At Istanbul Airport (IST)

  • Left-luggage office: in the terminal, next to the domestic passenger exit, opposite exit 13 (arrivals floor).
  • 2026 prices (per 24 hours): small duty-free bag 210 TRY; cabin bag 270 TRY; large suitcase 550 TRY; XL item (bicycle, surfboard) 690 TRY; XXL 860 TRY. The 2025 prices still visible on some pages are out of date.
  • Lockers: near gates 1 and 6 on the departures level, and opposite exits 8 and 14 on the arrivals level, in the same sizes.
  • Opening hours: hours vary; check the airport website before a night layover.

In town

  • Sultanahmet: private storage in shops and partner hotels, roughly 1.5 to 5 euros per bag per day according to booking sites (October 2026).
  • Sirkeci (station and Marmaray): roughly 2 to 6 euros per bag per day according to the sites; handy before taking the Marmaray again. See Sirkeci station.
  • Your hotel: most keep bags after check-out. Ask whether it is free.

Platform prices are indicative: service fees and insurance are sometimes added at booking.

A layover of a few hours: how to organise

  1. Leave the suitcases at the airport, then reach Sultanahmet (see Istanbul airport to the centre).
  2. Visit Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque on foot.
  3. Come back with a margin of at least 3 hours before the flight.

Layover tours with private transfer are offered, with a driver for the journeys and a walking visit of the old city. According to the listings, an e-visa may be needed to leave the airport: see visa and entry to Turkey and layover in Istanbul.

Tips

  • Do not leave your passport, cash or medicines in stored luggage.
  • Take a photo of your bag and keep the receipt.
  • If your flight is very early, sleeping near the airport is simpler: see hotels near Istanbul airport.
  • To get around with little luggage, see the Istanbulkart.