ComeToGuide
73.7 km • ~64 mins

How to Get from Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) to Arnavutköy

Sabiha Gökçen Airport lies on Istanbul's Asian side, about 74 km southeast of Arnavutköy on the European side. By road the trip takes around 64 minutes in light traffic, while the public coach plus last-mile connection takes roughly 2 hours.

✓ Verified Oct 26, 2026 • 73.7 km road distance

Official Airport Taxi (Standard Yellow)

Official Rank
75 mins •Available 24/7
€65 - €75 (Per Vehicle)
Luggage: Limited Large Luggage
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Exit the arrivals hall and follow signs to the official taxi rank.
  2. Join the queue and take the next licensed taxi of any class: yellow, turquoise or black.
  3. Tell the driver "Arnavutköy merkez" and insist the meter is switched on.
  4. Accept that the Bosphorus bridge or Eurasia Tunnel toll will be added to the meter.
  5. Pay by cash or card at the end and take a receipt if possible.

Havaist HVL-10 Coach to Istanbul Airport + Last Leg

Best Public Option
130 mins •See Timetable
€9.50 / Person (Bus Only)
Luggage: 2 Pieces Free
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Exit the arrivals hall and follow "Havaist" signs to the airport coach stop.
  2. Buy a ticket for the Havaist HVL-10 to Istanbul Airport (IST) at the official desk, kiosk or app.
  3. Board the coach and place large bags in the luggage hold before taking your seat.
  4. Get off at Istanbul Airport, then take a licensed taxi or a local city bus to Arnavutköy centre, about 20 minutes away.
  5. Do not expect the coach to stop directly in Arnavutköy; the last leg is separate and must be paid locally.

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⚠️ Important Local Taxi & Arrival Tips

  • Use the official taxi rank and make sure the meter is running; touts inside arrivals often quote inflated fixed fares.
  • All licensed taxis in Istanbul (yellow, turquoise, black, etc.) can use the meter. If a driver refuses, choose another official car.
  • The Bosphorus bridge or Eurasia Tunnel toll is added to the meter, so you should not pay it separately in cash.
  • Buy Havabüs or Havaist tickets only from the official desk, app or website and ignore people selling tickets inside the terminal.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a taxi from Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Arnavutköy?

A standard yellow taxi meter is roughly 3,600 TRY, about €65, for the 73.7 km route, plus the Bosphorus bridge or Eurasia Tunnel toll. Traffic on the bridges can add 30-60 minutes at rush hour.

What is the cheapest way to get from SAW to Arnavutköy?

The cheapest structured option is the Havaist HVL-10 coach to Istanbul Airport for 530 TRY, about €9.50 per person, then a short taxi or local city bus to Arnavutköy centre. The last leg is not included in the coach fare.

Do I need cash for Istanbul public transport?

The M4 metro and city buses require an Istanbulkart, which can be topped up with cash at machines in the metro station. Havabüs and Havaist often accept card but it is safer to carry some cash or buy online.

Are there airport coaches at night from SAW to Arnavutköy?

Night Havaist service depends on the current timetable and flight schedule, so check the Havaist website before landing. The M4 metro runs roughly 06:00-00:00, while taxis and private transfers operate 24/7.

How long does it take from SAW to Arnavutköy?

By car in light traffic the drive is about 64 minutes. By Havaist HVL-10 to Istanbul Airport plus a local taxi to Arnavutköy centre, allow about 2 hours in normal traffic.

Which option is best for a family with luggage?

A private airport transfer is usually best for families: it is door-to-door, fixed price, and luggage is handled. A taxi is cheaper but has limited space for large family luggage.

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