How to get from Istanbul airports (SAW and IST) to the city center?

From Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) to Kadıköy, you can travel directly on the M4 metro line with no transfers — fast and convenient.

From Istanbul Airport (IST) to Kadıköy on a Sunday evening, traffic can be heavy. A private transfer taking the bypass road around the city can get you there in about 1.5 hours.

When planning a connection from Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) to Istanbul Airport (IST) during daytime, factor in potential bus delays due to traffic. Allow at least 2.5–3 hours for a comfortable transfer.

From Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) to Istanbul Airport (IST) on a budget for large groups: take the HVST 13 (Havaist) bus. Payment accepted via Istanbulkart or at the ticket counter. Check current fares before travel.

From Sirkeci to Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW): a convenient route is the Marmaray to Ayrılıkçeşme station, then transfer to the M4 metro to SAW. The Marmaray–metro transfer at Ayrılıkçeşme is considered straightforward.

From Istanbul Airport (IST) to Halkali via M11 metro, then Marmaray to Sirkeci — a route with no metro transfers. The Marmaray platform is located directly at Halkali station, with a short walk.

From Sultanahmet to Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) at 5 a.m.: public transport only starts running after 6:00, so an early departure requires a taxi or pre-booked transfer.

From the Beşiktaş stadium area to Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) late at night (after 23:30): public transport is no longer running, so a taxi or pre-arranged transfer is the only option.

From Istanbul Airport (IST) to Sabiha Gökçen (SAW), take the Havaist express, then transfer to bus UM73 — about 10 minutes to reach the surrounding area.

From the Kadıköy area to Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) in the morning, expect around 30–50 minutes by taxi in light traffic, but up to 1.5 hours during rush hour. Always allow extra time.

From Istanbul Airport (IST) to the historic center (Sultanahmet, Beyoğlu), take the M11 metro to Gayrettepe, then transfer to M2. Total journey is about 50–60 minutes. Alternatively, the Havaş bus runs directly to Taksim Square.

From Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) to Esenler Bus Terminal (Büyük İstanbul Otogarı), take the Havaş bus to Taksim, then the M2 metro to Otogar station — about 2 hours total. A direct taxi is faster but costs around 400–600 TRY depending on traffic.