How to get from Sabiha Gökçen Airport to the city center
Are you wondering how to get from Sabiha Gökçen Airport to the city center? In this article, I’ll explain all options so you can reach your destination hassle-free.
All information in this article and more is also included in my YouTube video:
Overview transportation options from Sabiha Gökçen Airport
I recommend flying to Sabiha Gökçen Airport, if you’ve booked your hotel on the Asian side of the city.
But keep in mind, there is a larger airport on the European side called Istanbul Airport.
One of the biggest advantages of Sabiha Gökçen airport are the short distances. You can be fairly quickly at the gate.
From Sabiha Gökçen Airport, you have four options to get to the city center:
- Metro
- Bus
- Taxi
- VIP shuttle
1st option: Metro underground
Let’s start with the metro. After exiting the baggage claim area, turn left and take the lift or escalator to the metro station.
First, you’ll need to buy an Istanbulkart. You can purchase it from any of the machines in the station.
The Istanbulkart costs around 4 Euros and a ride with the metro around 1 Euro and 20 cents. (all prices in this article are as of summer 2024.)
From Sabiha Gökçen Airport, the M4 metro line connects directly to Kadıköy. If you want to go from Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Taksim Square, you’ll need to transfer at Ayrılık Çeşmesi to the Marmaray and then at Yenikapı to the M2 metro line.
The journey from Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Kadıköy takes 50 minutes and from Gökçen Airport to Taksim Square around 1 hour 40.
However if you are staying on the European side, I recommend flying into Istanbul Airport instead.
The biggest advantage of the metro is low cost and avoiding traffic. However, if you are travelling with a lot of luggage, it can be quite tiring.
2nd option: Bus ride
Your second option is a bus ride from Sabiha Gökçen Airport. After exiting the terminal building, walk straight to the bus stop.
There are two main destinations from Sabiha Gökçen Airport: Kadıköy and Taksim square.
Be aware, the bus from Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Taksim square takes between 1.5 and 2 hours, depending on traffic.
A ticket to Kadıköy costs around 3 Euros, while a ticket to Taksim square around 5 Euros.
Tickets can be purchased directly on the bus.
3rd option: Taxi ride
Next are taxis from Sabiha Gökçen Airport. There are actually three categories to choose from: yellow, turquoise, and black taxis.
- Yellow taxis are the standard option. For example, a ride from Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Kadıköy will cost around 19 Euros. However trunk space is limited, so fitting two large suitcases can be challenging.
- Turquoise taxis are larger than yellow ones and offer a more secure feeling. They cost 15% more than yellow taxis. For a trip from Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Kadıköy, you’ll pay around 22 Euros.
- Black taxis are minivans which can accommodate up to 8 people. They cost 70% more than yellow taxis, so a ride from Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Kadıköy will cost around 32 Euros.
Remember, all taxis in Istanbul operate on standard tariffs. So there’s no need to negotiate. Just wait in line for the next available taxi.
4th option: VIP shuttle
Lastly, there’s the VIP shuttle service at Sabiha Gökçen Airport. These vehicles offer more comfort.
A ride from Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Kadıköy costs around 40 Euros and from Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Taksim square, it’s around 50 Euros.
There are a couple of sales desks in the arrival terminal. But I recommend arranging one before flying to Istanbul.
You can explore other articles about Istanbul by clicking on one of the following categories: