Istanbul has two international airports on opposite sides of the Bosphorus, and the difference between them matters enormously for your transfer. Istanbul Airport (IST) on the European side now has a direct metro link to the centre. Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) on the Asian side has no rail link and requires a lengthy bus journey or a taxi. Choosing the right airport — or knowing what you are in for when the airline chooses it for you — can save hours.
From Istanbul Airport — IST (European side)
Istanbul Airport opened in 2019 and replaced Atatürk as the city's main hub. It sits about 40 km north-west of the historic centre (Sultanahmet, Beyoğlu), on the European side of the Bosphorus. For several years, the main transfer was by bus, but a metro link now makes the journey considerably easier.
Metro — M11 Gayrettepe line
The M11 metro line connects Istanbul Airport directly to Gayrettepe, a major interchange station on the M2 metro (the main north–south line through the European city). From Gayrettepe, you can continue on M2 to Taksim Square, Levent (business district) or Kadıköy interchange. Journey time from the airport to Gayrettepe is about 35–40 minutes; from Gayrettepe to Taksim a further 5–6 minutes.
Purchase an İstanbulkart (Istanbul's rechargeable transit card, sold at machines in the station) or use contactless bank cards if accepted at your terminal — the metro is cheap and the İstanbulkart avoids per-journey surcharges. The M11 runs from around 06:00 until midnight.
The metro is by far the quickest and most reliable option for the journey into the city. Traffic in Istanbul is among the most congested in Europe, and road journeys from IST can take well over an hour in rush hour.
Havaş airport bus
The Havaş company operates shuttle buses between IST and several points in the city, including Taksim Square (Gezi area), Beyazıt, Esenler and others. Buses run frequently and are comfortable, with luggage space. Journey time to Taksim is roughly 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes in light traffic, considerably longer at peak times. Havaş buses are a good option if your destination is along the route and you prefer not to navigate the metro with large bags, or for early-morning and late-night arrivals when metro service is limited.
Taxi from IST
Official taxis at IST are metered. The journey to central areas (Sultanahmet, Beyoğlu/Taksim, Beşiktaş) is long — 45 minutes to well over 90 minutes depending on traffic — and the meter can run to significant amounts. Always use official taxis from the designated rank inside the terminal building. Avoid drivers approaching you in the arrivals hall. Rideshare apps including Uber (under the brand BiTaksi in Turkey) and InDrive operate in Istanbul and can be cheaper than street taxis.
Allow extra time. Istanbul's road network is genuinely congested, particularly on the main arteries connecting the airport to the city (TEM motorway). During morning and evening rush hours, and on Sunday evenings, the road journey from IST can take twice as long as it might during quiet periods. The metro avoids this entirely.
From Sabiha Gökçen — SAW (Asian side)
Sabiha Gökçen is on the Asian side of Istanbul, about 35–40 km from the historic centre in Sultanahmet (on the European side). Getting there requires crossing the Bosphorus, which adds both time and complexity. Budget airlines, particularly Pegasus Air, use SAW heavily.
Havaş bus to Taksim or Kadıköy
The Havaş bus is the main connection from SAW. Services run to Taksim Square (on the European side) and to Kadıköy (on the Asian side, closer to the airport). The Taksim route takes about 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes to Kadıköy and a further 30–60 minutes to Taksim including the traffic across the bridge — total journey times to Taksim of 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes are common. To Kadıköy the journey is faster: roughly 30–45 minutes.
Ferry from Bostancı
A useful option for travellers heading to the European centre: take the Havaş bus (or a taxi) to Bostancı ferry terminal on the Asian shore, then take an IDO sea bus (fast ferry) across to Yenikapı on the European side. From Yenikapı, Metro M1 connects to the historic centre, Aksaray and onwards. Journey time: Havaş to Bostancı about 30 minutes, sea bus about 30–40 minutes, metro about 10 minutes. Total: roughly 1 hour 15 minutes in good conditions, and often faster than the bridge route during heavy traffic.
Taxi from SAW
A taxi from SAW to central Istanbul (Sultanahmet or Taksim on the European side) is a long and potentially very expensive journey — the meter runs the entire way, and bridge tolls are added. Traffic on the Bosphorus bridges at peak times is severe. This option is most practical late at night when other services are limited, or for destinations on the Asian side of the city.
Getting your bearings in Istanbul
Istanbul's public transport is centred on the İstanbulkart, which works on metro, tram, ferry and bus. The historic centre (Sultanahmet, the Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar) is on the European side, served by Tram T1. Beyoğlu and Taksim Square — the modern entertainment centre — are connected by the funicular Tünel and Metro M2. The Asian shore (Kadıköy, Üsküdar) is reached by ferry from Eminönü or Karaköy.
If you are continuing onward from Istanbul — by rail to Europe or by the Marmaray line to the Asian suburbs — the central metro lines connect to the main transfer points. See also the London to Istanbul overland guide for longer-range connections.
Frequently asked questions
Which Istanbul airport is better for getting into the centre?
Istanbul Airport (IST) on the European side. The M11 metro gives a straightforward, traffic-free journey of about 40 minutes to Gayrettepe. Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) on the Asian side has no metro and requires a bus or taxi with a Bosphorus crossing — typically 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours to the European centre in normal conditions.
Is there a metro from Istanbul Airport to the city?
Yes. The M11 metro line runs from IST to Gayrettepe, where you can transfer to the M2 for Taksim and other central destinations. The total journey from the airport to Taksim takes about 45–50 minutes by metro.
How long does it take from Sabiha Gökçen to the European side of Istanbul?
Expect 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes to reach Taksim or Sultanahmet by road. The ferry route via Bostancı to Yenikapı is often faster, around 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes in good conditions.
What is the İstanbulkart?
The İstanbulkart is Istanbul's rechargeable public transport card, used on the metro, tram, bus and ferries. It gives a discounted fare compared to single paper tickets and is purchased at machines in metro stations. Load it with credit and tap in at the turnstiles.
Sources and further reading:
- Metro timetables and İstanbulkart information: Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (metro.istanbul).
- Havaş bus schedules: havas.net.
- Sea bus (IDO ferries): ido.com.tr.