Airport Transfer: Getting from IST and SAW to central Istanbul
- Martin
- Mar 31
- 3 min read
Istanbul is served by two airports: Istanbul Airport (IST) on the European side and Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) on the Asian side. Here is the breakdown of the best ways to reach your hotel or AirBnB.
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Transport to and from IST (Istanbul Airport)
Metro (Line M11/U) The fastest and most efficient way into the city. The metro is driverless and modern, but be prepared for a 10-15 minute walk from the arrival terminal to the station (moving walkways are available most of the way).
The Route: It connects the airport to Gayrettepe, where you can transfer to the M2 line (towards Taksim and the Old City) or the Metrobus.
As of April 23, 2026, the long-awaited extension to Halkalı is open. This allows travelers to connect directly to the Marmaray train line, which runs across the city and under the Bosphorus.
Payment: You must use an Istanbulkart. As of now, standard credit cards (Visa/Mastercard) cannot be used directly at the turnstiles.
Hours: Trains run approximately every 20 minutes between 06:00 and 00:00.
HAVAIST Buses If you have a lot of luggage or are staying in an area not covered by the metro, these white luxury shuttles are a great choice. They run to almost every major district in Istanbul.
Payment: You pay when boarding using a credit card or Istanbulkart.
Tip: Check the route numbers on the screens at the bus platform located one level below the arrivals hall.
Private Shuttle The most comfortable option. A driver meets you at the airport and takes you directly to your door. It is more expensive than the bus but often worth it for groups or late-night arrivals. Book a private shuttle
Transport to and from SAW (Sabiha Gökçen Airport)
Metro (Line M4) The M4 line runs directly from the airport basement to Kadıköy in about 50-55 minutes. It is the most predictable and budget-friendly route. You can transfer to the Marmaray at Ayrılık Çeşmesi or take the ferries from Kadıköy (the end station) if you are heading to the European side.
HAVABUS These white airport shuttles connect SAW with Taksim Square (European side) and Kadıköy (Asian side).
Payment: You pay on the bus with cash or card.
Note: Traffic towards the bridges can be heavy, so allow plenty of extra time during rush hour.
Taxis and Shuttles
If you take a taxi, stay alert. The price on the meter is just the base; highway and bridge tolls are added on top. This can sometimes make the final price feel a bit unpredictable.
Good to know: On official public holidays, many bridges and highways are free, though drivers may not always volunteer this information.
Shuttle Service: With a pre-booked private shuttle, these fees are usually included in the fixed price, so there are no surprises. Book a private shuttle
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get from SAW to Sultanahmet? The smartest way is taking the M4 Metro to Ayrılık Çeşmesi. Switch to the Marmaray train and get off at Sirkeci. From there, you can walk to Sultanahmet or take the T1 tram for a few stops. It is much faster than sitting in traffic on a bus.
Is there a connection between IST and SAW? Yes. There is a direct HAVAIST bus route between the two airports. The trip typically takes between 90 minutes and 2 hours, depending entirely on the notorious Istanbul traffic.
Useful links
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Redigeret: Artiklen er oprindeligt fra 2020. Senest redigeret 31. marts 2026 bl.a. med information om M11 fra IST til Halkali
