“How to get from Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) to Sultanahmet, and vice versa?” is one of the common questions for those living and visiting Istanbul. Here, we put together detailed transportation alternatives with our insider tips, to help you plan your Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) to Sultanahmet trip with ease.
Some Practical Information
- Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) is situated on the east of Istanbul, in the Pendik district, on the Asian side.
- Distance from the SAW to Sultanahmet is about 45 km.
- It takes about 120 mins to get to Sultanahmet from SAW, and vice versa.
- You can travel between Sultanahmet and SAW directly by; Taxi, and Private Shuttle.
- With Havabus Airport Shuttle and M4 Kadikoy Metro, you need take other transfers.
- HAVABUS Airport Shuttle/M4 Metro to Kadikoy (1 hour) > Public Ferry to Eminonu (30 minutes) > Tram to Sultanahmet (15 minutes)
- HAVABUS Airport Shuttle to Taksim (1,5 hours) > Funicular to Kabatas (5 minutes) > Tram to Sultanahmet (25 minutes)
- There is NO direct Municipal Public Bus operating between Sultanahmet and SAW.
How to get from Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) to Sultanahmet?
The best way to get from Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) to Sultanahmet is by taking the Havabus shuttle to Taksim or Kadikoy, then transferring to the T1 tram (from Kadikoy by ferry to Eminonu first) to reach Sultanahmet. This route takes around 2 to 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a private transfer or taxi for a faster, more direct option, with travel times of 60-90 minutes, costing between 1,000-1,300 TL.
SAW to Sultanahmet Transport Options
Traveling from Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) to Sultanahmet, Istanbul’s historic heart, is a popular route for tourists visiting landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace.
As these locations are situated on the European side, and Sabiha Gokcen is on the Asian side, you should choose the right transportation method. See below the best options to travel from SAW to Sultanahmet, helping you make an informed choice.
1. Havabus Shuttle + Tram: Affordable and Simple
The Havabus shuttle service is one of the most convenient ways to travel from Sabiha Gokcen to central locations like Kadikoy or Taksim, where you can easily transfer to the tram that takes you to Sultanahmet.
- Route: Take the Havabus shuttle from Sabiha Gokcen to Kadikoy (130 TL) or Taksim (210 TL).
- From Kadikoy, take public ferry to Eminonu and after, take the T1 tram line to Sultanahmet.
- From Taksim, transfer to the T1 tram line to Sultanahmet.
- Travel Time: Approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on traffic and transfer times.
- Pros: Affordable, widely available, and easy to navigate.
- Cons: Requires at least one transfer, and traffic can extend the journey time.
This option is perfect for budget-conscious travelers who don’t mind taking a bit longer and transferring between transportation modes.
Notice: Please double check the HAVABUS routes, timetables, trip fares and payment options from HAVABUS’ official website on havabus.com as all changes frequently due to this pandemic year’s situation.
2. Private Transfer: Fast and Comfortable
If you’re looking for the most comfortable and stress-free option, private transfers are available directly from Sabiha Gokcen Airport to Sultanahmet. With pre-booked private transfers, a driver will meet you at the airport and transport you directly to your hotel or destination.
- Cost: Typically between €40-60.
- Travel Time: About 60-90 minutes, depending on traffic.
- Pros: Door-to-door service, fixed pricing, no need for transfers.
- Cons: More expensive than public transport.
Private transfers are an excellent choice for families, groups, or those with a lot of luggage, offering a hassle-free experience with guaranteed comfort.
Book your Private Shuttle
Check out and book your transfer from the below best and cheapest options
3. Taxi: Convenient but Pricey
Taking a taxi from Sabiha Gokcen Airport to Sultanahmet is one of the quickest ways to get to your destination, but it comes at a higher cost.
- Cost: Taxis usually cost between 1,000-1,300 TL, depending on traffic and the time of day.
- Travel Time: Typically 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic.
- Pros: Direct service, no need for transfers, available 24/7.
- Cons: High cost and travel time can increase significantly during peak traffic hours.
Taxis are best for those in a hurry or traveling late at night when public transport services are less frequent.
4. Metro + Marmaray + Tram: Best for Avoiding Traffic
For travelers who want to avoid Istanbul’s infamous traffic, the M4 metro line combined with the Marmaray and T1 tram is an efficient way to reach Sultanahmet. Though it requires multiple transfers, it’s an affordable and traffic-free option.
- Route: Take the M4 metro from Sabiha Gokcen to Kadikoy, then transfer to the Marmaray line to Sirkeci Station, and finally the T1 tram to Sultanahmet.
- Travel Time: Around 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Pros: Avoids traffic, inexpensive.
- Cons: Requires multiple transfers, not ideal for travelers with heavy luggage.
This option is great for travelers who are familiar with Istanbul’s public transport system or want to avoid the uncertainty of traffic delays.
How to Choose the Best Option
Choosing the right method to get from Sabiha Gokcen Airport to Sultanahmet depends on your preferences and needs:
- For Budget Travelers: The combination of Havabus and tram is the most affordable option.
- For Speed and Comfort: Private transfers offer the most direct and hassle-free experience.
- For Convenience: Taxis are available at all hours and are great for direct access, though at a higher price.
- For Traffic Avoidance: The metro + Marmaray + tram route is ideal for avoiding road congestion.