How to get from Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) to your hotel
Compare prices and travel times for the best transfer options to Istanbul
Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) is Istanbul's second airport, located on the Asian side, approximately 45-50 km from the historic city center (Sultanahmet) and Taksim. It primarily serves low-cost carriers like Pegasus Airlines. While further from the main tourist sites than the new Istanbul Airport (IST), it is well-connected by a direct metro line (M4) and reliable shuttle buses.
Want the easiest arrival from Sabiha Gökçen International Airport?
Pre-booking a private airport transfer works best when you arrive late, have lots of luggage, or just want a driver waiting at arrivals instead of comparing taxis and rideshare lines.
Metro (M4 Line)
The M4 Metro line connects the airport directly to Kadıköy (Asian side) and links to the Marmaray train for access to the European side (Sirkeci/Yenikapı). The station is located directly inside the terminal. It is the cheapest and most reliable way to avoid Istanbul's notorious traffic jams, though reaching the European side requires a transfer at Ayrılık Çeşmesi station.
Pros
- Cheapest option (approx. 35-50 TL).
- Immune to traffic congestion.
- Direct terminal access.
Cons
- Requires transfer to reach European side (Marmaray).
- Can be crowded during rush hour.
- Long journey (60-90 mins to Sultanahmet).
Map of hotels near Sabiha Gökçen International Airport SAW
Compare nearby hotels if you want an easier airport base after a late arrival, before an early departure, or when transfer simplicity matters more than staying in the city.
Best airport hotel picks near SAW
Three stays worth checking when the smoothest terminal-to-bed plan matters as much as the room itself.
Havabus Shuttle
Havabus shuttles run frequently between the airport and Taksim Square (European side) or Kadıköy (Asian side). They depart from the curbside outside arrivals. The buses are white and well-marked. While comfortable, travel times are heavily dependent on traffic, especially when crossing the Bosphorus bridges.
Pros
- Direct to Taksim Square.
- Comfortable seating.
- Luggage storage provided.
Cons
- Subject to bridge traffic (can take 90+ mins).
- More expensive than Metro.
- Frequency varies (approx. every 30 mins).
Taxi
Taxis are available 24/7 designated ranks. A trip to the European side (Sultanahmet/Taksim) is a long journey (45+ km) and can take anywhere from 60 minutes to over 2 hours depending on traffic. Bridge tolls and tunnel fees (Eurasia Tunnel) are added to the metered fare.
Pros
- Direct door-to-door service.
- Available 24/7.
- No transfers needed.
Cons
- Very expensive (1,500+ TL).
- Bridge/Tunnel tolls are extra.
- High risk of traffic delays.