How To Get From Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport to the City Centre

Sabiha Gokcen is located in the Asian part of Istanbul, about 45 km from the city centre. It’s a small airport. International designation: Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport. Sabiha Gokcen Airport Code: SAW.

How to pay for public transport in Istanbul

Single tickets for public transport are sold from ticket machines at stations and stops. They cost 25 Turkish Liras. You can also buy e-tickets for multiple journeys. For example, three trips for 70 Turkish Liras or ten trips for 200 Turkish Liras. They are recorded on a disposable card. You can’t reload it when the trip is over.

There is also an Istanbul card, which is used to pay for public transport, with the exception of some buses. You buy the card once, then top up your e-wallet and pay for your journey. You can buy an Istanbul Card from vending machines at stations or piers. It costs 70 Turkish Liras, which will not be added to your account. 

To travel, you need to top up your card at the machines. You can buy and top up an Istanbul Card with cash or a bank card. Using an Istanbul Card is cheaper and can be used on most public transport lines in Istanbul.

1. Havabus Airport Bus

The Havabus bus runs daily from 03:30 to 00:30 from Sabiha Gokcen Airport to the city centre on a direct route. The pick-up and drop-off point in Istanbul is Gezi Park metro station, just behind Taksim Square. The trip costs 283.5 liras per person, including luggage, and takes approximately 90 minutes. You can get off at several stations, but most tourists get off at Taksim. Kadikoy can be reached in 1 hour and the fare is 175 liras. Check the Havabus website for departure times.

You can pay by cash or bank card (10% more expensive). It is possible to pay in foreign currency, but the change is in lira. These buses can take you to the city centre when the metro is not working. 

2. Public Bus

City buses run several routes around Istanbul. They start at 06:00 and finish at 01:30. The bus numbers departing from Sabiha Gokcen Airport are as follows: E3, E9, E10, E11, 16S.

Buses make many stops and do not follow a direct route, so you should calculate your time carefully. They will get you to Taksim Square and Sultanahmet Square quickly.

Do not take public transport with a lot of luggage. There is no room for it on the buses and they are always full. 

3. Metro

A new metro line connecting Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport to the city was opened on 2 October 2022. Now it takes about 50 minutes to travel from Sabiha Gokcen Airport to the central districts of Istanbul in the Asian part. Metro opening hours: 06:00-00:00.

There are 2 metro stations at the airport:

• Without leaving the airport through the long travelator system (entrance on the left side of the arrivals hall);
• After going outside and walking part of the way through the air, go down to the metro.

The Sabiha Gokcen metro line is marked pink on the maps. It can be found from the arrival halls by following the signs in the halls. There are several ways to pay for your journey: transport cards and tickets from ticket machines.

From Istanbul Airport, you can take the metro to Kadikoy Marina and Sirkeci Railway Station, which provides transport to the city centre. Trains run to Sultanahmet Square and Topkapi Palace. If you need to go further, you can change at Kadikoy for Marmaray or ferries to Eminenyu, Kabatash.

4. Taxi

Taking a taxi is one of the easiest and most convenient ways to get from Sabiha Gokcen to the city centre. Taxis are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week near the arrival terminals and the journey to the city centre usually takes between 40 and 60 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

The approximate cost of the journey can be found on the airport’s website. Taxi hailing apps are available in Turkey, but travellers often encounter situations where the driver refuses to take the order. If you negotiate with the driver at the airport, the price may be too high. Many travellers report conflict situations with drivers.

It is better to have a small Turkish lira with you for a taxi ride. Taxis often say that they do not have change from a large bill.

5. Car Hire

You can find rental cars through websites that represent Turkish car rental companies. Some companies allow you to rent a car without a credit card, offering the option to pay in cash. However, you will typically be asked for a deposit.

Car rental services are available at Istanbul Airport, with both international and local rental companies operating from the terminal.

While renting from local car hire companies can sometimes be tempting, it carries some risks. For instance, a representative may not meet you upon arrival in Turkey, and it could take a long time to contact them. Once they arrive, they may claim that all cars are unavailable due to damage, leaving you scrambling to find another option on the spot. For a smoother experience, it’s better to choose international car hire companies.

Keep in mind that driving in Istanbul can be challenging, with heavy traffic, narrow streets, and limited parking. Additionally, renting a car can be costly when factoring in fuel prices and parking fees.

Tourists’ Recommendation: renting a car in Istanbul with GetRentaCar.com. Many tourists visiting Istanbul have shared positive experiences with GetRentaCar.com, highlighting it as one of the most reliable and hassle-free car rental services in the city.

6. Private Transfer

Probably the most convenient and reliable way to get from the airport to the city centre or to your hotel is to book a transfer in advance. This can be done through GetTransfer.com.

GetTransfer.com is the number one marketplace for booking global mobility services, where you can book transfers, long distance travel, taxi rides, hourly chauffeured car rentals and delivery services in any country in the world. The platform’s listings, reviews, accurate car descriptions and photos ensure that customers receive the highest quality service at the best price. In addition, GetTransfer.com has completely eliminated the language barrier by providing support in over 20 languages, making the booking process easier than ever before.

GetTransfer.com offers a convenient fixed price service. There is no need to change money at the airport, the driver will meet you and help you with your luggage. Unlike public transport, a shuttle service will take you directly to your hotel. If you are travelling with young children, please state in advance on the booking form that a child seat is required. 

Conclusion

If you are travelling with a lot of luggage and children, or do not know the city, the best option is to book a transfer from the airport. Istanbul is a beautiful ancient city, but even locals can find it difficult to find the right address in the small central streets. Booking a transfer will save you from the problems associated with travelling around Istanbul. A trusted driver will save you time and take you to your destination in comfort.