Hi
I am thinking of travelling to Izmit in the next few days. I presume I would need a flight to Istanbul (but which airport) and then maybe a bus? Does anyone know how long it would take from the airport?

Also, does anyone know how big Izmit is. I see from the internet that there are only about 4 hotels but I also know it is not a tourist area. I have searched on the internet for information but it doesn't give much.

I have a friend there who is going through a really hard time and I was just going to fly out and then make contact when I arrive. Would this be realistic?

Any advice would be very welcome

izmit is not a touristic city. it is an industrial city.the centre of the city is not so big.u can fly to sabiha gokcen airport.u can go to izmit by bus or train.both of the ways take maximum an hour to izmit.i suggest you going to pendik. Pendik will be the closest and easiest point for you.Pendik is a province of istanbul.u can both find trains and buses from pendik.it is so easy.going with train to izmit is easy.coz when u go to pendik u will easily find the train station.it takes 40 minutes with train. there are only 3 and 2 stars hotel in izmit.here is the link for the hotels:http://www.icemtour.com/trk/izmit_otelleri_sehir_turlari_araba_kiralama_ucak_biletleri_rehberi.asp
and
http://www.icemtour.com/trk/asya_otel_izmit.html

if u want more information u can pm me.by for now.

Thank you navyman for the information. This is very helpful to me.