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82.4 km • ~89 mins

How to Get from Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) to Istanbul Airport (IST)

Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) is 82.4 km east of Istanbul Airport (IST) on the Asian side, so all trips cross the Bosphorus. The journey takes roughly 89 minutes by road without heavy traffic, while the direct coach is the cheapest option at about €9.50 per person.

✓ Verified Oct 26, 2026 • 82.4 km road distance

Private Transfer

Recommended
89 mins •On Request
€85 - €110 (Per Vehicle)
Luggage: 2 Pieces Free
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. From Arrivals, look for your driver holding a name board in the arrivals hall.
  2. Walk to the pre-booked vehicle in the official pick-up area outside the terminal.
  3. Load your bags and confirm the fixed price before leaving.
  4. Take the bridge or Eurasia Tunnel route to the European side.
  5. Get dropped at Istanbul Airport (IST) departure level.
Kiwitaxi
✓ Fixed Price • Meet & Greet at Exit
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Direct HVL-10 Airport Coach

Cheapest
120 mins •See Timetable
€9.50 / Person
Luggage: 1 Large Bag Free
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Exit Arrivals and follow signs to the İBB/Havaist coach stop outside the terminal.
  2. Buy a ticket for the HVL-10 Istanbul Airport line at the counter or machine.
  3. Board the marked HVL-10 coach and stow large luggage in the hold.
  4. Stay on board for the direct cross-city run; the coach terminates at Istanbul Airport.
  5. Get off at Istanbul Airport (IST) terminal.

Official Taxi

Metered
89 mins •On Demand
€72 - €122 + Bridge Toll (Per Vehicle)
Luggage: 2 Pieces Free
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Go to the official taxi rank outside Arrivals, not to touts inside.
  2. Choose a yellow, D/electric, turquoise or luxury black taxi and note the class.
  3. Make sure the meter is switched on before leaving.
  4. Cross the Bosphorus by bridge or Eurasia Tunnel; the toll will be added to the meter.
  5. Pay at the end and get off at Istanbul Airport (IST) departure or arrival level.

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⚠️ Important Local Taxi & Arrival Tips

  • Use only the official taxi rank outside Arrivals and make sure the meter is switched on; ignore touts offering rides inside the terminal.
  • Istanbul taxi tariffs differ by car class such as yellow, D/electric, turquoise and luxury black; confirm the class before boarding and remember the Bosphorus bridge or Eurasia Tunnel toll is added to the meter.
  • Do not accept off-meter fixed taxi prices from drivers; use BiTaksi or İTaksi apps or the official rank and compare cash requests with the meter.
  • At the coach stop, board only the HVL-10 marked Istanbul Airport; some touts may direct you to unlicensed shared vans.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The standard yellow taxi meters about 4,020 TRY, roughly €72, for the 82.4 km trip, plus the Bosphorus bridge or Eurasia Tunnel toll. Higher-class taxis cost €83 to €122, and traffic can add 30 to 60 minutes.

What is the cheapest way from SAW to Istanbul Airport?

Take the direct İBB airport coach HVL-10; the ticket costs 530 TRY, about €9.50 per person. Check the Havaist timetable at the coach stop.

Is there a direct bus between Sabiha Gökçen and Istanbul Airport?

Yes, the İBB coach line HVL-10 runs directly from SAW to Istanbul Airport and takes about 2 hours depending on traffic.

How long does it take to get from SAW to Istanbul Airport?

By private transfer or taxi, the typical road time is about 89 minutes without heavy traffic. Allow at least 2 hours by coach to account for traffic and boarding.

Which option is best for families with luggage?

A pre-booked private transfer offers fixed pricing, meet-and-greet and luggage room. A metered taxi is another door-to-door option, while the HVL-10 coach is the budget choice.

More transfers from Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW)

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