How to Get from Beyoğlu (Taksim) to Sabiha Gökçen Airport
The 37-kilometre stretch from Taksim to Sabiha Gökçen Airport spans two continents and crosses the Bosphorus. Below you’ll find every practical transfer route, taxi route and taxi-transfer route—public transport, shuttle bus, official taxis and a fixed-fare private service—with May 2025 fares and times.
Whether you favour budget links or door-to-door convenience, this guide sets you on the right path before your flight heads east.
By Public Transport
From Taksim station, take the M2 metro to Yenikapı and transfer to the Marmaray line for the undersea crossing to Ayrılık Çeşmesi. A single Istanbulkart ticket costs about 35–45 ₺.
At Ayrılık Çeşmesi, catch bus E-10 or 134H to the airport. Buses run every 15–30 minutes and deliver you curbside in around 20 minutes. Overall travel time is about 1 hour 6 minutes, making this public transport route the lowest cost choice for budget travellers.
By Shuttle Bus (Havabus)
Havabus coaches depart Taksim every 30 minutes from 03:30 to 00:30 for a flat fare of about 55 ₺. You board in Sultanahmet Square or Taksim and ride straight to the terminal without transfers.
The trip typically takes around 90 minutes, though bridge traffic can add a few minutes. Seats sell out on busy mornings, so arriving at least 15 minutes before departure is wise.
By Taxi
Official taxis line up around Taksim Square. The meter starts at about 6 ₺ and ticks 5 ₺ per km, plus a Bosphorus bridge toll of 15 ₺. A typical fare on this taxi route lands between 200 and 250 ₺ with a 45–60 minute drive.
Peak-hour traffic can add ten to fifteen minutes to the journey,, so allow extra time if your flight boards on a weekday afternoon.
Private Transfer
Book a private car with Kiwitaxi to lock in a one-way price—starting around 300 ₺ for an economy sedan. The driver meets you at your hotel with a name board, handles your luggage and tracks flight delays for a punctual pickup.
This taxi-transfer route mirrors street-cab timing yet skips meters, surge pricing and queuing. Larger vehicles are available in advance for families or extra bags.
Vehicle Classes for Your Transfer
- Smart Compact – ideal for solo travellers or pairs with cabin bags
- Comfort Sedan – seats four plus space for medium suitcases
- Group Van – six seats with a large boot for strollers or sports gear
- Executive SUV – long-wheelbase comfort, leather trim and USB charging ports
Transfer with Children
Turkish regulations recommend child seats for children under 5, though not always enforced. Select the correct restraint when booking and the driver will install it before departure.
Many drivers also pause for quick restroom or snack breaks if young passengers need a stretch, turning this transfer into a family-friendly journey.
Transfer with Pets
Small cats or dogs travel well in secure carriers; for larger crates, request a station wagon or van class so a seat folds flat ahead of pickup.
Airport security rarely inspects pet vaccine papers, yet having them on hand makes any checks faster and smoother.
What to See around Sabiha Gökçen Airport
Pendik’s seaside promenade lies just a short taxi ride away. Stroll the waterfront, sample freshly grilled fish and enjoy views of the Sea of Marmara.
For a panoramic perspective, head to Aydınlı Hill Park—one of Istanbul’s highest urban green spaces—where a café serves Turkish tea with views across both continents.
The Istanbul Toy Museum in Göztepe is also nearby, showcasing toys from around the world in a restored mansion—a delightful stop for a 30-minute detour before your flight.