Metro, Bus or Car from Sabiha Gökçen?
From Sabiha Gökçen you can take the M4 metro to Kadıköy, a Havabus coach or a booked car. If your hotel is on the European side, you still have to cross the Bosphorus: by ferry, by Marmaray train or over a bridge. By car it is 50 to 70 minutes to Taksim and 60 to 85 minutes to Sultanahmet.
The M4 Metro and the Ferry
The M4 line runs from the airport to Kadıköy. There you can take a ferry to Karaköy or Eminönü, or change to the Marmaray to reach the European side. It is a lovely way to arrive by day if you travel light, with a fine view of the city from the deck, but stairs and changes are hard work with suitcases.
Check current times on the Metro Istanbul website, and before a night arrival make sure the line is running at that hour.
Havabus Coaches
Havabus coaches leave the terminal for Kadıköy and Taksim. It is a direct option with no changes, but the time depends on bridge traffic. Check routes and fares with the operator: they change more often than you would expect.
A Booked Car
A ride from Sabiha Gökçen costs from €90 per car to most of the city, with the bridge fee included. For three or four people that is close to the cost of several tickets with changes, especially if you would need a car from the last stop anyway.
| To | By Car | In a Vito |
|---|---|---|
| Kadıköy, Ataşehir | 35–50 min | €90 |
| Taksim, Beyoğlu | 50–70 min | €90 |
| Sultanahmet | 60–85 min | €90 |
| Beylikdüzü | 70–95 min | €125 |
A Simple Rule
If your hotel is in Kadıköy and you travel light, the metro is simplest. If you are heading to the European side, with children or at night, a car saves you energy more than money.
Common Questions
Is Sabiha Gökçen in Istanbul?
Yes. It is in Pendik on the Asian side of the city, across the Bosphorus from Istanbul Airport.
Can I Reach Taksim Without Changes?
Yes: by a direct Havabus, if it runs at that hour, or by a booked car.
Which Airport Is Better for Kadıköy?
Sabiha Gökçen: the drive to Kadıköy is shorter and does not cross the Bosphorus.