Sabiha Gokcen Airport Transfer Guide: Transport, Prices and Tips
Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) is an international airport located in the Pendik district on Istanbul's Asian side, serving over 35 million passengers annually. Heavily used for domestic flights and budget airlines, SAW continues to be the choice of millions of passengers as an alternative to Istanbul Airport (IST).
However, getting from Sabiha Gokcen to the city center is more complex compared to Istanbul Airport. There is no direct metro connection yet, and crossing to the European side requires a bridge or tunnel. In this guide, we explain in detail the fastest, most economical and most comfortable ways to reach all parts of Istanbul from SAW.
Transfer Times from SAW by District
Estimated distances and travel times from Sabiha Gokcen Airport to popular Istanbul destinations:
| District | Distance | Daytime |
|---|---|---|
| Kadikoy | 40 km | 35-50 min |
| Uskudar | 42 km | 40-55 min |
| Atasehir / Umraniye | 30 km | 25-40 min |
| Taksim / Beyoglu | 50 km | 50-70 min |
| Sultanahmet / Fatih | 55 km | 50-70 min |
| Besiktas | 52 km | 50-65 min |
| Sisli / Mecidiyekoy | 48 km | 45-60 min |
| Pendik Center | 12 km | 15-20 min |
| Kartal / Maltepe | 22 km | 20-30 min |
| Bakirkoy | 60 km | 55-75 min |
| Levent / Maslak | 55 km | 50-70 min |
| Bostanci / Suadiye | 28 km | 25-35 min |
Transport Options Comparison
| Transport | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| VIP Transfer | 35-55 min | Fixed (pre-determined) |
| Taxi | 35-55 min | 350-700 ₺ (variable) |
| Havabus / HAVAS | 60-120 min | ~150-200 ₺ |
| Metro (M4) | 60-90 min | ~20 ₺ |
| IETT Bus | 60-120 min | ~20 ₺ |
Sabiha Gokcen Metro and Public Transport Connections
There is no direct metro line to Sabiha Gokcen Airport yet. The nearest metro station is Tavsantepe (Kurtkoy) on the M4 line. Reaching the airport by public transport requires transfers:
| Line | Route |
|---|---|
| M4 | Kadikoy — Tavsantepe (near SAW) |
| Marmaray | Halkali — Gebze |
| KM22 Bus | Kartal Metro — SAW |
| E10 / E11 | Kadikoy — SAW |
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Book NowIstanbul Airport or Sabiha Gokcen?
Key differences between the two airports and which one suits you:
| Feature | Istanbul Airport (IST) | Sabiha Gokcen (SAW) |
|---|---|---|
| Location | European side — Arnavutkoy | Asian side — Pendik/Kurtkoy |
| Distance to city center | ~45-55 km (Taksim) | ~50 km (Taksim) |
| Metro connection | M11 — direct to Gayrettepe | M4 — indirect (transfer needed) |
| Passenger capacity | ~90 million/year | ~35 million/year |
| Terminals | 1 large terminal | Domestic + International terminal |
| To Asian side | Bridge/tunnel needed | Direct access |
| To European side | Direct access | Bridge/tunnel needed |
| VIP transfer time (Taksim) | 40-55 min | 50-70 min |
Late Night Transport from SAW
Transport options for late night flights vary by time:
| Time | Metro | Taxi | VIP Transfer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 00:00 — 01:00 | Closing | Active (night rate) | Active — 24/7 |
| 01:00 — 05:00 | Closed | Active (night rate +50%) | Active — fixed price |
| 05:00 — 06:00 | First services | Active | Active — fixed price |
What You Need to Know About Sabiha Gokcen Transfers
Sabiha Gokcen Airport's biggest advantage is its proximity to those staying on the Asian side. Districts like Kadikoy, Uskudar, Atasehir, Maltepe and Kartal are reachable in 20-40 minutes. However, since crossing to the European side requires a bridge or the Eurasia Tunnel, transfer times to areas like Taksim, Beyoglu and Sisli can extend to 50-70 minutes.
Rush hours (07:30-10:00 morning, 16:00-20:00 evening) directly affect SAW transfers. Evening traffic on bridge-crossing routes can extend transfers up to 90 minutes. During these hours, the Eurasia Tunnel is faster than the bridges but has an additional toll. With VIP transfer, this cost is included in the price.
Walking distance between domestic and international terminals is approximately 5-10 minutes. You need to account for this on connecting flights. With VIP transfer, the vehicle comes right to the terminal entrance — no walking from the airport parking lot to the terminal like with public transport.
At VipVito Transfer, we offer 60 minutes free waiting time, flight tracking system and personalized name board greeting for Sabiha Gokcen transfers. Even if your flight is delayed, your driver waits at the terminal. All our prices are fixed — bridge, highway and parking fees are included. With 28 years of experience since 1997, we guarantee safe and comfortable transfers.
10 Practical Transfer Tips
If staying on the Asian side, choose SAW — much closer than IST with less traffic
M4 metro to Kadikoy is the most economical route but difficult for passengers with luggage
For late night flights, definitely use VIP transfer or taxi — public transport is closed
Eurasia Tunnel is the fastest route to the European side — bridges get congested in the evening
Walking distance between domestic and international terminals is 5-10 minutes
Airport has 60 minutes free parking — ideal for pickups
Choose VIP transfer over taxi — fixed price guarantee means no surprises
Give your flight number to your transfer provider — flight tracking means they wait even if delayed
Weekend Kadikoy-SAW route is very easy, weekday mornings 08-10 are heavy
From Pendik and Kartal, SAW is reachable in 15-20 minutes — very advantageous if staying in these areas
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get from Sabiha Gokcen Airport to Taksim?
The fastest way is VIP transfer or taxi (50-70 min). By public transport you can take M4 metro + Marmaray + M2 metro transfers but it takes 90+ minutes and is difficult with luggage. Havabus also runs direct services to Taksim (60-120 min, traffic dependent).
How do I get from Sabiha Gokcen to Kadikoy?
VIP transfer reaches Kadikoy in 35-50 minutes. M4 metro goes to Kadikoy without transfers but the metro is not directly connected to the airport — bus transfer from Kurtkoy is needed. E10 IETT bus also goes directly.
How much do Sabiha Gokcen transfers cost?
VIP transfer prices vary by route and vehicle class, with fixed pricing applied. Taxi fares depend on the meter and range from 350-700 ₺. Havabus prices are approximately 150-200 ₺. Metro is around 20 ₺.
Is there night transfer from Sabiha Gokcen?
Metro and buses close around midnight. Taxis operate 24/7 but with a 50% night surcharge. VIP transfer operates 24/7 with fixed prices — the safest option for late night flights.
Is there a metro to Sabiha Gokcen?
There is no direct metro connection yet. M4 line goes to Tavsantepe, from there KM22 bus transfers to the airport. Coming via Marmaray to Pendik station and transferring by bus is also possible.
Which is closer — Sabiha Gokcen or Istanbul Airport?
If you are staying on the Asian side (Kadikoy, Uskudar, Atasehir) Sabiha Gokcen is closer. If on the European side (Taksim, Sisli, Fatih) Istanbul Airport is more convenient. Both airports are approximately 50 km from the city center.
Is there free waiting time at Sabiha Gokcen?
At VipVito Transfer, we offer up to 60 minutes free waiting time for Sabiha Gokcen transfers. Your landing time is automatically tracked via our flight tracking system. No extra charge in case of delays.
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