Istanbul Airport (IST) prices are higher than many other major European airports, particularly for food and beverages. Recent studies and reports highlight the significant cost differences:
Food and Beverage Costs
According to a 2025 study by Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, Istanbul Airport tops the list as the most expensive airport in Europe for food and drinks[2]. Some notable price points include:
- A half-liter bottle of Evian water costs €6 ($6.19) at Istanbul Airport, compared to €5.9 in Berlin and €4.75 in Frankfurt[2].
- An espresso costs around €6, while a cappuccino reaches €9 on average[2].
- Basic snacks like a croissant or a ham-and-cheese sandwich are priced at approximately €16.5 each[2].
Comparison with Other Airports
The price disparity becomes even more apparent when comparing Istanbul Airport to other European airports:
- Fresh orange juice, available for as low as €3.1 in Palermo, can reach €8 at Istanbul Airport[2].
- Some travelers have reported paying over €20 for a croissant, €6 for water, and €15 for a small bottle of beer at Istanbul Airport[7].
Airport Response
Istanbul Airport’s operator, IGA, has stated that their pricing policy aligns with international standards[2]. However, the airport’s prices consistently rank higher than those at other major European hubs.
Alternative Options
Interestingly, some airlines now offer cheaper alternatives on their flights:
- Half-liter water bottles cost €3 on Ryanair flights and €3.5 on easyJet[2].
- Coffee prices remain under €4 on both airlines[2].
While high prices at airports are not uncommon, Istanbul Airport stands out as particularly expensive. Travelers should be prepared for higher costs when visiting this airport and consider bringing their own snacks or purchasing items before entering the airport if possible.
Citations:
- Istanbul Airport vs Sabiha Gökçen Airport – Let’s Travel to Türkiye
- Istanbul Airport Tops Europe in Food and Beverage Costs – Türkiye Today
- Istanbul Airports Guide – KAYAK
- IST Istanbul Airport Prices Compared to Other Airports – Reddit
- Istanbul International Airport: Extortionate Prices – Tripadvisor
- Airport Prices: The Most Expensive Airports in Europe – AlpenAir Magazine
- Istanbul International Airport Prices Discussion – Tripadvisor
- Istanbul Airports Overview – KAYAK UK
- A Guide to Istanbul Airport – Business Traveller
- Istanbul Airport – Wikipedia
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