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43.3 km • ~44 mins

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

Kağıthane lies about 43 km northwest of Sabiha Gökçen Airport, on Istanbul's European side across the Bosphorus. Door-to-door car journeys take around 44–60 minutes, while low-cost bus and rail routes via Levent or Taksim usually take 80–110 minutes with a short final ride or walk.

✓ Verified Oct 26, 2026 • 43.3 km road distance

Private Door-to-Door Transfer to Kağıthane

Door-to-Door
44 mins •On Request 24/7
€60 - €70 (Per Vehicle)
Luggage: 2 Pieces Free
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Collect your luggage and meet the driver in the arrivals hall at the time shown on your booking.
  2. Confirm your name and the fixed Kağıthane drop-off address before leaving the terminal.
  3. Board the private car outside and ride via the Eurasia Tunnel or bridge, around 44 minutes in light traffic.
  4. The driver drops you directly at your hotel or street address in Kağıthane.
Kiwitaxi
✓ Fixed Price • Meet & Greet at Exit
Book Fixed-Price Transfer

Official Taxi from SAW

Metered
55 mins •24/7 Official Rank
€42 - €50 (Per Vehicle)
Luggage: 2 Pieces Free
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Exit the arrivals hall and use the official taxi rank outside the terminal; ignore people offering rides inside.
  2. Tell the driver you are going to Kağıthane and insist the meter is switched on.
  3. Ask for a receipt and keep the taxi app or rank queue; the bridge/tunnel toll is added to the meter.
  4. Pay in Turkish Lira or by card where accepted, and confirm the drop-off address in Kağıthane.

İETT E-3 Bus to 4. Levent

Cheapest
80 mins •See Timetable (No Interval Given)
€0.80 / Person (Istanbulkart)
Luggage: Limited Luggage Space
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. After baggage claim, follow signs to the ground transport and İETT bus stops outside arrivals.
  2. Buy or top up an Istanbulkart at the yellow/blue kiosks or machines near the bus area; small TRY cash is easiest.
  3. Board the İETT E-3 towards 4. Levent Metro and alight at the 4. Levent stop.
  4. From 4. Levent, take a short taxi, local city bus or about a 40-minute walk to your final Kağıthane address.

Havabüs Coach to Taksim

Frequent Daytime
100 mins •See Havabüs Timetable
€8.50 / Person (Coach) + Last Leg
Luggage: 2 Pieces Free
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Go to the Havabüs coach stop outside the arrivals floor and check the next Taksim departure.
  2. Buy a ticket from the kiosk, app or driver; baggage hold is available.
  3. Ride to Taksim, allowing about 90 minutes because of Bosphorus bridge traffic.
  4. From Taksim take a licensed taxi or local city bus for the short final ride into Kağıthane.

M4 Metro + Marmaray + M2 to Levent

All Rail Transfer
95 mins •M4 Around 06:00–00:00 (No Night Service)
Istanbulkart Fares Apply (Multiple Legs)
Luggage: Limited Luggage Space
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. From the terminal follow signs to the Sabiha Gökçen M4 metro station.
  2. Load an Istanbulkart and board M4 towards Kadıköy, alighting at Ayrılık Çeşmesi.
  3. Transfer to Marmaray to Yenikapı, then board the M2 metro towards Levent.
  4. Get off at Levent and continue by short taxi, local city bus or about 40-minute walk into Kağıthane.

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⚠️ Important Local Taxi & Arrival Tips

  • Use the official taxi rank outside arrivals and ignore touts inside the terminal who may quote inflated flat fares.
  • Always insist the taxi meter is on; the Bosphorus bridge or Eurasia Tunnel toll is added to the meter, so do not pay a separate negotiated toll.
  • For private transfers, confirm the fixed price and vehicle details before boarding; avoid drivers without a pre-booked confirmation.
  • Card payment acceptance on Istanbulkart machines and in some taxis varies; carry small Turkish Lira notes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Take the İETT E-3 city bus from the airport to 4. Levent for about €0.80 with an Istanbulkart, then use a short taxi or local city bus to your Kağıthane hotel. Expect at least 80–90 minutes in total.

Are taxis available at Sabiha Gökçen Airport at night?

Yes, official taxis operate 24/7 from the rank outside arrivals. Insist the meter is on, and remember the bridge or tunnel toll is added to the fare.

Can I pay by card on the E-3 bus and airport coaches?

Istanbulkart top-up machines usually accept cash, but card acceptance varies, so small TRY notes are safest. Havabüs and private transfers often accept cards or online payment, while taxis may be cash-only depending on the driver.

How long does it take from SAW to Kağıthane by car?

In light traffic it takes about 44 minutes. During rush hour the Bosphorus crossing can add 30–60 minutes, so allow at least 60–75 minutes door to door.

Which option is best for families with luggage?

A pre-booked private transfer is usually best: it is door-to-door, has a fixed price, meets you in arrivals, and avoids carrying bags through metro and bus stations.

More transfers from Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW)

Pendik · 9.5 km Kartal · 15.1 km Sancaktepe · 19.6 km Adalar (Princes' Islands) · 20 km Maltepe · 20.6 km Ataşehir · 27.9 km Çekmeköy · 31.9 km Kadıköy · 32.8 km

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