Complete guide to transfers from Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) in 2026 — private transfer prices, journey times to Sultanahmet, Taksim and beyond.
Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) — What You Need to Know in 2026
Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) is Istanbul's second airport, located on the Asian side of the city. Many budget airlines — including Pegasus and Ryanair — fly into SAW. Getting to the European side (Sultanahmet, Taksim, Beşiktaş) requires crossing the Bosphorus, which adds time to your journey.
Private Transfer from SAW
A private transfer from Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Sultanahmet costs 60 € (fixed price, no meter). The journey takes approximately 60–90 minutes depending on traffic and bridge crossing. AfterAirport provides door-to-door service with flight tracking included.
SAW to Key Destinations — Journey Times & Prices (2026)
- SAW → Sultanahmet: 60–90 min | 60 €
- SAW → Taksim / Beyoğlu: 55–80 min | 60 €
- SAW → Beşiktaş: 60–85 min | 60 €
- SAW → Kadıköy (Asian side): 20–30 min | 45 €
- SAW → Istanbul Airport (IST): 90–120 min | 80 €
Bus Options from SAW
Havaist (Havas) buses connect SAW to Taksim Square. Cost: approximately 5–6 €. Journey time: 60–90 minutes without traffic, but can exceed 2 hours during peak hours. Buses run from 04:00 to 01:00.
Metro from SAW (Coming Soon)
A metro line (M12) connecting SAW to the city centre was under construction in 2025–2026. Check local updates for the latest status on opening dates.
Taxi from SAW
Official taxis from SAW charge by meter. Expect 500–800 TL (15–25 €) to the Asian side, and 900–1400 TL (28–45 €) to European destinations. Using an official taxi from the designated rank is safer than accepting rides from individuals inside the terminal.
Tips for SAW Passengers in 2026
- SAW is on the Asian side — factor in Bosphorus bridge crossing time
- Book a private transfer in advance to avoid long taxi queues
- If staying on the Asian side (Kadıköy, Moda, Üsküdar), SAW is actually more convenient than IST
- AfterAirport tracks your SAW flight and adjusts pickup time if delayed
Book Your SAW Transfer
AfterAirport provides fixed-price private transfers from Sabiha Gökçen Airport to all Istanbul destinations. No hidden fees, English-speaking drivers, and free cancellation.