How to get from Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) to City Center

This article provides a comprehensive and up-to-date guide (2025) for travelers arriving at Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) and trying to reach the city center.

Comparison of Transportation Options

🚌 Using Havabus from Sabiha Gökçen Airport

• 💸 Cost: €7.50 one way for all routes.
• 🎫 Ticket & Payment: Cash payment on board or contactless payment. No Istanbul Card needed.
• 🗺️ Available Routes:

Practical Tips for Havabus

• Buses have ample luggage space and are air-conditioned.
• No onboard toilets - plan bathroom breaks accordingly.
• Buses run approximately every 30 minutes during peak hours.
• Look for HAVABUS signs at the airport - usually departing from outside the arrivals hall.
• Return buses from city center follow the same routes back to SAW.

🚇 Using M4 Metro + B1 Marmaray

• ⌛ Travel Time: 60-90 minutes with transfers, depending on final destination.
• 💸 Cost: Very budget-friendly at €0.71 total for the complete journey (using Istanbulkart full fare: €0.35 per ride).
• 🚉 Route: Take M4 Metro line from airport area to Ayrılık Çeşmesi, then transfer to B1 Marmaray for cross-continental connection.
• 🎫 Payment: Requires Istanbul Card - available at airport area metro stations.

M4 + Marmaray Route Details

• Connection Point: Sabiha Gökçen Airport → M4 Metro → Ayrılık Çeşmesi → B1 Marmaray
• Cross-Continental: Marmaray provides direct underwater tunnel connection between Asian and European sides
• Key Destinations: From Marmaray, connect to Sirkeci, Eminönü, Yenikapı and other central areas
• Frequency: M4 runs every 5-8 minutes, Marmaray every 3-4 minutes during peak hours
• Operating Hours: Approximately 06:00 - 00:00

🚖 Taking a Taxi or Ride-Share

• 💸 Cost: Significantly more expensive due to distance. Expect €34-41 to central areas like Taksim.
• 🕒 Time: Usually 45-75 minutes, but can extend during peak traffic hours.
• 🌉 Additional Costs: Bridge tolls (Bosphorus bridges or Eurasia Tunnel) add extra charges for European side destinations (approximately €0.30-0.50).
• 📱 Apps: Use BiTaksi, Uber, or official airport taxis.

Taxi Tips from SAW

• Always ensure the meter is running or agree on fare beforehand.
• Bridge tolls are extra - approximately €0.30-0.50 depending on route.
• Night rates apply after 24:00 with 50% surcharge.
• Official taxi stands are clearly marked outside arrivals.

🚐 Private Transfer Services

• 💰 Cost: €3-6 depending on vehicle type and destination.
• ⏰ Convenience: Door-to-door service with flight tracking.
• 👥 Best For: Groups, families with children, or travelers with heavy luggage.
• 📅 Booking: Must be arranged in advance through hotels or transfer companies.

📝 Additional Arrival Tips

• Location Context: SAW is on the Asian side, approximately 35-50km from central Istanbul.
• Traffic Timing: Avoid traveling by road during rush hours (07:00-10:00, 17:00-20:00).
• Istanbul Card: Essential for public transport. Available at airport machines.
• Currency: Have some Turkish Lira ready for buses and taxis that don't accept cards, or use contactless Euro cards where accepted.
• Late Arrivals: Havabus operates until late, but frequency decreases after 22:00.

🛣️ Understanding Istanbul's Geography

Since SAW is on the Asian side of Istanbul:

• Asian Side Destinations (Kadıköy, Üsküdar): Shorter, cheaper journey
• European Side Destinations (Taksim, Sultanahmet): Longer journey, requires bridge crossing
• Bridge Options: Bosphorus Bridge, Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, or Eurasia Tunnel

✅ Which Option is Best for You?

🚨 Important Notes

• Distance Factor: SAW is significantly farther from city center than Istanbul Airport (IST).
• Budget Accordingly: Transportation costs from SAW are generally higher due to distance.
• Plan Extra Time: Always allow extra time for potential traffic delays, especially when crossing between continents.
• Weather Considerations: Fog and heavy rain can significantly impact travel times on bridges and highways.