Based on the official Turkish Airlines rules. Tour times can change, so confirm at the desk. Last checked October 2026.
Quick answer
- Free: transport, an English-speaking guide, meals and museum entry are included.
- You qualify with a 6 to 24 hour layover at Istanbul Airport (IST) between two international flights on one booking, and a ticket number starting with 235.
- You need to enter Türkiye, so your passport must allow it (visa-free or e-Visa).
- Not from Sabiha Gökçen (SAW), and you cannot pay to join if you don't qualify.
Who qualifies
- Your layover at Istanbul Airport is between 6 and 24 hours, and a tour fits inside it.
- Both flights are international and on the same booking (reservation code).
- Your ticket was issued by Turkish Airlines: the number starts with 235. A Turkish Airlines ticket on a flight operated by a partner counts. A partner-issued ticket does not, even if Turkish Airlines flies you.
- At least 1 hour 25 minutes between the end of the tour and your departure.
- One tour per layover. Passengers under 18 join with an adult.
Tour times
| Tour | Time | Be at the desk by | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sightseeing Tour | 08:00 to 11:30 | Be at the desk by 07:30 | Shortest option. The only tour that accepts pets (in a carrier). |
| Half Day Tour | 08:30 to 15:00 | Be at the desk by 08:00 | Best for long morning layovers. |
| Evening Tour | 16:00 to 21:30 | Be at the desk by 15:30 | Good for afternoon arrivals. |
| Bosphorus Tour | 18:30 to 23:00 | Be at the desk by 18:00 | Only 1 April to 31 October. |
Times as published by Turkish Airlines. They can change the program at any time, so check again before you fly.
How to join, step by step
- Optional: book online on the Turkish Airlines website with your reservation code or ticket number and last name. If online booking is down, you can still join at the desk.
- Land and clear passport control. Allow about 45 minutes from your arrival gate to the desk.
- Go to the Tour Registration Desk in the Arrivals Hall, opposite meeting point 4, next to the Hotel Desk. Be there at least 30 minutes before the tour starts, even if you booked online.
- Bags: you can leave them in the tour vehicle at your own risk (not electronics or valuables), or use the paid left-luggage office next to the desk.
- Get back in time. The tour ends at least 1 hour 25 minutes before your onward flight.
Don't qualify? You can still see Istanbul
Go into the city on your own or book a private layover tour that picks you up and drops you back. The layover planner shows how much time you would get, and the Istanbul layover guide covers taxis, Havaist and the metro.
Questions travellers ask
Is Touristanbul really free?
Yes. Turkish Airlines covers transport, an English-speaking guide, meals (they vary by tour, with vegetarian and vegan options) and museum entrance fees. You cannot pay to join if you do not meet the conditions.
Can I join Touristanbul with a ticket from another airline?
Only if the ticket was issued by Turkish Airlines, which means the ticket number starts with 235. Codeshare tickets issued by Turkish Airlines but flown by a partner count. Tickets issued by a partner airline do not, even if Turkish Airlines flies you.
Do I need a visa for Touristanbul?
Yes, if your passport needs one to enter Türkiye. The tour leaves the airport, so you pass passport control like any other visitor. Check your passport on the official e-Visa site before you fly.
Can I do the tour on both legs of a round trip?
Yes. You can join one tour per layover, so a round trip with two qualifying layovers gives you two tours.
What if the tour bus is late and I miss my flight?
If the delay was not your fault, Turkish Airlines rebooks you free of charge on the next available flight. If you miss the bus yourself, you have to get back to the airport on your own.
Can I combine the tour with a free Turkish Airlines hotel?
Not on the same layover. Turkish Airlines treats the tour and its hotel service as either one or the other.
Keep reading
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- Turkish Airlines, Touristanbul FAQ (eligibility, tour times, online booking, desk location, luggage, pets, rebooking, hotel rule), checked 16 October 2026.
- Republic of Türkiye, official e-Visa portal: evisa.gov.tr.