You can get from Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) to Istanbul city center by Welcome Pickups private transfer starting from €46 (45 min), taxi from around €24 (45 min), M4 metro from about €0.80 (52 min to Kadıköy), Havabüs from €5 (60-90 min), or IETT public bus from around €1.68 (60-150+ min depending on route and traffic). Prices and services checked August 2026.
6 ways to get from SAW Airport to Istanbul
PRICE FOR 
OPTION | PRICE | TIME | AVAILABILITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Welcome Pickups Private Transfer | €46 | 55min | 24/7 | Convenience | Book | |
| Ideal for families, groups, business travelers, first-time visitors, and anyone arriving with several pieces of luggage or late at night. | ||||||
Taxi | €24 | 55min | 24/7 | Convenience | Book | |
| Good for families and groups who don't want to navigate Istanbul's public transport network but didn't book a ride in advance. | ||||||
Metro M4 Line | €2.88 | 90min | 06:00–22:00 | Convenience | Read more | |
| Best for travelers staying around Kadikoy or who want to avoid road traffic and don't mind changing transport for the European side. | ||||||
Shuttle bus (SG-1) | €11.90 | 90min | 06:30–00:30 | Convenience | Read more | |
| Perfect if you’re looking for the cheapest, most direct service to the center. | ||||||
Havabüs | €10 | 75min | 06:30–00:30 | Convenience | Read more | |
| The simplest public transport choice for Taksim or Kadıköy if you want to avoid metro transfers. | ||||||
Public bus | €5.04 | 150min | 06:00–00:00 | Convenience | Read more | |
| Best for travelers who don’t mind slow-journey through the roads of Turkey. | ||||||
An official Istanbul taxi from Sabiha Gökçen Airport to central Istanbul costs around €24 (TRY 1,315) or more and takes about 55 minutes in normal traffic to cover 45 km, but the final price is metered and can increase significantly with traffic and waiting time. Official taxis are available at the airport 24/7. The current Istanbul tariff varies by taxi type.
Typical taxi types:
Cost of a taxi from Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) to the city
The base fare for the standard yellow (C-segment) taxi, the 2026 tariff is €0.90 (TRY 42), and the rate per kilometer is €0.60 (TRY 28). A roughly 40 km journey from Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Taksim or the city would therefore be around €24 (TRY 1,315) before any waiting-time charges or applicable tolls; the actual fare depends on the route and traffic.
Where do I get a taxi from?
The official taxi rank is directly outside the Arrivals Hall at Sabiha Gökçen Airport. Follow the airport’s taxi signs and join the official queue rather than accepting offers from drivers approaching you inside the terminal.
Convenience
Taxis provide a direct door-to-door journey and are available around the clock, but Istanbul traffic can substantially increase both journey time and the metered fare. The route from SAW to European-side areas such as Taksim or Sultanahmet is particularly vulnerable to congestion because you must cross from the Asian side.
Useful Tips
Book a trusted, English-speaking driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular taxi
Learn moreThe M4 Kadikoy–Sabiha Gökçen Airport Metro Line runs directly from SAW to Kadikoy in approximately 52 minutes and costs €0.80 (TRY 46.20). Trains operate 24 hours from Friday to Sunday and from 06:00 to 00:00 on other weekdays. The airport station is connected to the terminal, making the metro the most predictable option when road traffic is heavy.
How much is the metro from Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Istanbul?
A standard full-fare Istanbul public transport journey costs €0.80 (TRY 46.20) in 2026, and each passenger will need an Istanbulkart to use the metro. The Istanbulkart card costs €1.28 (TRY 170) before adding travel credit.
The M4 Line runs from the airport to Kadıköy from 06:00 to 22:00 every day.
Where do I catch the metro?
The Sabiha Gökçen Airport Metro Station is directly connected to the airport terminal. Follow the signs for Metro/M4 after collecting your luggage and passing Arrivals.
Convenience
The M4 is a good choice if you’re staying in Kadikoy or near another M4 station, because it avoids Istanbul’s unpredictable road traffic. However, reaching Sultanahmet, Taksim, or other European-side neighborhoods requires additional connections so the total journey can take considerably longer.
Timetables
Istanbul Metro Information
Useful Tips
The Istanbul Sabiha Airport to city center bus is run by a private company – Havabus. Two Havabus services will get you to Istanbul city. The SG-1 goes from Sabiha Airport to Taksim. We’ll talk about the other service in the next section.
This bus only has five stops on its route, which could be inconvenient if you have large amounts of luggage and need to walk to your hotel from the drop-off point – the “Point Hotel”. However, the bus does have good luggage storage and is very reasonably priced.
On average, the bus journey takes 1 hour and 30 minutes, but it all depends on the traffic. As mentioned previously, traffic can be unpredictable and the cause of many delays. Therefore, on a bad traffic day, the SG-1 service to Taksim can take over 2 hours.
Fortunately, the bus departs quite frequently. It runs every half hour from 06:30 to 00:30, every day of the week. It’s worth checking the website for the most up-to-date timetable.
How much is a bus from Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport to Istanbul city?
The SG-1 bus from Sabiha Airport to Istanbul costs €5.95 (TRY 283.50) per person. You can buy your ticket from the driver in cash or from the Havabus ticket kiosk in the Arrivals Hall at Sabiha Airport.
The bus is available from the airport between 06:30 to 00:30 and departs every 30 minutes.
Where do I get the shuttle bus from?
The stop to catch the Havabus SG-1 service is directly outside of the Arrivals Hall. As you exit the main terminal building, follow signs to “buses” and you’ll see the Havabus stop well-signposted. If in doubt, ask a member of staff to help.
Convenience
Given the frequency and low price, the SG-1 service from SAW Airport to Istanbul is one of the more convenient public transportation methods. However, the journey is much longer than taking a taxi or transfer. You may also need to wait for an available service as there is often a long queue.
Timetables
Bus timetable to Taksim
Useful Tips
Havabüs is the dedicated airport shuttle serving Sabiha Gökçen. A ticket from Sabiha Airport to Taksim is €8.17 (TRY 440, 90 min), Kadıköy for €5.01 (TRY 270, 60 min), and Sakarya for €9.28 (TRY 500, 120 min). Don’t confuse Havabüs with Havaist; SAW is served by Havabüs, while Havaist primarily serves Istanbul Airport (IST). It operates from 03:00 or 04:00 until midnight.
How much is the bus from Istanbul Airport?
A Havabüs ticket from SAW costs €8.17 (TRY 440) to Taksim and €5.01 (TRY 270) to Kadıköy. The fare is per passenger and is considerably higher than the standard M4 public-transport fare, but the shuttle provides a direct airport connection without changing trains. Journey times depend on traffic.
This service runs from 06:30 to 00:30 every day.
Where do I catch the public bus?
The Havabüs stop is directly outside the airport terminal. Follow the signs for buses after leaving Arrivals and check the destination displayed on the coach before boarding.
Convenience
Havabüs is particularly useful for travelers staying around Taksim or Kadıköy, as it avoids the multiple connections required by the metro. However, buses are affected by Istanbul traffic, and luggage can be inconvenient if the coach is busy.
Timetables
Bus timetable to Kadikoy
Useful Tips
IETT public buses connect Sabiha Gökçen Airport with Taksim, Kadıköy and 4. Levent, with SG-2 serving Taksim, SG-1 serving Kadıköy, E-10 serving Kadıköy, and E-3 serving 4. Levent. The fare is approximately €1.68 (TRY 92) per person for E-10 and €2.52 (TRY 138.60) for E-3. Public buses are cheaper than airport shuttles but require more planning and can take considerably longer.
How much is the bus from Istanbul Airport?
IETT fares depend on the route, with standard public transport fares payable using an Istanbulkart; express airport routes such as E-10 and E-3 have their own applicable tariffs (€1.68/TRY 92 for E-10 and €2.52/TRY 138.60 for E-3 in 2026). Check the current fare for your specific route before traveling.
Buses run from 06:00 until midnight every day.
Where do I catch the public bus?
The bus stop is directly outside the airport terminal. Follow the overhead “Public Bus / İETT” signs after leaving Arrivals and check the destination displayed on the coach before boarding.
Convenience
IETT buses are a budget-friendly option for travelers who don’t mind longer journeys and transfers. However, routes can be slower and more complicated than airport shuttles, particularly when traveling to the European side of Istanbul.
Timetables
E-3 Bus Timetable
Sabiha Airport to Levent Metro
Useful Tips
A Welcome Pickups private transfer from Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) starts at €46 for a sedan for up to 3 passengers and takes around 45 minutes to central Istanbul, depending on traffic. Your driver waits in the Arrivals Hall, helps with your luggage, and takes you directly to your accommodation.
How much is a private transfer from Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport to Istanbul city?
Welcome Pickups SAW airport transfer currently costs (as of August 2026):
The exact price depends on your destination, vehicle, and booking details. Enter your route details online for a personalized quote.
Private transfers are available 24/7 from Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW).
Where do I meet my driver?
Your driver waits for you inside the Arrivals Hall at Sabiha Gökçen Airport, holding a sign with your name. The driver helps with your luggage and accompanies you to your pre-selected vehicle.
Convenience
Private transfers provide a door-to-door journey with fixed, prepaid fares, meet-and-greet service, trained English-speaking drivers, flight monitoring, luggage assistance and 24/7 customer support, avoiding the taxi queue, fare uncertainty and multiple public transport connections.
Useful Tips
Sedan up to 3 passengers
€32Starting from 10.7 EUR / passenger
Minivan up to 8 passengers
€38Starting from 4.8 EUR / passenger
Minibus up to 12 passengers
€51Starting from 4.3 EUR / passenger
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) to Istanbul city center?
You can reach Istanbul city center from SAW by Welcome Pickups private transfer, taxi, M4 metro, Havabus shuttles, or IETT public buses. A private transfer takes around 55 minutes in normal traffic and offers a fixed fare, meet-and-greet service, flight monitoring and door-to-door transport.
Is there a Metro from SAW Airport to Istanbul city center?
Yes. M4 Metro Line runs directly from Sabiha Gökçen Airport toward Kadıköy, with connections to central Istanbul along the network. The complete M4 line takes around 52 minutes, but reaching areas such as Taksim and Sultanahmet requires an additional connection.
Is there a train from SAW Airport to Istanbul?
There is no conventional intercity train directly from SAW, but the M4 metro is connected to Istanbul’s rail network and runs from the airport to Kadıköy.
What is Havabus and how do I use it from SAW Airport?
Havabus is an airport shuttle service connecting SAW with central locations including Taksim and Kadıköy taking around 60-90 minutes depending on destination and traffic. The shuttle stops directly outside Arrivals; tickets can be purchased at the airport or from the service, depending on the route.
Is there a shuttle from SAW to IST Airport?
Yes. Havaist’s HVIST-13 provides a 24×7, direct connection between Sabiha Gökçen and Istanbul Airport, so you do not need to travel into central Istanbul first. Check the operator’s current departure times and fare before traveling because schedules and prices can change.
How far is Sabiha Gökçen Airport from Istanbul city center?
Sabiha Gökçen Airport is approximately 43 km from Taksim, one of Istanbul’s main central districts and it is around 32 km from Kadikoy. The distance to other parts of central Istanbul varies because the city extends across both sides of the Bosphorus.
How long does it take from SAW Airport to Istanbul city center?
A private transfer or taxi takes around 55 minutes in normal traffic, while Havabus takes approximately 60-90 minutes and public transport can take around 90 minutes or longer depending on connections. Istanbul traffic can substantially increase road journey times.
What is the cheapest way from SAW Airport to Istanbul?
The M4 metro and IETT public buses are generally the cheapest options, although the final cost depends on the route and transfers. The M4 runs from SAW to Kadıköy, while IETT routes including E-3 and E-10 connect the airport with other parts of Istanbul.
How do I get from SAW Airport to Istanbul late at night?
For a late-night arrival, a Welcome Pickups private transfer or official airport taxi is the simplest option, as the M4 operates approximately 06:00-00:00. Some bus and shuttle services operate later, but schedules vary, so check the departure time before relying on public transport.
How much is a taxi from SAW Airport to Istanbul city center?
A taxi from SAW to central Istanbul generally starts from €24 (TRY 1,315), although the final metered fare depends on the destination, traffic and route. Tolls can be added when the journey uses applicable bridges, tunnels or highways.
Is a private transfer worth it from SAW Airport?
Yes. A private transfer is worth considering if you want a fixed price, a driver waiting inside Arrivals, help with luggage, flight monitoring and door-to-door transport. Welcome Pickups transfers from SAW to Istanbul start at €46 (TRY 2,187) for a sedan for up to 3 passengers, with larger vehicles available.
What is the difference between Havabus and a private transfer from SAW?
Havabus is a shared airport shuttle with fixed routes and scheduled departures, while a Welcome Pickups private transfer takes you directly to your destination at a pre-booked fixed fare. Welcome Pickups also includes a personalized meet-and-greet, flight monitoring, luggage assistance and 24/7 customer support.
Where is the pickup point for private transfers at SAW Airport?
With Welcome Pickups, your driver waits inside the Arrivals Hall at Sabiha Gökçen Airport holding a sign with your name, then helps with your luggage and escorts you to your pre-selected vehicle.
Is Welcome Pickups reliable at SAW Airport?
Yes. Welcome Pickups provides 24/7 private transfers from SAW with flight monitoring, fixed fares, English-speaking drivers and an Arrivals Hall meet-and-greet. Welcome Pickups currently reports a 4.9/5 Trustpilot rating for its Istanbul transfer service.
How much does Welcome Pickups charge from SAW Airport?
Welcome Pickups currently lists €46 (TRY 2,187) for a sedan for up to 3 passengers, €50 (TRY 2,377) for a minivan for up to 8 passengers, and €123 (TRY 5,849) for a minivan for up to 12 passengers from SAW to Istanbul city. Your exact fixed quote depends on your destination, vehicle and booking details.
Is Welcome Pickups cheaper than a hotel transfer from SAW Airport?
It can be, but there is no universal hotel-transfer price for comparison. Welcome Pickups gives you a fixed quote before booking, while hotel-arranged transfers have their own rates; the best comparison is to check the hotel’s quoted price against your Welcome Pickups quote for the same vehicle and destination.
What should I do if I arrive at SAW with no transfer arranged?
If you arrive without transfer arrangements, you can join the official taxi queue outside Arrivals, take the M4 metro, use Havabus, or take an IETT bus. If you want a private vehicle, Welcome Pickups can also be booked online or through its app, with a fixed quote provided before payment.
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