We have already talked about 2 airports in Istanbul. However, you should know how you can reach there to catch your flight on time or how you can explore and travel new touristic place in Istanbul. In this guide, we shared cheap and more expensive ways how you can transfer from/to these airports.
Before starting, here are some tips:
Get Turkish Liras – You should have Turkish Liras since none of the transportation options accept credit cards, foreign currencies or big Turkish lira notes. Make sure you have some 5, 10, 20 or maximum 50 notes handy.
Get an Istanbul Kart — If you need to use public transportation (Istanbul Kart is mandatory), make sure to get an Istanbul Kart from any metro station, small shops next to the metro stations or airport, and load sufficient funds on it. You can get an Istanbulkart in the new Istanbul Airport. There are 24 yellow colored vending machines marked “Biletmatiks” at 4 different locations within the Airport. Istanbulkart can only be purchased using paper notes and the biletmatiks machines will only take 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 Lira currency notes.
Note: The machine will not return the change so be careful when inserting higher denomination currency notes.
In addition, here are some information about some transfer ways that we will mention:
Havabus Airport Shuttle Service in Istanbul
Havabus is an airport shuttle service. If you want to take this service, you can find them outside the airport terminal, in the second lane. Every half hour, between 04:00 and 01:00, one of their buses heads for Taksim. The current pick-up and drop-off point is Gezi Park metro exit/entrance, just past Taksim Square. The ride costs 15 TL ($3) per person (luggage included) and takes approximately 40 minutes depending on traffic.
However, if you want to go to Sultanahmet, we don’t recommend to use them. Since they don’t go to Sultanahmet, you should prefer another transfer way. You will need to take a taxi or use public transportation.
From the drop-off point, you can walk through Taksim Gezi Park to Taksim Square, where you can take the F1 Taksim-Kabataş funicular, followed by the T1 Kabataş-Bağcılar tramway and get off at the Sultanahmet stop. Alternatively, you can use the airport shuttle service and get off at the Aksaray stop, and take a taxi from there.
Havaist Airport Shuttle
Havaist is a new airport shuttle service operating several bus lines between the new Istanbul airport and spots all over Istanbul. It runs after every 30 minutes from the airport and from 20 stops all around Istanbul.
To reach Taksim, it’s straightforward. You take the line IST 19: New Istanbul Airport – Beşiktaş – Taksim (which also stops at Zincirlikuyu and 4. Levent Metro) and you get off at the last stop, in front of the Point Hotel, close to Taksim square. From there you can either walk to your hotel, take a taxi or the metro.
To reach Sultanahmet, Beşiktaş, or Yenikapı, just take the line that has the respective districts as its (final) destination.
The price is 18 TL ($3) per person (You should use your Istanbulkart), one way, luggage included. Trips take on average 100 minutes, more during rush hour. Luckily the buses have TV-movie-series services, WiFi, and USB charging units to make the trip a bit more enjoyable.
Note: Sometimes, the ticket price varies from 16TL ($3) to 30TL ($5) one way depending on the destination you want to go.
Havaist Stops Destinations
HAVAIST Shuttle Bus Service is available for the following 20 designated stops:
- Alibeyköy Cep Station
- Avcilar-Halkali
- Bahcesehir-Ispartakule
- Bakirkoy Ido
- Besiktas
- Esenler-Otogar
- Kadikoy
- Madenler-Cekmekoy Metro
- Marmarapark-Tuyap
- Pendik
- Samandira Metro Tesisleri
- Sariyer-Haciosman
- Sultanahmet-Eminonu
- Taksim
- Yenikapi
- Zeytinburnu
Private Shuttle
Also, a private shuttle can be preffered. Since they are much more comfortable than taxis, have a fixed rate, hence offer a much more relaxed drive to your hotel.
Unlike the Havabus Airport shuttle, private shuttles bring you to the hotel. They are also the best option when you are too crowded (with a lot of luggage and people) or when you travel with very young children. In case of the latter, ask for a child seat.
We can offer you to book a shuttle with KiwiTaxi. The driver will be waiting for you in the arrival hall (1 hour waiting is included), holding a plate with your name on it. He will help you with your luggage. He will drop you off nicely in front of the hotel lobby, and again will be very helpful with our luggage.
They have no less than 12 car classes, ranging from Micro for 3 passengers to Minibuses for 19 passengers. Just pick the most comfortable car for your needs. If you are traveling with children, don’t forget to order a child seat.
From/To Istanbul Airport
Transfer from Istanbul Airport to City Center Taksim
Taxi:
It is around 22 kilometers (14 miles) from Istanbul Airport to city center Taksim Square (Taksim Meydani). You should pay for 60-65 TL. ($12)
Havabus (Airport Shuttle – formerly known as Havas/Havatas):
The airport shuttle Havabus TH-1 first takes the passengers of the international lines at the departure time below, and then approximately five minutes later takes the passengers of the domestic lines.
Havabus Route: Atatürk Airport-Coast Road-Bakırköy-Yenikapı-Aksaray(Marmaray)-Taksim
Price: 12 TL ($3)
Istanbul Airport -> Taksim Timetable
04:00 08:00 12:00 16:00 20:00 00:00
04:30 08:30 12:30 16:30 20:30 00:30
05:00 09:00 13:00 17:00 21:00 01:00
05:30 09:30 13:30 17:30 21:30
06:00 10:00 14:00 18:00 22:00
06:30 10:30 14:30 18:30 22:30
07:00 11:00 15:00 19:00 23:00
07:30 11:30 15:30 19:30 23:30
Metro/Subway:
- Follow the Metro sign in the airport. Take M1A (red line on the map) from Atatürk Havalimanı (Airport).
- Get off at Yenikapı (last stop).
- Transfer to M2 (green line on the map).
- Get off at Taksim. (Yenikapı->Vezneciler->Haliç->Şişhane->Taksim)
Total price: 4.50 TL ($1)
Transfer from Taksim to Istanbul Airport
Taxi:
It is around 22 kilometers (14 miles) from Taksim Square (Taksim Meydani) to Istanbul Airport. You should expect to pay 60-65 TL. ($12)
Havabus (Airport Shuttle – formerly known as Havas/Havatas):
Havabus in Taksim Square is across the Divan Hotel and in front of the Point Hotel.
Price: 12 TL ($3)
Taksim -> Istanbul Airport Timetable
04:00 08:00 12:00 16:00 20:00 00:00
04:30 08:30 12:30 16:30 20:30 00:30
05:00 09:00 13:00 17:00 21:00 01:00
05:30 09:30 13:30 17:30 21:30
06:00 10:00 14:00 18:00 22:00
06:30 10:30 14:30 18:30 22:30
07:00 11:00 15:00 19:00 23:00
07:30 11:30 15:30 19:30 23:30
Metro/Subway:
Take M2 from Taksim Square to Yenikapi. Transfer to M1A from Yenikapi. The last stop of M1A is Istanbul Ataturk Airport.
Total price: 4.50 ($1)
Transfer from Istanbul Airport to Sabiha Gokcen Airport
Taxi:
It is around 60 km (37 miles) from Istanbul Airport to Sabiha Gokcen Airport. You should expect to pay 155-160 TL. ($30)
Havabus (Airport Shuttle – formerly known as Havas/Havatas):
There is no direct shuttle from Istanbul Airport to Sabiha Gokcen Airport. So, first, take Havabus TH-1 airport shuttle from Istanbul Airport to Taksim (You should see the shuttle right across the airport exit). After arriving at Taksim, take Havabus SG-2 airport shuttle from Taksim to Sabiha Gokcen Airport.
Price: 30 TL ($6)
Metro/Subway, Ferry and Bus/Shuttle:
- Follow the Metro sign at the airport. Take M1A (red line on the map) from Atatürk Havalimanı (Airport).
- Get off at Aksaray.
- Transfer to tramway (T1) (dark blue line on the map).
- Get off at Eminönü
Tram route: Aksaray->Laleli->Beyazıt->Çemberlitaş->Sultanahmet->Gülhane->Sirkeci&Eminönü
Take the ferry from Eminönü to Kadıköy.
Cheap Alternatives from Kadıköy:
For both of the alternatives, the departure Point in Kadıköy is Kadıköy Rıhtım İETT Bus Stops.
1. Take E-10 or E-11 from Kadıköy. The last stop of those bus routes is Sabiha Gökçen Airport. E-11 is faster since it covers fewer stops. E-11 takes approximately an hour and E-10 takes approximately an hour and a half.
2. Take Havabus SG-1 airport shuttle.
Total price with 1 is 12 TL ($2)
Total price with 2 is 16 TL ($3)
Transfer from Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet (Blue Mosque Area)
Taxi:
It is around 20 km (12 miles) from Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet (Blue Mosque). You should pay for 55-60 TL. ($11)
Metro/Subway and Tram:
- Follow the Metro sign at the airport. Take M1A (red line on the map) from Atatürk Havalimanı (Airport).
- Get off at Aksaray.
- Transfer to tramway/tram (T1) (dark blue line on the map).
- Get off at Sultanahmet (Blue Mosque) stop.
Tram route: Aksaray->Laleli->Beyazıt->Çemberlitaş->Sultanahmet
Total price: 4.50 TL ($1)
Transfer from Istanbul Airport to Kadikoy
Taxi:
It is around 36-46 km (22-29 miles) from Istanbul Airport to Kadikoy. You should pay for 95-120 TL. ($20)
Havabus (Airport Shuttle) and Ferry:
There is no direct shuttle from Istanbul Airport to Kadikoy. So, first, take Havabus YH-1 airport shuttle from Istanbul Airport to Yenikapi (You should see the shuttle right across the airport exit). Before coming to Yenikapi, get off at Bakirkoy IDO. Take the ferry from Bakirkoy IDO to Kadikoy.
Havabus YH-1 route: Atatürk Airport -Bakırköy İDO- Coast Road (Yenikapi)
Total price: 15 TL ($3)
Istanbul Airport – Yenikapi Timetable
09:05 09:05 09:05 09:05 09:05 10:15
11:45 11:45 11:45 11:45 11:45 11:45
16:45 16:45 16:45 16:45 16:45 16:45
19:45 19:45 19:45 19:45 19:45 19:45
Bakirköy-Kadıköy ferries work between 07:50-20-50 and takes 30 minutes.
Metro/Subway and Ferry:
- Follow the Metro sign at the airport. Take M1A (red line on the map) from Atatürk Havalimanı (Airport).
- Get off at Aksaray.
- Transfer to tramway (T1) (dark blue line on the map).
- Get off at Eminönü.
(Aksaray->Laleli->Beyazıt->Çemberlitaş->Sultanahmet->Gülhane->Sirkeci-&Eminönü)
Take the ferry from Eminönü to Kadıköy
Total price: 7 TL ($2)
Transfer from Sabiha Gokcen Airport to Istanbul Airport
Taxi:
It is around 60-70 km (37-43 miles) from Sabiha Gokcen Airport to Istanbul Airport. You should expect to pay 155-180 TL. ($35)
Havabus (Airport Shuttle – formerly known as Havas/Havatas):
There is no direct shuttle from Sabiha Gokcen Airport to Istanbul Airport. So, first, take Havabus SG-2 airport shuttle from Sabiha Gokcen Airport to Taksim (You should see the shuttle right across the airport exit). After arriving at Taksim, take Havabus TH-1 airport shuttle from Taksim to Istanbul Airport.
Total price: 30 TL ($6)
Bus, Ferry, Tram, Metro/Subway:
Right across the airport exit, take E-10 or E-11 from the Sabiha Gokcen stop. The last stop of those bus routes is Kadıköy. E-11 is faster since it covers fewer stops. E-11 takes approximately an hour and E-10 takes approximately an hour and a half.
Then take the ferry from Kadikoy to Eminonu. In Eminonu, transfer to T1 (tram line). Take T1 from Eminonu to Zeytinburnu. Get off in Zeytinburnu and transfer to the M1A metro line to Istanbul Ataturk Airport. Get off at the last stop (Ataturk Airport).
Total price: 10 TL ($2)
Transfer from Kadikoy to Istanbul Airport
Taxi:
It is around 35-40 km (22-25 miles) from Kadikoy to Istanbul Airport. You should expect to pay 92-104 TL. ($20)
Havabus (Airport Shuttle – formerly known as Havas/Havatas):
There is no direct airport shuttle from Kadikoy to Istanbul Airport.
Ferry, Tram, Metro/Subway:
Take the ferry from Kadikoy to Eminonu. Here is where Eminonu ferry takes off. In Eminonu, transfer to T1 (tram line). Take T1 from Eminonu to Zeytinburnu. Get off in Zeytinburnu and transfer to the M1A metro line to Istanbul Ataturk Airport. Get off at the last stop (Ataturk Airport).
Total price: 7 TL ($2)
From/To Sabiha Gökçen
Transfer from Taksim to Sabiha Gokcen Airport
Taxi:
It is around 40-45 km (25-28 miles) from Taksim to Sabiha Gokcen Airport. You should expect to pay 105-117 TL. ($20)
Havabus (Airport Shuttle – formerly known as Havas/Havatas):
There is a direct airport shuttle from Taksim to Sabiha Gokcen Airport.
Price: 15 TL ($3)
Taksim – Sabiha Gokcen Timetable
03:30 07:30 11:30 15:30 19:30 23:30
04:00 08:00 12:00 16:00 20:00 00:00
04:30 08:30 12:30 16:30 20:30 00:30
05:00 09:00 13:00 17:00 21:00 01:00
05:30 09:30 13:30 17:30 21:30
06:00 10:00 14:00 18:00 22:00
06:30 10:30 14:30 18:30 22:30
07:00 11:00 15:00 19:00 23:00
Route: Sabiha Gökçen Airport-Kavacık-FSM Köprüsü-1.Levent-Zincirlikuyu Metrobüs- Dolapdere-Taksim
Route: Taksim-Beşiktaş-Boğaziçi Köprüsü-Tem Bağlantı Yolu-Sabiha Gökçen Havalimanı
Taksim Departure Point
Taksim Sabiha Gökcen Shuttles depart across Taksim Divan hotel, in front of the Point Hotel
Transfer from Istanbul Airport to Sabiha Gokcen Airport
Taxi:
It is around 60 km (37 miles) from Istanbul Airport to Sabiha Gokcen Airport. You should expect to pay 155-160 TL. ($30)
Havabus (Airport Shuttle – formerly known as Havas/Havatas):
There is no direct shuttle from Istanbul Airport to Sabiha Gokcen Airport. So, first, take Havabus TH-1 airport shuttle from Istanbul Airport to Taksim (You should see the shuttle right across the airport exit). After arriving at Taksim, take Havabus SG-2 airport shuttle from Taksim to Sabiha Gokcen Airport.
Price: 30 TL ($6)
Metro/Subway, Ferry and Bus/Shuttle:
- Follow the Metro sign at the airport. Take M1A (red line on the map) from Atatürk Havalimanı (Airport).
- Get off at Aksaray.
- Transfer to tramway (T1) (dark blue line on the map).
- Get off at Eminönü
Tram route: Aksaray->Laleli->Beyazıt->Çemberlitaş->Sultanahmet->Gülhane->Sirkeci&Eminönü
Take the ferry from Eminönü to Kadıköy.
Cheap Alternatives from Kadıköy:
For both of the alternatives, the departure Point in Kadıköy is Kadıköy Rıhtım İETT Bus Stops.
1. Take E-10 or E-11 from Kadıköy. The last stop of those bus routes is Sabiha Gökçen Airport. E-11 is faster since it covers fewer stops. E-11 takes approximately an hour and E-10 takes approximately an hour and a half.
2. Take Havabus SG-1 airport shuttle.
Total price with 1 is 12 TL ($2)
Total price with 2 is 16 TL ($3)
Transfer from Sabiha Gokcen Airport to Kadikoy
Taxi:
It is around 39 km (24 miles) from Sabiha Gokcen Airport to Kadikoy. You should expect to pay approximately 105 TL. ($20)
Havabus (Airport Shuttle – formerly known as Havas/Havatas):
You will see Havabus SG-1 buses right across the airport exit. The last stop of the shuttle is Kadikoy. It takes approximately one hour.
Price: 10 TL ($2)
Sabiha Gokcen Airport – Kadikoy Timetable
04:00 08:00 12:00 16:00 20:00 00:00
04:30 08:30 12:30 16:30 20:30 00:30
05:00 09:00 13:00 17:00 21:00 01:00
05:30 09:30 13:30 17:30 21:30
06:00 10:00 14:00 18:00 22:00
06:30 10:30 14:30 18:30 22:30
07:00 11:00 15:00 19:00 23:00
07:30 11:30 15:30 19:30 23:30
Route: Sabiha Gökçen Airport – Tem Bağlantı Yolu – Yeni Sahra – Kadıköy
Route: Kadıköy – Yeni Sahra – Tem Bağlantı Yolu – Sabiha Gökçen Airport
Bus
Take E-10 or E-11 from the Sabiha Gokcen stop which is across the airport exit. The last stop of those bus routes is Kadıköy. E-11 is faster since it covers less stops. E-11 takes approximately an hour and E-10 takes approximately an hour and a half.
Transfer from Sabiha Gokcen Airport to Taksim
Taxi:
It is around 45-50 km (28-31 miles) Sabiha Gokcen Airport to Taksim. You should expect to pay 117-130 TL. ($25)
Havabus (Airport Shuttle – formerly known as Havas/Havatas):
Havabus SG-2 airport shuttle takes off right across the airport exit. It is a direct bus ride from Sabiha Gokcen Airport to Taksim. Price: 15 TL ($3)
Sabiha Gokcen Airport – Taksim Timetable
04:00 08:00 12:00 16:00 20:00 00:00
04:30 08:30 12:30 16:30 20:30 00:30
05:00 09:00 13:00 17:00 21:00 01:00
05:30 09:30 13:30 17:30 21:30
06:00 10:00 14:00 18:00 22:00
06:30 10:30 14:30 18:30 22:30
07:00 11:00 15:00 19:00 23:00
07:30 11:30 15:30 19:30 23:30
Route: Sabiha Gökçen Airport-Kavacık-FSM Köprüsü-1.Levent-Zincirlikuyu Metrobüs- Dolapdere-Taksim
Route: Taksim-Beşiktaş-Boğaziçi Köprüsü-Tem Bağlantı Yolu-Sabiha Gökçen Havalimanı
Taksim Departure Point
Taksim Sabiha Gökcen Shuttles depart across Taksim Divan hotel, in front of the Point Hotel
Bus, Ferry, Tram, Tunnel:
Take E-10 or E-11 from the Sabiha Gokcen stop which is right across the airport exit. The last stop of those bus routes is Kadıköy. E-11 is faster since it covers fewer stops. E-10 takes approximately an hour and a half, and E-11 takes approximately an hour. Take the ferry from Kadıköy to Karaköy. In Karakoy, transfer to F2 (funicular line) heading Beyoğlu. In Beyoğlu transfer to T2 (tram line) heading Taksim.
Total price: 10 TL ($2)
Transfer from Sabiha Gokcen Airport to Istanbul Airport
Taxi:
It is around 60-70 km (37-43 miles) from Sabiha Gokcen Airport to Istanbul Airport. You should expect to pay 155-180 TL. ($35)
Havabus (Airport Shuttle – formerly known as Havas/Havatas):
There is no direct shuttle from Sabiha Gokcen Airport to Istanbul Airport. So, first, take Havabus SG-2 airport shuttle from Sabiha Gokcen Airport to Taksim (You should see the shuttle right across the airport exit). After arriving at Taksim, take Havabus TH-1 airport shuttle from Taksim to Istanbul Airport.
Total price: 30 TL ($6)
Bus, Ferry, Tram, Metro/Subway:
Right across the airport exit, take E-10 or E-11 from the Sabiha Gokcen stop. The last stop of those bus routes is Kadıköy. E-11 is faster since it covers fewer stops. E-11 takes approximately an hour and E-10 takes approximately an hour and a half.
Then take the ferry from Kadikoy to Eminonu. In Eminonu, transfer to T1 (tram line). Take T1 from Eminonu to Zeytinburnu. Get off in Zeytinburnu and transfer to the M1A metro line to Istanbul Ataturk Airport. Get off at the last stop (Ataturk Airport).
Total price: 10 TL ($2)
Transfer from Kadikoy to Sabiha Gokcen Airport
Taxi:
It is around 35-40 km (22-25 miles) from Kadikoy to Sabiha Gokcen Airport. You should expect to pay 92-104 TL. ($20)
Havabus (Airport Shuttle – formerly known as Havas/Havatas):
There is a direct airport shuttle from Kadikoy to Sabiha Gokcen Airport. Take Havabus SG-1 airport shuttle from here. It takes approximately 60 minutes from Kadikoy to Sabiha Gokcen Airport.
Price: 10 TL ($2)
Route: Sabiha Gökçen Airport – Tem Bağlantı Yolu – Yeni Sahra – Kadıköy
Route: Kadıköy – Yeni Sahra – Tem Bağlantı Yolu – Sabiha Gökçen Airport
Bus
Take E-10 or E-11 from Kadıköy. These buses also take off from where Havabus SG-1 takes off. The last stop of those buses is Sabiha Gökçen Airport. E-11 is faster since it covers fewer stops. E-10 takes approximately an hour and a half and E-11 takes approximately 60 minutes.
Disclaimer: The ticket prices and taxi prices might be different than the actual prices. As of 2018, the taxi opening price is 4.00 ₺/TL (Turkish Liras) and 2.50 TL for every kilometer ahead.
As a last note, please feel free to ask any questions related to transfers from any points to the other destinations.
