From Asia to the Old City
Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) is on Istanbul's Asian side, and Sultanahmet — home to the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace and the Grand Bazaar — is on the historic peninsula of the European side. Between them lies the Bosphorus, which is why this is one of the more complicated airport journeys in the city on public transport, and one of the simplest by private car.
Your driver meets you at the arrivals exit, loads your luggage and drives you across the water to your hotel door, usually in 50–80 minutes. The fixed price is from €55 per vehicle, and the toll for the bridge or tunnel is included.
Route, Distance and Time
The distance is roughly 45–60 km, depending on the crossing. Most transfers use either the Eurasia Tunnel, which runs under the Sea of Marmara and comes out close to the old city walls, or one of the Bosphorus bridges followed by the coastal road along the Golden Horn. The driver checks the traffic and picks the quicker option.
| Route | Distance | Typical time | Fixed price |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAW → Sultanahmet | ~45–60 km | 50–80 min | from €55 |
| Sultanahmet → SAW (return) | ~45–60 km | 50–80 min | from €55 |
Bus, Metro or Taxi?
By rail, the M4 metro runs from SAW towards Kadıköy; change at Ayrılık Çeşmesi to Marmaray, which crosses under the Bosphorus to Sirkeci, a short walk or tram stop from Sultanahmet. It is cheap and avoids traffic, but with two or three changes and stairs it takes around two hours door to door with luggage.
Airport buses from SAW go to Kadıköy and Taksim, after which you need a ferry, tram or taxi. A taxi from the rank is metered and the crossing toll is added. For how taxi fares, colours and payment work, see our Istanbul airport taxi guide and the taxi vs Uber vs transfer comparison.
Where We Drop You in the Old City
- ✓Sultanahmet Square — Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia
- ✓Cankurtaran — small hotels near the sea walls
- ✓Sirkeci & Eminönü — the station, ferry piers and the Spice Bazaar
- ✓Beyazıt & Grand Bazaar area
- ✓Laleli, Aksaray & the rest of Fatih
Families, Groups and Late Arrivals
Many low-cost flights into Sabiha Gökçen land late in the evening or early in the morning, when the metro is closed or trains are infrequent. Our drivers work 24/7 at the same price, so a 1 am arrival is no problem — see night arrivals in Istanbul. Because the price is per vehicle, the transfer is also good value for families and groups: a Mercedes Vito takes up to seven passengers with luggage, and larger groups travel together in a Sprinter. Child seats are fitted free of charge on request — just tell us the children's ages when you book.
Meeting Your Driver at Sabiha Gökçen
After passport control and baggage claim, go out through the arrivals exit. Your driver waits at Column / Pillar 13 outside the terminal, holding a sign with your name. We track your flight, so delays are no problem, and 60 minutes of free waiting starts from your actual landing time. Full directions are on our meeting points page.
Going Back to Sabiha Gökçen
For your departure, the driver picks you up at your hotel. From Sultanahmet we suggest leaving about three and a half hours before an international flight, a little more on weekday afternoons. You can book both directions together at the same fixed price.
Other Routes from Sabiha Gökçen
Staying near Taksim or İstiklal Avenue? See Sabiha Gökçen to Taksim. For the Asian side, Kadıköy is only about 30–45 minutes from SAW — see transfers to the Asian side. Flying into Istanbul Airport instead? Book the Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet transfer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take from Sabiha Gökçen to Sultanahmet?
Usually 50–80 minutes by car, depending on traffic and whether the driver uses the Eurasia Tunnel or one of the Bosphorus bridges. Weekday evenings are the slowest.
How much is the transfer from SAW to Sultanahmet?
The fixed route price is from €55 per vehicle, including the bridge or tunnel toll, meet & greet and 60 minutes of free waiting.
Can I get from Sabiha Gökçen to Sultanahmet by public transport?
Yes, with changes: the M4 metro from the airport towards Kadıköy, then Marmaray under the Bosphorus to Sirkeci, and a short walk or tram ride to Sultanahmet. Allow around two hours with luggage. Airport buses to Kadıköy or Taksim are another option, again with onward connections.
How much is a taxi from Sabiha Gökçen to Sultanahmet?
Taxis are metered under the official İBB tariff, and the bridge or tunnel toll is added, so the fare depends on traffic and taxi type. Our transfer price is fixed in advance.
Where does the driver meet me at Sabiha Gökçen?
At Column / Pillar 13 by the arrivals exit, outside the terminal building, holding a sign with your name.