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The closest airport to Taksim is Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW). It is on the Asian side of Istanbul. This airport is about 45 kilometers southeast of Taksim.
Many people use this airport. It handles flights from Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia. Airlines like Pegasus, AnadoluJet, Qatar Airways, and flydubai land here. It is smaller than Istanbul Airport but still very busy.
Taksim is in the center of Istanbul. It sits on the European side. The area is known for shops, restaurants, and hotels. You can walk down Istiklal Street. This is a long street full of stores and cafes. The historic tram runs through the middle. You can also see Taksim Square. It has the Republic Monument. People come here for photos and events. From Taksim, you can take a short walk to the Bosphorus. Taksim is close to other parts of Istanbul. You can visit Galata, Karaköy, and Sultanahmet. These places are a short drive or tram ride away.
You can get to Taksim from SAW Airport by Sabiha Gökçen Airport transfer, shuttle bus, public bus, or train. A Sabiha Airport transfer is the best way to travel and SAW taxi will take around 55 minutes with fixed price and door-to-door service. If you're arriving from Istanbul Airport to Taksim, the journey is more direct.
About the Airport
Official Name: Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW)
Location: Located about 45 kilometers southeast of Taksim, on the Asian side of Istanbul, Turkey.
Airport Facilities: Sabiha Gökçen Airport offers many services for travelers. You can find shops, cafes, and restaurants. There is free Wi-Fi. You can exchange money or use ATMs. Parking is available for short or long stays.
Sabiha Gokcen Airport Taxi
So, how do you get from Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Taksim?
You can get to Taksim from Sabiha Gökçen by taxi which takes about 1 hour. You can also take the Havabus. You can also take the metro and Marmaray train, but that takes longer and involves changes.
- Traffic really picks up between 7 and 9 in the morning, and again from 4 to 6 in the afternoon. Something to keep in mind if you're planning on using the airport shuttle or a taxi.
- If you are landing at SAW Airport late at night, booking a private transfer is probably your best option for a smoother ride.
Airport Shuttle Bus from Sabiha Gokcen Airport to Taksim
Journey Time: The shuttle bus ride from Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) to Taksim takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. If you go early in the morning (like 6:30 am), the ride usually takes just 1 hour.
Key Point: To get from Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) to Taksim, you can take the direct Havabus (HAVABÜS) which stops right at Taksim Square. You can find the Havabus parking outside the terminal's ground floor. Buses are marked "HAVABUS" and show their destination (e.g., "SABIHA GOKCEN – TAKSIM").
These buses run every 30 minutes from 6:30 am to 00:30 (SAW to Taksim) and 3:30 am to 22:00 (Taksim to SAW). You can use a credit card at the Taksim kiosk or an IstanbulKart for the return trip.
There may be a short walk from Taksim station to your hotel. There may be heavy traffic, so allow extra time. Buses may be waiting to refuel, so they're not ideal if you're in a hurry.
Bus Fare from Sabiha Gokcen Airport to Taksim
The bus fare Sabiha Gokcen Airport to Taksim is approximately €6 per person for a one-way trip.
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Metro from Sabiha Gokcen Airport to Taksim
Journey Time: The full trip from Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) to Taksim by train takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes, but it can take longer during busy times.
Key Point: The metro is available at the airport, with the M4 metro station located downstairs. The journey begins on the M4 line, continuing until reaching Ayrılık Çeşmesi. From there, a short walk leads to the Marmaray train platform. The Marmaray train toward Halkalı stops at Yenikapı after three stations.
At Yenikapı, a transfer to the M2 metro line is required. The M2 line travels toward Hacıosman, with Taksim station as one of its stops. This route involves two transfers, which may be challenging for travelers with heavy luggage or unfamiliar with the transit system.
Trains may be crowded and you may have to stand, especially at peak times. Some stations may also be crowded. This journey takes longer than a direct bus.
Train Fare from Sabiha Gokcen Airport to Taksim
The total fare is about €2.40 per person. This includes approximately €0.60 for the M4 metro, €1.25 for the Marmaray, and €0.55 for the M2 metro.
Taxi from Sabiha Gokcen Airport to Taksim
Journey Time: The taxi ride from Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) to Taksim takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Key Point: Taxis wait outside the Arrivals area at SAW Airport. Drivers use meters, but ride quality and car condition can change from one taxi to another. Some cars may not feel clean or comfortable. If you carry big bags or want a smoother ride, a private coach transfer may work better.
There's no fixed price and the meter can run up quickly in traffic. Car quality and service can vary and you may find yourself queuing for the next available taxi
Taxi Fare from Sabiha Gokcen Airport to Taksim
A yellow taxi for this journey will likely cost you between €34 and €41. If you need a larger van, that'll be about 25% higher, and for luxury vehicles like black Mercedes or BMWs, you're looking at around 50% more. These prices are close to what you pay for a private SAW Airport transfer, but with fewer perks.
Sabiha Gokcen Airport Transfers
Private Transfers from Sabiha Gokcen Airport to Taksim
Distance: Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) is located about 45 kilometers from Taksim.
Journey Time: A private transfer from Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Taksim takes around 60 to 90 minutes.
Booking a Sabiha Gökçen Airport taxi at AirportTransfer.com is a simple way to travel. Your driver waits at the airport with a sign. No need to look for a taxi or figure out the metro. Our car is clean and has enough room for your bags. If you are travelling with a family or group, you can choose a larger van or if you want a fancier ride, you can choose a luxury car.
AT driver knows the way. All drivers have training, and many speak English. They check your flight and meet you at the right time—even if your flight is late or early. Plus, the fare is fixed, so there are no surprise fees. You can benefit from free cancellation and a 100% refund policy.
For simple booking, use the AirportTransfer.com mobile app—available on AirportTransfer App on Google Play Store or Airport Taxi Transfer App Store.
Group Bus Transfers from Sabiha Gokcen Airport to Taksim
You can book a group bus at AirportTransfer.com for a direct and private ride to Taksim. Bus rental in Istanbul is a smart option for families, friends, or business teams who want to travel together. Your driver will meet you at the pick-up point at Sabiha Gökçen Airport.
You do not need to wait for taxis or figure out the metro. The bus takes your whole group and luggage straight to your hotel in Taksim with no extra stops.
You can choose the pick-up time. The bus has space for everyone and your bags. Please contact us to arrange your private group bus ride from SAW Airport to Taksim.
Istanbul Bus Hire
Hotel Transfers at Sabiha Gokcen Airport
AirportTransfer.com give you an easy hotel transfer at Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) to your hotel. A driver will wait for you at the airport and take you straight to your hotel. You can pick the car that fits your group and luggage. You can book your hotel transfer online before your trip. It saves time and keeps things simple when you land.
Transfers are available to many of Istanbul’s top hotels, including: Swissôtel The Bosphorus, Çırağan Palace Kempinski, The Marmara Taksim, Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet, Pera Palace Hotel, Shangri-La Bosphorus, Radisson Blu Hotel Istanbul Sisli, Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus, W Istanbul, Raffles Istanbul and more.
You can choose from regular cars, vans, or larger vehicles for easy pick up and drop off at your hotel.
Istanbul Hotel Transfers
The best Sabiha Gokcen Airport reviews are at AirportTransfer.com!