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70 km • ~59 mins

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

Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) lies 70 km southeast of Başakşehir on Istanbul's Asian side. The journey takes around 59 minutes by car without traffic, while public transport plus a taxi connection typically takes 2 to 2.5 hours.

✓ Verified Oct 26, 2026 • 70 km road distance

Private Transfer

Recommended
60 mins •Pre-booked
€75 (Per Vehicle)
Luggage: 2 Pieces Free
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Exit the Arrivals Hall and meet your pre-booked driver in the arrivals area holding a name board.
  2. Load your luggage into the private car or van.
  3. Drive 70 km via the O-7 / O-2 motorway towards Başakşehir, crossing the Bosphorus by bridge or tunnel.
  4. Expect 59–75 minutes door-to-door; the driver drops you at your Başakşehir address.
  5. Pay the pre-paid fixed fare or confirm payment, with no meter or toll surprises.
Kiwitaxi
✓ Fixed Price • Meet & Greet at Exit
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Official Airport Taxi

Metered
70 mins •24/7
€62 - €85 (Per Vehicle)
Luggage: 4 Pieces Free
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Use the official licensed taxi rank outside the Arrivals floor; ignore touts inside the terminal.
  2. Ask the driver to use the meter and note that Başakşehir is on the European side, so a bridge or tunnel toll will be added to the meter.
  3. Ride 70 km via the O-7 / O-2 motorway; traffic can add 30–60 minutes at rush hour.
  4. Pay by meter in Turkish lira or card if available, plus the toll, and ask for a receipt.
  5. Alternatively book a licensed taxi through BiTaksi or İTaksi apps.

Havabüs Coach to Taksim + Taxi

Comfortable
130 mins •See Havabüs timetable
€8.50 Coach + €27 Taxi
Luggage: 2 Pieces Free
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Exit Arrivals and look for the Havabüs coach stop for Taksim.
  2. Buy a ticket from the Havabüs staff or online (approx €8.50 one way).
  3. Ride about 90 minutes to Taksim (Abdülhak Hamit Caddesi / Gezi Parkı side).
  4. At Taksim, take a metered taxi from an official rank for the remaining 25–30 km to Başakşehir.
  5. Expect about 2 hours total; check the Havabüs timetable for departures.

E-3 City Bus to Levent + Taxi

Cheapest
120 mins •See IETT timetable
€0.80 Bus + €18.50 Taxi
Luggage: Limited
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Exit Arrivals and follow signs to İETT bus stops; buy or load an Istanbulkart at the metro station or kiosk.
  2. Board E-3 to 4. Levent Metro; luggage space is limited.
  3. Ride 70–90 minutes across the Bosphorus to the 4. Levent Metro stop.
  4. Exit at 4. Levent Metro and take a metered taxi from the official rank for the final 15–20 km to Başakşehir.
  5. Ask the taxi driver to use the meter; say Başakşehir and provide your address.

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⚠️ Important Local Taxi & Arrival Tips

  • Ignore touts inside the terminal who offer 'cheap' taxis; use the official taxi rank outside Arrivals.
  • Insist the taxi meter is switched on before you leave; the Başakşehir trip includes an official bridge or tunnel toll added to the meter.
  • Only top up Istanbulkart at official machines or kiosks; do not buy loose tickets from strangers.
  • Use the BiTaksi or İTaksi apps to hail a licensed taxi and compare the fare estimate; do not agree to a flat euro price from a driver.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest way from SAW to Başakşehir?

The cheapest practical option is the E-3 city bus to 4. Levent Metro and then a metered taxi to Başakşehir, costing about €19.50 per person for a solo traveller. If you travel with 3–4 people, a private transfer or taxi can be cheaper per person.

Is there a direct bus from Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Başakşehir?

No, there is no direct public bus or coach to Başakşehir. The closest airport coaches go to Taksim, and İETT bus E-3 goes to 4. Levent Metro; both require a taxi for the final segment.

How long does the trip from SAW to Başakşehir take?

By car or taxi the drive is about 59 minutes without traffic, but rush-hour bridge traffic can add 30–60 minutes. Public transport plus a taxi connection usually takes 2 to 2.5 hours.

Are taxis from Sabiha Gökçen Airport safe?

Yes, licensed taxis are safe if you use the official rank and insist the meter is on. Ignore touts and use BiTaksi or İTaksi apps for a licensed cab with a fare estimate.

Can I pay with a credit card for the bus or taxi?

Istanbulkart top-ups at machines accept cash, and card acceptance varies. Taxis often accept card, but carrying some Turkish lira is recommended for bridge tolls and smaller payments.

What is the best option for a family with luggage from SAW to Başakşehir?

A pre-booked private transfer is usually best for families, offering door-to-door service and a fixed fare. Alternatively, an official taxi can carry luggage, but the meter plus toll will be higher during traffic.

More transfers from Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW)

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