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Simple Airport Guides

Istanbul Airport (IST)

Istanbul Airport

Overview: Istanbul Airport is the main international airport serving Istanbul, Turkey. Located in the Arnavutköy district on the European side of the city, it is the largest airport in Turkey and one of the busiest in the world, serving as a major hub connecting Europe and Asia.

Terminals: The airport currently operates with one main terminal for both domestic and international flights. Future expansions are planned.

Transportation to the City Center:

  • HAVAİST Airport Shuttles: Provides regular bus services to various central locations in Istanbul.
  • Metro (M11): The metro line connects the airport directly to the city's public transportation network.
  • Public Buses: IETT buses offer another affordable option to reach different parts of Istanbul.
  • Taxis: Available at designated stands outside the terminal. Ensure the meter is running or agree on a fare beforehand.
  • Car Rentals: Numerous international and local car rental companies have offices at the airport.

London Heathrow Airport (LHR)

Heathrow Airport

Overview: London Heathrow Airport is a major international airport in London, England, and the third-busiest airport in the world by international passenger traffic. Located 14 miles (23 km) west of Central London, it serves as the primary hub for British Airways and Virgin Atlantic.

Terminals: Heathrow has four passenger terminals currently in use: Terminal 2, Terminal 3, Terminal 4, and Terminal 5. Terminal 1 is no longer operational.

Transportation to the City Center:

  • Heathrow Express: A direct train service to Paddington Station in Central London, with a journey time of around 15 minutes.
  • London Underground (Piccadilly Line): Provides a direct and more affordable connection to Central London, although the journey takes longer (around 50-60 minutes).
  • TfL Rail: Connects Heathrow to Paddington, stopping at several intermediate stations.
  • National Express Coaches: Offers bus services to Victoria Coach Station and other destinations.
  • Taxis: Black cabs and other taxis are available outside the terminals.
  • Ride-sharing Services: Apps like Uber and Bolt operate at Heathrow.
  • Car Rentals: Several major car rental companies have desks at the airport.

Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT)

Narita Airport

Overview: Narita International Airport is one of the primary international airports serving the Greater Tokyo Area of Japan. Located about 60 kilometers east of central Tokyo, it handles a significant volume of international passenger and cargo traffic.

Terminals: The airport has three main passenger terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and Terminal 3 (primarily for low-cost carriers). Free shuttle buses connect the terminals.

Transportation to the City Center:

  • Narita Express: A direct train service to major Tokyo stations like Tokyo and Shinjuku.
  • Keisei Skyliner: Another fast train connecting to Ueno station.
  • Limousine Bus: Offers comfortable bus services to various hotels and city areas.
  • Local Buses: More economical options to reach different parts of the city.
  • Taxis: Available, but can be expensive for the long journey to central Tokyo.

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

JFK Airport

Overview: John F. Kennedy International Airport is the primary international airport serving New York City. Located in Queens, it is one of the busiest airports in the United States and a major gateway for international travel.

Terminals: JFK has five active passenger terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 4, Terminal 5, Terminal 7, and Terminal 8. The AirTrain JFK connects all terminals and other key airport facilities.

Transportation to the City Center:

  • AirTrain JFK: An automated people mover system connecting all terminals to the Jamaica and Howard Beach stations, where you can connect to the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) or the New York City Subway.
  • Subway: The A train from Howard Beach and the E, J, and Z trains from Jamaica Station connect to Manhattan and other boroughs.
  • Long Island Rail Road (LIRR): From Jamaica Station, offers faster connections to Penn Station in Manhattan.
  • Taxis: Flat-rate fares are available for travel between JFK and Manhattan.
  • Ride-sharing Services: Apps like Uber and Lyft operate at JFK.
  • Airport Shuttle Buses: Various private shuttle companies offer shared or private rides to different parts of the city.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

Atlanta Airport

Overview: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is located 7 miles (11 km) south of downtown Atlanta, Georgia. It has been the world's busiest airport by passenger traffic for many years and serves as a major hub for domestic and international flights, especially for Delta Air Lines.

Terminals: ATL has two main terminals: the Domestic Terminal (with North and South sides) and the Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal. These are connected to seven concourses (T, A, B, C, D, E, F) via the Plane Train, an underground automated people mover.

Transportation to the City Center:

  • MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority): The airport station is located in the Domestic Terminal and provides direct rail access to downtown Atlanta and other parts of the metropolitan area.
  • Taxis: Available at designated areas outside both the Domestic and International Terminals.
  • Ride-sharing Services: Uber and Lyft operate at ATL.
  • Airport Shuttle Buses: Numerous hotels and private companies offer shuttle services.
  • Car Rentals: Located in the Rental Car Center, accessible via a free SkyTrain from the terminals.

Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO)

SVO Airport

Overview: Sheremetyevo International Airport is one of the main international airports serving Moscow, Russia. It is located about 29 km (18 miles) northwest of central Moscow and is a major hub for Russian and international airlines.

Terminals: SVO has several terminals: Terminal A (Business Aviation), Terminal B (Domestic), Terminal C (International), Terminal D (International/Domestic), Terminal E (International), and Terminal F (International). Terminals are connected by наземный транспорт (land transport).

Transportation to the City Center:

  • Aeroexpress Train: A fast train connecting the airport (Terminals B and C, and a station between D and E) to the Belorussky Railway Station in central Moscow.
  • Public Buses: Several bus routes (e.g., 817, 851, 948) connect the airport to various metro stations in Moscow.
  • Marshrutkas (Minibuses): Offer another option for reaching the city.
  • Taxis: Available outside the terminals. Official airport taxis are recommended.
  • Car Rentals: Several car rental companies have offices at the airport.

Tokyo Haneda International Airport (HND)

Haneda Airport

Overview: Tokyo Haneda Airport is one of the two primary airports serving the Greater Tokyo Area, the other being Narita. Located much closer to central Tokyo (about 15 km south), it handles a significant amount of domestic and an increasing number of international flights.

Terminals: Haneda Airport has three main terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and Terminal 3 (International).

Transportation to the City Center:

  • Keikyu Line: Offers direct train services to Shinagawa Station, a major hub on the JR Yamanote Line.
  • Tokyo Monorail: Connects directly to Hamamatsucho Station, also on the JR Yamanote Line, providing easy access to Tokyo Station.
  • Limousine Bus: Provides comfortable and direct bus services to various hotels and key areas in Tokyo.
  • Local Buses: Offer more budget-friendly options to different parts of the city.
  • Taxis: Readily available outside the terminals.