Istanbul Airport (IST) Lounge Guide

Istanbul Airport (IST) is one of the world's largest and busiest air travel hubs. To help elevate your pre-flight experience, the airport offers a diverse array of lounges that cater to every traveler's needs.

There are 8 lounges in total across Istanbul Airport's Domestic and International Terminals, including options from Turkish Airlines and iGA. These lounges provide various amenities such as Wi-Fi, food and beverages, rest zones, and shower facilities. Access is available through airline status, lounge memberships, or pay-per-use options.

If you're planning to eat during a layover at Istanbul Airport, purchasing access to a lounge could even be a more cost-effective option because Istanbul is one of the world's most expensive airports for food. Just one regular Big Mac Meal at the McDonald's in the airport food court will set you back around US$23.

In this guide, we'll take you on a tour of the airport's lounges, detailing their unique features, amenities, and how to gain access.

Below is a full list of all airport lounges at Istanbul Airport (IST). There are 5 lounges in the huge International Terminal, and 3 in the Domestic Terminal.

All lounges are open 24 hours daily and are located airside, after security.

• iGA Lounge

• iGA Pop Up Lounge

• Turkish Airlines Business Lounge

• Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles Lounge

• Revolve Lounge by YOTELAIR

• iGA Lounge

• Turkish Airlines Domestic Business Lounge

• Turkish Airlines Domestic Miles&Smiles Lounge

The iGA International Lounge is the largest lounge at Istanbul Airport, and is the most popular option for passengers who don't have access to the Turkish Airlines lounges. This bustling, multi-section space boasts an impressive array of different areas, including showers, gaming and kids play areas, an outdoor smoking terrace, relaxation areas, a staffed bar, and multiple dining rooms.

With so much to do inside this lounge, your layover at Istanbul Airport will be over much quicker than you expected. The lounge is so big, in fact, that there's a map near the entrance:

Airside after security, turn left after Passport Control, on the Mezzanine Level to the right.

• Hot and cold food, including live cooking stations serving Turkish dishes

• Alcoholic, soft and hot drinks, including from a dedicated bar and coffee station

• Complimentary showers (subject to availability)

• Rest areas

• Kids play area

• Gaming room with a billiards table

• Complimentary massage service (available from 8am-5pm on Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun)

• Prayer rooms

• Outdoor terrace where smoking is permitted

• Duty-free shop within the lounge

• Meeting rooms

• Work stations

• Luggage storage lockers

• Charging stations

• Restrooms

• Wi-Fi

• Flexible Day Pass:

• Other Online Advance Purchase Methods:

  • Dragonpass Go sells 2 hours of access to this lounge for US$55.

  • iGA Pass sells 6 hours of access to this lounge for €115 (US$133) including VAT, with a 35% discount available for senior citizens over 65 years old, and a 50% discount for children aged 7-12. Children 6 and under are free with a paying adult.

  • iGA Daily Pass holders and passengers using the iGA Meet and Greet Service get access to this lounge.

  • Lounge Pass sells 2 hours of access to this lounge for US$66.

• Airline Status/Class:

  • Eligible guests on oneworld airlines in Business or First Class or with Emerald or Sapphire status. Oneworld airlines using this lounge include British Airways, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, and Royal Air Maroc.

  • Eligible guests on SkyTeam airlines in Business or First Class or with SkyTeam ElitePlus status. SkyTeam airlines using this lounge since the official SkyTeam Lounge closed due to fire include Air Europa, Air France, Korean Air, KLM, MEA, Saudia, and TAROM.

  • Business/First Class passengers and eligible status holders on other non-Star Alliance airlines that have agreements with this lounge, including Emirates and Etihad Airways.

• Memberships:

  • A Dragonpass, Dreamfolks, HighPass, LoungeKey, LoungeMe or Priority Pass membership will get you entry into this lounge. Note that entry through most of these programs is for a maximum of 2 hours.

  • iGA Pass Card holders (Plus, Extra, and Premium)

  • Complimentary guest entitlements will depend on how you have obtained your membership with any of these programs.

• Cardholders:

  • Access is available with cards offering Dragonpass, LoungeKey and Priority Pass visits, including Mastercard Travel Pass cards linked to LoungeKey.

• Walk Up Access:

  • Subject to capacity constraints, you may be able to purchase a pass at the reception desk directly for €115 (US$133).

As an alternative to the main IGA Lounge, passengers departing from the A Gates may prefer to visit the much smaller IGA Pop Up Lounge. This doesn't have the same amenities as the main lounge, but offers a quiet place to sit with food and drinks at a lower price point.

Airside after security, towards the end of Pier A, opposite Gate A6.

• Hot and cold food

• Alcoholic, soft and hot drinks

• Wi-Fi

• Charging stations

• Flexible Day Pass:

• Other Online Advance Purchase Methods:

  • Dragonpass Go sells 2 hours of access to this lounge for US$55.

  • iGA Pass sells 3 hours of access to this lounge for €50 (US$58) including VAT, with a 50% discount for children aged 7-12. Children 6 and under are free with a paying adult.

  • iGA Daily Pass holders and passengers using the iGA Meet and Greet Service get access to this lounge.

  • Lounge Pass sells 2 hours of access to this lounge for US$44.

• Memberships:

  • A Dragonpass, Dreamfolks, HighPass, LoungeKey, LoungeMe or Priority Pass membership will get you entry into this lounge. Note that entry through most of these programs is for a maximum of 2 hours.

  • iGA Pass Card holders (Plus, Extra, and Premium)

  • Complimentary guest entitlements will depend on how you have obtained your membership with any of these programs.

• Cardholders:

  • Access is available with cards offering Dragonpass, LoungeKey and Priority Pass visits, including Mastercard Travel Pass cards linked to LoungeKey.

• Walk Up Access:

  • Subject to capacity constraints, you may be able to purchase a pass at the reception desk directly for €50 (US$58).

The Turkish Airlines Business Lounge is a premium, multi-space lounge positioned on the mezzanine level above the main terminal concourse. It's exclusively for Business Class passengers on Star Alliance airlines.

Airside after security, opposite Gate E1.

• Hot and cold food, including live cooking stations serving plated Turkish dishes

• Alcoholic, soft and hot drinks, including a Turkish coffee station

• Private suite rooms (subject to availability and limited to Miles&Smiles Elite Plus members on Turkish Airlines long-haul flights over 8 hours with a layover in Istanbul between 4-9 hours)

• Showers (subject to availability - note that there can be long wait times during peak periods)

• Relaxation room

• Workspaces

• Luggage storage lockers

• Prayer rooms

• Kids play area

• Flying and golf simulators

• Meeting rooms (subject to availability)

• Museum

• Ironing service

• Roaming masseur

• Wi-Fi

• Restrooms

• Airline Class:

  • Business or First Class passengers on Turkish Airlines or other Star Alliance member airlines only.

    • Infant and child passengers aged 0-6 years who are traveling with family members may use the lounge free of charge if the accompanying adult has access.

The Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles Lounge has a similar layout to the Turkish Airlines Business Lounge, but with slightly fewer amenities. It's open to Star Alliance Gold members flying Economy on Star Alliance airlines.

Airside after security, opposite Gate C1.

• Hot and cold food, including live cooking stations serving plated Turkish dishes

• Alcoholic, soft and hot drinks, including a Turkish coffee station

• Private suite rooms (subject to availability and limited to passengers on Turkish Airlines long-haul flights over 8 hours with a layover in Istanbul between 4-9 hours)

• Showers (subject to availability)

• Relaxation room

• Workspaces

• Luggage storage lockers

• Prayer rooms

• Kids play area

• Meeting rooms

• Cinema

• Roaming masseur

• Wi-Fi

• Restrooms

• Airline Status:

  • Star Alliance Gold members flying on Turkish Airlines or other Star Alliance member airlines, including Elite and Elite Plus members of Turkish Airlines' loyalty program, regardless of class of travel. One guest traveling on the same flight is allowed.

    • Infant and child passengers aged 0-6 years who are traveling with family members may use the lounge free of charge if the accompanying adult has access.

    • Miles&Smiles members with status have additional family guest privileges, which includes a spouse and children under the age of 25.

• Membership:

  • Passengers with a Miles&Smiles Elite Corporate Card can access this lounge with one guest.

YOTELAIR, which also operates the airside transit hotel in the international terminal, offers a small lounge for its hotel guests. Even if you're not staying at this hotel, you can purchase one-time access to this space for up to 4 hours.

The Revolve Lounge by YOTELAIR is a modern space with comfortable lounge chairs, a small buffet and a bar. However, passes for this lounge only include one glass of beer or wine, with additional drinks and à la carte menu items available for an extra charge. There is also an additional charge to use the showers. For the full lounge experience, we'd generally suggest using the IGA International Lounge instead.

Airside after security, on the 2nd floor of the duty-free area of the International Terminal, near the LEGO store. Located within the YOTELAIR hotel.

• Buffet with hot and cold snacks

• Alcoholic, soft and hot drinks (additional charges apply for most alcoholic beverages)

• Showers (subject to availability and an additional charge of €20/US$23 applies)

• Restrooms

• Private call booth

• Flexible Day Pass:

• Other Online Advance Purchase Methods:

  • The Revolve Lounge sells access online for €65 (US$75) for 4 hours, or €125 (US$144) for 8 hours. With this access option, you must pre-book for a specific date and time.

  • YOTELAIR transit hotel guests can add lounge access to their booking for €45 (US$52), in addition to the cost of the hotel room.

• Memberships:

  • A Dreamfolks membership will get you 4 hours of access to this lounge.

If you just want to nap for a couple of hours during your layover at Istanbul Airport, and don't need all the frills of a lounge, iGA Sleepod could be a good alternative. Each private pod comes with a flat sleeping surface, power, USB charging, and space for your belongings.

The sleeping pods inside the International Terminal can be rented by the hour, with a blanket and pillow also available for an extra €5 (US$6). This extra charge for bedding is payable directly at the lounge, regardless of your access method. Usage is subject to availability.

Airside after security, near the D Gates.

• Flexible 2-Hour Pass:

• Other Online Advance Purchase Methods:

  • Dragonpass Go sells 2 hours of access for US$55.

  • iGA Pass sells prepaid access to this lounge on an hourly basis, with prices depending on the time of day:

    • €17.50 (US$21) per hour between 7am-7pm

    • €25 (US$29) per hour between 7pm-11pm and 3am-7am

    • €30 (US$35) per hour between 11pm-3am

Buying Sleepod access online through iGA Pass is more expensive than buying through LoungePair, on an hourly basis. However, when doing this you'll reserve a specific cabin at a specific time, and can purchase the exact number of hours you want to book in a single transaction (starting from 1 hour).

• Memberships:

  • A Dragonpass, Dreamfolks, LoungeKey or Priority Pass membership will get you 2 hours of Sleepod usage.

• Cardholders:

  • Access is available with cards offering Dragonpass and LoungeKey visits, including Mastercard Travel Pass cards linked to LoungeKey.

• Walk Up Access:

  • You can purchase Sleepod access directly at the reception desk on an hourly basis, subject to availability, for the same price as buying access through iGA Pass.

Turkish Airlines recently renovated its lounge space in the Domestic Terminal at Istanbul Airport. It now operates a new lounge complex in this terminal, split into a Business and a Miles&Smiles section with different access requirements.

An iGA Lounge is also available in the Domestic Terminal, with a wider range of access options.

Airside after security, near Gate 11.

• Open buffet

• Alcoholic, soft and hot drinks

• Complimentary massages (available from 8am-5pm on Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun)

• Work station

• Shoe shine machine

• Wi-Fi

• Buggy transfers to the departure gate (on request and subject to availability)

• Flexible Day Pass:

• Other Online Advance Purchase Methods:

  • Dragonpass Go sells 2 hours of access to this lounge for US$55.

  • iGA Pass sells 6 hours of access to this lounge for TRY2,800 (US$61) including VAT, with a 35% discount available for seniors citizens aged 65 or above, and a 50% discount for children aged 7-12. Children 6 and under are free with a paying adult.

  • iGA Daily Pass holders and passengers using the iGA Meet and Greet Service get access to this lounge.

  • Lounge Pass sells 2 hours of access to this lounge for US$32. You must pre-book a non-refundable pass for a specific date and time.

• Memberships:

  • A Dragonpass, Dreamfolks, HighPass, LoungeKey, LoungeMe or Priority Pass membership will get you entry into this lounge. Note that entry through most of these programs is for a maximum of 2 hours.

  • iGA Pass Card holders (Plus, Extra, and Premium)

  • Complimentary guest entitlements will depend on how you have obtained your membership with any of these programs.

• Cardholders:

  • Access is available with cards offering Dragonpass, LoungeKey and Priority Pass visits, including Mastercard Travel Pass cards linked to LoungeKey.

• Walk Up Access:

  • Subject to capacity constraints, you may be able to purchase a pass at the reception desk directly for TRY2,800 (US$61).

Airside, opposite Gates G6 and G7.

If you're starting your journey in Istanbul, you can access this lounge directly from the check-in area through a dedicated security checkpoint to the right of the Turkish Airlines domestic check-in desks.

• Buffet with warm sandwiches, soups, and cold food

• Hot and cold drinks

• Showers (subject to availability)

• Kids play area

• Outdoor terrace

• Meeting room

• Restrooms

• Wi-Fi

This YouTube video shows what the new Turkish Airlines Domestic Business Lounge in Istanbul looks like:

• Airline Class/Status:

  • Business Class passengers on Turkish Airlines domestic flights (no guest allowed)

  • Miles&Smiles Elite Plus passengers on Turkish Airlines domestic flights, regardless of cabin. One guest allowed, or family guest privileges which includes a spouse and children under the age of 25.

This lounge is very similar to the neighbouring Turkish Airlines Business Lounge, but is more accessible.

Airside, opposite Gates G6 and G7. Or, enter through a dedicated security checkpoint to the right of the Turkish Airlines domestic check-in area.

• Buffet with warm sandwiches, soups, and cold food

• Hot and cold drinks

• Showers (subject to availability)

• Kids play area

• Meeting room

• Restrooms

• Wi-Fi

• Airline Status:

  • Miles&Smiles Elite and Classic Plus members flying Turkish Airlines (no guest allowed for Classic Plus members)

  • Star Alliance Gold members flying Turkish Airlines

• Membership:

  • Turkish Airlines passengers with a Miles&Smiles Elite Corporate Card can access this lounge with one guest.

• Cardholders:

  • Miles&Smiles U.S. Credit Card holders

• Online Advance Purchase:

  • Turkish Airlines sometimes offers up to 4 hours of paid access to this lounge to passengers departing Istanbul Airport on one of its domestic flights. If this option is available, you might find it when managing your booking on the Turkish Airlines website.

Istanbul Airport (IST) offers numerous lounges with a diverse range of options to suit every traveler's needs and preferences.

From the luxurious Turkish Airlines lounges catering to premium passengers and Star Alliance members, to the accessible iGA Lounges open to all travelers, there's a space for everyone to relax, work, or refresh before their flight.

Lounge amenities like shower facilities, gourmet dining, sleep suites, and play areas can really help to make your journey through one of the world's busiest airports as smooth and enjoyable as possible.