How to Get from Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) to Istanbul City Center (2026 Guide)
Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) is on Istanbul's Asian side, roughly 35–50 km from the main tourist areas. Whether you're heading to Taksim, Sultanahmet, or Kadıköy, this guide covers every transport option with current 2026 prices and schedules.
2026 Quick Comparison by Destination
| Destination | Best Option | Cost (Approx.) | Travel Time |
| Taksim | Havabus SG-2 | 440 TL (~€8.80) | ~90 min |
| Sultanahmet | M4 + B1 | 76 TL (~€1.52) | ~75 min |
| Kadıköy | M4 | ₺42 | ~52 min |
| Any destination | Taxi / Uber | 1,443–1,887 TL (~€29–€38) | 45–75 min |
🚌 Havabus Airport Shuttle
Havabus is the most popular option for getting from Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Istanbul city center. Two routes operate from SAW:
Fares & Routes
| Route | Destination | Fare | Travel Time | Distance |
| SG-2 | Taksim (Gezi Parkı Metro Exit) | 440 TL (~€8.80) | ~90 min | 40 km |
| SG-1 | Kadıköy (Rıhtım İETT Bus Stops) | 270 TL (~€5.40) | ~60 min | 30 km |
Where to Find the Havabus at SAW
Exit the Arrivals hall, cross the first street to the second island. Look for the white buses with the blue HAVABÜS logo. Taksim (SG-2) buses usually depart from the first few slots.
Schedule from SAW
SG-2 to Taksim — Every 30 minutes, first bus at 06:30, last bus at 00:30.
SG-1 to Kadıköy — Every 30–45 minutes, first bus at 05:45, last bus at 01:30.
Payment & Tips
- Payment: Cash (TL) or credit/debit card accepted on board. No Istanbulkart needed.
- Buses have ample luggage space and air conditioning.
- No onboard toilets — use the airport restrooms before boarding.
- Return buses from the city center follow the same routes back to SAW.
SG-2 Taksim Route Details
From SAW: SAW → Kavacık → FSM Bridge → 1. Levent → Zincirlikuyu Metrobus → Dolapdere → Taksim
To SAW: Taksim → Beşiktaş → Bosphorus Bridge → TEM Access Road → SAW
🚇 M4 Metro + Marmaray (Cheapest Option)
The metro is the cheapest and most predictable way to get from Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Istanbul city center — no traffic delays.
Getting to the Metro
The Sabiha Gökçen Havalimanı station is connected directly to the terminal via an underground tunnel. Follow the "Metro" signs inside the terminal — no need to go outside.
To Kadıköy (Direct, No Transfer)
The M4 runs all the way from Sabiha Gökçen Havalimanı to Kadıköy — the last station on the line.
- Fare: ₺42
- Stations: 23
- Duration: ~52 minutes
- Transfer: None required
This is the fastest and cheapest way to reach the Asian side hub of Kadıköy.
How to Reach Sultanahmet (Old City) from SAW
There is no direct bus from Sabiha Gökçen to Sultanahmet. The best route is via metro + Marmaray:
- Take M4 from Sabiha Gökçen Havalimanı to Ayrılık Çeşmesi station
- Transfer to B1 (Marmaray) — different platform, ~2–3 minute walk
- Ride Marmaray to Sirkeci station (2 stops)
- Walk ~10 minutes to Sultanahmet Square
- Total fare: ₺42 (M4) + 34 TL (Marmaray, 2 stations) = 76 TL (~€1.52)
- Total time: ~75 minutes
- Payment: Requires Istanbulkart or contactless credit card (contactless costs more per ride). Istanbulkart vending machines are available at the metro station inside the terminal.
This is much faster and cheaper than taking Havabus to Taksim and then a taxi to Sultanahmet.
Metro Operating Hours
- Weekdays: 06:00–00:00
- Weekends: 06:30–00:00
M4 runs every 5–8 minutes, B1 (Marmaray) runs every 3–4 minutes during peak hours.
🚕 Taxi from Sabiha Gökçen Airport
Taxis are the most direct option but significantly more expensive due to the distance from SAW.
2026 Taxi Fares from SAW
| Destination | Fare Range | Travel Time |
| Kadıköy | 1,750–2,300 TL (~€35–46) | 30–50 min |
| Sultanahmet | 2,600–3,350 TL (~€52–67) | 45–75 min |
| Taksim | 2,650–3,400 TL (~€53–68) | 45–75 min |
Taxi Tips
- Always ensure the meter is running — or agree on the fare before departure.
- Bridge/tunnel tolls are extra for European side destinations (Bosphorus bridges or Eurasia Tunnel).
- Night rates apply after 00:00 with a 50% surcharge.
- Apps: Use BiTaksi or Uber for transparent pricing.
- Official taxi stands are clearly marked outside the arrivals hall.
🌙 Night Arrivals (After Midnight)
If your flight lands late:
- M4 Metro closes at 00:00 — not an option for late arrivals.
- Havabus SG-2 to Taksim — last departure at 00:30.
- Havabus SG-1 to Kadıköy — last departure at 01:30 (latest option).
- Taxi — available 24/7, the only option if you arrive after 01:30. Expect night surcharge (50% extra after midnight).
There are no night buses from Sabiha Gökçen Airport.
✅ Which Option Is Best for You?
| Your Priority | Best Choice |
| Minimize cost | M4 + B1 (76 TL (~€1.52)) |
| Balance cost and convenience | Havabus (270–440 TL (~€5.40–€8.80)) |
| Maximum comfort and speed | Taxi |
| Going to Kadıköy | M4 (direct, 52 min) |
| Going to Sultanahmet | M4 + B1 to Sirkeci |
| Going to Taksim | Havabus SG-2 |
| Heavy luggage or family | Havabus |
| Late night arrival (after 01:30) | Taxi (only option) |
📝 Important Notes
- SAW is far from the center: Budget accordingly — transportation costs from SAW are generally higher than from Istanbul Airport (IST).
- Traffic matters: Avoid road travel during rush hours (07:00–10:00, 17:00–20:00). The metro is unaffected by traffic.
- Istanbulkart: Essential for public transport. Vending machines are available at the metro station inside the terminal. Contactless credit cards also work on metro turnstiles but cost more per ride.
- Currency: Prices at kiosks and on buses are in Turkish Lira (TL). Havabus also accepts credit cards.
- Weather: Fog and heavy rain on the bridges can extend taxi/bus travel times significantly.
Explore all Istanbul transit routes on our interactive transit map.
