ComeToGuide
76.4 km • ~74 mins

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

Büyükçekmece is 76.4 km west of Sabiha Gökçen Airport on the European side of Istanbul, across the Bosphorus. The trip takes about 74 minutes by car or private transfer without heavy traffic and 2.5 to 3.5 hours by public transport.

✓ Verified Oct 26, 2026 • 76.4 km road distance

Official Airport Taxi (Yellow, Turquoise or Black)

Metered
85 mins •24/7 at Official Ranks
€67 - €85 (Metered + Tolls)
Luggage: 2 Bags Free
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Exit Arrivals and use only the official taxi rank outside the terminal.
  2. Ignore touts and unlicensed drivers inside the terminal.
  3. Ask the driver to use the meter and confirm the Bosphorus crossing toll is added.
  4. Take the bridge or Eurasia Tunnel to the European side; allow extra time at rush hour.
  5. Get dropped at your Büyükçekmece address and pay the amount shown on the meter plus tolls.

M4 Metro + Metrobus via Ünalan

Cheapest
160 mins •See Metro & Metrobus Timetables
€1.40 / Person
Luggage: Limited Space
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Follow signs from Arrivals to the Sabiha Gökçen M4 metro station.
  2. Buy or top up an Istanbulkart at the station machines.
  3. Take the M4 train towards Kadıköy and get off at Ünalan (Metrobus).
  4. Transfer to the westbound Metrobus on the E-5 corridor and ride to the Beylikdüzü area.
  5. Continue from the last Metrobus stop by local bus or taxi into Büyükçekmece; no airport line stops directly in the district.

Havabüs Coach to Taksim + Metrobus

Coach Option
170 mins •See Havabüs Timetable
€10.10 / Person
Luggage: 2 Bags Free on Coach; Limited on Metrobus
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Exit Arrivals and board the Havabüs coach to Taksim; buy a ticket online or from the driver.
  2. Get off at Taksim and walk or take the M2 metro towards Levent; alight at Şişli/Mecidiyeköy.
  3. Transfer to the westbound Metrobus and ride along the E-5 corridor to Beylikdüzü.
  4. From Beylikdüzü continue by local bus or taxi to Büyükçekmece.
  5. Allow extra time; Havabüs departures vary and the Metrobus ride is long at peak hours.

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⚠️ Important Local Taxi & Arrival Tips

  • Use only the official taxi rank at Arrivals and make sure the meter is running; ignore touts offering a 'fixed price'.
  • For Büyükçekmece, the Bosphorus bridge or Eurasia Tunnel toll is added to the taxi meter; confirm this before the trip.
  • Buy Istanbulkart only from official machines or ticket offices; avoid people selling used or discounted cards near the station.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The cheapest way is the M4 metro to Ünalan, then the westbound Metrobus to Beylikdüzü, followed by a local bus or taxi into Büyükçekmece. It costs about €1.40 per person with an Istanbulkart.

How long does it take from Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Büyükçekmece?

By car, taxi or private transfer it usually takes about 74 minutes without heavy traffic. Public transport with M4 and Metrobus plus the last leg can take 2.5 to 3.5 hours.

Is there night transport from SAW to Büyükçekmece?

The M4 metro and Metrobus do not run 24 hours, so late-night arrivals should use an official taxi or a pre-booked private transfer. Havabüs night departures depend on flight times; check the timetable.

Are taxis safe from Sabiha Gökçen Airport?

Yes, if you use the official airport taxi rank and make sure the meter is on. Licensed taxis can be yellow, turquoise or black, and you can also book through BiTaksi or İTaksi.

Can I pay by card on transport from SAW?

Istanbulkart machines usually accept cash and sometimes cards, but card acceptance varies. Havabüs may accept card payment; taxis often prefer cash, so ask before the journey starts.

What is the best option for a family with luggage?

A pre-booked private transfer is usually best for families because it is door-to-door, fixed-price and has space for luggage. An official taxi also works but the meter plus tolls may cost more at peak times.

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