Taxi & Transfers from Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) to Istanbul

How to Get from Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Istanbul City Centre

By Public Transport

Board the M4 metro at Sabiha Gökçen station and ride to Ayrılık Çeşmesi—one swipe on your Istanbulkart covers 60 minutes of air-conditioned travel for about 27 ₺, making it the cheapest transfer route across the city’s Asian side.

From Ayrılık Çeşmesi, catch the Marmaray line under the Bosphorus to Yenikapı in ten minutes for around 18 ₺, then transfer to the M2 metro to Taksim. Total journey time lands near 1 hour 20 minutes and the combined fare stays under 75 ₺.

Services pause between midnight and 06:00, so late-night arrivals should check other options, but off-peak rides feel speedy and cost-savvy.

By Shuttle Bus

The Havabus operates direct coaches from the arrivals forecourt to Taksim, departing every 30 minutes between 06:00 and 23:30 for about 283 ₺. Journey time sits around 90 minutes depending on traffic over the bridges.

Seats are cushioned, air-conditioning hums quietly and luggage stows under the floor. Delays can arise during peak hours,, yet the fixed-fare service beats transfers for travellers with heavy bags.

Arrive at the stand early—seats fill fast on busy mornings and missing one means a longer wait on the curb.

By Taxi

Flag a cab outside the terminal and the meter opens at 6 ₺ plus 5 ₺ per kilometre, covering the 44-kilometre distance in about 32 minutes under light traffic. A typical taxi route fare ranges between 180 and 280 ₺.

Drivers accept cash or card and often know shortcuts to bypass rush-hour jams. Keep small notes ready to avoid any “no change” stalls.

By Ride-Hailing

Uber and BiTaksi quote a fixed price before you confirm, typically 200–300 ₺ for standard cars and 300–350 ₺ for XL. Surge pricing applies at peak times but the rate locks once the ride starts.

Pickup zones sit under the covered forecourt by Arrivals. The app handles payment, so you avoid cash scrambles and share your exact coordinates with the driver.

Private Transfer

Booking a car with Kiwitaxi locks in one clear price—around 350 ₺ for an economy sedan, including up to 60 minutes free waiting and assistance with every bag. Your driver meets you in the arrivals hall with a name board and tracks flight delays.

This taxi-transfer route mirrors taxi timing but skips meter surprises. Upgrade to Comfort or Minivan classes in advance if you need more space or a touch of luxury.

Vehicle Classes for Your Transfer

• Compact Car – ideal for one or two travellers with cabin bags
• Comfort Sedan – seats four plus room for medium suitcases
• Family Van – six seats and a deep boot for prams or gear
• Executive SUV – extra legroom, leather cabin and USB ports

Transfer with Children

Children under 12 must ride in approved restraints. Select baby, toddler or booster when booking and the correct seat will be installed—no last-minute kiosk searches needed.

Transfer with Pets

Small cats and dogs travel securely in hard-shell carriers; larger crates require the Family Van class so a seat can fold flat ahead of pickup.

What to See in Istanbul

The old city’s cobbled streets bustle near the Grand Bazaar, where merchants hawk spices and textiles under historic arches. A brief detour through alleys reveals hidden courtyards and centuries-old fountains.

Cross the Galata Bridge to Karaköy’s waterfront for fish sandwiches by the quay, then ascend the tram or climb the steep streets to the Galata Tower for panoramic views. Choosing the right route freed you from extra transfers and left energy for city wonders.