Irmak Caddesi No: 13 Dolapdere
Beyoğlu 34435 Istanbul
T: +90 (212) 708 58 00
Google Map
Arter is quite easy to reach from the Taksim neighborhood -one of the most important accommodation hubs of the European part of Istanbul. If the weather complies you may think of walking to Arter which cost you less than 15 minutes! But that is not all. You can also hop on the “Arter Shuttle Buses” for free! There are two pick up points on which you can get the buses to Arter which rounds on an hourly basis (see below). Do have your Festival Pass or Concert Ticket at reach to present to the friendly drivers.
There you go:
1-Taksim Shuttle Google Map
Pick up point is located at the Gezi Exit of the Taksim Metro Station
Taksim -> Arter
The first departure is at 10:30. Starting from 11:15 at Arter, the shuttle operates continuously between Arter and Taksim.
Arter -> Taksim
11:15, 11:45, 12:15, 12:45, 13:15, 13:45, 14:15, 14:45, 15:15, 15:45, 16:15, 16:45, 17:15, 17:45, 18:15,18:45, 19:05*, 19:15**, 19:45**, 20:05**
A Special Bus also departs from Taksim just 30 minutes prior to the Concert Start rides back to Takism after the Concert
2-Tepebaşı Shuttle Google Map
Pick up point is located at the entry of Pera Museum
Tepebaşı -> Arter
10:30, 12:30, 13:30, 14:30, 15:30, 16:30, 17:30, 18:30**
Arter -> Tepebaşı
12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00, 17:00, 18:00, 19:00**
* This service does not operate on Thursdays.
** This service operates only on Thursdays.
The last shuttle leaves to Taksim from Arter following the end of visiting hours or scheduled events.
Arter shuttle departs from Taksim metro station, Gezi Park exit, 30 minutes before each event scheduled outside visiting hours. The last shuttle departs for Taksim following the event.
How to get to Istanbul
As an important and hot tourist destination, Istanbul is one of the easiest to reach cities you can imagine. But some useful tips may not harm if shared:
1-Visa
Almost all EU citizens enjoy a free entry to Turkey without a Visa. Nationals of many other countries are also able to obtain an e-Visa remotely. Just make sure that your passport has at least 6 months of validity. Best is to check your status on https://www.mfa.gov.tr/general-information-about-turkish-visas.en.mfa
2-Landing Point
The newly built Airport of Istanbul (announced as the world’s biggest airport) is located northwest of Istanbul close to the Black Sea. Most of you will probably land here (approx. 50 kilometers away from the city center). The HavaIst Shuttle buses are the most convenient solution to take you to the important hubs of the City such as Taksim or Mecidiyekoy for less than 4 Euros. Taking a Taxi will cost you between 25 and 40 Euros. If no heavy traffic, you shall count on a 60 minute ride (no matter by Bus or Taxi).
Few airlines (such as Pegasus Airlines, Atlas Global, AnadoluJet ,..) land in Sabiha Gokcen Airport which is located at the outskirts of the Asian side of Istanbul. If you are going to stay in the European part of Istanbul and closer to the Festival Venue we won’t suggest choosing this airport because sometimes you may consider up to 2 hours of ride (you have to cross the bridges on the Bosphorus which is packed with vehicles almost the whole day).
3-General hints
1-Do not use the tap water for drinking.
2-Renting a car in Istanbul is really not recommended. Traffic is crazy and parking is difficult. Cabs and public transportation are the best to get around town.
3-If you want to be nice a 10% tip is well ok everywhere. But it is not customary to tip.
4-If you have an unlocked GSM phone you can buy prepaid SIM cards with a decent Internet access. Roaming is quite expensive.
5-Public Transport in Istanbul is good. If you wish to visit several places by public transport we suggest buying the Istanbul Card (you can find it at all newspaper kiosks or some shops). Topping it up is easy at any station. The travel fees with an Istanbul Card are almost half the price of buying single trip tickets.
6-Using Cash: The Turkish Lira value changes daily. If you want to use cash and your stay is more than a week, we suggest not changing your money at once and do it gradually by need. And do know that some shops charge you much less if you buy in cash.