Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) is located on the Asian side of Istanbul, approximately 35 km from the main tourist areas of the city center on the European side. The journey takes 60-90 minutes depending on traffic, with the Marmaray rail tunnel and metro connections providing alternatives to road transport.

About Istanbul City Center

Istanbul's city center straddles two continents, with the historic European side (Sultanahmet and Beyoğlu) drawing most visitors. Sultanahmet is home to the world-famous Hagia Sophia — once a Byzantine cathedral, then an Ottoman mosque, now a mosque again after its 2020 reconversion — the Blue Mosque with its six minarets and cascading domes, and the Topkapı Palace where Ottoman sultans ruled for 400 years.

The Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı), one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets, sprawls across 61 streets with over 4,000 shops selling carpets, ceramics, gold jewelry, leather goods, and spices. Nearby, the Egyptian (Spice) Bazaar fills the air with the aromas of saffron, Turkish delight, and dried fruits. The Galata Bridge, connecting old and new Istanbul, offers atmospheric views of the skyline and fishermen casting lines at sunset.

Across the Golden Horn, the Beyoğlu district centered on İstiklal Caddesi (Independence Avenue) represents modern Istanbul's vibrant cultural life — art galleries, live music venues, trendy restaurants, and the historic Pera Palace Hotel where Agatha Christie wrote Murder on the Orient Express. The panoramic views from the Galata Tower and the foodie street culture of Karaköy and Kadıköy make Istanbul one of the world's most exciting cities.

Nearby Landmarks

Hagia Sophia Blue Mosque Grand Bazaar Topkapı Palace Galata Tower

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost Varies by traffic
Time 20-40 min

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Follow signs from SAW arrivals to the M4 metro station (connected to terminal)
2. Take M4 to Ayrılık Çeşmesi station (about 30 min)
3. Transfer to the Marmaray rail line direction Sirkeci (crosses under the Bosphorus)
4. Ride to Sirkeci station for Sultanahmet or Üsküdar for Asian side destinations
5. From Sirkeci, take Tram T1 one stop to Sultanahmet — total journey ~75-90 min

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi Varies by traffic 20-40 min Convenience, groups, heavy luggage

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

Havaist airport buses run from SAW to various Istanbul destinations including Sultanahmet and Taksim until late evening. After midnight, taxis from SAW to the European city center cost TRY 500-800 (€15-25). Uber does not operate in Istanbul; use BiTaksi app or yellow taxis. The M4 metro runs until midnight.

Luggage Tips

Havaist buses have luggage compartments underneath. The metro/Marmaray combination involves several transfers and escalators — manageable with one bag but challenging with heavy luggage. For Sultanahmet, a Havaist bus is the most comfortable option with bags. Istanbul's cobblestoned historic streets are hard on wheeled luggage.

Accessibility

SAW airport is accessible. The M4 metro and Marmaray tunnel have elevators. However, many Istanbul metro stations have long walks between connections. Sultanahmet has uneven cobblestone streets and steep hills. The tramway (T1) along the main tourist corridor has level boarding at most stops.