SAW — Istanbul (Sabiha Gökçen) — Taxi Fare Guide
Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) is on Istanbul's Asian side. Official licensed taxis are the standard yellow metered taxis waiting at the marked rank outside arrivals; there is no fixed airport flat fare, so the meter (taksimetre) must be running from the start. Turquoise and black taxis also exist at higher tariffs, but yellow is the most common and cheapest.
As of 2025-2026, a metered ride to Taksim/Beyoğlu on the European side costs roughly 1,500-1,900 TL plus bridge and motorway tolls, which the passenger pays on top of the meter. Crossing to Europe uses toll bridges (e.g. the 15 July Martyrs / FSM bridges), adding a few hundred lira. The nearer Asian-side district of Kadıköy is much cheaper.
Journey time varies hugely with Istanbul's traffic: 45-60 minutes to Kadıköy but 60-90 minutes or more to Taksim. Late-night and heavy-congestion trips push fares toward the higher end. Always confirm the meter is on and running at the standard day rate; single tariff applies day and night.
Ride-hailing via the BiTaksi and iTaksi apps hails the same licensed yellow taxis at metered rates and is the safest way to avoid haggling. Uber in Istanbul also dispatches licensed taxis. The airport bus (Havabüs/HAVAIST) is a far cheaper alternative to Taksim and Kadıköy.
| Destination | Approx. fare | Time |
| Kadıköy (Asian side) | 700-950 TL | 45-60 min |
| Taksim / Beyoğlu (European side) | 1,500-1,900 TL + tolls | 60-90 min |
| Sultanahmet (Old City) | 1,400-1,800 TL + tolls | 60-85 min |
| Istanbul Airport (IST) | 2,000-2,600 TL + tolls | 75-100 min |
Practical tips: Use only the official yellow-taxi rank or the BiTaksi/iTaksi app; refuse anyone offering a fixed price inside the terminal. Insist the meter runs on the standard tariff and keep small cash for tolls, which are legitimately added. For big savings to the city, the HAVABÜS/HAVAIST airport shuttle is well worth considering.
Other ways to the city
Sabiha Gokcen finally has a metro connection, which changed how most travellers reach the city. Note the M11 metro serves Istanbul Airport (IST) on the European side - from SAW you use the M4:
- M4 metro to Kadikoy - the line runs from Sabiha Gokcen through Pendik and Kartal to Kadikoy on the Asian shore in about 45-60 minutes. A single ride on an Istanbulkart costs only a few lira and trains are frequent.
- M4 plus Marmaray - change at Ayrilik Cesmesi for the Marmaray cross-Bosphorus rail tunnel, which takes you to Sirkeci and Yenikapi for Sultanahmet and the old city. Total time roughly 75-90 minutes, still very cheap.
- Ferry from Kadikoy - the most scenic finish: metro to Kadikoy, then a ferry to Eminonu, Karakoy or Besiktas in about 20 minutes for a couple of lira.
- HAVABUS airport coaches - direct buses to Taksim and Kadikoy, taking 60-90 minutes and costing far less than a taxi. Departures roughly every 30 minutes, coordinated with flight arrivals.
- Municipal buses E-10, E-11 and 122H - cheap local services to Kadikoy, Bostanci and Kurtkoy for anyone travelling light.
Buy an Istanbulkart from the machines in the terminal - it works on the metro, Marmaray, ferries and buses and is much cheaper than single tickets.
Istanbul — Highlights in photos
Fares are researched from official and public sources and are approximate — always confirm the meter or fixed fare before you travel.