How to get from Sabiha Gokcen Airport to Istanbul Airport

Journey Overview from Sabiha Gokcen Airport to Istanbul Airport

Location Overview

Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) and Istanbul Airport (IST) are Istanbul's two major international airports, located on opposite sides of the city. SAW is situated on the Asian side in Pendik district, while IST is located on the European side in Arnavutköy district. This cross-city journey involves crossing the Bosphorus, either via bridge or tunnel, making it a significant intercontinental transfer.

Route and Journey Details

The 78.8 km journey between these two airports typically involves traveling via the TEM highway (E80). The route crosses the Bosphorus via either the Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge or the FSM Bridge, depending on traffic conditions. Journey times can vary significantly based on Istanbul's traffic patterns, ranging from 75 minutes in light traffic to over 2 hours during peak periods.

Transportation Options from Sabiha Gokcen Airport to Istanbul Airport

Several transportation options are available for this inter-airport journey, each with distinct advantages and challenges. Traffic conditions and time of day significantly impact journey duration and comfort levels. Given the distance and complexity of the route, careful consideration of transportation choice is essential.

Sabiha Gokcen Airport to Istanbul Airport by Taxi

While taxis are available at SAW's official taxi stand, this long-distance journey presents several challenges. Finding a taxi willing to make this cross-city journey can be extremely difficult, as drivers often refuse such long trips. The journey involves additional toll charges for bridges or tunnels. During peak hours, you may face extended waiting times at the taxi queue. Vehicle quality varies significantly, and language barriers with drivers can complicate the journey. Taxis may also attempt to overcharge or take longer routes to increase the fare.

Sabiha Gokcen Airport to Istanbul Airport by Airport Shuttle

Havabus operates services from Sabiha Gokcen Airport, but there is no direct shuttle service between the two airports. The absence of a direct shuttle connection means passengers need to make multiple connections using different services, making this option impractical. This results in extended journey times and the inconvenience of handling luggage across multiple transfers.

Sabiha Gokcen Airport to Istanbul Airport by Public Transport

Public transportation between the airports requires multiple transfers and is not recommended when traveling with luggage. The journey involves a combination of metro, bus, and possibly marmaray services. You would need to make at least 3-4 transfers, navigating through different stations while managing your luggage. The complete journey can take over 3 hours, especially during peak times. The multiple transfers, crowded conditions, and extended travel time make this option particularly challenging for travelers with baggage.

Sabiha Gokcen Airport to Istanbul Airport Private Transfer

Our professional transfer service offers the most reliable and comfortable solution for inter-airport transfers. We provide flight monitoring for both departure and arrival flights, ensuring optimal timing for your transfer. Our modern vehicle fleet and experienced drivers are familiar with the most efficient routes between airports. The service includes door-to-door transportation, professional meet and greet, and 24/7 customer support. We handle all bridge or tunnel toll charges, and our fixed pricing system ensures transparency. For this challenging cross-city journey, our transfer service offers peace of mind and guaranteed timely arrival at your destination.