Quick answer

Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) is on the Asian side of Istanbul, approximately 40–55km from central Istanbul destinations. It serves as the city's second major international airport and handles significant low-cost carrier traffic from Europe. Journey times to the city centre range from 45 to 90 minutes depending on your destination and traffic.

SAW vs Istanbul Airport (IST): which side of the city?

The key question before booking is where you're staying:

• Asian side (Kadıköy, Ümraniye, Bostancı, Üsküdar): SAW is the obvious choice — 20–40 minutes
• European side (Taksim, Sultanahmet, Şişli, Beyoğlu): IST is usually more convenient — SAW requires a Bosphorus crossing
• European side with low-cost flights: many travellers use SAW regardless and cross the bridge

SAW is approximately 50km from Taksim across the Bosphorus via the bridge. The route is straightforward — TEM motorway to the bridge and through — but Istanbul's notorious traffic can turn 50km into 90+ minutes.

All transfer options from SAW

| Option | Time to Taksim | Time to Kadıköy | Approx. cost | Book ahead? | |---|---|---|---|---| | Private transfer | 50–80 min | 30–50 min | €30–€55 | Yes | | Havaş bus | 90–120 min | — | €6–€9 | No | | Metered taxi | 50–80 min | 30–50 min | €25–€50 | No | | Metro + bus | 90–120 min | 60–80 min | €1–2 | No |

Option 1: Private transfer

A pre-booked private transfer from SAW means a driver with your name in the arrivals hall, a fixed price agreed before travel, and direct routing to your Istanbul address.

For destinations on the European side, a private transfer is particularly useful: the driver knows the bridge crossing approach, avoids the most congested routes, and the fixed price means traffic jams don't cost you extra.

For Asian side destinations (Kadıköy, Üsküdar, Ataşehir), private transfer prices are lower and journey times shorter — SAW becomes the more attractive airport.

TaxiPorts offers fixed-price transfers from Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Taksim, Kadıköy, Sultanahmet and more. See all Sabiha Gökçen Airport routes.

Option 2: Havaş bus

Havaş operates airport buses from SAW to a handful of destinations — historically including Taksim (Mecidiyeköy area). Routes change; check the current Havaş schedule for SAW before your trip.

Journey time to Taksim: typically 90–120 minutes, sometimes more in traffic. The bus uses surface roads and crosses the Bosphorus Bridge, so rush-hour delays apply.

Best for: Travellers headed to Taksim area without much luggage who don't mind a longer journey and the uncertainty of surface traffic.

Option 3: Taxi

Taxis are available at SAW and are regulated. For short journeys to the Asian side, a taxi is practical and relatively affordable.

For the European side, the meter runs for the full Bosphorus crossing journey. From SAW to Taksim by taxi typically costs €25–€50 depending on traffic. If you're in heavy traffic for 30–40 minutes extra, the meter reflects that.

BiTaksi (the Turkish ride-hailing app) works at SAW and gives a fare estimate before you book.

Option 4: Public transport

A metro line connects SAW to Kadıköy and Üsküdar on the Asian side, from where you can take ferries to the European side. The full journey to Taksim takes around 90–120 minutes but is the cheapest option.

For Asian side destinations, public transport from SAW is genuinely competitive — the metro is fast and connects well.

Key destinations and journey times from SAW

To Taksim (European side)

~50km via the Bosphorus Bridge | 50–80 minutes | Private transfer: €40–€55

To Sultanahmet (Old City)

~50km via the bridge | 55–85 minutes | Private transfer: €42–€55

To Kadıköy (Asian side)

~35km | 30–50 minutes | Private transfer: €28–€40

To Beşiktaş (European side)

~45km | 50–75 minutes | Private transfer: €38–€52

To Şişli (European side)

~52km | 55–80 minutes | Private transfer: €40–€55

About Sabiha Gökçen Airport

SAW handles primarily domestic Turkish Airlines and low-cost international traffic (Pegasus, Turkish, Wizz Air, easyJet). It's a modern, manageable terminal — smaller than IST, with shorter queues and faster baggage claim (typically 15–25 minutes after landing).

Arrivals: straightforward hall with ATMs (better rates than counters), SIM card kiosks, and Havaş bus stops immediately outside. The taxi rank is clearly signposted.

A practical note: SAW is named after Turkey's first female combat pilot, Sabiha Gökçen. It's commonly abbreviated as SAW or referred to simply as "Sabiha" in conversation.

FAQ

Is Sabiha Gökçen or Istanbul Airport better for visiting the European side?

For most European-side destinations (Taksim, Sultanahmet, Beyoğlu), Istanbul Airport (IST) is more convenient — it's on the European side and 10–15km closer. SAW is the better choice if your hotel is on the Asian side or if your flight only operates from SAW.

Does SAW have a direct metro to the city centre?

SAW has metro connections that link well to the Asian side. For the European side, you'd cross by ferry or use a bridge connection. The journey is possible by public transport but takes 90–120 minutes.

How far in advance should I book a private transfer from SAW?

A few hours is usually sufficient, but booking the day before is good practice in high season. For early morning or late-night arrivals, book at least 24 hours ahead.

Is there a bus from Sabiha Gökçen to Sultanahmet?

Not a direct connection. Havaş buses go to Taksim/Mecidiyeköy; from there you'd take a tram or taxi. A private transfer direct to Sultanahmet is significantly faster and more practical for arrivals with luggage.

What airlines fly into Sabiha Gökçen?

SAW handles Turkish Airlines domestic routes, Pegasus Airlines (domestic and international), Wizz Air, and various other low-cost and charter carriers. It's particularly well-connected for budget flights from Europe.