Affordable Istanbul - Balikesir Flight Tickets

About Transportation in Istanbul

In Istanbul, selected as Europe's cultural capital, the transportation network is so developed that you can reach anywhere you want using public transportation. However, traffic congestion can sometimes occur due to the city's population and the influx of tourists year-round, regardless of the season. The metro is used as the main transportation vehicle on both the Anatolian and European sides. It is considered the best alternative as it does not get stuck in traffic. Municipal buses and minibuses are the other alternatives. The metrobus and ferries, among public transportation vehicles, serve to connect the two continents. You can use the IstanbulKart on all public transportation vehicles except for minibuses. If you don't have an IstanbulKart, you can buy a single-use ticket from ticket machines. In addition to public transport, taxis are frequently preferred for inner-city transportation due to their very affordable prices.

How to Get to Sabiha Gökçen Airport from the City Center?

Sabiha Gökçen Airport is located about 14-15 kilometers from Pendik Train Station and Pendik Sea Bus Pier, but getting to the city center from the airport requires a journey of approximately 50 kilometers. On the other hand, alongside public transportation like buses, you can also reach the city by using sea buses and trains. If you are in a hurry, you can easily ensure your transportation by renting a car or calling a taxi.

Public Transportation Vehicles (Havabüs Buses, IETT Buses)

Havabüs Buses

Havabüs buses are an ideal way for those who want to travel from Taksim or Kadıköy to Sabiha Gökçen Airport, with a fare that varies depending on your point of departure. The white HAVATAŞ buses departing from in front of the Point Hotel and Divan Hotel drop you off right opposite the exit on the arrivals floor of the airport terminal building. Havabüs buses operating on routes such as 1. Levent, Dolapdere, Zincirlikuyu, Kavacık-FSM Bridge, and Taksim start their services at 03:00 in the early morning and end around 00:30-01:00 at night. These buses, which take about 1.5 hours to reach Sabiha Gökçen Airport depending on your boarding point, also depart from Kadıköy. Kadıköy Havabüs buses reach Sabiha Gökçen Airport by following the Yeni Sahra, TEM connection road, and Kadıköy route. Those who want to go from Sultanahmet to Sabiha Gökçen Airport can take the tram to the Sirkeci stop, then use the Eminönü-Kadıköy ferry, and finally take the HAVATAŞ buses to complete their journey.

IETT Buses

You can easily reach Sabiha Gökçen Airport by taking bus E3 from Levent, E9 from Maltepe, E10 from Kadıköy and Kurtköy, E11 from Kadıköy, E18 from Sultanbeyli, bus number 132 from Kartal and Tepeören, and the MR60 line from Pendik YHT (High-Speed Train). Tickets, which you can buy as single-use from ticket offices, may vary in price depending on your point of purchase. Furthermore, if you plan to stay in Istanbul longer, you can get an IstanbulKart to ensure more discounted and hassle-free transportation during your stay.

Private Transportation Vehicles (Car Rental, Taxi)

Car Rental

You can find world-famous car rental companies in the centers of both the European and Anatolian sides. If you don't have your own car, you can rent a car from one of these companies and leave it at the airport when you arrive. Prominent car rental companies include Windy Car Rental, Rent Go, Sun, Europark, Sixt, Europcar, Hertz, Budget, Dollar, Avis, and Thrifty. For those who want to go to Sabiha Gökçen Airport by private car and have limited time, we recommend the E5 or TEM highways. Although other roads may be shorter in terms of kilometers, the time you spend on the road can double or even triple due to heavy traffic. Also, if you are staying at a hotel, don't forget that you can use the hotel's shuttle service if you arrange it beforehand.

Taxi

Taxis, including services from Uber (private and shared), are available 24/7 all over Istanbul. Although going by taxi from the European Side to Sabiha Gökçen Airport is expensive, this cost can be reduced by using shared taxis. Considering the airport is 12 km from Pendik and about 50 km from Taksim Square, the choice is yours. You can also call taxis that apply a fixed rate easily by finding their numbers online. Even if the distance is long, you can comfortably choose these taxis as they follow a fixed price tariff.

How to Get to Istanbul Airport from the City Center?

In Istanbul, which has significantly upgraded its intra-city transportation, there are many alternatives to get from the city center to Istanbul Airport. You can use public transportation vehicles like municipal buses and airport shuttles, and the M11 metro line is now open. For those in a hurry or at risk of missing their flight, a taxi is a good option. Besides these, you can also use private transportation vehicles such as taxis, car rentals, and transfer services.

Public Transportation Vehicles (Municipal Bus, Airport Shuttle, Metro)

Municipal Bus

You can reach Istanbul Airport by municipal buses that serve on different routes from the city center. You can use an IstanbulKart, and some lines also offer a cash payment option.

Airport Shuttle

Airport shuttles, called Havaist, provide transportation to Istanbul Airport from many points in Istanbul. You can comfortably reach the airport with these services departing from different centers of the city. IstanbulKart can be used on Havaist buses, and there is also an option to buy tickets online.

Metro

The M11 metro line operates between the city center and Istanbul Airport. Services between Gayrettepe and Istanbul Airport are active. Furthermore, the part of the line extending to Halkalı is planned to be completed by the end of 2025. Passengers who want to use the metro line can use their IstanbulKart or buy a single-use ticket from the ticket machines at the stations.

Private Transportation Vehicles (Taxi, Car Rental, Transfer)

Taxi

Although the distance between the city center and Istanbul Airport is long, taxis are a good alternative, especially for those at risk of missing their flight. You can either call a taxi to your location by calling any of the taxi stands in the city center or hail an empty taxi passing by to start your journey. Additionally, there are taxi and transfer companies that offer fixed price rates for Istanbul Airport.

Car Rental

You might consider the car rental option, which will make things much easier not only for getting from the city center to the airport but also for inner-city transportation. Many national and international car rental companies serve at Istanbul Airport. You can rent the car from the city center and deliver it at the airport, or you can pick up your car directly at the airport. If you make an early reservation, you can start using your car at more affordable prices and without wasting time.

Transportation in Balıkesir

In Balıkesir, both city and inter-district transportation are provided by Balıkesir Public Transport (BTT) vehicles. To use these services, you need to obtain a Balkart from authorized sales points. Since municipal buses operate on fixed schedules, it is helpful to check the timetables in advance.

Within Balıkesir city center, transportation is primarily via municipal buses. To reach the Kapıdağ Peninsula, minibuses departing from Erdek Bus Terminal and Bandırma minibus stops are available. Taxis are also a convenient alternative for city transportation.

During the summer months, traffic congestion can occur due to the increased number of tourists. In rural villages and smaller towns, bicycles are often used as a practical alternative. Personal vehicles allow easy travel within the city center and to surrounding districts.

Transportation from Balıkesir Koca Seyit Airport to Tourist Destinations

Ayvalık

Ayvalık, one of Balıkesir’s popular tourist destinations, is among the easiest districts to reach from the airport. Airport shuttles are available as part of public transportation options. These shuttles are operated both by airlines serving their own passengers and by private companies.

In addition to shuttles, you can also reach Ayvalık by taxi, car rental, or private transfer. The distance is approximately 40 km, and the journey typically takes 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Cunda (Alibey Island)

There is no direct public transportation from the airport to Cunda Island. While transfers are possible, most travelers prefer taxis, car rentals, or private transfer services. The distance between Balıkesir Koca Seyit Airport and Cunda is about 48 km, with a travel time of approximately 60–70 minutes.

Kaz Mountains (Kaz Dağları)

There is no direct public transportation to the Kaz Mountains. Although some regions can be reached via transfers, the most common options are taxi, car rental, or private transfers. The 46 km journey typically takes 70–80 minutes depending on road conditions. Those looking to save on costs may consider transfer-based options.

Edremit

Edremit is one of the best-connected districts in Balıkesir. Transportation from the airport is available via municipal buses, as well as taxis, car rentals, and private transfers. The distance from Edremit to Balıkesir Koca Seyit Airport is only 4 km, with an average travel time of 10–15 minutes.

Altınoluk

There is no public transportation from the airport to Altınoluk. Therefore, taxis, car rentals, or private transfer services are the primary options. The distance is approximately 29 km, and the journey usually takes 45–50 minutes.

Transportation from Balıkesir Koca Seyit Airport to the City Center

The distance between Balıkesir city center and Koca Seyit Airport is approximately 90 kilometers. Due to this distance, public transportation options are limited. The only public transport connecting the airport to the city center is the airport shuttle service.

It is also possible to reach Balıkesir city center via municipal buses by first traveling from the airport to Edremit, and then continuing from Edremit to Ayvalık or Burhaniye.

If comfort and speed are your priorities, taxis, car rentals, or private transfers are more suitable. Regardless of which transportation option you choose, the journey usually takes 1.5 to 2 hours.

Public Transportation (Airport Shuttle)

The airport shuttle is the only public transportation option from Balıkesir Koca Seyit Airport to the city center. These shuttles are operated both by airlines serving only their own passengers and by private companies with offices at the airport.

Travel time to the city center via shuttle is approximately 100–120 minutes. For schedules and reservations, passengers can contact the relevant shuttle companies directly.

Private Transportation Options (Taxi, Car Rental, Transfer)

Taxi

Since airport shuttles are the only public transport option, taxis are a highly preferred alternative. The 90 km distance between the airport and the city center means taxi fares may be higher than other options. It is recommended to agree on the fare with the driver before starting your journey.

Taxis operate 24/7 and are available just outside the terminal building. For more information about airport taxis, you can contact the airport switchboard at +90 266 376 12 97 or +90 266 376 13 02. Travel time by taxi is approximately 80–90 minutes.

Car Rental

Renting a car is the most practical way to move freely during your stay in Balıkesir. A rental car allows you not only to reach the city center but also to travel easily to tourist destinations throughout the region.

Major car rental companies operating at the airport include:

• Budget: +90 532 634 10 38
• Avec Cars: +90 266 631 28 33
• Avis: +90 542 252 60 61

Considering the distance between the airport and the city center, car rental is often more advantageous than other transportation options. Booking in advance by phone or online can save both time and money. The journey to the city center with a rental car takes approximately 90–100 minutes.

Transfer Services

The easiest and most comfortable way to reach Balıkesir city center from the airport is via private transfer services. To use this option, your hotel must offer airport transfers.

You can check whether your hotel provides this service via phone or its website. If available, you should make a reservation at least one day before your trip. Upon arrival at the airport, a chauffeur-driven vehicle will take you directly to your hotel in comfort and safety.

Many hotels charge an additional fee for this service. Alternatively, several private transfer companies operate in the city. Traveling in a group allows you to share costs, making a joint transfer a more economical solution.