Travel and Accommodation
Travel
From Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Distance to Surmeli Hotel Istanbul (the conference venue) is 20 kilometres.
1. AIRPORT SHUTTLE SERVICE - HAVAS
Departure times:
From the Airport to Taksim Square:
| 04:00 | 08:00 | 10:30 | 12:30 | 14:30 | 16:30 | 18:30 | 20:30 | 22:30 | 00:30 |
| 04:30 | 08:30 | 10:45 | 12:45 | 14:45 | 16:45 | 18:45 | 20:45 | 22:45 | 00:45 |
| 05:00 | 09:00 | 11:00 | 13:00 | 15:00 | 17:00 | 19:00 | 21:00 | 23:00 | 01:00 |
| 05:30 | 09:15 | 11:15 | 13:15 | 15:15 | 17:15 | 19:15 | 21:15 | 23:15 | |
| 06:00 | 09:30 | 11:30 | 13:30 | 15:30 | 17:30 | 19:30 | 21:30 | 23:30 | |
| 06:30 | 09:45 | 11:45 | 13:45 | 15:45 | 17:45 | 19:45 | 21:45 | 23:45 | |
| 07:00 | 10:00 | 12:00 | 14:00 | 16:00 | 18:00 | 20:00 | 22:00 | 00:00 | |
| 07:30 | 10:15 | 12:15 | 14:15 | 16:15 | 18:15 | 20:15 | 22:15 | 00:15 |
From Taksim Square to Airport:
| 04:00 | 08:00 | 12:00 | 16:00 | 20:00 | 00:00 |
| 04:30 | 08:30 | 12:30 | 16:30 | 20:30 | 00:30 |
| 05:00 | 09:00 | 13:00 | 17:00 | 21:00 | 01:00 |
| 05:30 | 09:30 | 13:30 | 17:30 | 21:30 | |
| 06:00 | 10:00 | 14:00 | 18:00 | 22:00 | |
| 06:30 | 10:30 | 14:30 | 18:30 | 22:30 | |
| 07:00 | 11:00 | 15:00 | 19:00 | 23:00 | |
| 07:30 | 11:30 | 15:30 | 19:30 | 23:30 |
Route: Ataturk Airport, Bakirkoy Sea Bus Pier, Coast Road, Aksaray, Tepebasi, Taksim.
Passenger Dropping Spots:
Respectively the dropping spots are Bakırköy Sea Bus Pier, Aksaray and Tepebasi, on the way of Taksim, from the Airport.
City Departure Spots: Taksim, The “Buyuksehir Arts Gallery” ( 20 meters away from THY office )
Arrival time: Approximately 40 minutes.
Ticket fee: 10 TL ~ 5 EUR
Note: Between 24.00 and 06.00 a.m., ticket fees are increased by 25%.
Note: *** From the last stop of the airport shuttle bus there are two options to get to Surmeli Hotel (~ approx 4 kilometres):
1. Taxi directly to Surmeli Hotel - Gayrettepe (approximately 15 TL ~ 8 EUR)
2. Underground metro (getting off at Esentepe station and walk about 200 m - 5 minutes to Surmeli Hotel, token for one direction 1.40 TL ~ 0.7 EUR)
2. TAXI
Taxis in Istanbul are yellow in color. Available 24 hours.
Route: From Ataturk Airport directly to Surmeli Hotel; conference venue.
Arrival Time: Approximately 30-40 minutes.
Fee: Approximately 65 TL ~ 33EUR
Note: Between 24.00 and 06.00 am, fees are increased by 50%.
3. METRO
Both airport terminals are connected to the metro system, which runs to the city centre. Single tickets cost about 1 TRY. Journey time is about 30 minutes.
4. BUS No. 96
Bus number 96 runs between the airport and the city centre.
GETTING AROUND
Istanbul's extensive public transport system includes buses, metros, trains, trams, sea buses, and ferries. Tickets can be purchased from main stops, stations, or kiosks prior to boarding. Istanbul's yellow taxis are reasonably priced, but travellers should ensure the meter is used. A cheaper alternative is to use a 'dolmus' (minibus or shared taxi). Driving is not advised for visitors.
GENERAL INFORMATION ON TIPPING AND CURRENCY
Tipping is about 15%.
You tip the service in restaurants, and for the taxi. You either tip the driver 15% or you may round the fee you have to pay (i.e. paying 20 for 17.80).
By 2009 the traditional money "Turkish Lira; TL", which has not been used for three years, will be in use again. Two types of money therefore will be in circulation, but there is no difference between the amounts, just the writing on the banknotes and coins will either be "TL and KURUS" or "YTL and Yeni Kurus".
Accommodation
Conference venue - SURMELI HOTEL ISTANBUL
**NOW FULL BOOKED - NO LONGER AVAILABLE**
The Hotel Surmeli is the venue for the Air Quality 2009 Conference but is now fully booked.
see more information about the Hotel Surmeli.
THE MARMARA ŞIŞLI, a Luxurious Hotel in Istanbul
The Marmara Şişli comprising 107 rooms and located in Mecidiyeköy where the heart of business beats, is designed specifically to meet the demands and needs of businessmen. The location of the hotel represents a unique choice for personal trips as well. The Marmara Şişli is only 2 pedestrian minutes away from business centers, arts, shopping and active life. The hotel which was designed with a unique architectural style comprises 107 rooms. The hotel which provides a panoramic view of Istanbul reflects 1950’s style with modern details. Other services provided to the guests of the hotel include a fitness room, meeting halls, banquet halls, 24 hours room service and a free Wi-Fi service for the convenience of our businessmen guests.
The Marmara Şişli is about 400 m approximately 7 minutes at most far from the conference on foot. It is just 2 minutes away from the underground metro, main shopping district and mall.
Special rates for AQ2009:
• Square Single: 80 EUR
• Wagoon Single: 70 EUR
• Square Double: 90 EUR
• Wagoon Double: 80 EUR
(VAT and breakfast included, free wireless)
HOTEL WEB SITE: www.themarmarahotels.com/The-Marmara-Sisli/index.asp
The person in charge of the reservations is Ms. HANZADE SEN (mireservation@themarmarahotels.com, hsen@themarmarahotels.com)
Other Hotels:
see more information about other hotels.