Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) Arrival Guide 2026: Metro, Havabüs, Taxi and Private Transfer
Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) is on the Asian side of Istanbul, about 37 km from Kadıköy and 48 km from Taksim. The M4 metro reaches Kadıköy in about 52 minutes for 46.20 TL with an Istanbulkart, Havabüs buses go to Kadıköy and Taksim, and a metered taxi starts at 71.94 TL plus 47.92 TL per km. With Istanbul Airport Pickups an Economy car to Taksim or Sultanahmet costs a fixed €50, and our 3E team waits inside the TÜRSAB building opposite column 5.
Where SAW is and why it matters
Sabiha Gökçen is Istanbul's second airport, in Pendik on the Asian side. It is the main base of Pegasus Airlines and many low-cost carriers. Kadıköy, Üsküdar and Ataşehir are close; Taksim, Beşiktaş and the old city of Sultanahmet are on the European side, so every road trip there crosses the Bosphorus by bridge or the Eurasia Tunnel.
Your options at a glance
| Option | To Kadıköy | To Taksim | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| M4 metro | About 52 min, 46.20 TL | Change trains; 75–90 min | Runs about 06:00–00:00; you carry your own bags |
| Havabüs | About 300 TL | About 485 TL | Fixed routes; traffic decides the time |
| Taxi (meter) | About 1,850–2,250 TL | About 2,400–3,200 TL | 71.94 TL start + 47.92 TL per km; queues at peak times |
| Istanbul Airport Pickups | From €45 | From €50 | Fixed price per car, meet and greet, 60 minutes free waiting |
Our prices are for an Economy car, one way, for up to 3 people. Between 14:45 and 21:00 a 30% peak-hour rate applies to pickups at SAW, and the booking form shows it before you pay.
M4 metro
The M4 line has run from Kadıköy to Sabiha Gökçen since October 2022. The station is below the terminal. Trains run roughly every 5 minutes from about 06:00 to midnight and a full-fare ride costs 46.20 TL with an Istanbulkart. For the European side, change to the Marmaray at Ayrılık Çeşmesi. It is the cheapest way into the city if you travel light.
Havabüs
Havabüs coaches leave from in front of the terminal for Kadıköy and Taksim. They are cheaper than a taxi, but the trip to Taksim crosses the Bosphorus and can take well over an hour at rush hour.
Taxi
Under the Istanbul taxi tariff in force since 20 July 2026, a standard taxi starts at 71.94 TL and charges 47.92 TL per km, with a minimum fare of 230 TL. Turquoise and black taxis cost more. Bridge and tunnel tolls are added to the meter, and the price grows in traffic.
Meeting your driver at SAW
- Pass passport control, collect your bags and walk through customs.
- Your driver tracks your flight and messages you on WhatsApp when you land.
- Walk out of the terminal to the TÜRSAB building opposite column 5.
- Inside, tell reception you are here for 3E. Our team takes you to your driver at no extra cost, and you don't need mobile data.
When to choose a private transfer
A fixed-price car makes most sense when you land late at night, travel with children or a lot of luggage, or are going to the European side, where the metro needs a change of trains and a taxi's meter keeps running in bridge traffic. The price is per car, so for three or four people it often costs about the same as separate public transport tickets plus a taxi from the station.
Transfer prices for this trip: SAW → Sultanahmet transfer · SAW → Taksim transfer · SAW → Kadıköy transfer
Frequently asked questions
How far is Sabiha Gökçen from Taksim?
About 48 km by road, usually 60 to 75 minutes and up to two hours at rush hour, because the route crosses the Bosphorus.
Is there a metro from Sabiha Gökçen Airport?
Yes. The M4 line runs from the airport to Kadıköy in about 52 minutes. A full-fare ride costs 46.20 TL with an Istanbulkart.
How much is a taxi from Sabiha Gökçen to Kadıköy?
With the 2026 tariff of 71.94 TL plus 47.92 TL per km, the 37–45 km trip costs roughly 1,850 to 2,250 TL on the meter, plus any tolls.
Where do I meet my Istanbul Airport Pickups driver at SAW?
Walk out of the terminal to the TÜRSAB building opposite column 5 and tell reception you are here for 3E.