Why Would You Travel Between SAW and IST?
Istanbul has two major international airports:
- Istanbul Airport (IST) – located on the European side
- Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) – located on the Asian side
Travelers sometimes need to move between the two due to:
- Connecting flights at different airports
- Hotel reservations on the opposite side of the city
- Cruise port arrivals
- Business meetings
- Booking errors or missed flights
This route is not short — around 60 to 80 km — and travel time can vary between 80 to 120 minutes, depending on traffic.
Option 1: Taxi (Updated for 2025)
Taking a taxi is possible but can be expensive, especially with additional tolls and bridge fees. Here are the 2025 estimated fares:
|
Taxi Type |
Estimated Fare (One Way) |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
Yellow Taxi |
1,750 TL – 2,000 TL |
Most basic, metered fare |
|
Turquoise Taxi |
2,000 TL – 2,200 TL |
Eco-friendly hybrid cars |
|
Black (VIP) Taxi |
2,800 TL – 3,200 TL |
Luxury option, needs reservation |
Note: These prices do not include bridge or highway tolls (up to 400–500 TL extra).
Option 2: Public Transportation (Budget-Friendly, Time-Consuming)
If you prefer saving money and don’t mind changing vehicles several times, public transportation is a possible option:
Sample Route:
- SAW → Kadıköy (by Havabus or E-10 bus)
- Marmaray from Kadıköy → Yenikapı
- Metro from Yenikapı → Kağıthane → Istanbul Airport (IST)
Duration: 2.5 – 3 hours
Estimated Cost: 70–100 TL total
Not ideal for travelers with large luggage, kids, or tight connections.
Option 3: Private Transfer with Welcome Istanbul
The easiest, safest, and most comfortable solution — especially for international travelers or families.
Why Choose Welcome Istanbul?
- Fixed, transparent pricing (no surprises)
- English-speaking, professional drivers
- Flight tracking & free waiting time
- Baby seat or extra luggage options available
- Private ride, direct from terminal to terminal
- Online reservation & 24/7 service
Travel Time: ~90 minutes
Price: Competitive and all-inclusive — no bridge or toll surprises
Book now: https://welcomeistanbul.com
Who Benefits Most?
- Travelers with back-to-back flights
- Business passengers
- Families with kids and luggage
- Cruise ship tourists
- Visitors who value time, comfort, and safety
Final Thoughts
While taxis and public transport are both available, they come with limitations like high cost or long travel times. For a worry-free and VIP-level experience, booking a private transfer with Welcome Istanbul is the smartest choice.
FAQs – Traveling Between Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) and Istanbul Airport (IST)
1. How far is Sabiha Gökçen Airport from Istanbul Airport?
The distance between SAW and IST is approximately 85–95 km, depending on the route. Travel time ranges from 70 to 120 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
2. Is there a direct shuttle or public transport between SAW and IST?
No direct shuttle currently connects the two airports. Passengers typically need to take multiple buses, metro lines, or taxis, making public transit time-consuming and inconvenient for airport-to-airport transfers.
3. What is the fastest way to travel between SAW and IST?
The fastest and most convenient way is a private transfer, which offers a direct, door-to-door service without transfers or delays. It’s ideal for tight layovers or travelers with luggage.
4. Can I take a taxi between SAW and IST? How much does it cost?
Yes, you can take a licensed taxi. Approximate one-way taxi fares are:
- Yellow Taxi: 1,300–1,600 TL
- Turquoise Taxi: 1,400–1,700 TL
- Black VIP Taxi: 2,000+ TL
- Prices vary by time, traffic, and route.
5. Are private airport transfers available between the two airports?
Yes, welcomeistanbul.com offers reliable and fixed-rate private transfers between SAW and IST, including professional drivers, 24/7 service, and flight monitoring.
6. How much time should I allow between connecting flights at SAW and IST?
Allow at least 5–6 hours between flights, especially if you have to collect luggage, pass through customs, and travel during peak hours. Booking a private transfer can help you stay on schedule.
7. Can I book a transfer in advance with flight tracking?
Yes, private transfer services allow pre-booking with your flight number. The driver will monitor delays and adjust the pickup time accordingly
8. Is it safe and reliable to book online?
Absolutely. Booking with a trusted provider like welcomeistanbul.com ensures transparency, secure payment, and 24/7 customer support in case of changes or delays.