Travel & practical information
How to reach the Istanbul Policy Center (Minerva Han, Karaköy), where to stay, and useful notes for your visit.
Arrival & transportation
Participants arrange their own travel to İstanbul. Two airports serve the city: Istanbul Airport (IST), with frequent long-haul flights, and Sabiha Gökçen (SAW), used mostly by low-cost carriers.
From Istanbul Airport (IST)
Take the M11 airport metro to Gayrettepe, then the M2 towards Taksim/Şişhane. Minerva Han is a 15-minute walk from Şişhane; the Tünel funicular runs during working hours.
The Havaist Taksim line (HVL-9) runs 24/7 every 30–60 minutes from the arrivals terminal (−2 floor); about 1 h 20 and 275 TL. From Beşiktaş the 46Ç bus reaches Karaköy in roughly 24 minutes.
From Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW)
Board the M4 at the airport to Ayrılık Çeşmesi, change to the Marmaray and leave at Sirkeci. Karaköy is a short walk or one stop on the T1 tram.
Havabus runs to Taksim in about 1.5 hours. From Taksim take the M2 to Şişhane; Minerva Han is within walking distance or via the Tünel funicular.
By taxi, from either airport
Use the airport’s official taxi rank rather than unofficial offers, and check the fare-estimate boards at the stand before setting off. The ride takes 45–90 minutes depending on airport and traffic.
İstanbulkart. If you plan to use public transport often, buy one from the vending machines on the −2 floor of either airport; it works across metro, tram, Marmaray, buses and funiculars.
Accommodation
We suggest staying near the Old City (Sultanahmet) or around Karaköy and Taksim — all offer straightforward access to the venue.
Practical notes
The T1 tram runs through the entire Old City and is the most reliable way to reach the venue from Sultanahmet.
Minerva Han is a short walk from Galataport and the Istanbul Modern museum, with restaurants and cafés overlooking the Bosphorus.