IST to SAW: Istanbul Airport to Sabiha Gokcen Transfer Guide and vice versa (2026)
Traveling between Istanbul's two airports? IST and SAW are 85 km apart on opposite sides of the Bosphorus — but with the right option, the transfer is manageable. This guide covers the direct HVİST-13 shuttle bus, taxi, and the public metro route, in both directions.
Fast Facts: IST ↔ SAW (2026)
| Distance | 85 km (53 miles) |
| Best option | HVİST-13 direct bus |
| Bus fare | 480 TL (~€9.60) |
| Taxi fare | 3,800 TL (~€76) |
| Metro route fare | 168 TL (4 lines) |
| Travel time | 90–120 min (clear traffic) / up to 180 min (rush hour) |
| Layover buffer | Minimum 6 hours |
Option 1: HVİST-13 Direct Bus (Recommended)
The HVİST-13 is the only direct bus service between Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW). It is operated by HAVAIST and runs nearly round the clock in both directions.
- Fare: 480 TL (~€9.60)
- Journey time: ~120 minutes (longer in traffic)
- Payment: IstanbulKart, credit/debit card on board, or tickets purchased online
For more on HAVAIST services across the city, see the HAVAIST Airport Bus Guide.
Boarding at IST (Istanbul Airport)
Go to the Transportation Floor (Level -2). Follow signs for "HAVAIST" or "Airport Buses" and look for the HVİST-13 stand.
Boarding at SAW (Sabiha Gokcen Airport)
The bus departs from the ground transport area / bus bays, approximately 100 meters from the terminal exit — opposite the arrivals exit, at the open car park level. It shares the zone with IETT city buses and other airport shuttles.
IST → SAW Schedule
19 departures daily. Every ~60 min during the day (07:30–17:40), extending to ~90 min overnight.
SAW → IST Schedule
19 departures daily. Every ~60 min during the day (06:50–14:50), extending to ~90 min overnight.
Option 2: Taxi
A taxi is faster than the bus when traffic is light and makes more sense for groups of 3–4 splitting the fare.
- Fare: 3,800 TL (~€76) (meter + bridge toll)
- Journey time: 90–150 minutes depending on traffic
- Bridge toll: Taxis between the airports are routed via the Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge (the 3rd Bridge), which carries a higher toll than other Bosphorus crossings. This toll is added to your meter fare automatically.
- Payment: Cash or card.
Use only official yellow taxis from the designated taxi ranks at the airport. Never accept offers from drivers approaching you inside the terminal.
Option 3: Metro + Marmaray (Budget Route)
The cheapest option, but the most time-consuming. You take four separate lines in sequence:
- Total fare: 168 TL (₺42 per line × 4 transfers)
- Journey time: 2+ hours, plus waiting time at each transfer
- Payment: IstanbulKart required
This route suits travelers with light luggage who are not in a hurry. The multiple transfers make it impractical with heavy bags. See the full Istanbul Metro Guide for line maps and station details.
Comparison
| HVİST-13 Bus | Taxi | Metro + Marmaray | |
| Fare | 480 TL (~€9.60) | 3,800 TL (~€76) | 168 TL |
| Journey time | ~120 min | 90–150 min | 2+ hours |
| Transfers | None | None | 3 transfers |
| Runs overnight | Nearly (last ~23:00) | Yes | Partial |
| Heavy luggage | Yes | Yes | Difficult |
| Best for | Most travelers | Groups, tight schedules | Budget + light luggage |
Layover Between IST and SAW?
If you have a connecting flight between IST and SAW (or SAW and IST), you need significantly more time than the journey itself. The minimum recommended buffer is 6 hours:
- ~2 hours for the actual transfer journey
- ~1 hour for baggage collection and re-check-in at the second airport
- ~2–3 hours to be at the gate ahead of your next departure
Traffic on the Bosphorus crossing is unpredictable, especially during morning rush (7–10 AM) and evening rush (4–7 PM). If you have less than 6 hours between flights at different Istanbul airports, an overnight stay in the city or rebooking onto the same airport may be worth considering.
Tips
- Travel outside rush hours. The best windows are before 7 AM and after 8 PM. Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons are particularly congested.
- Track your bus. Use the HAVAIST app or website to check real-time departure status for the HVİST-13 before heading to the stop.
- Book online in advance. While walk-up boarding is available, buying your HVİST-13 ticket online avoids any queue at the stop.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Istanbul Airport (IST) from Sabiha Gokcen (SAW)?
85 km (53 miles). The airports are on opposite sides of Istanbul, separated by the Bosphorus.
What is the cheapest way from IST to SAW?
The metro+Marmaray route (M11→M2→B1→M4) costs 168 TL but takes over 2 hours with 3 transfers. The HVİST-13 bus at 480 TL (~€9.60) is the most practical choice for most travelers.
How long does the IST to SAW transfer take?
Allow at least 2 hours. In heavy traffic — rush hours or weekends — it can stretch to 3 hours.
Is there a direct bus from IST to SAW?
Yes. The HVİST-13 runs directly between the two airports. Departures from IST run from 00:10 to 22:55, and from SAW from 00:00 to 22:30.
Do taxis between IST and SAW charge a bridge toll?
Yes. Taxis are routed via the Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge. The toll is higher than other Bosphorus crossings and is automatically added to your fare.
What payment methods are accepted on the HVİST-13?
The easiest method for tourists is a contactless credit or debit card — just tap when boarding. You can also buy tickets in advance via the Havaist app or website. IstanbulKart is also accepted, though card and online payment are the most common methods.
How much time do I need for a layover between IST and SAW?
A minimum of 6 hours. The journey takes around 2 hours, and you need additional time for baggage collection and check-in at the second airport.
