rental companies provided by Istanbul Airport, that you can rent a car from.
Passengers who will be landing at Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) in the Anatolian side have a couple of alternatives for reaching the city center and various spots. Although the generally preferred option is taking the bus services integrated with the subway line, as well as the airport shuttles, taking a cab would also be a frequently preferred alternative for the passengers travelling to a close distance.
The bus line numbered KM22 serves from airport to Kartal subway station; you may use this bus and transfer to the subway line to reach the central spots. It is also possible to benefit from the municipal buses; you may reach Taksim with the bus numbered SG-2, 4th Levent with E-3 and Kadıköy with E11 or SG-1. Airport shuttles also operate from airport to the central points like Yenisahra, Kadıköy and Taksim.