IST to SAW: Istanbul Airport to Sabiha Gokcen Transfer Guide and vice versa (2026)
Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gokcen (SAW) sit 85 km apart on opposite sides of the Bosphorus. The HVİST-13 direct bus (₺480, ~120 min) is the only single-vehicle transfer; a taxi is faster in light traffic, and a four-line metro route is the budget option. Allow at least 6 hours between connecting flights.
Fast facts: IST to SAW (2026)
| Distance | 85 km (53 miles) |
| Best option | HVİST-13 direct bus |
| Bus fare | ₺480 |
| Taxi fare | ₺3,800 |
| Metro route fare | ₺168 (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). HAVAIST operates the route nearly round the clock in both directions.
- Fare: ₺480
- 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 HVİST-13 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. The stand shares the zone with IETT city buses and other airport shuttles.
IST to SAW schedule
19 departures daily. Every ~60 min during the day (07:30–17:40), extending to ~90 min overnight.
SAW to 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 (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. The 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 metro route is the cheapest option but also the most time-consuming. You take four separate lines in sequence:
- Total fare: ₺168 (₺42 per line × 4 transfers)
- Journey time: 2+ hours, plus waiting time at each transfer
- Payment: IstanbulKart required
The metro 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 of IST to SAW transfer options
| HVİST-13 Bus | Taxi | Metro + Marmaray | |
| Fare | ₺480 | ₺3,800 | ₺168 |
| 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
A connecting flight between IST and SAW (or SAW and IST) needs much 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). With less than 6 hours between flights at different Istanbul airports, consider an overnight stay in the city or rebooking onto the same airport.
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 but takes over 2 hours with 3 transfers. The HVİST-13 bus at ₺480 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), the transfer 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: 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.
