ComeToGuide
View All Airports
20 km • ~27 mins

How to Get from Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) to Adalar (Princes' Islands)

Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) lies 20 km northeast of the Bostancı and Kadıköy ferry piers on Istanbul's Asian side. Door-to-door journeys to Adalar (Princes' Islands) take around 70 minutes by private transfer or taxi plus the ferry to around 100 minutes by cheaper metro and coach options.

✓ Verified Oct 26, 2026 • 20 km road distance

Private Transfer to Bostancı Pier + Ferry

Recommended
70 mins •On Demand
€45 - €55 (Per Vehicle) + Ferry Ticket
Luggage: 2 Pieces Free
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Meet your driver in the arrivals hall after baggage claim and follow signs to the pre-booked transfer desk.
  2. Ride directly from Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Bostancı ferry pier in about 30-40 minutes depending on traffic.
  3. Buy your Princes' Islands ferry ticket at the pier before boarding the next Kadıköy/Bostancı departure to Adalar.
  4. Board the ferry and stay on until the Adalar (Princes' Islands) pier is announced.
Kiwitaxi
✓ Fixed Price • Meet & Greet at Exit
Book Fixed-Price Transfer

Official Taxi to Bostancı Pier + Ferry

Flexible
80 mins •24/7
€18.50 - €23.00 (Per Vehicle) + Ferry Ticket
Luggage: 2 Pieces
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Use the official taxi rank outside the arrivals hall; ignore touts inside the terminal.
  2. Ask the driver to switch on the meter and go to Bostancı ferry pier, not to a boat agent.
  3. The drive to Bostancı takes about 30-40 minutes depending on traffic; no Bosphorus bridge toll applies.
  4. Buy your ferry ticket at the pier and take the next ferry to Adalar (Princes' Islands).
  5. Get off at Adalar pier.

M4 Metro to Bostancı + Ferry

Cheapest
90 mins •06:00 - 00:00 / see ferry timetable
€0.80 Metro + Ferry Ticket (pay at pier)
Luggage: Limited Space
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Follow the 'M4 Metro' signs inside the terminal to Sabiha Gökçen station.
  2. Buy or top up an Istanbulkart at the metro machines; a single airport-to-Bostancı ride costs about 46 TRY (€0.80).
  3. Take any westbound M4 train towards Kadıköy and alight at Bostancı.
  4. Follow the signs to the Bostancı ferry pier and buy a token or ticket for Adalar (Princes' Islands).
  5. Board the ferry and disembark at Adalar pier.

Havabüs Coach to Kadıköy + Ferry

Direct Coach
100 mins •See Timetable
€5.50 Coach + Ferry Ticket (pay at pier)
Luggage: 1-2 Pieces
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Exit the arrivals hall and find the Havabüs coach stand; buy a ticket from the driver or online.
  2. Ride the Havabüs coach to Kadıköy Rıhtım, about 60 minutes depending on traffic.
  3. Walk to the Kadıköy ferry pier and buy a ticket for Adalar (Princes' Islands).
  4. Board the ferry and get off at Adalar.

Sabiha Gökçen Airport Deals

Compare all terminal car rental desks with free 48h cancellation.

Small Medium Large
Compare Terminal Car Prices
Landing in Turkey?
Skip expensive airport SIM kiosks. Activate a 5G eSIM on your phone in 2 minutes before takeoff.
Get Turkey eSIM
Was your flight delayed or cancelled?
In some cases passengers are entitled to compensation. AirHelp checks your flight for free and only charges a fee if they win your claim.
Check my rights for free

⚠️ Important Local Taxi & Arrival Tips

  • Only use the official taxi rank outside arrivals; touts in the terminal often charge 2-3 times the meter fare.
  • Insist the taxi meter is switched on; fixed 'tourist prices' to the ferry piers are illegal.
  • No Bosphorus bridge toll is needed to reach Bostancı or Kadıköy from SAW, so reject drivers who add bridge tolls.
  • Buy ferry tickets only at official pier booths; avoid people offering last-minute yacht transfers to Adalar.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reach the Princes' Islands directly by road or metro from SAW?

No, Adalar is a car-free island group. Take the M4 metro, Havabüs coach, taxi, or private transfer to the Bostancı or Kadıköy ferry pier, then a ferry to Adalar.

What is the cheapest way from Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Adalar?

The cheapest route is the M4 metro from the airport to Bostancı (about €0.80 with Istanbulkart), then buy a separate ferry ticket at the pier to Adalar.

Are taxis safe and metered at SAW?

Yes. Use the official taxi rank outside arrivals, ignore touts inside, and insist the meter is on. A metered ride to Bostancı pier costs about €18.50 to €23.00.

How long does the whole journey take?

Driving to Bostancı or Kadıköy takes about 30-40 minutes, then ferry crossing about 30 minutes. Door-to-door journey is 70-100 minutes depending on mode and ferry wait.

Can I pay by card on the M4 metro and ferry?

The M4 metro accepts cash to buy or top up an Istanbulkart; some machines accept cards. Ferry ticket booths generally accept cash, and some accept contactless cards.

Which option is best for families with luggage?

A pre-booked private transfer is the easiest: it meets you at arrivals, drops you directly at the ferry pier, and leaves your hands free for luggage. Havabüs and taxi are also workable.

More transfers from Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW)

Ataşehir · 27.9 km Çekmeköy · 31.9 km Beşiktaş · 39.5 km Beyoğlu · 43.3 km Bakırköy · 48.5 km Beykoz · 49 km Bayrampaşa · 49.7 km Bahçelievler · 51.3 km

Some links are affiliate links: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Prices are indicative and can change.