Europe, Asia and Two Airports
Istanbul spans two continents, divided by the Bosphorus. Most sights and hotels are on the European side, but millions of people live on the Asian (Anatolian) side — in lively Kadıköy and Moda, historic Üsküdar, the office towers of Ataşehir and the residential districts stretching east along the Sea of Marmara to Maltepe, Kartal and Pendik.
The key thing to know: Istanbul Airport (IST) is on the European side, while Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) is on the Asian side. If you have a choice of flights, SAW is usually far closer to Asian-side addresses. If you land at IST, the transfer crosses the Bosphorus by one of the bridges or the Eurasia Tunnel — and in our fixed price, those tolls are already included.
Journey Times and Prices by District
| District | From IST | From SAW | Price (IST / SAW) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kadıköy & Moda | 60–80 min | 30–45 min | from €60 / from €45 |
| Üsküdar & Çengelköy | 60–75 min | 35–50 min | Fixed quote |
| Ataşehir & Ümraniye | 60–80 min | 25–40 min | Fixed quote |
| Maltepe & Kartal | 70–90 min | 20–35 min | Fixed quote |
| Pendik & Tuzla | 80–100 min | 15–25 min | Fixed quote |
| Princes' Islands ferry piers | 70–90 min | 25–40 min | Fixed quote / Fixed quote |
Times are typical for normal traffic; the bridges are slowest on weekday evenings. "Fixed quote" means the price is fixed before you book — enter your address in the booking form or send it on WhatsApp. All listed routes are on the transfer price list.
Crossing the Bosphorus from Istanbul Airport
From IST there are three main ways across: the Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge in the north, useful for Ümraniye, Ataşehir and the eastern districts; the central 15 July Martyrs and Fatih Sultan Mehmet bridges; and the Eurasia Tunnel under the Sea of Marmara towards Kadıköy. Your driver chooses the fastest crossing for the time of day. A taxi would add these tolls to the meter; with us they are part of the price.
Arriving at Sabiha Gökçen Instead
If you fly into SAW, the Asian side is on your doorstep. Pendik is minutes away, and most Asian-side districts are within 45 minutes. See the Sabiha Gökçen transfer page for routes and meeting point details. Need to change airports? We also drive between Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gökçen around the clock.
District Guide
- ✓Kadıköy & Moda — markets, cafés and the ferry to the European side. Dedicated page: Istanbul Airport to Kadıköy.
- ✓Üsküdar — mosques, the Maiden's Tower and waterfront tea gardens facing the old city.
- ✓Ataşehir — the Asian side's business district, with office towers, hotels and shopping centres.
- ✓Ümraniye & Çekmeköy — residential and business areas inland.
- ✓Maltepe, Kartal & Pendik — the long Marmara seafront, hospitals and the Pendik high-speed train station.
- ✓Beykoz — the green, quieter northern Bosphorus shore.
Flying Out: Which Airport and When to Leave
Check which airport your departure uses — it is easy to mix them up when you book different airlines. From the Asian side, a departure from Sabiha Gökçen is usually a short ride: from Kadıköy or Ataşehir we suggest leaving about three hours before an international flight. A departure from Istanbul Airport means crossing the Bosphorus again, and the bridges can be very slow on weekday afternoons, so allow around four hours from Kadıköy or Üsküdar and a little more from Maltepe, Kartal or Pendik. We pick you up at your door at any hour, and early-morning runs are usually the quickest of the day.
What's Included
- ✓Meet & greet in arrivals with a name sign
- ✓Flight tracking and 60 minutes of free waiting
- ✓Bridge, tunnel and motorway tolls included
- ✓Mercedes Vito for up to 7 passengers, Sprinter for groups
- ✓Free child seats on request
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Istanbul Airport in Europe or Asia?
Istanbul Airport (IST) is on the European side, north-west of the city. Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) is the airport on the Asian side, in Pendik.
Which airport is closer to Kadıköy, Ataşehir or Pendik?
Sabiha Gökçen. Kadıköy is about 30–45 minutes from SAW, Ataşehir around 30 minutes and Pendik only 15–20 minutes, compared with roughly an hour or more from Istanbul Airport.
Are bridge and tunnel tolls included?
Yes. Every price is fixed per vehicle and already includes the Bosphorus bridge or tunnel toll and any motorway tolls.
How long does it take from Istanbul Airport to Üsküdar?
Usually 60–75 minutes, depending on the bridge used and the traffic. Evening rush hour on the bridges can add more.
Can you take us to the Princes' Islands ferry?
Yes. We drive to the ferry piers on the Asian side, such as Bostancı or Kartal, and to the piers on the European side. Tell us your ferry time when you book.