How to get from SAW Airport to Istanbul City Center?

How to get from SAW Airport to Istanbul City Center?

Elvin Mammadov, 09 Oct 2025

The nearest airport to Istanbul’s Asian side is Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW), located about 45 kilometres (28 miles) southeast of the city centre, in the Pendik district. It is Istanbul’s second major international airport and serves as a key hub for both domestic and international flights, handling millions of passengers each year.

Other airports serving the city include Istanbul Airport (IST), situated on the European side, approximately 40 kilometres (25 miles) from central Istanbul. Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) connects travelers to destinations across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, offering convenient access to Istanbul’s vibrant Asian districts as well as the historic European side. Whether you’re visiting for business, leisure, or a weekend getaway, Sabiha Gökçen provides a comfortable and efficient entry point to the city.

The city’s most popular attractions such as Kadikoy, Uskudar, Sultanahmet, Taksim, and the Bosphorus  are easily reachable from the airport. This guide explores the most efficient ways to travel from Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Istanbul city centre, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey for every traveler.

About the Airport

Official Name: Sabiha Gokcen International Airport

IATA Code: SAW Location: Pendik, Istanbul, Turkey

Facilities: Sabiha Gokcen Airport offers a wide range of services including international dining options, duty-free shops, lounges, prayer rooms, car rental services, and free Wi-Fi. The airport is designed to provide passengers with comfort and convenience from arrival to departure.

How to get from Sabiha Gökçen Airport to the City Centre (or vice versa)? There are several convenient ways to reach Istanbul city centre from Sabiha Gökçen Airport. Travelers can choose between Sabiha Gokcen Airport private taxi transfer services, taxis available 24/7, Havabus shuttles operating to major destinations such as Taksim and Kadıköy, or public buses (İETT) for budget-friendly travel. For those seeking flexibility, car rental options are also available. Each option ensures a safe and comfortable journey to the heart of Istanbul.

Sabiha Gokcen Airport Premium Black Car Service to the City Center

Sabiha Gokcen Airport Premium Black Car Service to the City Center

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Taxi from Sabiha Gokcen Airport to Istanbul City

It takes more than 1 hour by airport taxi from Sabiha to Istanbul city center. SAW Airport taxis operate 24/7, are yellow, and stop in front of the terminal gate. It is important that you do not board until you are sure that the drivers are licensed. This is a big metropolis, and you will likely encounter problems or scams. Istanbul taxi prices work with different tariffs during the day and night.
However, it is safer to take an airport taxi during the day. Road traffic is very heavy in Istanbul, and taxi drivers may say they will take a shortcut and ask for an extra fee. Therefore, if you take a taxi from Sabiha Gokcen to Istanbul city centre, you must agree on the fare with the driver beforehand.

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Taxi Fare from Sabiha Gokcen Airport to Istanbul City

The Istanbul yellow taxi fare from SAW to the city centre between 70 - 80 Euros. Night recipes are much higher in Istanbul. To pay the driver when you start the journey, make sure you have cash with you and that the taximeter is reset and operational.

Istanbul Taxi to Sabiha Gokcen Airport

Istanbul Taxi to Sabiha Gokcen Airport

In addition to standard taxis, ride-hailing apps like Uber and BiTaksi are available in Istanbul, allowing passengers to request rides directly through mobile apps. However, prices are similar to local taxis.   

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Metro from Sabiha Gokcen Airport to the City

You can reach Istanbul city centre from Sabiha Gokcen Airport with the M4 Metro Line. However, you need to transfer. The length of the M4 Kadıkoy-Sabiha Gökçen Airport Metro line is 33.5 km, and the number of stations is 23.
The last stop is Kadıköy. There is the centre of the Anatolian side of Istanbul and is at least as popular as Taksim. You can get off the metro in Kadıköy, take the ferry, or reach Istanbul city centre by taxi.
M4 metro Line Travel Time: 52 minutes and working hours: 06.00 - 00.00.

Metro from Sabiha Gokcen Airport to the City

The metro fare from Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) to central areas like Kadıköy is around ₺17–₺20 (approximately €0.50–€0.60) when paid with an Istanbulkart.

If you continue to the European side using Marmaray or other connecting lines, the total cost may increase slightly depending on distance, usually not exceeding ₺25–₺30 (€0.75–€0.90) in total. Fares are automatically calculated through the Istanbulkart system, offering a simple and budget-friendly way to travel across Istanbul.

The Istanbulkart is a rechargeable travel card that can be used on all forms of public transportation in Istanbul, including buses, metros, trams, ferries, and funiculars. It provides a simple and economical way to get around the city, allowing passengers to access every transport mode with just one card.

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Shuttle from Sabiha Gokcen Airport to Istanbul City Centre

It works with Havabus company as an Istanbul Airport shuttle service. You can take HAVABUS to provide two-way transportation from Sabiha Gokcen Airport to Taksim Square. There are several stops along the route.
Sabiha Gökçen Airport-Kavacık-FSM Bridge-1.Levent-Zincirlikuyu Metrobus- Dolapdere-Taksim.

The journey time is more than 1 and a half hours. The bus stop and pick-up point are located outside the airport arrivals terminal. Extra charges may apply to your extra luggage. The journey takes much longer than other vehicles.

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Shuttle Fare from Sabiha Gokcen Airport to Istanbul City

HAVABUS ticket price is approximately €10, also you can purchase tickets directly from the driver in cash or via the Havabus ticket kiosk at the airport.

There are two different shuttle services operating for Istanbul’s two main airports:

Havaist → serves Istanbul Airport (IST).
It operates regular routes to many major districts on both the European and Asian sides of the city, including Taksim, Beşiktaş, Kadıköy, Sultanahmet, and Bakırköy. The buses are large and comfortable, and payments can be made using an Istanbulkart or a credit card.

Havabus → serves Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW).
It provides direct connections to Kadıköy, Taksim, and Yenisahra, covering shorter routes compared to Havaist. Tickets can be purchased in cash or by credit card, offering a convenient way to reach central locations from the airport.

Istanbul Public Bus from the SAW Airport

Istanbul Public Bus from the SAW Airport

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Public Bus From Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport to the City

The IETT public buses provide an affordable way to travel from Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) to Istanbul city centre. Buses such as E-10, SG-2, and SG-1 connect the airport to major districts including Kadıköy, Taksim, and Üsküdar, with several stops along the route.

The journey typically takes 60–90 minutes, depending on traffic, and is budget-friendly, with fares payable via Istanbulkart. This option is ideal for travelers looking for a simple and economical way to reach the city from the airport.

Public Bus Fare From Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport to the City

The IETT bus fare from Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) to central Istanbul is ₺17–₺20 when paid with an Istanbulkart. The option is available for reaching key districts like Kadıköy, Taksim, or Üsküdar. Cash payments are usually slightly higher, so using Istanbulkart is recommended for convenience and cost savings.

Private Taxis with a Driver in Istanbul

Private Taxis with a Driver in Istanbul

Private Transfers from Sabiha Gokcen Airport to Istanbul City Centre

Private transfer taxis are available from Sabiha Gokcen Airport to Istanbul city centre on AirportTransfer.com. IWe are not recommended to use public transportation or the Sabiha Gokcen Airport taxi to get from SAW airport to Istanbul City Center. You can book a private transfer from SAW Airport to Istanbul city center with a 100% refundable. 

Choosing a Sabiha Gökçen VIP transfer or Istanbul Black Car Premium Transfer ensures a first-class travel experience, allowing passengers to bypass the uncertainty of waiting for taxis or navigating public transport after a long flight. All vehicles are modern, air-conditioned, and equipped with Wi-Fi, offering spacious interiors for a smooth and relaxing ride into Istanbul. Travelers can select from a variety of vehicle types, including standard sedans, executive cars, and minivans suitable for larger groups or families, all providing first-class service and maximum comfort throughout the journey.

You can make your online reservation in just a few simple steps to travel in hygienic vehicles and get a door-to-door Istanbul SAW Airport transfer service. For simple booking, use the AirportTransfer.com mobile app available on AirportTransfer App on Google Play Store or Airport Taxi Transfer App Store

Istanbul Bus Rental for Group Transfers

Istanbul Bus Rental for Group Transfers

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Group Bus Transfers from Sabiha Gokcen Airport to City

For a direct and private transfer, book a dedicated private bus charter in Istanbul, providing comfort and flexibility without shared occupancy. Upon arrival at Sabiha Gokcen Airport, your driver will meet you at the designated pick-up area.
Istanbul bus rental offers spacious, modern vehicles designed to keep groups together, ensuring a comfortable and punctual journey for all passengers. These services are perfect for corporate groups, large families, and tour groups looking to simplify travel logistics. Group transfers are cost-effective, as the total fare is shared among passengers. Vehicles come equipped with ample luggage space, air conditioning, and reclining seats, providing a smooth and enjoyable ride into the city. Overall, it’s a practical, customizable, and eco-friendly option for traveling together.

Please contact us to arrange your bus transfer from SAW Airport to Istanbul city center.


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Istanbul Hotel Transfers

With AirportTransfer.com, you can enjoy a comfortable and dependable transfer from SAW Airport straight to your hotel in the city center. A professional, English-speaking driver will be waiting for you at the arrivals gate to ensure a smooth and direct ride to your destination. Booking your Istanbul hotel transfer in advance saves you time, avoids misunderstandings, and eliminates the stress of navigating unfamiliar transportation options.
Here are some of the most prestigious hotels in central Istanbul:
The Peninsula Istanbul, Raffles Istanbul, Park Bosphorus Hotel Istanbul, Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, The St. Regis Istanbul, Sofitel Istanbul Taksim, Wyndham Grand Istanbul Levent, Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus, The Stay Bosphorus, and Gezi Hotel Bosphorus.

AirportTransfer.com has no partnership or affiliation with the hotels mentioned above. These properties are listed purely for informational purposes as examples of popular and frequently searched and popular hotels in Istanbul. Some hotels also provide free shuttle services, but availability should be confirmed in advance.   

The best Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport transfer reviews are at AirportTransfer.com!