Medical Tourism · Travel & Accommodation
Planning your stay in Istanbul
From landing at Istanbul Airport to choosing recovery-friendly accommodation near the clinic, here's what to plan for before you travel.
Book a ConsultationArriving at Istanbul Airport (IST)
Istanbul Airport (IATA: IST) is the main international gateway, roughly 40–60 minutes by car from the clinic in Nişantaşı/Şişli, depending on traffic. Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) on the Anatolian side is a secondary option with a longer transfer time.
Getting to your hotel
Private transfer, pre-arranged with the clinic, is the most comfortable option — especially for post-op arrivals or departures. Licensed airport taxis and ride-hailing apps (BiTaksi) are reliable alternatives.
Where to stay
Hotels and serviced apartments in Nişantaşı/Şişli are recommended for their proximity to the clinic, elevator access, and walkability — all important during the first days of recovery when minimizing movement matters.
Transfer options at a glance
| Option | Comfort level | Best for | Approx. cost tier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private transfer (clinic-arranged) | Highest | Post-op travel days, first arrival | [PLACEHOLDER] |
| Licensed airport taxi | High | Pre-op arrival, flexible timing | [PLACEHOLDER] |
| Ride-hailing app (BiTaksi) | Moderate | Short local trips once mobile | [PLACEHOLDER] |
| Metro + connections | Basic | Companions/visitors, not recommended immediately post-op | [PLACEHOLDER] |
How long should you plan to stay?
Recommended stay length depends on your procedure, since your surgeon needs to confirm you are travel-ready before your return flight, particularly for long-haul trips.
| Procedure | Minimum recommended nights | Follow-up visit timing | Flight-clearance guidance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rhinoplasty | 7–10 nights | Around day 5–7 | Surgeon clearance required before any flight, long-haul or short-haul |
| Deep Plane Facelift | 10–14 nights | Around day 7–10 | Swelling/bruising should be sufficiently resolved before flying |
| Eyelid Surgery | 7–10 nights | Around day 5–7 | Surgeon confirms eye comfort and healing before flying |
| Facial Balance | 7–14 nights (scope-dependent) | Around day 5–10 | Set individually depending on procedures combined |
Choosing where to stay
Accommodation near Nişantaşı/Şişli falls broadly into three tiers. The clinic can share current partner or recommended options in each tier at consultation — the categories below are for orientation, not specific bookings.
Serviced apartment
More space and a kitchenette, useful for longer stays (e.g. facelift recovery) or patients traveling with a companion who wants flexibility around meals.
Boutique hotel
Smaller, personal-service properties within walking distance of the clinic — a popular balance of comfort and convenience for shorter stays.
Premium hotel
Full-service hotels with concierge and spa amenities, for patients who want extra support arranging transfers, dining, and daily needs.
Before-you-fly logistics checklist
2–4 weeks before
Confirm your surgery date, book flights, check passport validity (see Visa Information), and confirm accommodation.
1 week before
Share your flight itinerary with the clinic so airport transfer can be arranged, and confirm any pre-op instructions (medication, fasting, etc.).
Day of arrival
Keep the clinic's contact details accessible, have your accommodation address ready in Turkish for your driver, and rest before your first consultation.
Stay lengths are general guidance only — your surgeon confirms your individual travel-readiness timeline. See also Istanbul Guide and your country-specific page (e.g. From United Kingdom) for flight-specific advice.