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.
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Compare Terminal Car Prices⚠️ 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
More transfers from Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW)
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