Havabus Shuttle Buses
Havabüs runs the official airport shuttle from Sabiha Gökçen to central Istanbul, with two routes for travellers: SG-2 to Taksim (European side, ~110 min) and SG-1 to Kadıköy (Asian side, ~90 min). Buses leave every 30 minutes, accept cash (Turkish lira) or Istanbulkart, and do not take credit cards.
Why choose Havabüs?
Havabüs is cheaper than a taxi or private transfer, leaves every 30 minutes from the arrivals level, and drops you at two well-connected hubs (Taksim and Kadıköy). The coaches have air conditioning, reclining seats, and luggage bays underneath.
- Departures every 30 minutes throughout the day
- Lower fare than taxis and private transfers
- Air conditioning, reclining seats, and luggage storage
- Direct routes to Taksim, Kadıköy, and Yenisahra Metro
Main routes and travel times
Two Havabüs lines serve tourists from Sabiha Gökçen Airport:
| Route | Line Code | Est. Time | Fare | Distance | Key Stops | Final Destination Details |
| Sabiha Gökçen → Taksim | SG-2 | 110 min | ₺440 | 40 km | Kavacık, FSM Bridge, 1.Levent, Zincirlikuyu, Dolapdere | Gezi Parkı Metro Exit, Taksim Square (Point Hotel area) |
| Sabiha Gökçen → Kadıköy | SG-1 | 90 min | ₺270 | 30 km | Direct route to Asian side hub | Kadıköy pier area (IETT bus stops) |
Schedules at a glance
Havabüs runs every 30 minutes on both lines. The Taksim route (SG-2) operates from 06:30 to 00:30 outbound from the airport, and from 03:30 to 22:00 back from Taksim. The Kadıköy route (SG-1) runs on a similar 30-minute frequency throughout the day.
| Route | Direction | First bus | Last bus | Frequency |
| SG-2 (Taksim) | Airport → Taksim | 06:30 | 00:30 | every 30 min |
| SG-2 (Taksim) | Taksim → Airport | 03:30 | 22:00 | every 30 min |
| SG-1 (Kadıköy) | Both directions | every 30 min |
Double-check routes, timetables, fares, and payment options on the official site at havabus.com before you travel, since schedules change.
Ticket prices and payment options
Havabüs fares are posted on the official site and change regularly, so check havabus.com before travel. Onboard payment is cash (Turkish lira) or Istanbulkart only — credit and debit cards are not accepted, and tickets cannot be bought in advance.
- Cash: Turkish lira accepted on board
- Istanbulkart: Istanbul's public transport card accepted
- Credit cards: not accepted on buses
You pay the driver after boarding. If you need an Istanbulkart, buy one and top it up at the kiosks inside the Sabiha Gökçen arrivals hall before heading to the bus stop.
Onboard amenities
Every Havabüs coach has climate control, a full row of reclining seats with legroom, and a large luggage bay under the chassis for checked-size bags.
- Air conditioning and heating year-round
- Reclining seats with adequate legroom
- Large luggage compartments under the bus
Pro tip: SG-1 covers 30 km to Kadıköy and connects to the M4 metro for onward travel across the city. SG-2 covers 40 km to Taksim, the main hub on the European side.
Where to find the buses
At Sabiha Gökçen Airport: Havabüs stops are outside the arrivals terminal, close to the exit. The coaches are white with the Havabüs logo clearly displayed on the side.
In Taksim (SG-2 route): The main stop is at the Taksim Gezi Park metro exit; the alternative stop is the Point Hotel area on Abdülhak Hamit Caddesi.
In Kadıköy (SG-1 route): The stop is in the IETT bus stops area by the Kadıköy pier.
Final tips before you go
- Allow extra time: board Havabüs at least 4 hours before your departure flight
- Bring cash or Istanbulkart — credit cards are not accepted on buses
- Check current schedules on havabus.com before you travel, since times change
- Wait at the stop; when the bus arrives, board and pay the driver
- If the bus is full, wait for the next one (they leave every 30 minutes)
