I had purchased a flight from London to Istanbul's smaller airport (SAW) and was at a bit of a loss of how to get into the heart of the city. SAW is a lot further from Istanbul than the main airport.

I read about the Airport Transfer with Backpackers Travel on a good travel website called Turkey Travel Planner. There was a good entry that explained how it worked (you can read it here: http://www.turkeytravelplanner.com/go/Istanbul/Transport/bakpak_xfr.html).

You make a reservation online, someone is waiting for you when you get off the plane with your name on a piece of paper, you get into a big comfortable van, and are driven to your hotel. No cash exchanges hands until he drops you off. It costs less than a taxi, and you feel confident you are getting to where you want to go. We were staying at a hotel in the heart of a real warren of streets, but our driver found our place.

Here's a link to the service:
http://www.ataturkairporttransfer.net/

I was impressed. First the driver made an announcement for us on the airport tanoy system , (this was a little worrying at first since I thought I had forgotten something in the aircraft), but after asking the police where the information was, and he said it was after the passport control, then I thought it would be ok.

Driver was there, courteous and helped with our bags. Offered us a drink on the way and escorted us to the reception desk at the hotel.After my later experience with a normal yellow public taxi, I will never use these again and always recommend a private transfer and have had excellent service from Backpackers Travel.

One more thing: the agency is called Backpackers but I would say this is service is for everyone . The Mercedes Van we had was much better than most hotel vehicles so I suggest this service is for all.

I was selected for a 4Days/3Nights FAM trip organized by Turkish Airlines and didn't expect much from the Turkish Business Metropolitan city of Istanbul.....the then Constantinople. Frankly speaking, I have forgotten my history classes readings 'bout this historical and well kept, preserved city of Europe or Asia ....why not both.
In just simple words, I have fallen in LOVE with ISTANBUL!
Gosh, it has everthing one is looking for....the night life, shopping, history, culture.....what not. It is indeed a must see destination. The people are so friendly and the food, wow, lots of seafood, the Kebab, Turkish Delights, choco....you just ask for it, and you will get it and for a good price.
TRUST Me....have seen many places but by far, ISTANBUL is a great city. No wonder Napoleon The Great once said, If given the chance to select the world's capital city, I would go for the then Constantinople, now ISTANBUL.

Bessufekad
Travel Consultant
www.ethiobesttours.com

Just got back from a great vacation in Istanbul. Wonderful city. We stayed in an apartment in Sultanamet, walking distance to Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Grand bazaar. Highly recommend apartments "Suite Home", comfortable and well appointed. Superb location. Good food at Rami, Hamdi, Doy Doy and Amedros. Cemberlitas Hammami is great. Dervishes at the Print Museum. Go, you'll love it!