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Istanbul Insider

Istanbul travel guide and advice by locals.

How to Get From Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Taksim or Sultanahmet

Last updated: August 10, 2022

The Sabiha Gökçen Istanbul Airport is attracting more and more passengers every year. Sabiha Gökçen is located on the Asian side of Istanbul, well outside the city center. Unless your hotel has arranged for a free airport pick-up, you will need to find transportation from the airport to your hotel.

Picture of the Sabiha Gökçen (Sabiha Gokcen) International Airport in Istanbul

From the Sabiha Gökçen Airport in Istanbul, you have several options regardless the location of your hotel — Sultanahmet or Beyoğlu (Taksim/Cihangir). I hope this overview helps you make the correct choice based on your destination and/or preferences. You can find new Istanbul International Airport (IST) transportation options here.

General Guidelines

  • Get Turkish Liras – If you don’t have Turkish liras on you, use one of the many ATMs in the airport to withdraw some cash money. None of the transportation options mentioned below will accept credit cards, foreign currencies or big Turkish lira notes. Make sure you have some 5, 10, 20 or 50 notes handy. Also, check out our Istanbul money strategy.
  • Hotel Address – Make sure that you write down or print out the exact address of your hotel, together with its telephone number. Istanbul is a huge city with an uncountable amount of (small) hotels. Even locals don’t know them all by heart. So, if you need help, just hand over the piece of paper. It’s not unusual for taxi drivers to ask for directions at traffic lights or call the hotel. Don’t worry, he’ll get you there.

Taxi

Unless money is no object, stay clear from taking a taxi from the Sabiha Gökçen airport. A ride to Beyoğlu or Sultanahmet may easily take over an hour. Accordingly, you’ll have to pay 350 TL and upwards, depending on your final destination. Always check out the most up-to-date taxi prices.

Havabus Airport Shuttle (and Public Transportation Combination)

Picture of Havataş airport shuttle bus.
Havabus shuttle. © Erlend Geerts

Nowadays, you have two options: Havabüs and Havaist. Both are reliable airport shuttle services and are your best option to reach your hotel by public transportation. Depending on your destination, either direct or in combination with public transportation.

To Taksim – This is the most straightforward route. Outside the airport, find either bus company heading for Taksim. These buses operate daily between 03:30 and 00:30 for Havabüs, and round the clock for Havaist (SG-2). The current pick-up and drop-off point is in front of the Point Hotel, close to Taksim square. The ride costs 50 TL per person (2 pieces of luggage included) and takes approximately 90 minutes, depending on traffic. You can get off at a few places, but most tourists will want to get off at Taksim.

To Sultanahmet – To reach Sultanhamet, you have two options. Either you take a 45 TL taxi ride after reaching Taksim Square (see option above), or you combine another airport shuttle line with a ferry ride, followed by a small taxi or tram ride as I’ll explain now.

First, hop on the Havabus or Havaist (SG-1) heading for Kadıköy. The buses operate daily between 04:15 and 00:30 for Havabüs, and round the clock for Havaist. The ride costs 35 TL per person (two pieces of luggage included) and takes approximately 60 minutes. In Kadıköy, walk to the Şehir Hatları dock and board the ferry to Eminönü. You can find the operating hours here. The ferry ride (with a nice view) takes about 15 minutes and costs 9 TL per person. If your hotel is in Eminönü, you can walk from there. If not, you must either take a small taxi ride (5 minutes maximum) or take the T1 Kabataş/Eminönü-Bağcılar tram in the direction of Bağçılar, and get off only a few stops later in Sultanahmet.

Although very romantic, in my opinion and with all your luggage, the first option (Havabüs or Havaist to Taksim followed by taxi to Sultanahmet) is your best bet outside rush hour.

Private Shuttle

A private shuttle is a great alternative for both the taxi and the standard airport shuttle. They are much more comfortable than taxis, have a fixed rate, hence offer a much more relaxed (and safe) drive to your hotel. Unlike the Havabus Airport shuttle, private shuttles bring you to the hotel’s doorstep. They are also the best option when your party is three or more people (with a lot of luggage) or when you travel with very young children. In case of the latter, ask for a child seat.

I recently booked a shuttle with Welcome Pickups to take me and two friends from the airport to their hotel. Their English-speaking driver was waiting for us at the arranged meeting point (they monitor your flight’s arrival time). He was very kind, helped us with our luggage, gave us the welcome bag and a bottle of water. The air-conditioned car with wifi was clean and comfortable. We had quite a bit of traffic, but that didn’t bother us since we were paying a fixed price anyway. Nor did we have to deal with local currencies or getting an Istanbul Kart at the airport since we already paid in advance. He dropped us off nicely in front of the hotel and helped us with our luggage. No need to say I gave him a nice tip.

I can really recommend Welcome Pickups. You’re guaranteed to have a safe, streamlined experience with knowledgeable drivers who will answer any questions you may have. If you are traveling with children, don’t forget to order a child seat.

Hotel Airport Pick-Up

Most hotels will offer (upon request) an airport pick-up. These pick-ups are rarely free of charge, and often much more expensive than the options mentioned above. It’s up to you to calculate the difference and decide which option best suits your needs or preference.

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission to keep the site ad free. I only recommend products and companies I use or have used.

Further Recommended Reading

  1. How to Get Your Turkish Electronic Visa Online and Avoid the Queue
  2. Tips To Prevent Popular Istanbul Taxi Scams
  3. Use Public Transportation in Istanbul to Reach Most Places of Interest

Filed Under: Featured #3, Transportation Tagged With: Airport, Airport Shuttle, Havabus, Havatas, Istanbul, Metro, Public Transportation, Sabiha Gökçen, Taxi

Comments

  1. Ahmet says

    January 23, 2023 at 5:54 pm

    Avoid using Sabiha Gökçen Airport Taxi (with SAW logo on it)

    Big Scam , they want to charge 40 dollars !

    VIP hotel transfers are even cheaper!

    Reply
  2. Kamal says

    August 25, 2022 at 1:36 am

    Hi ,I didn’t finish to write the last destination address, is bagcilar, mahmetbey from sabiha gocken airport ,what is the best transport to use ,thank you

    Reply
    • Erlend says

      August 25, 2022 at 11:34 am

      Hi,

      I’m afraid that’s not an easy connection. I’ll just say it upfront, the easiest and most relaxed way to do this is by private shuttle which would set you back for about 55 Eur for 3 people and 3 suitcases. A cheaper but (much) longer alternative is first taking the Havaist to Istanbul Airport. You switch to the HVIST-6 and get off at the Demirciler Sitesi (Mall of Istanbul) stop. From there you take a taxi to the hotel. Another alternative is to take the Hvist to Kadikoy. Take a taxi to the nearest Marmaray station. Take Marmaray to Yenikapı. Take Kirazlı – Bağcılar subway from Yenikapı. Get off at Kirazlı and transfer to Başakşehir – Metrokent subway. Get off at İkitelli Sanayi. Transfer to Bahariye subway and get off at Masko Mall of Istanbul.

      Reply
  3. Kamal says

    August 25, 2022 at 1:33 am

    Hi ,how can I get the transport from sabiha gocken airport to Wanda vista hotel in bagcilar ,mahme
    Thank you in advance

    Reply
  4. Rob Hobbs says

    August 17, 2022 at 6:37 pm

    Hi there – great, informative website – it’s a real help..

    One question – there seem to be two answers on your website

    Where does the airport suttle leave Taksim for SAW – is it infront of the Point Hotel or in front of the Gezi Park Metro.. My flight leaves on a Sunday – I presume the departure times are the same as weekdays?

    All the best

    Rob

    Reply
    • Erlend says

      August 18, 2022 at 10:00 am

      Hi Rob,

      It’s in front of or the street of the Point Hotel.

      Have a nice trip

      Reply
  5. rohail alam says

    August 15, 2022 at 11:03 am

    Hi, I want to get to Ibis Style Istanbul Atasehir, in the Atasehir area from SAW Airport next wednesday, 24 August. What is the best way to get by bus please and which bus to take.
    many thanks Rohail

    Reply
    • Erlend says

      August 15, 2022 at 5:12 pm

      Hi,

      Take the Havaist SG-1 from the airport and get off in Yenisahra. From there you can take a taxi to your hotel.

      Reply
  6. CLAIRE says

    May 15, 2022 at 9:36 pm

    Hello Hasan, thank you for all the very useful information. My husband and I have to get from Sabiha Gokhen Airport to Halkali train station next week. We have a case and backpack each. I looked at the havabus site and it looks like there is a bus from the airport to a stop called Havalimani and another bus from there to Halkali. Does that sound right? And would you recommend that method? Many thanks

    Reply
    • Erlend says

      May 16, 2022 at 7:30 pm

      Hi,

      I would take the Havabus to Kadiköy, and from there walk (1km) to the Söğütlüçeşme Marmaray train station and take the train (under the Bosphorus) to Halkali.

      Reply
  7. azra says

    September 3, 2021 at 3:25 pm

    Hi.
    I wanted to know the price from the Sabina gokcen to the pera hotel Transportation,
    or more info for that.
    Also i want to know can we pay by cash or card on the bus??

    Reply
    • Erlend says

      September 3, 2021 at 6:54 pm

      Hi Azra,

      Depends on the type of transportation that you choose. All options are pretty much explained in detail (including pricing) in the post.

      Reply
  8. Laura says

    August 1, 2020 at 6:30 pm

    Hi

    I’m looking to go the other way! Does the havas shuttle go from taksim to saw airport? Can you advise the exact pick up location… Online info is pretty varied/vague.

    Thanks

    Reply
    • Erlend says

      August 2, 2020 at 6:56 pm

      Hi Laura,

      Yes it does go from Taksim to SAW. The pick-up location is at the Gezi Park metro exit on Cumhuriyet Caddesi/Street. That is the street on the left of Taksim Square when with your back to Istiklal Street. If confused, ask anyone for that street and they’ll point you in the correct direction.

      Hope this helps.

      Reply
  9. Sabine says

    February 23, 2020 at 9:29 pm

    Hello,
    I am planning to come in Istanbul this year on March.
    Can I get the HAVABus from Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Taksim ?

    Reply
    • Erlend says

      February 24, 2020 at 9:42 am

      Hi Sabine, yes you can.

      Reply
  10. Jack says

    January 9, 2020 at 2:32 pm

    Hello Erlend,

    If everything goes to plan I will be arriving at Sabiha Gokcen airport at 5pm with my wife for 3 nights stay. We will have two small luggages and our hotel is in sultanahmet. How do you recommend we get to our hotel from the airport? Taxi or hava bus shuttle? Also how much will each one cost and how long will it take. Also if I take bus how can I get ticket for this. Thank you

    Reply
    • Erlend says

      January 10, 2020 at 9:39 am

      Hi Jack,

      It basically boils down to how much do you want to drag your luggage around. If not at all, take a Kiwi Taxi right from the airport to your hotel’s doorstep. If a little bit, than take the Havabus shuttle to Taksim and take a taxi from there. If you don’t mind at all, take the shuttle to Taksim, enter the Taksim metro station and locate the funicular to Kabataş. From there, go to ground level and step on the tramway T1 until the Sultanahmet stop (or a bit later depending on the exact location of your hotel). If you plan to use public transportation, make sure you buy and load an Istanbul Kart at the airport.

      Hope this helps.

      Reply
      • Jack says

        January 24, 2020 at 1:32 pm

        thanks for your reply it is very helpful.

        if i get taxi do you know how much it will cost and how long it will take approximately.

        also can i buy the shuttle bus ticket on the bus using the istanbulkart? and how long will the shuttle bus take to get to taksim do you know?

        thank you

        Reply
        • Erlend says

          January 25, 2020 at 12:27 pm

          Hi Jack,

          The prices are written in the post, or follow the links for taxi and pretend to book, it will show the price. I think you can pay with the Istanbul Card, if not than cash or credit card options will be available. The shuttle takes about 1,5 hours, taxi may be a bit shorter. All depends on traffic and you’ll be there in rush hour.

          Reply
  11. Janette says

    January 6, 2020 at 6:37 pm

    Hi Erlend

    Many thanks for your very informative thread. We are travelling from Saw arriving 7pm and then hope to get the Havabus to Taxsim. We are staying at Cambazoglu Sk and was wondering how far that is from where bus stops. Many thanks for your help.

    Reply
    • Erlend says

      January 6, 2020 at 7:00 pm

      Hi Janette,

      That would be about 750 meters away from the stop I guess.

      Hope this helps.

      Reply
  12. nato says

    December 26, 2019 at 9:09 pm

    hello Erlend
    do i need to book havabus from sabiha to taksim,or i can just go and there will be sits??
    thanks

    Reply
    • Erlend says

      December 27, 2019 at 10:22 am

      Hi Nato,

      There is no need to book upfront, normally there is enough space.

      Hope this helps.

      Reply
  13. kaltrina sejdiu says

    December 26, 2019 at 1:19 am

    Hello , we are going to travel in Turkey 31 of January 2020 , we’re going to stay there for 6 months , Erasmus programme , we are 3 students but don’t know which is the best and cheapest way to go in Taksim ?! Thank you anyway

    Reply
    • Erlend says

      December 27, 2019 at 10:17 am

      Hi,

      Take the Havabüs from Sabiha to Taksim.

      Have a nice stay.

      Reply
  14. Julia says

    October 6, 2019 at 6:53 pm

    Thank you so much, this is really helpful..
    btw i have a question, are Havaist busses operate in Sabiha Gocken Airport too?
    I saw that on their timetables they have route fromm sabiha gocken to Istanbul new airport.
    if i land on SAW airport at 11pm and try to catch flight to belgrade via IST airport at 8am the next morning. Do you think its posibble?

    Reply
    • Erlend says

      October 6, 2019 at 7:11 pm

      Hi Julia,

      Correct, Havaist only operates from the new Istanbul Airport, but has one line running between both airports. Of course it’s possible to transfer between the two airports in 9 hours, but you’ll miss some sleep time.

      Have great time.

      Reply
  15. Nick Burby says

    September 10, 2019 at 3:09 pm

    Thank you so much Erland for your kind reply. We are walking people so do not mind that at all. If we took the bus, which number would be correct and at what stop should we disembark please? This kind of information is always good to have at hand – just in case;-)

    Best Wishes,

    Reply
    • Erlend says

      September 10, 2019 at 6:38 pm

      Hi Nick,

      Take the E-10 bus to Kadıköy, but get off at the Taşlıbayır stop. Walk to the M4 metro station of Pencil, take the metro again in the direction of Kadıköy and get off in Maltese. From there it’s still a 20 min walk. Do buy your Istanbul Kart at the airport first.

      Enjoy!

      Reply
  16. Nick Burby says

    September 10, 2019 at 8:56 am

    Hello,

    My wife and I are flying into SAW Airport at about 1700hrs on 22/09/19. This will be out first visit to Turkey.

    We will be staying at the Cevahir Hotel Istanbul Asia in Maltepe. We are on a budget, so would you happen to have any idea how best we can get from the airport to our hotel please?

    Thank you:-)

    Reply
    • Erlend says

      September 10, 2019 at 9:44 am

      Hi Nick,

      You could take public transportation, but since those are regular buses and you would have to walk quite a bit, I would stay clear of that option. Just taking a taxi would be your best bet I guess and would set you back for something between 80-120 TL.

      Have a nice stay.

      Reply
  17. German says

    September 8, 2019 at 4:19 am

    Hi! First of all, let me tell you I love your guide!! I’ve been researching for my trip to Istanbul for a while and this is the best site I’ve found.

    I have a question for you: I am traveling to Istanbul soon and I will be arriving at the new airport (already red your guide for getting to the hotel BTW, thank you for that!) but I will be departing from Sabiha Gökçen Airport.

    Do you have any recommendation on how to get there from the city? I’ll be staying in Sultanahmet, a couple of blocks from the Blue Mosque.

    Thank you in advance!

    Reply
    • Erlend says

      September 9, 2019 at 8:47 am

      Hi,

      Thanks a lot for the compliments. You can take the Havabüs from Taksim to Sabiha Gökçen airport. It takes about 1,5 hours and leaves from the Gezi Park Metro Exit in Taksim. If you’re traveling light, you can reach it easily via the tramway-furnicular combination, if not you’ll need to take a taxi to get there.

      Hope this helps.

      Reply
  18. Maria says

    September 3, 2019 at 1:47 pm

    Hi!
    Without Istanbul kart can we travel on ferry? I just need one off journey from Kadikoy towards Eminonu.

    Thank you

    Reply
    • Erlend says

      September 3, 2019 at 10:29 pm

      Hi Maria,

      No, you need an Istanbul kart to board the ferry. Since it’s only for one trip, you could ask a local to use his card to open the gates for you and hand him 3 TL, but not everybody may be willing or understand you, certainly if you don’t speak Turkish.

      Best of luck.

      Reply
  19. JoJo says

    September 2, 2019 at 12:08 am

    Hello,

    I’ll be arriving Sabiha Gökçen Airport in the coming days at about 6pm. Would you advise I take the Havabus at this time of the evening if I’m going to Hotel Alilass, Cankuratan Mah. Akbyk, Istanbul, 34122? And should I take a taxi from Taksim to the hotel assuming I take the Havabus.

    Reply
    • Erlend says

      September 2, 2019 at 8:53 am

      Hi JoJo,

      Yes, that’s one option. Another option is to just walk to your hotel, because it’s literally only 250 meters from the drop off point. Taxi drivers will not be amused with such a short trip and you’ll have to pay the minimum fare of 13 TL.

      Have a nice stay.

      Reply
  20. Allison says

    August 13, 2019 at 8:46 am

    Hi there

    We arrive at SAW and then need to get to Istanbul International – IST to catch a flight. Do any of the Hava busses go this route?

    Thank you for this very useful article

    Reply
    • Erlend says

      August 13, 2019 at 6:31 pm

      Hi Allison,

      The Havaist shuttle IST-8 goes from SAW to IST and leaves every hour.

      Hope this helps

      Reply
  21. Arun says

    July 26, 2019 at 11:08 am

    Hi

    Please advise best way and costs to travel from

    Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus, Istanbul, Turkey5-star
    Cihannuma Mahallesi, Saray Caddesi No:5, Besiktas, Istanbul, Istanbul, 34353, Turkey

    TO

    Doubletree By Hilton Istanbul Old Town, Istanbul, Turkey5-star
    Ordu Cad No:31, Beyazit, Istanbul, Istanbul, 34130, Turkey

    thanks
    AK

    Reply
    • Erlend says

      July 26, 2019 at 6:25 pm

      Hi Arun,

      Basically you’re going from Beşiktaş to Sultanahmet. The best way is to take a taxi. You can find the taxi fares for common trips in Istanbul here. So, I would say about 30 TL, may be a bit more depending on traffic.

      Hope this helps.

      Reply
  22. Ali says

    July 22, 2019 at 10:34 am

    Hi Awesome article, very good information!
    I am arriving at SAW with my wife in a few days landing around 7pm. We will have a suitcase and hand luggage each. would taking public transport to Fatih. Çemberlitaş would be our stop on the T1. But also has the metro started directly from SAW yet?

    Thanks
    Ali

    Reply
    • Erlend says

      July 23, 2019 at 8:28 am

      Hi Ali,

      No, the metro line hasn’t been completed yet.

      Have a nice trip.

      Reply
  23. Anastasiia says

    July 13, 2019 at 12:47 pm

    Hello there, would really be grateful for your help. I am arriving to Sabiha Gokcen Airport at 9:00 in the morning. I need to get to Taksim (preferably the cheapest option). I see that Havaist is not operating this direction, but Havabus does. However, on the Havabus site it basically says that they operare buses on this route every 4 hours! Do you maybe know whether this is this true? So the first shuttle I can take is at 12:00, in 3 hours from arrival! I have been to Istanbul before, and via this airport, and I do not remember such a problem with airport shuttles (i.e. such big interval). Could you please confirm my understanding is correct about this? Thank you very much for your help in advance!

    Reply
    • Erlend says

      July 14, 2019 at 3:02 pm

      Hi Anastasiia,

      I think you read it wrong on their site. Read vertically instead of horizontally, and you’ll see that there is a bus approximately every half hour.

      Hope this helps.

      Reply
  24. Saurabh says

    July 11, 2019 at 10:39 am

    Hi,

    Thanks for the insightful post. I will be taking the Havabus shuttle from SAW to Taksim. Could you please confirm whether they accept Istanbulkart? If yes, does it offer any discount on the 18 TL ticket price?

    Reply
    • Erlend says

      July 11, 2019 at 1:55 pm

      Hi,

      Yes it accepts Istanbul card, but they don’t give discounts.

      Have a nice trip.

      Reply
  25. Sujatha says

    June 29, 2019 at 7:57 am

    Hi
    Can you suggest the ways as to how to reach Instanbul Technical University, Macka campus?I will be travelling from India.

    Reply
    • Erlend says

      June 30, 2019 at 2:47 pm

      Hi Sujatha,

      Take the IST-13 and get off at the İ. T. Ü. REKTÖRLÜĞÜ stop.

      Reply
  26. Scott says

    June 25, 2019 at 7:55 am

    Hello,

    It seems the Havabus airport shuttle website is not online anymore. Do you know if the service from Taksim to Sabiha Gokcen is still running?

    Reply
    • Erlend says

      June 28, 2019 at 9:20 am

      Hi Scott,

      You’re right. I do believe their services are still running though.

      Reply
  27. Zahiera says

    May 26, 2019 at 7:38 am

    Hi . I arrive at SAW at 13.45 Pm so thinking of taking the Hava bus. Since it will go to Taksim , I will have to take a taxi to my hotel in Sultan Ahmet. How do I identify a registered taxi with meter from one that is not?. I have been to Turkey before and had a problem with taxi drivers trying to cheat us.
    Since I am travelling from an international destination, I have carry on and Checked in bags , do u rather then feel a booked shuttle direct to the hotel is better? We are a party of 2.

    Reply
    • Erlend says

      May 26, 2019 at 2:07 pm

      Hi Zahiera,

      Whether or not to take a private shuttle is a choice you should make based on budget and convenience. If you decide to take the Havataş option, then you can recognize official taxis by the logo of their rank on the door, a taxi meter should be visible either at the bottom of the dashboard or embedded in the mirror, and on the inside of the back door(s) there should be a metal plate with the taxi license and license plate. Normally taxis also have a number painted on the roof. You can of course take a look at these approximate taxi fees.

      Have a nice stay.

      Reply
  28. Ling says

    May 1, 2019 at 12:04 am

    Thanks for the clear info. Its been a few years since I’ve been to Turkey and assumed I could rock up and get a visa stamp on arrival. Fantastic that you included the eVisa website link. I did it in less than 5mins while on the train to the airport! Great transport info for getting from new Airport to city too. Thanks a lot!

    Reply
    • Erlend says

      May 1, 2019 at 6:49 pm

      You’re welcome. Glad I could help.

      Reply
    • Paul Griffiths says

      September 4, 2019 at 3:14 am

      Can anyone advise on which immigration channel for passengers with e-visa?

      Reply
      • Erlend says

        September 4, 2019 at 8:36 am

        Hi Paul,

        She must be talking about this page on how to get your Turkish eVisa.

        Hope this helps.

        Reply
  29. Shaz says

    April 22, 2019 at 10:37 pm

    Hi
    We r traveling to turkey and our hotel is at Taksim Square.i m lil bit confused about Hava bus.
    I want to know that from sabiha gokcen to Taksim we take only 1 bus i mean direct bus from SAW to Taksim or we have to change any other shuttle or something??

    Reply
    • Erlend says

      April 23, 2019 at 10:18 pm

      Hi Shaz,

      That’s correct, there is a shuttle with final destination Taksim. There you must get off and either walk to your hotel or take a taxi.

      Have a nice stay.

      Reply
  30. Jayanta Mukherjee says

    April 17, 2019 at 4:11 pm

    Hi this is Jayanta Mukherjee from India. Well I and my wife have our Nevsehir to SAW airport flight at night by Turkish airlines and we reach SAW at 23:15 hrs. Collecting our luggage will probably be 45 mins. So either we can catch the 12:30AM or 1AM Havabus to reach Taskim square at around 2:30 to 2:45 AM. We would have to walk a bit for our hostel ftom Taskim square. Is it safe. Or should we wait till morning in the airport or should we take a hotel close to Airport. Our hotrl budget will be around 30 to 35 € . Would highly appreciate your recommendation. I have really high esteem for you going through your pades.
    Regards

    Reply
    • Erlend says

      April 18, 2019 at 8:57 am

      Hi Jayanta,

      I don’t know where your hostel is, but generally speaking Istanbul is safe. Unless the hotel is really close and within walking distance, I would take a taxi, just for convenience alone.

      Best of luck.

      Reply
  31. Imam Iskandar says

    April 5, 2019 at 9:40 pm

    Hi, i’m going to visit turkey next week, is there any public transportation from new istanbul airport to taksim area?
    if i stay at Taksim area which airport should i choose (new istanbul airport or sabiha gocken airport) that you recommend in term distance and public transport easiness?
    Thank you…

    Reply
    • Erlend says

      April 6, 2019 at 10:44 am

      Hi Imam,

      Have you checked out this page on how to get to your hotel from the new Istanbul airport?

      Reply
  32. Fiore says

    March 30, 2019 at 11:56 am

    How much should we pay for the taxi? For 10 min ride? Googlemap calculates ca 6 km and 25 min if we take the seaside road?

    I’m kind of perplexed…at that point isn’t it better and more convinient (time/money) to take the airport shuttle (25€ for 2 px) and arrive direcrly at the hotel doorstep. On the otherside I read that the ferryride is picturesque and totally awesome.
    What would be your advice, dear Erlend?

    Reply
    • Erlend says

      March 31, 2019 at 12:02 pm

      Hi Fiore,

      The taxi ride from Eminönü to your hotel, via the seaside road, is about 5 km. This should cost you the minimum fare of 10 liras. The Havataş busride from the airport to Kadıköy costs 14 liras per person, and the ferry around 3. So, in total, it should cost around 50 liras for the two of you. That’s less than the shuttle quote, of course. As I mentioned in the article: an airport shuttle is convenience (airport to hotel lobby), the Havataş shuttle-ferry-taxi combination is more picturesque but requires some travelling/walking with your luggage, too.

      I hope it is clear now.

      Reply
  33. Fiore says

    March 29, 2019 at 4:06 pm

    Brilliant website!!!!

    We are arriving at Sabiha Gökçen and we have to reach our hotel (Ahmet Efendi Konagi
    Ordekli Bakkal Sokak).
    We want to take the ferry. Which ist the best way to reach our hotel once we arrive at Eminönü?

    Many thanks in advance

    Reply
    • Erlend says

      March 30, 2019 at 12:53 am

      Hi Fiore,

      Thanks a lot. I would just take a taxi and tell him to take the seaside road. This should take you there in about 10 minutes.

      Enjoy the views.

      Reply
  34. Filip says

    February 18, 2019 at 9:45 pm

    Awesome guide. Saved me a lot of time and money. FYI I paid 14 TR for my Havabus to Kadikoy and 5 for the ferry. Looks like prices changes slightly since you published the article.

    Reply
    • Erlend says

      February 23, 2019 at 12:59 am

      Hi Filip,

      You were right, I updated the article according to the latest price hike.

      Thanks a lot for mentioning.

      Reply
      • Hassan says

        November 30, 2019 at 8:36 pm

        Hello,
        I have to leave my hotel near Sultanahmet at 4 am .
        It is easy to find a taxi at this time??
        Regards.

        Hassan

        Reply
        • Erlend says

          December 1, 2019 at 1:37 pm

          Hi Hasan,

          You should have no problem finding a taxi. You can also ask your hotel to have one ready by 4 am in the morning, so they’ll call one they work with and trust.

          Have a nice trip back.

          Reply

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