How to Get from Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Sultanahmet
By Public Transport
Board the M4 metro at Sabiha Gökçen station and ride to Ayrılık Çeşmesi—about 60 minutes of smooth, air-conditioned travel for roughly 27 ₺. Swipe your Istanbulkart once for the entire first leg.
At Ayrılık Çeşmesi, transfer to the Marmaray line and glide under the Bosphorus to Sirkeci in 10 minutes for around 10 ₺. From there, catch the T1 tram one stop to Sultanahmet or enjoy a short 800 m stroll across cobblestones.
This cost-saving transfer route avoids traffic and keeps your wallet happy, though the metro and tram both pause between midnight and 06:00.
By Taxi
Flag a taxi outside Arrivals and the meter starts at 6 ₺, adding 5 ₺ per kilometre plus the 47 ₺ Eurasia Tunnel toll. A clear-road journey takes about 45 minutes and lands between 260 ₺ and 310 ₺ for this direct taxi route.
Drivers know back-street shortcuts beneath the tunnel and can shave minutes off peak-hour snarls—just mention “Historic Peninsula” and you’ll glide toward the Blue Mosque without extra fuss.
Most cars accept cash or card; keeping small bills ready avoids any “no change” stalls,, especially when you’re heading straight to check-in.
By Ride-Hailing
BiTaksi and Uber both lock in a fare before you book, typically 300–350 ₺ for standard cars and 350–420 ₺ for XL. Pickup happens at the covered forecourt, so you skip street-corner waits.
Surge pricing can apply during rush hours, but the price you see is the price you pay—no mid-journey meter surprises and no stops other than your final drop-off.
Private Transfer
Pre-booking a car with Kiwitaxi secures one fixed price—around 350 ₺ for an economy sedan, including a meet-and-greet in arrivals and 60 minutes of free waiting. Your driver tracks your flight and holds a name board for easy spotting.
This taxi-transfer route mirrors street-taxi timing yet skips meters, tolls are included, and you choose Comfort or Minivan classes in advance for extra luggage or legroom.
Vehicle Classes for Your Transfer
- Compact Breeze – perfect for solo travellers or couples with cabin bags
- Comfort Sedan – four seats plus space for three medium suitcases
- Family Van – six passengers and a large boot for strollers or sports gear
- Executive SUV – leather cabin, USB ports and extra legroom for work or rest
Transfer with Children
Children under 12 must ride in approved restraints. Select baby, toddler or booster when booking and the correct seat arrives clipped in place—no last-minute kiosk dashes.
Drivers pause at service lanes on request for snack or restroom breaks, turning potential meltdowns into quick five-minute stretches.
Transfer with Pets
Small cats and dogs travel safely in hard-shell carriers; larger crates require the Family Van so a seat folds flat ahead of pickup.
Airport security rarely inspects vaccine papers, yet waving documents swiftly beats rummaging under bags if they ask.
What to See in Sultanahmet
Step into history at the Hagia Sophia—its soaring dome and mosaics have watched over Istanbul for 1,500 years. Arrive early to beat crowds and hear the echo of footsteps across marble floors.
Just across the square, the Blue Mosque charms with six minarets and cobalt-tiled interiors. Pause on the courtyard steps and let the call to prayer drift through open arches.
After sunset, wander the ancient Hippodrome where chariot racers once thundered. Today, the obelisks stand silent under twinkling lamps, proof that the right route left energy for discovery rather than traffic stress.