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

Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) lies about 32 km south-east of Çekmeköy on Istanbul's Asian side. Depending on your choice, the trip takes about 34 minutes by car or around 90 minutes by metro.

✓ Verified Oct 26, 2026 • 31.9 km road distance

Pre-Booked Private Transfer

Door-to-Door

34 mins •24/7 Pre-Booked

€45 - €55 (Per Vehicle)

Luggage: 3 Pieces Free

How to take it step-by-step:

After passport control and baggage claim, look for your driver in the Arrivals hall; they will hold a name board with your surname.
Confirm the booking reference and give the driver the exact Çekmeköy address before leaving the terminal.
Driver loads all luggage and takes the Asian-side route, staying north of the TEM/E-5 with no Bosphorus crossing.
Journey takes about 34 minutes in normal traffic.
Drop-off at the door of your hotel or residence in Çekmeköy.

Kiwitaxi

✓ Fixed Price • Meet & Greet at Exit

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Official Airport Taxi

Metered

34 mins •24/7

€29 - €34 (Per Vehicle)

Luggage: 2 Pieces Free

How to take it step-by-step:

Exit the Arrivals hall and follow the signs to the official taxi rank outside; ignore anyone offering a ride inside the terminal.
Tell the driver you are going to Çekmeköy and make sure the meter is switched on before moving.
Confirm there is no need for a Bosphorus crossing on this Asian-side journey.
Drive time is about 34 minutes without heavy traffic; use BiTaksi or İTaksi if you prefer an app.
Pay the metered fare in TRY or by card if the taxi has a POS terminal.

M4 + Marmaray + M5 Metro

Cheapest

90 mins •06:00 - 00:00

€2.00 / Person

Luggage: Carry-On Friendly

How to take it step-by-step:

From Arrivals follow signs to the M4 Sabiha Gökçen metro station and go down to platform level.
Buy or top up an Istanbulkart at the ticket machines before passing the gates; cash is accepted.
Take an M4 train toward Kadıköy and get off at Ayrılık Çeşmesi (Marmaray transfer).
Transfer to the Marmaray line toward Üsküdar and ride one stop.
At Üsküdar follow signs to the M5 metro, board a train toward Çekmeköy, and get off at Çekmeköy station; walk or take a short taxi to your final address.

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⚠️ Important Local Taxi & Arrival Tips

Use the official taxi rank outside Arrivals; ignore people inside the terminal offering 'cheap' taxis.
Insist the driver turns on the meter before leaving; if the driver refuses, order a licensed taxi through BiTaksi or İTaksi.
There is no Bosphorus crossing from SAW to Çekmeköy, so any request for bridge or tunnel tolls on this Asian-side route is a red flag.
Top up an Istanbulkart with cash at the metro machines; card acceptance on the machines can be inconsistent.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest way to get from Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Çekmeköy?

The cheapest route uses the M4 metro from SAW, Marmaray to Üsküdar and the M5 metro to Çekmeköy. Budget about €2 per person with an Istanbulkart.

Is there a direct bus or shuttle from SAW to Çekmeköy?

No direct Havabüs, İETT airport bus or İBB coach serves Çekmeköy. You need to transfer via the M4/Marmaray/M5 metro or take a taxi/private transfer.

How long does the trip take by taxi or private transfer?

In light traffic it takes about 34 minutes because the route stays on the Asian side with no Bosphorus crossing. Rush hour on the E-5 side roads can add 15–30 minutes.

Can I take a taxi from SAW to Çekmeköy at night?

Yes, official taxis are available 24/7 from the rank outside Arrivals. Make sure the meter is on and expect the fare to be around €29–€34.

How much luggage can I take on the metro?

The M4, Marmaray and M5 allow normal carry-on luggage, but there are no luggage racks on older trains and lifts can be limited. For large suitcases a private transfer is easier.

Which option is best for families?

A pre-booked private transfer is usually best for families because it is door-to-door, about 34 minutes, and you can order a child seat or extra luggage space.

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