Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Istanbul City Centre: Metro, Bus, Taxi & Transfer
How to get from Istanbul’s Asian-side airport to Sultanahmet, Taksim and Kadıköy
Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) is Istanbul’s second airport, on the Asian side of the city. It is popular with low-cost airlines. It is a long way from the old city, often an hour or more by road, but there are good public transport options, including the metro and a beautiful ferry ride across the Bosphorus.
If you are staying in Sultanahmet, one of the nicest routes is the metro to Kadıköy and then the ferry to Eminönü, with a sea view of the old city as you arrive.
Your options
- Metro (M4): the M4 line runs from the airport to Kadıköy. From Kadıköy, take the ferry to Eminönü or Karaköy for the old city and Galata.
- Havabüs airport buses: direct buses to Taksim and to Kadıköy. Good with luggage.
- Taxi: outside arrivals. Allow plenty of time: bridge traffic can make the trip to Sultanahmet or Taksim long.
- Private transfer: door to door, the easiest option at night or with children.
Tips
- Get an Istanbulkart for the metro, buses, trams and ferries.
- Avoid rush hour on the bridges (around 7–10 am and 5–8 pm) if you go by road.
- Staying on the Asian side? Kadıköy is the easiest base from this airport.
More Istanbul planning
Arriving at the main airport instead? See Istanbul Airport to the city centre. Then plan your days with our 3 days in Istanbul itinerary and where to stay.
Sabiha Gökçen Airport to the City: questions
How do I get from Sabiha Gökçen to Sultanahmet?
Take the M4 metro to Kadıköy and the ferry to Eminönü, then walk or take the tram to Sultanahmet. A taxi or private transfer is easier with luggage but can be slow in traffic.
Is there a bus from Sabiha Gökçen to Taksim?
Yes, Havabüs runs direct airport buses to Taksim and to Kadıköy.
How long does it take from Sabiha Gökçen to the city?
Around an hour to Kadıköy by metro and longer to the European side; by road it depends heavily on traffic.
Book tours & transfers
🎟️ See Sabiha Gökçen transfers →Free cancellation on most bookings · secure booking with GetYourGuide
Header photo via Wikimedia Commons; full credits on our Istanbul guide. Last updated November 2026.
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