How to Get From SAW Airport to Istanbul City Center (2024)
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We’re back with another super handy transport guide for Istanbul!
If you’ve just booked flights to Istanbul (whoop!) and are now wondering how to get from SAW airport to Istanbul city center, then you’ve landed in the right place.
In this Sabiha Gokcen Airport to Istanbul city centre transport guide we will outline all the ways you can get to the centre of Istanbul, from using the metro line, convenient airport shuttle buses, private transfers, public buses and taxis.
This detailed guide includes transport options for every kind of visitor. So whether you’re travelling on a shoestring and prefer to use public transport or you’re a luxe traveller who values comfort and convenience, we’ve got a transport option that will work for you.
Looking for a transport guide from Istanbul Airport instead? Check out our complete guide on How to Get from Istanbul Airport to City Centre.
Planning a last minute trip to Istanbul? Let us help!
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Why Should You Listen to Us?
We’re local Istanbulites: we have lived in Istanbul for the last four years and prior to becoming residents, we visited Istanbul four times. As a result we’ve made tons of trips to and from SAW Airport over the years and can honestly say that we have used every single method of transport that we’ve included on this list.
So what does this mean for you? Firstly, we can give you accurate advice on the best way to get from SAW Airport to Istanbul city centre depending on the amount of luggage you have, the number of people in your group and your travel budget.
Secondly, because we actually live in Istanbul we can always update this article and let you know if anything changes or if there are newer or faster ways to get to the airport.
Thirdly, I am a transport geek and I love using public transport (particularly trains) to get around. That’s why our articles on transport are always so well researched!
🛫 How to Get From SAW Airport to Istanbul City Center
Where is Istanbul City Center?
Istanbul is a megalopolis (try saying that three times very fast when drunk). Basically, it is a humongous, sprawling city, home to 16 million people.
Given its size, you might be wondering what we mean when we say “Istanbul city centre”. In this article we are referring to Taksim and Sultanahmet - the main areas of Istanbul where tourists tend to stay.
We’ve also given additional information if you are staying in other central areas such Karaköy, Galata or on the Asian side of the city in Kadıköy.
Istanbul SAW Airport Location
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) is located on the Asian side of Istanbul in Pendik, 48 km from the city centre.
Opened in 2001, Istanbul SAW Airport is named after Sabiha Gökçen, the world’s first female fighter pilot and one of nine children adopted by modern Turkey’s founding father, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Since its opening, it has served as the main hub for Turkey’s low-cost airlines, Pegasus Airlines and Anadolu Jet, and serves both domestic and international routes.
SAW airport is no ordinary airport - it’s won numerous accolades including being selected as the World’s Best Airport at the World Low-Cost Airlines Congress in 2010 and Airport of the Year in the 2019 Center of Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA) Awards for Excellence.
As the second busiest Istanbul airport Sabiha Gokcen received a whopping 37 million passengers in 2023! A second runway opened in December 2023, increasing the capacity of SAW Airport even further.
At first glance SAW Airport seems quite far away from the centre of Istanbul however, it is very well connected by public transport including the M4 Metro line, numerous airport shuttle services and local buses plus taxis and private airport transfers.
💡 Top tip: In this article we outline a few ways of getting to the centre of Istanbul using public transport. In order to do this you will need to buy an Istanbulkart at SAW airport - this is a transportation card that can be used on buses, trains, metro, trams and ferries. We’ve explained exactly how you do this in the sections of this article about using the metro and public buses.
🚇 Sabiha Gökçen Metro - The Cheapest Way Of Getting From Istanbul SAW Airport To City Centre
Suitable for: budget travellers, those travelling light, groups/families, travellers who aren’t in a hurry
I am a self-confessed transport geek and love travelling on public transport in foreign countries - I honestly get a little buzz when I’ve figured out an unfamiliar metro system or bus route (after writing this it sounds a little weird, so I think maybe it’s just me).
Istanbul’s metro system is simply fabulous - it’s the cheapest and most efficient way of exploring the city. And since October 2022, you can now use the metro to get to and from SAW airport!
The M4 line connects the SAW Istanbul airport metro station to the neighbourhood of Kadıköy on the Asian side of Istanbul. There is a train every 5-6 minutes: the journey has 23 stops (including the station you start from). To get to Kadiköy the journey takes around 52 minutes.
A carriage on the M4 metro line to Sabiha Gökçen Airport
You can transfer to other methods of public transport (e.g. the Marmaray train line from the Ayrılık Çeşmesi station and to ferries, buses and trams from Kadiköy station) to get to other areas of Istanbul. Destinations like Taksim and Sultanahmet can take up to 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours to travel to.
Using the SAW Airport metro means that you can completely avoid Istanbul’s notorious traffic which is especially bad during rush hour ( from 07:00 - 10:00 and 17:00 - 19:00 on weekdays). And whilst this isn’t the fastest way to get to the centre of Istanbul, it is definitely the cheapest, making it a great option for budget travellers. You can download an Istanbul Rail Systems map here.
How to Get From Sabiha Gokcen Airport Arrivals to the SAW Airport Metro Station (M4 Line)
The M4 SAW Airport metro station is connected to the airport via a series of escalators, travelators (moving walkways) and a long pedestrian corridor.
Getting to the metro station from SAW Airport arrivals is super easy: when you exit international or domestic arrivals, turn left and follow the signs for the metro.
You’ll know you are going in the right direction because you will pass a McDonald’s and a currency exchange on your right hand side along the way. Also look out for the red and blue ‘M’ stickers on the floor that show you which way to walk for the metro.
This is what you’ll see as you walk towards the escalators for the metro.
Follow the blue arrows for the metro - a bit like following the Yellow Brick Road but less exciting.
You’ll then get to the escalators that will lead you to a corridor that joins the airport to the metro station.
When you get off the escalator you will see sliding glass doors up ahead - walk through the doors furthest to the right (you’ll see that the doors in the centre and on the left are used by people going through security checks to enter the airport).
Vincent admiring some excellent airport metro signage.
Everything is clearly marked - keep following the signs that say “Metroya Gidiş” (access to the metro).
Keep walking and you will get to a long corridor that connects to the metro station. You will have to walk a short distance with your luggage until you get to the travelator.
Once you’re on the travelator you will see a digital screen that shows you the departure times of the next few trains on the M4 line.
As Sabiha Gökçen Airport is the first station on the line, you’ll see that all the trains go to Kadıköy.
After two travelators you have to walk with your luggage down another corridor - this is worth keeping in mind if you are travelling with a lot of luggage. It isn’t a long walk but if you are weighed down with lots of stuff, I am sure it could feel long! There are signs for the metro all along the way.
You will pass several ATM machines on your right hand side - if you need to withdraw Turkish lira you can do that here.
💡 Top Tip: Most ATM machines in Turkey charge for cash withdrawals, some with surprisingly hefty fees (which you sometimes only discover later!)
The only ATMs we’ve found that don’t charge fees when we withdraw using our UK credit card are from ING bank, but they aren’t very common. After getting stung a couple of times we decided to get an International Wise Debit Card and a Multi Currency Account.
With a Wise card you get free or low cash withdrawal fees when you travel, the best exchange rate and no sneaky transaction fees. Click here to check out the Wise Debit Card.
Keep following the signs for the metro!
The entrance to the metro is just up ahead. Just next to the ATMs is the entrance to some toilets - you can see the signs for ‘Tuvaleter’ in this photo.
You can get money out here if you don’t have any cash in Turkish Lira.
Buy Your Istanbulkart (Contactless Public Transportation Card) at the SAW Metro Station
A little further down the corridor and opposite the entrance turnstiles for the metro are the blue Istanbulkart vending machines.
We’d recommend buying an Istanbulkart (a prepaid, contactless transport card) to use the metro and all other methods of public transport (ferry, trams, metro bus, municipal buses) in Istanbul.
You can also use an Istanbulkart to pay for drinks from vending machines, at some stores and in public bathrooms!
The Istanbulkart machines at Sabiha Gökçen Airport.
One Istanbulkart can be used for up to 5 people - this is useful if you are travelling in a large group or with family. You just need to nominate one person to keep hold of the cards and swipe everyone through!
An Istanbulkart does not expire - you can keep it and use it for future trips.
All public transport in Istanbul requires an Istanbulkart (or a contactless credit/debit card but see note below) - you cannot use cash. So it’s important that you buy your Istanbulkart as early as possible when you arrive in Istanbul. (Unless you are dripping in those dollar dollar bills and want to use taxis or Uber everywhere of course.)
ℹ️ Istanbul recently introduced contactless debit/credit card payments for the metro, buses, trams, ferries and Metrobuses.
However when using a credit/debit card you will be charged double the standard fare for using the metro, bus, ferry and tram and triple the price for using the Metrobus.
Contactless card payments are not yet available on the Marmaray line so you still need an Istanbulkart. Taking all of this into account we would still recommend buying an Istanbulkart!
Vincent checking his Istanbulkart balance on a machine at SAW Airport.
There are seven transport card vending machines in SAW metro station: five sell Istanbulkarts (these machines are large and bright blue) and two sell the Istanbul City Card (these machines are smaller and yellow). These two cards are totally different!
ℹ️ The Istanbul City Card is a public transport card that gives you unlimited access to public transport in Istanbul for a set number of days that you choose. It can only be used by one person. Once it expires it cannot be topped up again and becomes a souvenir.
In our opinion, this works out more expensive than the regular Istanbulkart: for instance, a 1-day unlimited Istanbul City Card is currently 345TL whilst one trip on an Istanbulkart is only 17.70TL (this excludes using the Marmaray line and Metrobuses which cost slightly more).
At the time of writing, all five Istanbulkart machines accept credit or debit cards (using contactless or pin) and cash. The Istanbul City Card machines accepts credit/debit cards only. If it’s busy you will find long queues for these machines so you will have to wait.
Buying an Istanbulkart from the machines is easy. Onscreen instructions are available in English and numerous other languages.
The card that you need to buy is the red coloured Istanbulkart also known as an ‘anonymous’ Istanbulkart.
An Istanbulkart currently costs 70TL (£1.70/$2.20). Once you have bought your card, use the same machine to top it up.
If you are travelling to Taksim, Sultanahmet, Galata or Karaköy, we’d recommend topping up at least 100TL per person to be on the safe side. For Kadiköy, topping up by 30TL will be sufficient as you are only making one trip.
You can also purchase an Istanbulkart pre-loaded with 5,10 or 20 rides in advance and pick it up from the airport. Click here to book this pre-charged travel card
📝 I’ve recently been informed that there are some new restrictions related to the ‘anonymous’ red Istanbulkarts that are available for tourists to buy.
There is now a top up limit of 500TL per month. If more than one person is travelling on the same card, you can reach the top up limit quite quickly.
Discounts for transfers on the card (e.g. if you use the metro, then jump on a tram or bus or change lines) are now only available for Turkish citizens and residents using registered cards. Therefore the full fare is charged each time you tap your card (this is currently 17.70TL for regular metro, buses, ferries and trams) and slightly more for the metrobus (around 26.25TL) and the Marmaray line (39.16TL)
Refunds on the Marmaray line and Metrobuses are not available for anonymous cards. (Basically if you don’t ride the whole length of a journey, you can receive a refund directly onto your card at the station you get off at, so you are only charged for the number of stops you travelled).
SAW Airport to Taksim Square by Metro and Marmaray Line
From SAW Airport metro station take the M4 line (bright pink on the metro map) 21 stops to Ayrılık Çeşmesi station.
SAW metro station is the first stop on the line going in this direction. The trains are empty when you get on and we’d recommend trying to get a seat if you can as otherwise it’s a long time to stand.
You can reach the platform at the airport metro station via the escalators or take the lifts that are just behind the entrance turnstiles.
Entrance turnstiles at Sabiha Gökçen Airport. The lifts down to the platform are just behind the metal detectors. The escalators are to the right.
Waiting on the platform for the M4 line train from the airport.
It’s a lot of stops so take a good book, download your favourite podcast or choons to pass the time.
At Ayrılık Çeşmesi you will need to change to the Marmaray Line aka the B1 line (grey on the metro map). When you get down from the metro you will see signs for the exits 1, 2, and 3 (Çıkış 1, 2, 3 in Turkish). You might also see signs directing you towards the Marmaray line: it will read Halkalı-Gebze (Marmaray).
There are exits at either side of the platform and in the middle. There should also be a lift - look for signs saying "Asansör" in Turkish.
❗ Important: the M4 metro line and the Marmaray Line operate from the same station. You do not need to leave the station to change between lines.
The Marmaray Line is basically in the same direction as these exits. If you are using the escalators, just follow these signs and the stream of people leaving the train.
You might get off the train and see this…
…you might also see this.
Once you get to the top of the escalators, you will walk down a corridor to get to another escalator that will lead you to the exit turnstiles for the M4 metro.
Again, everyone who got down from the train with you will be walking the same way so follow them - you know you are going the right way because you will pass more signs that show the exits and arrows pointing towards the Marmaray line.
The signs might look slightly different depending on the exit you used to leave the platform but rest assured - you will end up in the same place.
Keep on walking!
Keep looking out for the signs!
Pass through the exit turnstiles, and you will find the entrance to the turnstiles for the Marmaray line. The walk to the entrance turnstiles of the Marmaray line basically only takes about 30 seconds!
The entrance to the Marmaray Line is clearly signposted with signs hanging from the ceiling with arrows pointing towards the entrance to the turnstiles for the line. It’s also marked on the walls. You can’t miss it!
Depending on the exit you use, you might arrive at the exit turnstiles for the M4 metro line and see this. The Marmaray line is clearly signposted here.
If you arrive at the exit turnstiles on the opposite side, you just need to turn left to get to the entrance of the Marmaray line.
You can enter the Marmaray line from either side of the station.
Go through the turnstiles and take the stairs or the escalator up to the platform. There is also a lift that takes you up to the platform.
You will see signs that show you which side of the platform you need to stand on depending on where you are travelling to. To travel to Taksim, you need to take the Marmaray line train heading towards Halkalı.
(Sometimes the train that comes will say ‘Ataköy’ on the front - you can also get this train because it is still heading in the direction that you need to go. It just doesn’t go as far as Halkalı and this doesn’t matter anyway as you are getting off after a few stops).
Take the Marmaray Line train in the direction of Halkalı and ride three stops, getting down at Yenikapı Marmaray station.
At Yenikapı Marmaray station follow the exit signs that are closest to you. All the exits lead away from the platform to the same place so it doesn’t matter which one you take. You’ll also find a lift at this level that takes you up to the exit turnstiles for the Marmaray line.
Again, follow the other passengers (there are usually many!). There are two escalators going up here as this route is very busy.
The escalators and stairs will lead you up to the concourse area for the Yenikapı Marmaray line station. Get off the escalator and exit through the turnstiles.
The concourse at the Yenıkapi Marmaray line station.
Exit signs on the concourse of Yenikapı Marmaray station.
💡 Tip: If you are a Turkish citizen/resident and have a registered Istanbulkart, you can receive a refund on your journey from the refund machines that are just after the exit turnstiles on this floor. Just tap your card on the machine until it beeps.
The refund machines at the Yenikapı. Marmaray line station.
Once you exit, head towards the entrance to the metro lines. You will see signs hanging down from the ceiling showing the different metro lines from Yenikapı station: the M1a, M1b and the M2 Metro line. You need the M2 Yenikapı-Hacıosman metro line (green on the metro map).
The turnstiles to enter the M2 line are clearly signposted. Depending on where you exited the Marmaray line, you might find the entrance to the M2 turnstiles straight ahead of you or to the left of you.
Again, it doesn’t matter - it all leads to the same place! Enter through the turnstiles and take the escalators to go down to the platform. Just before the escalators you will see a screen showing the times of the next M2 line trains leaving from Yenikapı.
Follow the signs for the M2 line. The turnstiles for the M2 line are just beyond this sign.
Some of the turnstiles for the M2 metro line.
You can see how long you have to wait for the next train before you take the escalator down to the platform to catch the train.
At the bottom of the escalators walk to the platform on the right hand side and wait for the train. Yenikapı is the first stop on the M2 line going in this direction - all the trains are heading towards Hacıosman so you don’t need to worry about travelling the wrong way.
Ride four stops and get off at Taksim station.
The journey from Sabiha Gokcen Airport to Taksim takes around 1 hour 45 minutes, which includes transfer times between the M4, Marmaray and M2 lines.
SAW Airport to Sultanahmet by Metro, Marmaray Line and Tram
Follow the instructions above until you get to Ayrılık Çeşmesi station. From here take the Marmaray line towards Halkalı and ride two stops getting down at Sirkeci Marmaray station.
When you exit the Sirkeci Marmaray station, head to the Sirkeci T1 tram station which is basically opposite the Sirkeci Marmaray Station.
Hop on a T1 tram (the navy blue line on the metro map) heading in the direction of Bağcılar or Cevizlibağ. Ride two stops and get down at Sultanahmet.
The T1 tram
This journey should take around 1 hour 50 minutes including time to transfer between the different lines.
Hopefully you can see that getting from SAW airport to Blue Mosque by metro isn’t overly complicated!
SAW Airport to Galata by Metro
Follow the instructions for getting to Taksim by metro until you get to Yenikapı station. From Yenikapı take the M2 metro line three stops, getting down at Şişhane station.
From here you can either follow the exit signs for Istiklal Street - this will bring you out at the top of Galata near the end of Istiklal Street.
Or, follow the exit signs for Kasımpaşa; this brings you out onto a road that leads directly to the Galata Tower. Keep following the brown signs for Galata Tower and you will find yourself right in the centre of the Galata area, surrounded by cafes and facing the Galata Tower.
The journey from the Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport to Galata should take around 1 hour and 50 minutes including transfers.
SAW Airport to Karaköy by Metro
The best and fastest way to get to Karaköy is to follow the directions above for getting to Sultanahmet and get down at Sirkeci Marmaray Station.
Exit the station and walk across to the Sirkeci T1 Tram station. Jump on a T1 tram heading towards Kabataş and ride two stops, getting down at Karaköy.
Option 2
If you’re up for an adventure, you could also take the M4 line from the airport metro station all the way to the last stop Kadıköy.
At Kadıköy station follow the exit signs for Kadıköy İskelesi (Kadıköy ferry terminal). When you exit the station you will have to walk about 5 minutes to get to the ferry terminal - keep the water on your left and you will be going in the right direction. You can find the location of the ferry terminal marked on this map.
At Kadıköy ferry terminal you can take a ferry to Karaköy - the journey will take about 20 minutes. Two companies operate from here: Türyol and Şehir Hatları. The destination of the ferries is clearly displayed on the digital screens at the terminal.
We take the ferry even when it’s winter - don’t worry, you can also sit inside!
We’d recommend taking Şehir Hatları if it's your first time in Istanbul as you get down at Karaköy’s main ferry terminal and right in the heart of Karaköy. The Türyol ferries drop you off near the Galata bridge and close to a fish market which could be confusing, especially at night.
This route involves a short walk and the directions to the ferry port are not clearly marked on the road - use Google maps to make sure you are heading in the right direction. The ferry journey is beautiful though and a lovely introduction to Istanbul.
The ferry can be a super scenic ride.
Option 3:
Not a fan of boats? Then another option is to follow the instructions for getting to Galata and get down at Şişhane station. Follow the signs for the Tünel or the F2 Funicular Line (famous for being the world’s second-oldest underground). Signs for Istiklal Street also lead you in this direction, so keep an eye out for those.
This is a little bit of a walk but there are escalators and travelators along the route. There is also a lift that takes you up to ground level. When you exit the station you will find yourself at the bottom of Istiklal Street - Istanbul’s famous shopping street.
Walk across the tram lines to the Tünel/F2 station. This funicular line takes you directly to Karaköy (it only travels one stop). This route requires four transfers so is slower than our first and second suggestions.
The journey from SAW Airport to Karaköy should take around 1 hour and 50 minutes, including transfers.
The F2 Funicular line tram to Karaköy
SAW Airport to Kadikoy by Metro
If you’re staying on the Asian side of Istanbul in Kadıköy, you are in luck - using the metro to get here is super easy.
All you need to do is take the M4 line from SAW Airport metro station all the way to the final stop, which is Kadıköy. The journey takes around 1 hour and 9 minutes.
Pros of using the metro:
It’s cheap - at the time of writing it should cost you around 75TL (£1.80/$2.30) to get to Taksim, Sultanahmet, Galata and Karaköy by metro. Getting to Kadıköy costs just 17.70TL (£0.43/$0.55)!
It takes you directly to the city centre.
It allows you to avoid getting stuck in Istanbul’s horrible traffic jams - especially important if you arrive during rush hour.
The trains are frequent - the M4 line from the airport is every 5-6 minutes and connecting lines (Marmaray, M2 metro and T1 tram line etc.) are regular as well.
Cons of using the metro:
It’s slow - getting to the main tourist areas on the European side will take a minimum of 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Metro lines heading into the city centre can be super crowded during rush hour.
You have to make at least three transfers - from the M4 to the Marmaray Line and then to the M2 line, or to the T1 tram line.
Changing lines can be stressful if you have a lot of luggage.
The M4 metro line operates from 06.00 - midnight Monday-Thursday and Sunday. On Friday and Saturday there is a 24-hour service on this line. However some connecting services, e.g. the Marmaray line, do not operate 24 hours on Friday and Saturday.
SAW Airport Metro: Things to Know Before You Go
💷 Buy an Istanbulkart: In order to use the metro you will need to buy an Istanbulkart (city transportation card) at the airport.
🆙 Lift access: there are lifts in most metro stations and if you have mobility issues you should be able to completely avoid escalators and stairs. The lifts are usually well signposted - look for signs saying “asansör”.
Ⓜ️ New Istanbulkart rules: Keep in mind the recently introduced limitations on anonymous Istanbulkarts: a 500TL monthly top-up limit (if you reach this, then it’s worth buying a new card), no refunds on Metrobus or Marmaray lines and no discounts on transfers between lines.
🚍 Sabiha Gokcen Airport Istanbul to the City Centre by Havabus Airport Bus
Passengers boarding a Havabus to Taksim at SAW airport.
Suitable for: Budget travellers, travellers looking for a straightforward no-fuss journey from the airport to their hotel, those travelling light.
Havabus airport shuttle buses are an extremely easy and convenient way to get from SAW airport to city centre.
Havabus operates three routes from Sabiha Gökçen according to a set timetable. The bus routes are as follows:
Havabus Taksim (SG-2): Sabiha Gokcen Airport to Taksim Square
Havabus Kadıköy (SG-1): Sabiha Gokcen Airport to Kadıköy
Havabus Yenisahra: Sabiha Gokcen Airport to Yenisahra Metro Station
The buses that you are most likely to be taking are ones heading to Taksim or Kadıköy.
Havabus shuttles depart from SAW airport every 30 minutes, starting from 06:30 until 00:30. This is ideal if your flight arrives very late at night.
They make a few brief stops and drop you off in tourist hubs such as Taksim and Kadıköy. The buses are comfortable, air-conditioned and sometimes even have WiFi!
The Havabus airport shuttle was our main method of getting to SAW airport before the metro opened at the end of 2022. We still use Havabuses to get to or from the airport when the metro is closed.
Havaist buses leave from the transportation floor at Istanbul Airport.
To catch the Havabus shuttle, you need to exit the airport at arrivals. You could take the closest exit (door 9) after you come out of arrivals but we’d recommend turning right and walking a bit further down to door 13 instead.
This is because the bus station is better signposted here which is helpful when the airport is very busy and also when you exit you can basically see the Havabuses on the opposite side of the road, so it’s not confusing.
So: come out of arrivals, turn right and walk for about a minute. You’ll know you are going the right way because you will see Turkish (Turkcell and Turktelecom) and international (Vodafone) mobile network stores selling sim cards coming up on your left. On your right will be three blocks of ATMs.
💡 Top Tip: Buying SIM cards and data packages in Turkey is expensive and a bit of a hassle. And we would never recommend buying a SIM card at the airport because it’s basically a rip off. Do yourself a favour and purchase an eSIM instead - Airalo has affordable plans for Turkey with really generous data packages. Click here to check out Airalo eSIMs.
When you come out of arrivals, turn right and walk in the direction of the red arrow.
Near the Turkcell store you will see a sign pointing towards the exits for taxis, buses and the carpark. Here you can turn left and head towards one of the sliding doors - the one nearest to Burger King. There are three sets of sliding doors here but usually only one is open.
Once you exit the airport, you need to cross over three roads (usually very busy because one road is taxis queuing to pick people up and people pulling up in their cars as well).
You should be able to see the Havabuses even before you cross the road - they are parked right behind to the Simit Sarayi cafe on the right hand side.
The road you have to cross. You can just about see that the right hand sign directs you towards the buses - it was a super bright day when I took this photo so everything was in shadow!
Can you see the Havabuses?
The back end of a Havabus peeking out from behind the Simit Sarayi. You could always get a tasty simit as a snack before you jump on the bus!
After you have crossed the road, you should be able to see the Havabus ‘show bus’ - which is basically a bus that just has signs for Taksim and Kadıköy on it! You will also see a sign telling you to turn right for city centre shuttle buses with the Havabus logo on it.
The location for the Havabus stop is marked on this map.
You’ll see Havabus employees around the buses - just tell them which bus you need e.g. Taksim, and they will point you in the right direction.
You can pay for your bus ticket using cash or by Istanbulkart when you are on the bus. If you want to pay for your Havabus ticket by credit or debit card you have to buy your ticket from the Havabus ticket kiosk which is in the grey building next to the Simit Sarayı (it is opposite door 15). It is not possible to book Havabus tickets online.
Havabuses operate on a ‘first come, first serve’ basis and you will usually find a queue of people waiting to get on the bus. But don’t worry, if you miss one bus you only have to wait 30 minutes for the next one!
If you have a large suitcase or backpack you will need to put this in the bus’s luggage hold. The conductor will ask you where you are getting off and give you a ticket for your luggage.
The Havabus ticket kiosk is inside the white building.
Havabus Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Taksim, Galata and Karaköy
The Havabus to Taksim makes five stops (including the final stop of Taksim) and at the time of writing costs 121TL (£2.95/$3.76). You can find the Havabus timetable and current price for this route here.
The approximate journey time from Sabiha Gokcen Airport to Taksim is 1 hour and 30 minutes. However, this really depends on traffic! In our experience when there is light traffic you can easily get into the city centre within 45 minutes to one hour. Rush hour is a totally different story - everything grinds to a halt and the journey to Taksim has taken us a good two hours.
The bus will drop you off near the Point Hotel in Taksim - only 500 metres from Taksim Square.
You can also take this bus if you are staying in Galata or Karaköy.
For Galata:
Walk to Taksim metro station - the closest entrance to where you get off the Havabus is the Gezi Park entrance to the metro. You will need to cross over the busy main road in front of the Point Hotel, turn right and then cross another two roads to walk towards the park. These roads are very busy and drivers in Istanbul are impatient so be careful.
The entrance to the Taksim M2 metro line station is just after a bus stop - you can find the location marked on this map here (if you open this in Google Maps and then use Street View and turn the image to the left, you will see the bus stop and just behind the blue and red ‘M’ sign for the metro.)
From Taksim station take the M2 line going towards Yenikapı to Şişhane. Exit either at Istiklal Caddesi or Kaşımpaşa (see the instructions for taking the metro to Galata above).
For Karaköy:
From Taksim station take the F1 funicular line to Kabataş tram station (this is signposted - the funicular station is inside the same building as the metro). At Kabataş jump on the T1 tram heading towards Cevizlibağ or Bağcılar (all the trams will go in this direction as Kabataş is the first stop). Ride three stops and get down in Karaköy.
Efficient, comfortable and very reasonably priced, the Havabus Sabiha Gokcen Airport shuttle is an excellent option if you want an easy, straightforward journey.
Havabus SAW Airport Shuttle to Kadıköy
The Havabus to Kadiköy makes three stops (including Kadıköy) and takes around 1 hour, again depending on traffic. It can take up to 1 hour and 30 minutes if traffic is bad. Click here to find the Havabus timetable and current price for this route.
The trip currently costs 91TL (£2.23/$2.83). The Havabus will drop you off right near the Kadıköy ferry terminal and close to the bus stops for the IETT municipal buses.
From here it is super easy to jump on a ferry to the European side of Istanbul or a public bus to another destination. The centre of Kadıköy and the trendy area of Moda are also within easy walking distance.
If you’re staying on the Asian side, the bus from SAW Airport to Istanbul city centre is fast and convenient - a total no brainer!
Havabus Shuttle from SAW Airport Istanbul to Sultanahmet
If you’re wondering whether it is possible to use the Sabiha Gokcen Havabus to get to Sultanahmet - the answer is yes!
There are two ways that you can do this.
Option 1:
Take the Havabus to Taksim. From Taksim metro station take the F1 funicular line to Kabataş tram station. At Kabataş hop on a T1 tram heading towards Cevizlibağ or Bağcılar and ride seven stops, getting down at Sultanahmet.
Option 2:
You can take the Havabus to Kadıköy instead. When you get off the bus, walk to the Kadiköy ferry terminal (this will take about 3 minutes) and jump on a ferry to Eminönü. We’d recommend taking the Şehir Hatları ferries instead of the private Türyol ones.
When you get down at Eminönü ferry terminal, head towards the Eminönü T1 Tram station - this map shows you where it is. The ferry terminal is close to the tram line and it should take you less than 10 minutes to get between the two. If in doubt ask someone for directions to the tram.
At Eminönü T1 tram station take a T1 tram heading in the direction of Cevizlibağ or Bağcılar. Ride three stops and get down at Sultanahmet.
Pros of using Havabus:
Very convenient - it’s easy to catch a SAW Airport bus from just outside the arrivals hall.
It's frequent - buses leave every 30 minutes from 06:30 until 00:30. If you miss one or a bus is too full, you don’t have to wait long until the next one.
Budget friendly - despite being slightly more expensive than using the metro (but not really by much) it’s still a very affordable way to travel from the airport for most visitors.
Comfortable - all the buses offer air conditioning, USB charging and comfortable seats. They usually also have Wi-Fi.
Cons of using Havabus:
Not 24 hours - unlike the airport shuttle buses from Istanbul’s other airport, Havabuses do not operate 24/7. If your flight arrives after 00:30 you will need to take a taxi or private airport transfer instead.
You are at the mercy of Istanbul’s insane traffic during rush hour so your journey may take you longer than you think.
Luggage limit - all passengers are allowed to have two pieces of luggage (not exceeding 30kg). Any extra luggage is subject to an additional charge.
If you’re travelling to Sultanahmet, Karaköy or Galata you will still need to use the metro or tram (bearing in mind that the majority of metro/tram services stop after midnight and only start at 06:00).
Havabus Istanbul SAW Airport Shuttle - Things to Know Before You Go
💷 Buy an Istanbulkart: Remember that to travel to Sultanahmet, Karaköy or Galata by public transport, you will need to purchase an Istanbulkart.
We’d advise buying this before you board the Havabus as you’ll need to use the metro or tram after you get off the bus.
The IETT public bus stops behind the Havabuses have Istanbulkart machines that accept cash and credit/debit cards. We’d recommend buying your Istanbulkart here before you board the Havabus.
Alternatively, you can purchase an Istanbulkart from the Istanbulkart machines at Taksim metro station or at tram stops - just have your fingers crossed that they haven’t run out!
You can use contactless credit/debit cards on some public transport but remember you will be charged double and sometimes triple the standard price.
🚐 Private Airport Transfers from SAW Airport in Istanbul to the City Centre
Suitable for: mid-range to luxury travellers, travellers with mobility problems, travellers with lots of heavy luggage, families or large groups travelling together, budget travellers in a group (share the transfer cost and make it cheaper!), travellers visiting Istanbul on business.
Sometimes the absolute last thing you want to do after a long flight is to start working out how to navigate to your hotel via public transport.
Trust me, I get it. You're tired, a wee bit cranky, the queue for immigration went on forever, your luggage took what seemed like months to arrive and… HELLO??? COULD WE JUST BE THERE ALREADY?!
If you’re nodding along to this then we’d recommend using a private SAW Airport transfer service.
We’ve booked numerous private SAW Airport transfers for our friends and families when they’ve come to visit us and have consistently found them to be convenient, safe and very comfortable.
A private transfer service is also incredibly useful if you’re travelling with a lot of bulky, heavy luggage.
My parents (who are sprightly geriatrics) now need to travel with mobility equipment such as a wheelchair and a walker, plus their two suitcases and hand luggage. Trying to get all of this onto public transport would be a complete nightmare.
On the other hand, loading this into a minivan and going straight to their hotel is basically stress free. (And it stops my Dad from having a total nervous breakdown before the holiday has begun.)
Two very happy parents knowing that when they land they have a private transfer.
What happens without a private transfer.
Organising a private SAW Airport to Istanbul transfer is incredibly straightforward. All you need to do is book the transfer online in advance and provide your flight details, estimated flight arrival time and where you will be staying in Istanbul.
Upon your arrival, you’ll be greeted by your driver who will be waiting at a specific meeting point with a sign bearing the name of the transfer company or your name.
Your driver will help you with your luggage and you’ll be taken to your vehicle (typically a luxury minivan with free bottled water and Wi-Fi) and then driven directly to your hotel. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy.
Be like this guy and take the stress out of travel with a private Istanbul Airport transfer.
Importantly a private Istanbul SAW Airport transfer is available 24/7. Plus if your flight is landing early or you are delayed you don’t need to worry - most airport transfer companies use flight tracking so your driver will already be aware!
If you’re wondering how much it costs, the good news is that you don’t need to be Mr/Mrs Moneybags to use these services. A SAW Airport Istanbul transfer is usually charged at a fixed price for a group or on a per person basis.
It can be especially cost effective if you are travelling in a group - for example this airport transfer costs as little as £8/$10 per person. This is just slightly more than using the Havabus and the best part is that you’re dropped off right at your hotel!
Private transfer services that we’ve used in the past:
1) Sabiha Gokcen Airport: Private Transfer Service to Istanbul (⭐4.6/5) - this is a fixed priced transfer for groups of up to 4 people. This Istanbul SAW Airport to city centre transfer is brilliant - you’ll be transferred from the airport to your accommodation in any district of Istanbul. The prices will vary depending on the destination but are still very reasonable.
My parents used this transfer company to travel from Istanbul’s other major airport (Istanbul Airport) to the city centre and their experience was fantastic. The driver was really friendly and kind and the minivan was air conditioned, clean and comfortable.
They were also offered complimentary bottled water once they were all settled in the car - a blessing as they were practically spitting feathers after their flight!
The vehicles from this company also have free Wi-Fi which meant I could keep in touch with my parents - vital as otherwise they tend to go MIA because they can never work out data roaming on their phones. And then I am left wondering where they are!
The estimated transfer times are as follows: Sultanahmet (60-90 minutes); Taksim (60-90 minutes); Beşiktaş (60-70 minutes); Asian side of Istanbul (45 minutes). Obviously all of these times depend on how much traffic there is.
This transfer from SAW airport to Istanbul city centre is smooth and completely stress free - the ideal way to start any holiday! Click here to book this transfer.
Happy parents on a stress free holiday.
2) Istanbul: Private Airport Transfer with Meet and Greet (⭐4.6/5) - this company offers a fixed price transfer for groups of up to 6 people. They offer transfers from SAW Airport Turkey to hotels on the European side of the city. Like the transfer above, they offer luxury minivans with a TV, USB charging ports, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning and complimentary water.
If you are travelling in a group this transfer is a great choice as the price is very reasonable. Click here to book this transfer.
3) Istanbul: Private Transfer from/to Sabiha & Istanbul Airport (⭐4.6/5) - this is also a fixed price transfer for groups of up to 6 people and is the same for hotels on the European or Asian side. Price-wise it’s similar to the transfer above, so it’s very affordable if you are travelling in a group.
The transfer time from SAW Airport Istanbul to city center is approximately one hour, but remember that this depends on traffic! The private minivans are comfortable, air conditioned and have free Wi-Fi and complimentary bottled water. You can communicate with the driver via Whatsapp when you arrive so that you can find each other easily. Click here to book this transfer.
Pros of private transfers:
- Can work out pretty cheap if you are travelling in a group.
- Completely stress-free - just book in advance, arrive and be picked up at the airport!
- You get dropped off directly to your accommodation.
- Safe, clean and very comfortable.
- Ideal if you are travelling with a lot of luggage.
- Fast and convenient - you don’t have to waste time navigating an unfamiliar public transport system. You can just start your holiday!
Cons of private transfers:
- Expensive if you are a solo traveller.
- The price of a SAW Istanbul airport transfer can be higher if your accommodation is not in a main tourist hub like Sultanahmet or Taksim.
- If you arrive during rush hour you’re likely to get stuck in Istanbul’s crazy traffic jams. So get comfortable!
Private Airport Transfer SAW to Istanbul City Centre - Things to Know Before You Go
🛬 Flight details: Check that you have provided your flight details (flight number and landing time) to the transfer company in advance.
⏱ Journey time: Remember that the transfer times are only estimates. If there is traffic, the journey can take much longer.
📝 Double check: Each private transfer company will have a specific meeting point - make a note of this so you know where to meet your driver at the airport.
📱 Contact details: If you can, get the driver’s number on WhatsApp so you can communicate with them when you arrive.
🚍 Public IETT buses from Istanbul Airport Sabiha Gokcen to the City Centre
Suitable for: travellers without much luggage, budget travellers, travellers staying outside the main tourist areas of Istanbul, travellers who are arriving in the early hours of the morning.
Another way to get from SAW airport to Istanbul city centre is to catch a municipal IETT bus.
The IETT buses from SAW to Istanbul mainly travel to neighbourhoods in the suburbs, away from the city centre.
There are no public buses that go directly to Taksim or Sultanahmet - you will have to transfer to the metro, ferry and tram or, depending on the time, take a taxi to those destinations. This also applies if you are staying in Galata or Karaköy.
I’ll be honest - using the IETT buses to get from the airport is neither fast nor convenient. On paper, the buses can seem faster than the metro, however, this really does depend on traffic.
If you’re keen to use public transport, we’d always recommend using the metro over the IETT buses. Some of the IETT buses are infrequent, there is more room to sit down on the metro and generally, we find the journey more comfortable.
However the public buses are a good option if the metro isn’t working for some reason or if your flight lands in the very early hours of the morning after it has closed.
You’ll see IETT buses all over Istanbul.
There are currently eight municipal bus lines that operate from Sabiha Gökçen Airport to different locations around the centre:
E-3 to 4.Levent Metro (operating from 05:30 - 01:00)
E-9 to Bostancı (operating from 07:45 - 23:00)
E-10 to Kadıköy and Kurtköy (operating from 05:00 - 03:30, Saturdays only until 00:00)
E-11 to Kadıköy (operating from 07:45 - 22:30)
130H to Deniz Harp Okulu (operating from 05:50 - 20:25, Saturday: 06:00 - 18:45, Sunday: 06:00 - 19:20)
132H to Pendik High Speed Rail Station (operating from 07:10 - 22:00, Saturday: 07:10 - 22:10, Sunday: 07:05 - 21:30)
MR60 to Pendik High Speed Rail Station (Monday-Friday at 07:00 only).
UM73 to Sultanbeyli and Necip Fazıl Metro (operating from 05:30 - 10:30, Saturdays until 04:00, Sunday: 05:40 - 21:10)
Sometimes you will see the SG-1 and SG-2 buses listed as IETT buses - these are actually the Havabus express shuttle buses that go to Kadıköy and Taksim that I discussed earlier in the article. These are not your regular yellow IETT buses!
For the purposes of this article, the most useful lines are the E-3, E-10 and E-11. You can find the current timetable for these buses on the IETT site here.
IETT buses waiting at SAW Airport.
IETT buses leave from platforms near to the Havabus stop at SAW Airport (refer to this section of the article for directions). You can find the location of the IETT platforms on this map here.
We’d recommend purchasing an Istanbulkart (a contactless city transportation card) to travel on public buses. Cash payments are not accepted. You can now use your contactless credit or debit card on the municipal buses however be aware that you will be charged twice the standard fare.
The IETT bus stops at Sabiha Gökçen Airport have Istanbulkart machines which take credit/debit cards or cash, so it’s easy to buy an Istanbulkart before you board the bus.
The prices for the IETT buses are all different - the E-3 is 53.10TL whilst the E-10 and E-11 routes cost 35.40TL. After midnight the fares of some lines will double.
For more details on using Istanbulkart, refer to the earlier section about buying an Istanbulkart to travel on the metro from the airport.
Yes I unashamedly asked Vincent to look excited about the Istanbulkart machines at the airport bus stops.
How to take the bus from Istanbul SAW Airport to Taksim Square (plus Galata and Karaköy)
Our top option for getting from SAW Airport to Taksim by public bus is to take the E-3 bus to 4. Levent metro station and then take the M2 metro line to Taksim.
Using the E-3 bus:
The E-3 bus runs every 30 minutes from 05:30 to 01:00 and has 15 stops. The journey to 4. Levent Metro takes approximately 2 hours in normal traffic.
Take the E-3 bus and get down at the final stop of 4. Levent metro station. From here, take the M2 metro line (green) heading towards Yenikapı. Ride five stops and get off at Taksim station.
This journey will take around 2.5 hours, again depending on traffic.
Although the last E-3 bus from SAW Airport is at 01:00, metro services finish at midnight from Monday to Thursday and on Sunday. If you arrive after midnight on these days and before 06:00 when the metro reopens, you will have to take a taxi from 4. Levent metro station to your hotel.
On Friday and Saturday, the M2 metro line is 24 hours so you will be able to use this route. The fare on the metro after midnight on Friday/Saturday is double - currently 35.40TL.
For Galata:
Take the E-3 bus to the final stop of 4. Levent Metro. At 4. Levent Metro take the M2 line towards Yenikapı and ride six stops to Şişhane station.
Journey time: around 2.5 hours.
For Karaköy:
Follow the instructions for getting to Galata. At Şişhane station follow the signs for the F2 Funicular line (Tünel). Ride the funicular for one stop and get off at Karaköy.
Journey time: around 2.5-3 hours.
The tram and the F1 funicular line services start at 06:00 and finish at midnight every day. The F2 funicular line services finish earlier at 23:00. There are no 24-hour services on these lines.
If you want to get to Karaköy after midnight we’d recommend taking a taxi from Taksim.
How to Take the Public Bus From SAW Airport to Sultanahmet
There are a few different ways that you can get to Sultanahmet from Sabiha Gökçen Airport by public bus.
Our preferred route is to take the E-10 or E-11 bus to Kadıköy followed by the ferry and then the tram to Sultanahmet.
Using the E-10 or E-11 bus:
Take the E-10 or E-11 bus and get down at the final stop, Kadıköy. At Kadıköy you can board a ferry heading towards Eminönü. The ferry journey should take around 20-25 minutes. It’s a really scenic ride, especially in the summer.
We’d recommend taking the ferries operated by Şehir Hatları as the ferry terminal you arrive in is close to the tram station (and you’ll be getting the tram next!).
When you get off the ferry at Eminönü make your way towards the Eminönü T1 Tram station. You can see the tram station location here. This walk should take you less than 10 minutes as the tram station is close to the ferry terminal - you can always ask locals for directions to the tram.
At Eminönü T1 tram station catch the T1 tram heading in the direction of Cevizlibağ or Bağcılar. Ride three stops and get down at Sultanahmet.
Remember that the ferry service to Eminönü finishes at 01:00 (Monday-Thursday and Sunday) and the tram will stop operating at midnight. There is a 24-hour night ferry service on Friday and Saturday - but it operates once every hour and can be infrequent.
Journey time: around 3 hours.
Both the E-10 and E-11 buses go to Kadıköy and take around the same amount of time - around 2 hours. The difference is their operating hours, the frequency of the buses and the number of stops they make.
The E-10 bus runs every 2.5 hours from 05:00 to 22:00 and then a bit more frequently - every hour to 1.5 hours until 03:30. On Saturday the service stops at midnight.
The E-10 makes a whopping 69 stops, so although the estimated journey time is around 2 hours, people getting on and off at every stop could slow things down considerably.
The E-11 bus operates every 3 hours from 07:45 to 22:30 and makes 20 stops. It also takes around 2 hours to reach Kadıköy.
If you arrive in the early hours of the morning (e.g. after 01:00) you can catch the E-10 bus to Kadıköy but then you will not be able to get a ferry to Eminönü. In this case you’d have to get a taxi from Kadıköy to Sultanahmet but we’d recommend getting a private airport transfer directly from the airport instead.
Alternatively, you could take the E-3 bus to Taksim followed by the funicular and then the tram to Sultanahmet.
Using the E-3 bus:
Follow the instructions above for using the E-3 bus to get to Taksim.
At Taksim metro station follow the signs to the F1 Funicular Station (this station is inside the same building as the metro).
Take the funicular one stop and get off at Kabataş tram station.
From Kabataş jump on the T1 tram towards Bağcılar or Cevizlibağ. Ride seven stops and get down at Sultanahmet.
Remember that metro services stop at midnight Monday-Thursday and on Sunday and the funicular line and trams stop at midnight every day. Therefore you might need to catch a taxi from 4. Levent metro station or from Taksim if you use this route after those times.
How to Get From Sabiha Airport to Istanbul Kadıköy by Public Bus
This is the easiest trip by municipal bus from SAW airport but compared to the metro, it is still much slower (remember that the metro only takes 52 minutes to get to Kadiköy!)
You can take either the E-10 or E-11 to get to Kadıköy. Both routes take approximately 2 hours in normal traffic and much longer during rush hour.
Pros of using IETT public buses:
- It’s relatively cheap and you can use your Istanbulkart.
- It’s useful if you arrive when the metro is closed and the Havabus has stopped operating.
Cons of using IETT public buses:
It’s slow and inefficient - it takes ages to get to the city centre.
You still have to transfer onto other public transport - ferry, tram etc. to get to Sultanahmet or Taksim.
If you travel during rush hour you will get stuck in traffic.
As you can see, taking an IETT municipal bus isn’t the easiest method of transport from SAW Airport to Istanbul city centre!
IETT Public Buses from SAW Airport to City Centre - Things to Know Before You Go
💷 Buy an Istanbulkart: You’ll need an Istanbulkart to travel on IETT buses. You will also need to use it to transfer to the metro, tram or ferry.
🚖 Taxi From SAW Airport to Istanbul City Centre
Suitable for: mid-range to luxury travellers, last minute travellers, travellers looking for convenience.
If you’ve got deep pockets and like feeling stressed out, then you always have the option of getting a SAW airport taxi aka SAWKOOP, to the city centre.
It is extremely convenient: the taxi rank is directly outside the arrivals hall. When you exit you’ll see a queue of people to your left who are all waiting for taxis.
It’s actually very easy to get a taxi pretty much straight away so you won’t be waiting for long. SAW airport taxis are also available 24/7.
You’ll usually find three types of taxis leaving from the rank outside arrivals at SAW Airport:
“E” type luxury black taxis - usually Mercedes minivans or cars.
“D” type blue taxis - a bit nicer and more comfortable than ordinary taxis (I haven’t seen these ones at SAW Airport as much).
“C” type yellow/orange taxis - the standard Istanbul taxi.
As you’d expect, the more luxurious the car is, the more money you can expect to part with! “D” type taxis are around 15% more expensive than regular yellow taxis. “E” taxis are 70% more expensive.
A luxury “E” type taxi
Price for a Taxi SAW Airport to Istanbul City Centre
At the time of writing, the price on the meter for a yellow taxi starts at 24.55TL. This will increase to 28.23TL for blue taxis and 41.74TL for black luxury taxis.
Once you start your journey, you’ll be charged a further 17.62TL per kilometre in a yellow taxi. For blue taxis the price per kilometre is 20.25TL and it is 32.50TL for black taxis.
The distance from Sabiha Gokcen Airport to city center is around 48km. According to the prices above, a journey in a yellow taxi should cost you around 850TL (£20/$26).
But don’t forget the impact of Istanbul’s crazy traffic! If you get caught up in traffic during rush hour, your taxi fare is very likely to be much higher than the estimated cost above. This is just one of the MANY reasons we wouldn’t recommend taking a taxi from the airport.
Standard yellow taxis and the more comfortable blue taxis waiting for passengers at Sabiha Gökçen Airport.
Istanbul is also infamous for taxi scams - another reason why we’ve avoided using taxis for the last four years of living in this city.
These scams include starting the taxi meter at a ridiculous price (I read one traveler's experience where the meter started at 1500TL!), having the meter turned off halfway through the journey and demanding a huge fare at the end, and finally, taking huge detours to get to your destination, resulting in a longer journey time and higher fare.
If you arrive late at night, some taxi drivers will also try to tell you there is a higher ‘nighttime’ fare which isn’t true - the daytime and nighttime taxi rates are now the same.
Getting scammed isn’t a nice way to begin your holiday, which is why we always recommend booking a private airport transfer instead of a taxi.
Keep in mind that toll fees for bridges and tunnels will also be added to your final taxi fare.
Estimated taxi fares from Istanbul SAW Airport to Taksim or Sultanahmet (excluding tolls):
Yellow “C” Taxi: 850TL (£20/$26)
Blue “D” Taxi: 980TL (£24/$30)
Black “E’ Taxi: 1570TL (£38/$49)
Hopefully these average prices should help you to work out what your journey should cost.
You can also use a taxi fare calculator. The prices using the calculator are a little higher, but it’s always useful to budget on the higher end when taking a taxi.
The travel time from SAW Airport to the city centre will be around 1-1.5 hours depending on traffic.
If you have mobile data, you could also try using Istanbul’s own ride-hailing apps like iTaksi and Bitaksi. Uber also works in Istanbul.
Pros of using Sabiha Gökçen Airport Taxis:
Very convenient - the taxi rank is directly outside airport arrivals.
There are several options: from ordinary cars to luxury minivans.
Taxis are available 24/7.
Cons of using Sabiha Gökçen Airport Taxis:
Scams! Drivers can scam tourists by overcharging them by claiming excessive toll charges or taking a much longer route for no reason.
Very expensive if you get stuck in traffic.
Slow if you arrive during rush hour and end up in terrible traffic.
Getting a Taxi From Sabiha Gökçen Airport - Things to Know
💰 Cost: Agree on a fare before you get in the taxi and be ready to argue if the driver suddenly decides to increase the price at the end of your trip.
🧮 Do your homework: Calculate how much the fare to your destination should cost so that you know what price is reasonable.
🚍 How to Get From SAW Airport to IST Airport
If you arrive at Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) and have a connecting flight that leaves from Istanbul’s other major airport - Istanbul Airport (IST) - then don’t worry, we’ve got you.
Getting from SAW to IST Airport used to be a pain but now there is a direct bus that goes between the two airports!
Operated by the Havaist company that provides shuttle services from Istanbul Airport to the city centre, the HVIST-13 bus runs between the two airports and takes approximately 2 hours, depending on traffic. The SAW Airport to IST Airport distance is 85km.
The HVIST-13 bus from Sabiha Gokcen to Istanbul Airport runs from 00:30 to 23:20 every day. It leaves at different intervals - sometimes there is as little as 75 minutes between buses, but at other times you have a wait of around 3 hours (after 02:00).
Most of the time, the buses are around every 1.5 hours. You can view the timetable here.
The journey currently costs 258TL. The HVIST-13 bus leaves from the IETT platforms at Sabiha Gökçen Airport - you can see the location of the bus stop here.
If, for some reason, you have arrived at this article but you are travelling the other way, from IST to SAW airport, you will find the HVIST-13 leaving from the -2 level of the arrivals hall at Istanbul Airport.
The Sabiha-Istanbul Airport journey is now a breeze!
🏠 Where to Stay in Istanbul
If you haven’t booked your accommodation in Istanbul yet, worry not! We’d recommend checking out our guide to the Best Areas to Stay in Istanbul. Covering 6 districts and over 15 different neighbourhoods, it features hotels and apartments suitable for every budget plus the top highlights of staying in each area.
It’s a detailed guide and we can proudly say that it is, without doubt, the most comprehensive guide on the internet. As we actually live here we know what we’re talking about! So grab a cup of coffee and get reading - you’ll soon find your perfect Istanbul stay.
In a rush? We’ve also recommended some hotels below - there’s something to suit every budget so pick one that fits yours.
Photo courtesy of NOA Luxury Apartments from Booking.com
OVERALL TOP PICK (GALATA): NOA Luxury Apartments (⭐ 9.5)
My family just love these bright, airy apartments. Offering a fully equipped kitchen, flat-screen TV, tumble dryer, washing machine and free Wi-Fi, it has everything you need for a comfortable stay. The location is just steps away from the Galata Tower. The staff are super kind and friendly and there is also a fantastic gym.
Photo courtesy of Çırağan Palace Kempinski from Booking.com
BEST LUXURY OPTION (BEŞIKTAŞ): Çırağan Palace Kempinski (⭐ 8.9)
If you want to holiday like royalty, then staying in this former Ottoman palace is for you. Featuring a stunning outdoor infinity pool with breathtaking Bosphorus views, multiple restaurants, a bar, fitness centre and a spa, you’ll want for nothing during your stay!
Photo courtesy of Boutique Saint Sophia from Booking.com
TOP BOUTIQUE CHOICE (SULTANAHMET): Boutique Saint Sophia (⭐ 9.1)
Imagine waking up to views of Hagia Sophia outside your window? Well here you can! This fantastic boutique hotel offers spacious, comfortable rooms with flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi and huge bathrooms with luxurious Bulgari toiletries. Breakfast is superb.
Photo courtesy of Ayramin Hotel Taksim from Booking.com
BEST MID-RANGE PICK (TAKSIM): Ayramin Hotel Taksim (⭐ 9.3)
A stone’s throw away from Istanbul’s famous shopping street, Istiklal Caddesi, this hotel offers stylish ensuite rooms with flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. Drop a bit more cash and bag yourself a room with your own private Turkish hamam! The breakfast buffet is tasty and very generous.
Photo courtesy of Fener Sweet from Booking.com
TOP BUDGET CHOICE (BALAT): Fener Sweet (⭐ 9.5)
If you’re after a local, authentic experience, then this friendly homestay is for you. Featuring cosy and comfortable ensuite rooms, free Wi-Fi and tea/coffee making facilities, it's located right in the heart of the famous Balat district. The owners are very helpful. There is also a shared lounge and fully equipped kitchen.
Photo courtesy of Hostel Le Banc from Booking.com
BEST HOSTEL (GALATA): Hostel Le Banc (⭐ 9.4)
You won’t get more bang for your buck than this hostel! With squeaky clean mixed and female-only dormitories with air conditioning and free Wi-Fi, it’s a comfortable and wallet-friendly stay. There’s also a well equipped kitchen, terrace and shared lounge. The daily buffet breakfast is awesome! Private ensuite rooms are also available.
✋ Istanbul Sabiha Airport to City Centre: FAQs
What is the best SAW Airport transportation to the city centre?
Our top recommendations would be to use the metro, Havabuses or to book a private airport transfer.
What is the cheapest way to go from Sabiha Airport to city center?
The cheapest ways to travel from Sabiha Gokcen airport are to use the metro, public IETT buses or the Havabus shuttle services.
How much is a taxi from Sabiha Gokcen Airport to the city centre?
Taxi prices in Istanbul depend on traffic (and sadly, the honesty of your driver!). The average Istanbul SAW airport to city center taxi cost is 850TL (£20/$26) for a yellow taxi. This price doesn’t include tolls.
Is there a SAW to IST transfer?
Yes. The HVIST-13 bus takes you from SAW airport to Istanbul Airport in 2 hours. For more information read this section of the article. You can use the same bus to go in the other direction from Istanbul Airport to SAW Airport.
Can I book a private transfer from SAW Airport to Sultanahmet or Taksim?
Of course. Click here to book our favourite airport transfer. You can also read about other private transfers that we recommend here.
How do I use public transport to get around Istanbul?
Purchase an Istanbulkart! It’s valid on all public transport in the city: trams, metro, ferries, funiculars, Metrobuses and Marmaray line trains. It’s also much cheaper than using your contactless credit/debit card or buying single tickets.
How much does it cost to go from SAW Airport to the city centre?
Metro and public IETT buses are the cheapest - for example, a trip on the metro to Taksim costs around 75TL (£1.80/$2.30) for a trip. Havabus shuttle buses are a bit more than this - 121TL (£2.95/$3.76) to travel to Taksim, but still extremely reasonable!
Taxis are very expensive, especially if you get stuck in traffic. In our opinion, private airport transfers are better: the price is set in advance and if you’re travelling in a group it can be much more affordable. Click here to book this private transfer from Sabiha Gokcen Airport to the city centre.
How do I get from Istanbul SAW airport to Sultanahmet?
You can use the metro (followed by the Marmaray line and tram) or the Havabus (followed by the metro and then tram or the ferry followed by the tram) to get to Sultanahmet. If that sounds like a hassle, book a private airport transfer from SAW Airport to old city Istanbul instead!
How long does it take to get from Istanbul Airport to centre?
Metro: 1.75 - 2 hours.
Havabus buses: 1.5 - 2 hours depending on traffic.
Private transfer: 1-1.5 hours depending on traffic.
Public buses: 2-3 hours depending on traffic.
Taxis: 1-2 hours depending on traffic.
Is there SAW Airport WiFi?
There is but we haven’t always managed to get it to work successfully. If you’re able to connect, you should have access to free Wi-Fi for 60 minutes.
Where is SAW Airport?
SAW Airport is located on the Asian side of Istanbul in an area called Pendik.
How far is SAW Airport from Istanbul City centre?
SAW airport is approximately 48km from the city centre.
⛵ Getting from SAW Airport Should Now Be Plane Sailing
Yes, I am unashamedly ending this article with an awful transport-related pun.
We hope that this article takes the stress out of getting from Sabiha Gökçen Airport to the centre of Istanbul! As you can see there are tons of options for every kind of traveller. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
Before you go, make sure to check out some of our other Istanbul and Turkey guides:
🏠 Best Areas to Stay in Istanbul: Coolest Neighbourhoods & Top Hotels
🌟 22 Best Hotels in Istanbul With a View
🗓 The Ultimate Turkey Itinerary 10 Days
🇹🇷 The Best Places to Visit in Turkey
🌷 Visit the Istanbul Tulip Festival
🎪 18 Best Festivals in Istanbul
🏔 Cappadocia in Winter: 7 Reasons to Visit + 16 Amazing Things to Do
🎄 Christmas in Istanbul: All You Need to Know for a Magical Stay
⛄ 9 Awesome Reasons to Spend Winter in Istanbul
🍳 Best Breakfast in Istanbul - 16 Incredible Places to Try
✅ 12 Things You Need To Do in Istanbul
🔎 Explore Balat Istanbul: An Insider's Guide to One of Istanbul's Most Unique Neighbourhoods
🍟 Best Vegan Fast Food in Istanbul
🥑 Where to Find the Best Vegan Turkish Breakfast in Istanbul
🖼️ 14 Top Things To Do in Gaziantep
🍔 Off the Eaten Track: The Best Street Food in Istanbul
🥦 Vegan Istanbul: The Best Under-the-Radar Restaurants
Find more travel tips and useful information on Turkey here.
Looking for more travel inspiration? Click here to discover more of our favourite places around the world.
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