ComeToGuide
70.8 km • ~72 mins

How to Get from Istanbul Airport (IST) to Sultanbeyli

Sultanbeyli is 70.8 km southeast of Istanbul Airport on the Asian side, across the Bosphorus. Depending on your choice, the trip takes from about 72 minutes by private car/taxi to around 2.5 hours by metro and rail.

✓ Verified Oct 26, 2026 • 70.8 km road distance

Official Airport Taxi

24/7 Rank
90 mins •Available 24/7
€62 - €81 + Bridge Toll (Per Vehicle)
Luggage: 2 Bags
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Exit Arrivals and follow signs to the official taxi rank directly outside.
  2. Ask the driver to switch on the meter before departure; confirm if you want to pay by card.
  3. The 70.8 km ride crosses the Bosphorus, and the bridge toll is added to the metered fare.
  4. Ignore touts inside the terminal; only use licensed taxis at the rank or via BiTaksi/İTaksi apps.

M11, M2, Marmaray & M5 to Sultanbeyli

Cheapest
150 mins •M11: Every 20 Mins (06:00-00:00)
€2.40 / Person
Luggage: Hand Luggage Only
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. From Arrivals, follow signs to floor -2; buy/recharge an Istanbulkart at a Biletmatik machine or metro station.
  2. Board the M11 metro at the airport station toward Gayrettepe (35 min to Gayrettepe).
  3. At Gayrettepe change to the M2 metro toward Yenikapı, then at Yenikapı change to the Marmaray train to Üsküdar.
  4. At Üsküdar change to the M5 metro and ride to the final station Sultanbeyli.
  5. Exit at Sultanbeyli and follow signs to the district centre; total cost about 133 TRY / €2.40 with transfer discounts.

Havaist HVİST-13 to Sabiha Gökçen + Taxi

Bus + Taxi Last Leg
120 mins •Regular departures (see hava.ist timetable)
€7.20 / Person (Bus) + Taxi
Luggage: 2 Bags (Bus) + Taxi
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. From Arrivals, go to floor -2 and find Platform 13 for Havaist HVİST-13 to Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW).
  2. Pay on board with Istanbulkart or a contactless bank card (400 TRY / €7.20).
  3. At SAW, exit to the official taxi rank and take a licensed taxi to Sultanbeyli.
  4. There is no direct metro from SAW to Sultanbeyli; the taxi is the practical last leg.

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⚠️ Important Local Taxi & Arrival Tips

  • Ignore touts in Arrivals who offer taxis or transfers; use only official taxi ranks or pre-booked services.
  • Insist the taxi meter is on; if offered a fixed price much higher than the €62-€81 metered range, decline.
  • For Havaist/İETT and metro, buy or top up Istanbulkart only at official Biletmatik machines; avoid unofficial helpers.
  • Asian-side trips cross a Bosphorus bridge; the bridge toll appears on the taxi meter, but some drivers may try to charge it as an extra.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest way from Istanbul Airport to Sultanbeyli?

The cheapest route is the metro/rail combination: M11 from the airport to Gayrettepe, M2 to Yenikapı, Marmaray to Üsküdar, then M5 to Sultanbeyli. With Istanbulkart transfer discounts it costs about €2.40 per person and takes about 2.5 hours.

How long does it take to get from IST to Sultanbeyli?

By private car or taxi the 70.8 km drive takes about 72 minutes in light traffic, but allow 90 minutes or more at peak times. Public transport takes about 2.5 hours including transfers.

Is there a direct bus or coach from Istanbul Airport to Sultanbeyli?

No direct Havaist or İETT bus goes to Sultanbeyli. The closest coach is HVİST-13 to Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW), where you can take a short taxi; alternatively use the metro/rail combination.

Do Istanbul airport taxis charge a bridge toll for Sultanbeyli?

Yes, because Sultanbeyli is on the Asian side, the route crosses a Bosphorus bridge and the toll is added to the metered fare. Confirm with the driver before departure if you want to pay by card.

Can I pay for the Havaist coach or metro with a bank card?

Havaist coaches accept Istanbulkart and contactless bank cards on board. The metro and Marmaray require an Istanbulkart; Biletmatik machines can top up cards and some accept cash.

What is the best option for a family with luggage?

A pre-booked private transfer is usually best for families: the driver meets you in Arrivals, the price is fixed, and you travel door-to-door without handling bags on crowded metro/rail changes.

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