How to get from Sabiha Gokcen Airport to Istanbul city center
Have you booked your flight to Sabiha Gökcen Airport on the Asian side and are wondering how to get to the city center ? In this video, I’ll explain all options so you can reach your destination hassle-free.
I recommend flying to Sabiha Gökcen 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.
From Sabiha Gökcen, you have four options to get to the city center: metro, bus, taxi, and VIP shuttle.
[Metro]
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 these machines. An Istanbulkart costs around 4 Euros and a metro ride around 50 Euro cents.
From Sabiha Gökcen, the M4 metro line connects directly to Kadiköy. If you’re heading 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 to Kadiköy takes 50 minutes and 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.
[Bus]
Your second option is a bus ride. After exiting the terminal building, walk straight to the bus stop. There are two main destinations. Kadiköy and Taksim square. Be aware, the journey to Taksim square takes between 1.5 and 2 hours, depending on traffic.
A ticket to Kadiköy costs around 3 Euros, while a ticket to Taksim square around 5 Euros. Tickets can be purchased directly on the bus.
[Taxi]
Next are taxis. There are actually three categories to choose from: yellow, turquoise, and black taxis.
Yellow taxis are the standard option. For example, a ride to Kadiköy 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 to Kadiköy, 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 to Kadiköy 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.
[VIP Shuttle]
Lastly, there’s the VIP shuttle service. These vehicles offer more comfort. A ride to Kadiköy costs around 40 Euros and 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.