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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Last Updated: 12/17/2025 - Wednesday