How to Get from Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) to Istanbul City Center (2026 Guide)

Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) sits on Istanbul's Asian side, roughly 35–50 km from the main tourist areas. Four options connect SAW to the city: the Havabus shuttle, the M4 metro (with a Marmaray transfer for the Old City), taxis, and ride-hailing apps. The metro is cheapest, the Havabus is simplest for Taksim, and a taxi is the only option after 01:30.

2026 quick comparison by destination

The cheapest trip is the M4 metro to Kadıköy at ₺42. The fastest link to Taksim is the Havabus SG-2 at about 90 minutes. Sultanahmet requires an M4 + Marmaray combination at around 75 minutes total.

Havabus airport shuttle

Havabus is the most popular option for reaching Istanbul from Sabiha Gökçen. Two routes operate from SAW: SG-2 to Taksim on the European side, and SG-1 to Kadıköy on the Asian side. Both accept cash and card onboard, depart every 30–45 minutes, and run from early morning until after midnight.

Fares and routes

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 runs every 30 minutes, with the first bus at 06:30 and the last at 00:30. SG-1 to Kadıköy runs every 30–45 minutes, with the first bus at 05:45 and the last at 01:30.

Payment and tips

• Payment: cash (TL) or credit/debit card accepted on board. No Istanbulkart needed.
• Buses have 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 to the city. Trains run every 5–8 minutes, ignore road traffic, and connect directly to Marmaray for the Old City. Total fare to Sultanahmet is ₺76; to Kadıköy it's ₺42.

Getting to the metro

Sabiha Gökçen Havalimanı station connects 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

The M4 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 combines the M4 metro with Marmaray:

1. Take M4 from Sabiha Gökçen Havalimanı to Ayrılık Çeşmesi station
2. Transfer to B1 (Marmaray), a different platform about 2–3 minutes on foot
3. Ride Marmaray to Sirkeci station (2 stops)
4. Walk ~10 minutes to Sultanahmet Square

• Total fare: ₺42 (M4) + ₺34 (Marmaray, 2 stations) = ₺76
• Total time: ~75 minutes
• Payment: requires Istanbulkart or a contactless credit card (contactless costs more per ride). Istanbulkart vending machines are available at the metro station inside the terminal.

The M4 + Marmaray combo 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

The M4 runs every 5–8 minutes, and 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 given the distance from SAW. Fares range from ₺1,750–₺2,300 to Kadıköy up to ₺2,600–₺3,350 to the Old City, with a 50% night surcharge after 00:00 and extra tolls for Bosphorus crossings.

2026 taxi fares from SAW

Taxi tips

• Always ensure the meter is running, or agree on the fare before departure.
• Bridge and 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)

Late-arriving travellers have three usable options. The M4 metro closes at 00:00, so it's out. The SG-2 Havabus to Taksim leaves at 00:30 (last departure), and the SG-1 to Kadıköy runs until 01:30. After 01:30, a taxi is the only way in, with a 50% night surcharge.

There are no night buses from Sabiha Gökçen Airport.

Which option is best for you?

Important notes

• SAW is far from the center. Budget accordingly, since transport 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 is 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 and bus travel times significantly.

Explore all Istanbul transit routes on our interactive transit map.