Istanbul Airport Wi-Fi: A guide to connecting

How to connect to the airport Wi-Fi in Istanbul

Wondering if Istanbul Airport has Wi-Fi? It certainly does – just like any other major airport in the world. And you can connect to it without much hassle.

• Make sure your phone has Wi-Fi enabled. Search for the Istanbul Airport's Wi-Fi network, called "IstanbulAirportTurkTelekomFree," and tap it when it appears on the list of networks on your device.

• On the registration page, you can choose the language: Turkish, English, German, French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, or Russian.

• Choose how you want to verify your identity. You can do that by using your passport number or an SMS code.

• If you choose to verify yourself with an SMS code, you'll need a phone connected to a mobile network. If your phone allows roaming, you can connect to a Turkish telephone network and get the SMS code.

• To receive the SMS, enter your phone number into the registration screen. Make sure to include your country code.

• Within a minute or two, you'll receive an SMS with a password that will let you log into the network.

• If your phone doesn't have roaming or you just don't want to deal with SMS, you can verify your identity using your passport. To do that, scan your passport with the scanning device at one of the airport's Wi-Fi kiosks. Afterward, you'll get a code to access the Wi-Fi network.

• Whichever way you choose, you will get one hour of free browsing on the airport Wi-Fi. After that, you'll need to pay a small fee. 

Wi-Fi kiosks at the Istanbul Airport

If you're using a passport to connect to Wi-Fi, you'll need to find one of the blue Wi-Fi kiosks at the airport. They're typically:

• In the main arrivals hall.

• In the departure hall.

• At the transfer level.

• On the domestic departures floor.

• In the international baggage claim area.

• In the IGA lounge.

• Near doors C-E, but this can be subject to change.

Wi-Fi connection in the Istanbul Airport VIP lounges

If you're a fan of comfy traveling, you can also connect to free Wi-Fi in one of the Istanbul Airport's VIP lounges. Keep in mind that each lounge has different facilities and entry rules. 

We've compiled a guide about all the lounges at Istanbul Airport:

Is the Istanbul Airport Wi-Fi free and how fast is it?

The Wi-Fi at Istanbul Airport is free, but there's a catch -- it's only free for the first hour you use it. After that, you'll have to buy one of the two Wi-Fi packages – pay to use airport Wi-Fi for the next two hours or for the entire day. Currently, it's 30 Turkish lira for two hours and 50 lira for 24 hours, but the price can change over time.

People have also reported that the airport's network slows down significantly when a lot of passengers connect to Wi-Fi at the same time. Download speeds are usually somewhere between 20 and 30 Mbps, but if the airport is busy, they can slow down even more.

What are the opinions about the Istanbul Airport Wi-Fi?

You can find different opinions about the Istanbul Airport Wi-Fi online, depending on what people expect from the network. The baseline is that if you only plan to use Wi-Fi for checking emails or scrolling social media, you'll be fine. But if you want to do some serious work, especially if you need to upload large documents, you may find the Wi-Fi too slow for your needs. Also, keep in mind that the more people there are at the airport, the more the demand, which strains the system.

It's rather annoying that Wi-Fi is free only for one hour, right? Especially if you have a long layover. Though 50 Turkish lira is a reasonable price for 24-hour access to the internet at the airport, you may want to enjoy a faster network if you're going to pay for it. And you have options!

High-speed alternatives to the Istanbul Airport Wi-Fi 

Looking for a faster and more reliable network than spotty Wi-Fi at Istanbul Airport? You can choose from a few options that can make your connection less of a headache. 

Local SIM card in Istanbul

With a local SIM card for Turkey, you can access the data network of Turkish providers. You'll get faster speed and a more reliable connection than an airport Wi-Fi can offer. However, the local SIM card plans are typically more expensive. For example, you can find mobile providers' kiosks inside the airport, but the cheapest option for a prepaid SIM card there costs 1000 Turkish lira, which is around 30 US dollars.

International roaming

Are you the lucky one whose mobile network provider at home allows international roaming and has international data plans? Congrats! But be careful and make sure to switch on roaming or choose an international plan option. Otherwise, the charges can quickly empty all of your pockets. Also, keep in mind that mobile network providers are not so generous with international data limits, and the overage charges can be steep.

Pocket Wi-Fi

Pocket Wi-Fi lets you create your own Wi-Fi hotspot with a specialized pocket-size device – but they can be expensive. In addition to paying for a data plan, you need to rent or buy the device itself. Typically, Pocket Wi-Fi only makes sense when you're traveling with a group of people and want to win everyone's hearts by providing them with Wi-Fi.

The best option: An eSIM for Turkey

The best way to up your game and get the best data plan deals in Turkey and its airports is to use an eSIM for Turkey.

An eSIM is a virtual SIM card that most new generation phones have pre-integrated. So, if your phone is eSIM compatible, you can choose from various international eSIMs, such as Saily, and easily switch from one network to another without fear of racking up your roaming charges. 

Whether you can’t wait to visit Hagia Sophia or Istanbul is only your layover stop, don’t hesitate to download the Saily eSIM app and check the data plan offers. Say goodbye to spotty airport Wi-Fi and stay connected anywhere in Turkey!