How to Get from Sabiha Gokcen Airport to Kadikoy (2025)

If you’re traveling from Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) to Kadıköy, you have four main options: Metro, Havabus, taxi, and private transfer. Each offers different benefits in terms of cost, speed, and comfort. The Metro is the most affordable, Havabus offers a convenient middle ground, and taxis or private transfers provide comfort but come at a higher cost. Most travelers find public transport to be the best choice for getting to Kadıköy, but if you prefer comfort, consider booking a private shuttle.

How Far is Sabiha Gokcen Airport from Kadikoy?

• The distance from Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Kadıköy is approximately 40 km, taking around 60-90 minutes by car, depending on traffic.
• Maltepe is about 26 km away, with a shorter travel time of 20-35 minutes.
• For Moda (36 km), expect a trip of around 60-90 minutes, similar to Kadıköy.
• Finally, Göztepe is roughly 29 km away, with a travel time of 19-40 minutes depending on traffic.

Tips for a Route from SAW to Kadikoy

• Pre-book Taxi or Transfer: Use Welcomepickups or apps like BiTaksi or Uber for transparent fares.
• Get Turkish Liras: Withdraw Turkish lira from an ATM at the airport or change them (but not much, currency rates are bad there).
• Avoid Peak Times: Travel outside peak hours (7:30-9:30 AM, 5:00-8:00 PM) to avoid traffic.
• Free Airport Wi-Fi: Use Sabiha Gökçen’s free Wi-Fi to check maps, routes, or contact your hotel.
• Leave Early: Allow 2-3 hours before your flight for the return trip.
• If your hotel is near the M4 Metro line, taking the metro is an ideal option, offering a quicker and more convenient alternative to avoid traffic.
• Get an Istanbul Kart: Cheaper than single tickets, especially for frequent public transport use.

If you find yourself with a layover in Istanbul, consider taking a layover tour to maximize your time and explore the city without worrying about transfers and time.

Transportation from Sabiha Gokcen Airport to Kadikoy

When traveling from Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) to Kadıköy, you now have four main options: metro, Havabus, taxi, and private transfer. For most visitors, public transport is efficient and affordable, making it a great option unless you’re looking for a premium VIP experience.

Havabus Shuttle (SG-1) from Sabiha Gokcen Istanbul Airport to Kadikoy and Back

• Travel Time: 60-90 minutes (more during rush hour)
• Price: 175.50 TL.
• Schedule:
  • Buses from SAW to Kadikoy operate between 06:30 am and 00:30 am, every 30 minutes.
  • Buses from Kadikoy to SAW operate between 04:15 am and 21:15 am, every 30 minutes.

Check the official Havabus website for the most up-to-date schedule.

The journey typically takes 60-90 minutes, depending on traffic density, with the bus traveling along the Tem Access Road and making a stop at Yeni Sahra before reaching Kadıköy.

How to Find Bus Station

• Exit the Airport: After you leave the arrivals hall, follow the signs to the bus stop area.
• Reach the Bus Station: Once outside, take a left and you’ll find the bus stop, clearly marked for different destinations.

Kadıköy Departure/Arriving Point: The shuttle departs from Kadıköy Rıhtım İETT Bus Stops, near the Kadıköy Pier, making it easy to continue exploring the area on foot or transfer to ferries and other forms of public transport.

Departure and Return Routes

• Kadıköy to Airport: Kadıköy -> Yeni Sahra -> Tem Access Road -> Sabiha Gökçen Airport.
• Airport to Kadıköy: Sabiha Gökçen Airport -> Tem Access Road -> Yeni Sahra -> Kadıköy.

Since the opening of the M4 Metro Line at Sabiha Gökçen, the metro has become an even faster option to Kadıköy, cutting down travel time significantly.

Havabus is Free With Istanbul E-Pass!

Arrive in Istanbul with ease using the Havabus shuttle service to and from Sabiha Gökçen Airport — included with your Istanbul E-pass.

Metro M4 from Sabiha Gokcen Airport to Kadikoy and Back

The Metro M4 Line is a convenient, budget-friendly way to travel between Sabiha Gökçen Airport and Kadıköy. Operating daily, it provides a fast alternative to buses and taxis, especially during peak traffic times.

• Operating Hours: 24 hours on weekends (Friday to Sunday) and from 06:00 am to 00:00 am on weekdays.
• Journey Time: About 75 minutes.
• Cost: Approximately 27 TL with an IstanbulKart.

To use the metro, ensure your IstanbulKart or Travel City Pass is loaded with sufficient credit. These cards are accepted on most public transport and offer reduced fares compared to single-use tokens. Before entering the Metro, you can purchase an Istanbulkart (the public transportation card) at vending machines located near the station entrance.

How to Use the Metro M4 Line:

1. Find the station: The metro station has three entrances at the Sabiha Gökçen Airport terminal:
   • Entrance 1: Domestic Terminal CIP Hall & Carpark
   • Entrance 2: Sabiha Gokcen Airport Hotel
   • Entrance 3: Main Terminal
2. Board the M4 Metro: As you approach the station, screens display the estimated departure times for the next trains. Take the metro towards Kadikoy. The journey covers a direct route with several stops.
3. Arrive at Kadikoy: Exit at Kadikoy Station.

Be mindful of rush hour, as the metro can get crowded.

IBB Bus (E10) from Sabiha Gokcen Airport to Kadikoy

The E10 IBB bus is a late-night option for travelers between Sabiha Gokcen Airport and Kadikoy when M4 is closed, but it operates only on weekdays and Sundays, not on Saturdays.

Where to Find Bus Station in Sabiha

• Exit the Airport: After you leave the arrivals hall, follow the signs to the bus stop area.
• Reach the Bus Station: Once outside, take a left and you’ll find the bus stop, clearly marked for different destinations. Havabus comes from here too.

Here’s the updated E10 schedule

• From Sabiha Gokcen Airport: Buses run at 23:40, 01:05, 02:25, and 03:30 on weekdays and Sundays.
• From Kadikoy: Buses depart at 01:05, 02:15, 03:45, and 04:55 on weekdays and Sundays.

• The fare is around 54 TL, payable using an Istanbulkart.
• Expect the trip to take 60-90 minutes depending on traffic conditions, especially at night when traffic is lighter.

While still an option for late-night travellers when the metro is not in service, the M4 Metro Line is generally faster and more reliable during regular hours.

Private Shuttle from Sabiha Gokcen Istanbul Airport to Kadikoy

• Travel Time: Around 60 minutes
• Price: Approximately $45 (around 1,400 TL)

If you prefer comfort and ease, especially when travelling with kids, pets, or lots of luggage, a private shuttle is your best bet. With door-to-door service, the shuttle picks you up from the airport exit and drops you directly at your destination.

Taxi from Sabiha Gokcen Airport to Kadikoy

• Travel Time: About 60 minutes, depending on traffic.
• Price: Roughly 1 100 TL

While taxis offer direct transport, they come with risks, particularly scams and inflated fares. Opting for a private transfer is often safer and more reliable, especially if you’re in a rush or have a flight to catch.

Where to Find Taxis

After clearing customs, turn right to leave the international arrivals section. Once outside, turn left and you’ll see staff managing taxis. They will help you join the queue. Taxis will come one by one to pick up passengers. Make sure to wait in line for your turn.

Turkey uses a taximeter system. Politely ask the driver to turn on the meter to ensure you’re charged fairly based on the distance, not a pre-agreed sum. Read more about taxis in Istanbul…

You can either:

• Walk up to the taxi stand and grab a metered taxi.
• Use apps like BiTaksi or Uber for more transparency and to avoid overcharges. These apps allow you to pay with a card and provide an estimate of the fare.

Be cautious about fare negotiations and check if the meter starts properly to avoid scams. For more detailed tips, check our guide on taxi scams in Istanbul.

Car Rental in Sabiha Gokcen Istanbul Airport

• Travel Time: About 60 minutes
• Price: Starts at 1,200 TL for 24 hours, plus fuel costs.

Renting a car at Sabiha Gokcen Airport can be a good option if you plan to explore more remote areas of Istanbul or take trips beyond the city. Companies like Rentalcars offer various rental options to suit your needs.

However, if you’re only heading to Kadikoy, renting a car may not be the most effective choice. The city is notorious for traffic congestion, and parking can be challenging, particularly in busy districts. Public transportation or a private transfer may be more practical for simple airport-to-hotel travel.

• Travel Time: About 60 minutes
• Price: From 1 200 TL for 24 hours + gas

When Choose Car Rental?

• Great for trips outside the city: If you plan to explore further afield, having a rental car gives you freedom and flexibility.
• Less effective for city-only travel: Due to traffic and parking difficulties, renting a car for urban areas like Kadikoy may not be worth the effort.

Discover the Best Car Rental Deals

Companies like Rentalcars offer flexible and hassle-free rentals, including free cancellation up to 48 hours before pick-up and transparent pricing. It’s an ideal option if you plan a road trip or want the flexibility to explore on your own terms.

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