Transfer Between Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen (SAW): Time, Cost and Options
Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) are about 80 km apart. By car the drive takes 80 minutes to 2 hours depending on traffic. The direct Havaist HVL-10 bus costs 530 TL and takes about 2 hours. Leave at least 4 to 5 hours between flights.
Distance and time
The two airports sit on opposite sides of the Bosphorus. The road route is about 78–84 km and crosses one of the bridges. Expect around 80 minutes outside rush hour, and up to 2 hours or more on weekday evenings.
Your options
| Option | Price (Oct 2026) | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Private transfer | from €74 per car, fixed | 80–120 min |
| Taxi | about 3,800–4,100 TL plus tolls (estimate) | 80–120 min |
| Havaist HVL-10 (direct bus) | 530 TL per person | about 2 hours |
The direct bus: Havaist HVL-10
HVL-10 runs directly between IST and SAW. The fare is 530 TL per person (IBB tariff in force since 20 July 2026); allow around two hours, more in heavy traffic. It is the cheapest way, but the bus does not wait for delayed flights.
Private transfer
A private transfer from IST to SAW with Istanbul Airport Pickups starts at €74 in Economy for up to 3 passengers. Your driver follows your arriving flight, waits up to 60 minutes free and takes you straight to departures at the other airport. Peak-hour pricing applies to pickups at IST between 15:00 and 19:00 and at SAW between 14:45 and 21:00.
How much time to leave between flights
- International to international on separate tickets: at least 5 hours. You go through passport control, collect bags and check in again.
- Domestic to international, or with hand luggage only: at least 4 hours.
- Add an hour if you land between 15:00 and 20:00 on a weekday.
These are our planning suggestions, not airline minimum connection times. What decides your buffer:
- Flight type. An international arrival means passport control at IST, and an international departure means passport control again at SAW. Domestic flights skip both.
- Separate tickets. On separate tickets you collect your bags, leave the airport and check in again for the second flight, within that airline's check-in deadline.
- Bags. Waiting at the baggage belt can take 30 minutes or more; with hand luggage only you leave the terminal sooner.
- Traffic. The drive crosses the Bosphorus and usually takes about 80 minutes, but up to 2 hours or more on weekday evenings.
We track your arriving flight and the first 60 minutes after landing are free, but no transfer can guarantee that you catch a connecting flight: passport queues, baggage delivery and traffic are outside anyone's control. If your first flight is badly delayed, contact your airline about the second one as early as possible.
Transfer prices for this trip: IST ↔ SAW transfer
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get from IST to SAW?
About 80 minutes by car outside rush hour, up to 2 hours or more at busy times. The Havaist HVL-10 bus takes about 2 hours.
Is 4 hours enough to change airports in Istanbul?
It can be with hand luggage only and an on-time flight. With checked bags or international flights on separate tickets, allow 5 hours.
Is there a bus from Istanbul Airport to Sabiha Gökçen?
Yes, Havaist line HVL-10 runs directly between the two airports for 530 TL.
Do I need a visa to change airports in Istanbul?
Yes, if your nationality needs one, because you pass through passport control to travel between the airports.