If your flight lands at Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW), getting to Taksim is a bit more involved than you might expect. Located on Istanbul's Asian side, about 50 kilometers from Taksim Square on the European side, the journey requires crossing the Bosphorus — one of the world's most famous waterways and, unfortunately, one of Istanbul's biggest traffic bottlenecks. Whether you are looking for the cheapest Sabiha Gokcen to Taksim route or the fastest Sabiha Gokcen airport transfer, this guide breaks down every option with up-to-date 2026 prices and realistic travel times.
Unlike Istanbul Airport (IST) on the European side, SAW has no direct metro link to Taksim yet. That means your options involve either road-based transport or a combination of buses, trains, and ferries. Each has genuine trade-offs, so let's walk through them honestly.
Quick Overview: Sabiha Gokcen to Taksim at a Glance
Before diving into each option, here's the summary:
Distance:~50 km (depending on route and bridge/tunnel used)
Travel time: 60–120 minutes depending on traffic and transport mode
Cheapest option: Bus + Marmaray + Metro (~₺100–150 total)
Fastest option: Private transfer or taxi (~60–75 minutes, traffic permitting)
Best value: Havabus shuttle (₺260, ~90–120 minutes, direct to Taksim)
Option 1: Private Airport Transfer
A private transfer is the most straightforward way to get from Sabiha Gokcen to Taksim. A driver meets you at arrivals — usually holding a name sign — takes your luggage, and drives you directly to your hotel or accommodation. No figuring out bus stops, no dragging suitcases through metro stations.
Price:€45–55 (fixed, booked in advance)
Travel time: 60–90 minutes depending on traffic
Route: Usually via the July 15 Martyrs Bridge or the Eurasia Tunnel (driver chooses based on traffic conditions)
Best for: Families with children, groups of 3–4, night arrivals, anyone who values convenience
The main advantage is predictability. You know the price before you land, and you won't sit in the back seat watching a taxi meter climb during a traffic jam on the bridge. Most transfer companies also offer free waiting time if your flight is delayed, which is a genuine plus when arriving at SAW — delays are not uncommon.
You can compare transfer prices from multiple providers to find the best rate for your group size and vehicle preference.
Option 2: Taxi from Sabiha Gokcen
Taxis are available 24/7 at the designated taxi stand outside the arrivals hall. The ride to Taksim is metered, which means the final price depends entirely on traffic conditions and the route the driver takes.
Price:₺800–1,200 (metered, bridge/tunnel toll included)
Travel time: 60–90 minutes
Payment: Cash (TL) or credit card (most taxis now accept cards)
Pros: Direct door-to-door service, no advance booking needed, available around the clock.
Cons: Metered pricing means heavy traffic directly increases your cost. The Sabiha Gokcen to Taksim route crosses the Bosphorus, and bridge approaches are notorious for congestion during evening rush hours (5–8 PM). There's also a well-documented risk of longer routes or "broken meter" claims with tourists. Using the BiTaksi app to hail a taxi can reduce these risks since the trip is tracked digitally.
Tip: Always confirm the driver starts the meter. Istanbul taxis are legally required to use meters — if a driver quotes a flat fare, that's a red flag.
Option 3: Havabus (Airport Shuttle Bus)
Havabus operates a direct shuttle service from Sabiha Gokcen Airport to Taksim Square. It's one of the most popular choices among budget-conscious travelers, and for good reason — it's comfortable, reliable, and drops you right in the center of Taksim.
Price:₺260 (one way)
Frequency: Every 30 minutes (schedule varies; check havabus.com for current times)
Travel time: 90–120 minutes (traffic dependent)
Drop-off: Taksim Square (near the Gezi Park entrance)
Luggage: Stored underneath the bus, no extra charge
The Havabus stop at SAW is directly outside the arrivals exit. You buy your ticket at the counter before boarding — cash or card accepted. The buses are full-sized coaches with air conditioning and luggage compartments, so it's a step above city buses in terms of comfort.
The main downside is time. During Friday evening traffic or weekend getaway rushes, the 90-minute estimate can stretch to two hours. But at ₺260, it's hard to argue with the value.
Option 4: Bus + Marmaray + Metro (The Budget Route)
This is the cheapest way to travel from Sabiha Gokcen to Taksim, but it involves multiple transfers and is genuinely hard with heavy luggage. It works best for solo travelers or backpackers who are comfortable navigating public transit.
The route:
Take the E10 or E11 bus from Sabiha Gokcen to Pendik station (~30 minutes)
Board the Marmaray commuter train at Pendik — this train runs under the Bosphorus via the Marmaray tunnel to the European side (~40 minutes to Sirkeci)
At Sirkeci, transfer to the Marmaray line toward Yenikapı, then switch to Metro M2 toward Hacıosman
Get off at Taksim station
Total cost:~₺100–150 (using Istanbulkart)
Total time: 2–2.5 hours
Requires: An Istanbulkart (you can buy one at the airport for ₺70)
The Marmaray train itself is excellent — modern, clean, and fast. The challenge is the connections. Carrying two suitcases up and down stairs at Pendik station and again at the metro transfers is not fun. If you're traveling light, this is perfectly viable. With heavy luggage or small children, consider other options.
Option 5: Bus + Ferry via Kadıköy (The Scenic Route)
This route replaces the underground Marmaray crossing with a scenic ferry ride across the Bosphorus. It takes longer, but if you're arriving in daylight and aren't in a rush, it's a memorable way to enter the European side of Istanbul.
The route:
Take the E10 bus from Sabiha Gokcen to Kadıköy (~60 minutes)
Walk to the Kadıköy ferry terminal and catch a ferry to Karaköy or Eminönü (~25 minutes)
From Karaköy, take the Tünel funicular or walk uphill. From Eminönü, take the T1 tram to Kabataş, then the funicular to Taksim
Total cost:~₺120–170
Total time: 2.5–3 hours
Kadıköy itself is worth exploring — it has a fantastic food market and a lively waterfront. If you have the time and energy after your flight, stopping for a Turkish tea before catching the ferry isn't a bad idea. But practically speaking, this is the slowest option and only makes sense if you genuinely want the experience.
Arriving Late at Night from Sabiha Gokcen
This deserves its own section because SAW handles a lot of late-night budget airline arrivals, and your options shrink dramatically after midnight.
Havabus: Runs limited late-night services, but check the schedule carefully — the last bus to Taksim may depart as early as 1:00 AM. If your flight lands at midnight and you clear customs by 12:45 AM, you're cutting it close.
Public transit: The Marmaray and metro stop running around midnight. This option is off the table.
Taxi: Available 24/7, but the taxi queue at SAW can be very long after late-night arrivals. Multiple budget flights land around the same time, and the taxi rank can take 30–45 minutes to get through.
Private transfer: Pre-booked, driver is waiting. No queue, no guessing. This is the most reliable late-night option from Sabiha Gokcen.
Recommendation: If your flight arrives at SAW after 10 PM, seriously consider pre-booking a transfer. The peace of mind alone is worth it when you're tired, it's dark, and you still have a Bosphorus crossing ahead of you.
SAW vs IST: Which Airport Is Closer to Taksim?
If you haven't booked your flight yet and Taksim is your destination, this comparison might help your decision.
Istanbul Airport (IST) is on the European side, about 40 km northwest of Taksim. Despite the distance, the road connections are excellent — the Northern Marmara Motorway provides a fast, mostly traffic-free route. Travel time: 35–55 minutes by car.
Sabiha Gokcen (SAW) is on the Asian side, about 50 km southeast of Taksim. The journey requires crossing the Bosphorus, which adds both distance and traffic risk. Travel time: 60–90 minutes by car on a good day, potentially 2+ hours during rush hour.
The bottom line: IST is faster and more predictable for reaching Taksim. But SAW often has cheaper flights, especially with budget carriers like Pegasus. If the price difference is significant, SAW is still perfectly manageable — just plan your transfer accordingly.
Practical Tips for the Sabiha Gokcen to Taksim Journey
Buy an Istanbulkart at the airport. If you plan to use any public transport during your trip, get one at the kiosk in the arrivals hall. It costs ₺70 for the card plus whatever you load onto it. You'll need it for buses, metro, tram, ferry, and Marmaray.
Avoid the 5–8 PM crossing. If your flight lands between 4 and 6 PM, the drive across the Bosphorus will hit peak traffic. Consider waiting at the airport for an hour — grab dinner at one of the restaurants — and leave around 7:30 or 8 PM when traffic eases.
Havabus tickets: buy at the counter. The ticket booth is right outside the arrivals exit, to the left. Don't buy from random people approaching you inside the terminal.
Allow buffer time for connections. If you're heading to Taksim to catch a dinner reservation or a Bosphorus cruise, add at least 30 minutes to any estimated travel time as a buffer. The Bosphorus crossing is the variable that makes every estimate a range, not a guarantee.
Currency exchange. The exchange rates at Sabiha Gokcen arrivals are poor. If you need Turkish lira for the bus, exchange a small amount (₺500 max) and get a better rate in Taksim's Grand Pera or Istiklal area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sabiha Gokcen far from Istanbul?
Sabiha Gokcen is not far from Istanbul — it's in Istanbul, on the Asian side of the city in the Pendik district. However, it is far from the main tourist areas on the European side. The distance to Taksim is about 50 km, and to Sultanahmet about 45 km. What makes it feel far is not the distance itself but the Bosphorus crossing, which adds time and traffic unpredictability. For context, many Istanbulites live on the Asian side and commute to the European side daily — the crossing is routine, just time-consuming during rush hours.
How do I get from SAW to Taksim by metro?
There is no direct metro line from Sabiha Gokcen to Taksim as of 2026. The closest you can get to a "metro" route involves taking the E10 or E11 bus to Pendik, then the Marmaray commuter train under the Bosphorus, and then transferring to the M2 metro line which serves Taksim station. The total journey takes about 2–2.5 hours and costs around ₺100–150 with an Istanbulkart. It's the cheapest option, but the multiple transfers and stairs make it impractical with heavy luggage. A planned metro extension from Sabiha Gokcen to the Marmaray network has been discussed for years, but no completion date has been confirmed.
How much is a taxi from Sabiha Gokcen to Taksim?
A metered taxi from Sabiha Gokcen to Taksim typically costs between ₺800 and ₺1,200, depending on traffic and the route taken. The fare includes the bridge or tunnel toll. During heavy traffic, the meter continues to run, so costs can creep toward the higher end. At current exchange rates (early 2026), that's roughly €20–30. Compared to a pre-booked private transfer at €45–55, the taxi can be cheaper — but it's unpredictable, and you won't know the final cost until you arrive.
What is the best way to get from Sabiha Gokcen to Taksim at night?
After midnight, your only realistic options are a taxi or a pre-booked private transfer. The Marmaray and metro stop running, and the Havabus has very limited late-night departures. A private transfer is generally the better late-night option because the driver is pre-assigned and waiting — no queuing at the taxi rank, no negotiation, and a fixed price. If you prefer a taxi, use the BiTaksi app to track your ride and ensure the meter is used.
For more travel tips and answers to common questions, visit the FAQ page.
