Sabiha Gokcen Airport to City Center in 2026 – Best Ways

Getting from Sabiha Gokcen Airport to city center is now easier than ever, thanks to the newly opened metro line. Located on Istanbul’s Asian side, Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) mainly serves budget airlines, making it a popular choice for affordable flights. Whether heading straight to the European side or planning to stay in Kadıköy, this guide will walk you through all the transport options to reach your destination.

Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) was named after Turkey’s first female fighter pilot and has been a key hub for low-cost flights since its opening in 2001.

It’s about 50 km from Istanbul’s main tourist areas, and depending on traffic, the journey to the city center can take 1 to 1:30 hours. However, with the Istanbul SAW to city center metro connection, you now have a faster and more reliable way to get there.

If you have a long layover and want to explore Istanbul, Kadıköy is the closest vibrant neighborhood with great cafés, markets, and waterfront views.

For those who have a longer stopover and aim to visit Sultanahmet’s famous landmarks like Hagia Sophia and Topkapı Palace, my Istanbul layover guide has practical tips on making the most of your time.

To return to Istanbul SAW Airport, arrive at least 1:30 hours before domestic flights and 2:30 hours for international departures. To avoid any last-minute rush, you must have at least 3:30-4:30 hours between the flights.I

f you’re landing at Istanbul’s new airport instead, check out my guide on the best transport options from New Istanbul Airport to city center.

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you buy something through them—at no extra cost to you. It helps support my blog and lets me share real, first-hand travel tips. Learn more

Before you leave Istanbul SAW Airport to city center

Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) is smaller and easier to navigate than the new Istanbul Airport (IST), so getting through passport control and baggage claim is usually quick. Before heading into the city, you should do a few essential things to make your arrival smoother.

Get a visa for Turkey

If you’re arriving on an international flight, you must pass through immigration. Turkey requires visas for some nationalities, while others can enter visa-free, with just a national ID, or apply for an e-visa online. A few can even get a visa on arrival. To check the latest requirements, visit Turkey’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or the official e-Visa portal before your trip.

Withdraw Turkish Lira (TL)

If you plan to use public transportation, you’ll need cash in Turkish Lira since many places don’t accept foreign cards. ATMs are available throughout the airport and accept international debit and credit cards. However, withdrawal fees vary by bank, usually around 6-7%, and some banks don’t display fees upfront.

Best ATMs to use:

• Ziraat Bankasi and HSBC are known for low or no withdrawal fees.
• Wise Card: If you qualify, using a Wise card can help minimize fees and get better exchange rates. Some Turkish banks have lower withdrawal charges when using a Wise card.

Exchange money

If you have cash to exchange, currency exchange offices operate 24/7 throughout the airport. However, as in most airports, exchange rates here are less favorable than in the city. If possible, exchange only a small amount—just enough for your transfer to your hotel—and find a better rate in the city.

Get an Istanbul Card at the SAW Istanbul Airport

Buying an Istanbul Card before leaving the airport is smart if you’re taking the metro or bus into the city. Public transportation in Istanbul does not accept cash, and you can’t use a foreign credit or debit card to pay for fares.

The Istanbul Card is a reusable contactless card used for buses, metro, trams, ferries, and even public restrooms.

Where to buy it:

• Head to the bus departure station outside the arrivals hall.
• Look for the black and yellow machines.
• The machines have English and other language options, making it easy to follow the instructions.
• To buy the card, you’ll need cash in Turkish Lira. It costs 130 TL, plus extra to top it up for your journey.

Taking care of these essentials before leaving Sabiha Gokcen Airport to city center will save you time and make your arrival in the city much more effortless.

How to get from Sabiha Gokcen Airport to city center

Istanbul Sabiha Airport is one of the city’s two main airports, located on the Asian side. Similar to Istanbul Airport, it’s farther from the main tourist areas. However, SAW is connected to the city center by several means, including public transport, airport shuttles, taxis, and private transfers.

Sabiha Gokcen Airport to Istanbul Metro

As of October 2022, the M4 Metro Line connects Sabiha Gokcen Airport to Kadikoy. The 33.5 km line has 23 stations, and takes 52 minutes to reach the last stop in Kadikoy. This is the easiest and most comfortable option.

It operates from 6 am to midnight on working days and 24/7 on weekends. The metro ticket costs 27 TL, payable with an Istanbul Card.

The M4 metro line allows easy transfers to Marmaray (Ayrilik Cesmesi Station) to travel between Asia and Europe, Metrobus (Unalan Station), T3 Kadikoy-Moda Tram to get around Kadikoy, and Kadikoy Ferry Terminal to cross to the European side.

Havabus shuttle from SAW Istanbul to city center

Havabus is a popular and convenient airport shuttle option. It runs frequently and connects Sabiha Gokcen Airport to Taksim, Kadikoy, and Yenisahra Metro. Depending on traffic and your destination, travel time varies from 45 minutes to 1:30 hours.

• SAW Airport to Taksim: 283.50 TL
• SAW Airport to Kadikoy: 175 TL
• SAW Airport to Yenisahra: 175 TL

For schedules, check the Havabus website.

Public Bus (IETT) from SAW Airport Istanbul to city center

SAW Airport is connected to various districts in Istanbul via municipal buses operated by IETT. Seven bus lines run from early morning until around 9-10 pm, but if it’s your first visit to Istanbul, you’ll need to know only four bus lines I list below.

Remember that these buses primarily serve local neighborhoods, so you may need additional transportation to reach Sultanahmet or Taksim. The only direct bus to Taksim is the SG-2.

In addition, unlike Havabus, these public buses don’t have a separate space for luggage. They also make frequent stops, making the journey longer. Factor in the fact that you can get into rush hour traffic, or the bus can get quite crowded with locals. However, it’s an excellent way to observe local life if you’re not in a rush.

Depending on the bus you choose, ticket prices vary but are payable with an Istanbul Card. The main downside is that some of these buses make frequent stops, making the journey longer.

Bus routes from Sabiha Gokcen Airport to city center:

• E-3 – 4.Levent Metro
• E-10 – Kadikoy & Kurtkoy
• SG-1 – Kadikoy
• SG-2 – Taksim

Check the IETT website for updated schedules.

How to get from Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen to Taksim Square

If you’re heading to Taksim, the best option is the SG-2 bus. The first bus departs Sabiha Airport to Taksim at 6:30 am every day and has 30-minute intervals. One-way ticket for SG-2 bus ticket costs 283.50 TL with an Istanbul Card. 

Alternatively, you can take the SG-1 to Kadikoy, then change into a ferry to Kabatas, and finally, the F1 funicular to Taksim Square. One way ticket costs 175.50 TL with the card.

This route can be confusing for first-time visitors, but it allows you to try all the different means of transport and observe local life. I love ferry rides in Istanbul.

How to Get from Istanbul SAW Airport to Sultanahmet

Reaching Sultanahmet from SAW requires a bit more effort. The best way is to take the E-10 or SG-1 (the latter has fewer stops) to Kadikoy, then a ferry to Eminonu, and from there, the T1 tram toward Bagcilar, getting off at Sultanahmet.

The E-10 bus is a night bus and the ticket costs 54 TL. The first one departs the airport at 11:40 pm on work days and Sundays. It doesn’t operate on Saturdays. Next, buses depart at 1:05 am and then every 1:20 minutes. The last one departs at 3:30. Check the schedules here.

If you arrive after midnight, remember that trams don’t work at night, so you must choose an alternative.

Private transfers from Sabiha Gokcen Airport to Istanbul

A private transfer is the most comfortable way to travel from SAW to your hotel, especially if you arrive late at night, travel with family/friends, or have big luggage.

Getting a pre-booked private airport transfer avoids the headaches of withdrawing or exchanging money at the airport and worrying about various little things. I recommend Welcome Pickups for their great, professional service.

Moreover, the price is already set, and you won’t have to worry about whether you’ve been scammed by the taxi. Let’s face it: that happens everywhere.

Alternatively, you can check out these transfers to save time and hassle: Private transfers for up to 4 people or shared private transfers.

Sabiha Gokcen Airport to Istanbul Taxi

Taxis are the most convenient but expensive way to get from SAW to Istanbul center. They operate on a meter and come in three types:

• Orange (Standard) Taxi – Cheapest option.
• Blue (Mid-range) Taxi – Slightly more expensive.
• Black (Luxury) Taxi – Highest fare.

All taxis in Istanbul operate with a metered fare system, starting at 42 TL, with a minimum rate of 28 TL per kilometer. If the taxi remains stationary for more than five minutes, an additional charge of 4.5 TL per minute applies.

Extra fees are added for crossing toll bridges, using tunnels, or driving on certain highways.

For reference, a taxi ride from SAW to Taksim costs 750 to 950 TL; to Sultanahmet, it costs around 850-1,100 TL.

Taxis are available just outside the arrivals hall, and you can also book one through the BiTaksi app. Remember that fares are estimates and may increase due to traffic or route changes.

How to get from Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Istanbul Airport

If you need to transfer between airports for a connecting flight, don’t worry—it’s entirely possible. The most convenient way to travel from SAW Airport to Istanbul Airport is by using the HAVAIST shuttle bus service.

The HVIST-13 bus operates between the two airports. Under normal traffic conditions, it covers the route in about two hours. The fare for a one-way ticket is 310 TL.

Since Istanbul’s traffic can be unpredictable, planning extra time for your journey is always a good idea. You can check the latest schedule and departure times here to ensure a smooth transfer.