SAW Airport to Kadıköy: 5 Ways to Travel (Metro, Bus, Transfer)

You’ve packed your bags and planned your trip to Istanbul — but how do you get from Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) to Kadıköy?

This guide explains five reliable ways to travel between SAW Airport and Kadıköy: the M4 metro, the Havabus airport shuttle, taxi, private transfer, and regular public bus. Both SAW and Kadıköy are on Istanbul’s Asian side, which makes the journey straightforward.

There are two main Istanbul airports: Istanbul Airport (IST) on the European side and Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) on the Asian side. This article focuses on routes from SAW to Kadıköy.

Updated: February 2026

QUICK TIPS | SAW Airport to Kadıköy Travel Tips

SAW handles many domestic and low-cost flights. Pegasus Airlines operates heavily from SAW, so the airport can be busy. The trip to Kadıköy is roughly 34 km (21 miles). Below is a quick summary of options:

Cheapest option: Metro
Most comfortable option: Private transfer
Quickest option: Private transfer (traffic permitting) or the metro

The M4 metro runs from 06:00 to midnight on weekdays and operates continuously on much of the weekend. Plan around Istanbul’s rush hours (07:00–09:00 and 16:00–18:00+), especially if you choose a road-based option like bus or taxi. If you arrive very late, a private transfer is often the best choice for reliability and safety.

BY METRO | SAW to Kadıköy by Metro

The M4 metro line (Kadıköy – Sabiha Gökçen Airport) connects Kadıköy directly with SAW. Kadıköy station is within walking distance of the ferry terminal and many IETT bus stops, and Sabiha Gökçen is the terminus at the airport, so it’s easy to find.

The M4 line covers nearly 34 km with 23 stations. Expect about a one-hour ride between Kadıköy and SAW, plus a short walk (around five minutes) from the underground station into the airport terminal. Trains run roughly every 4 minutes at peak times and every 8–10 minutes off-peak; frequencies are slightly lower on weekends.

Comfort & Amenities

Trains operate in four- and eight-car formations. Peak hours can be crowded, but terminal boarding points usually offer better chances for seating. Some trains provide charging ports and most stations have elevators and escalators. At SAW there are moving walkways between the metro station and the terminal to help with luggage.

Departure Times

On weekdays the metro runs from 06:00 to 00:00; on weekends service extends to cover much of Friday evening through Sunday. If your flight arrives before the metro starts, consider the Havabus or a taxi. Metro schedules and first/last train times are available through the official Istanbul Metro service.

Payment

The metro is the most cost-effective option. As of February 2026, a one-way trip costs 42 TL. Ticket machines (biletmatik) at stations accept cards and cash; consider buying an IstanbulKart if you plan to use public transport regularly. Keep small banknotes handy in case card machines are out of order.

PROS	CONS
📍 Avoids traffic — reliable travel time underground 📍 Direct — terminal-to-terminal service between Kadıköy and SAW 📍 Cost-effective — cheapest option 📍 Eco-friendly	📍 Seating — may be hard to find a seat at peak times 📍 Luggage — limited space for oversized bags

BY AIRPORT SHUTTLE BUS

Havabus (HAVABÜS) operates official shuttle lines from SAW to several destinations, including Kadıköy. The SAW–Kadıköy route generally takes about 60 minutes, depending on traffic, and stops at Kadıköy Rıhtım IETT Bus Stop.

Note: HavaIST serves Istanbul Airport (IST), while Havabus serves Sabiha Gökçen (SAW). Make sure you board the correct service for SAW.

Comfort & Amenities

Havabus guarantees seating and offers generous luggage storage under the bus. Seats are comfortable with overhead storage for small items.

Departure Times

Buses depart roughly every 30 minutes. The earliest departures from Kadıköy start at 04:15 and services from SAW generally begin around 06:30, which can be helpful for early flights when the metro isn’t running yet.

Payment

Havabus accepts cash and card. As of February 2026, a one-way fare is approximately 270 TL per person.

PROS	CONS
📍 Easy with luggage — large under-bus storage 📍 Guaranteed seats 📍 Early departures from Kadıköy	📍 May be slower than the metro due to road traffic 📍 More expensive than the metro

BY PRIVATE TRANSFER

Private transfers provide door-to-door service and remove the stress of navigating schedules or finding luggage space. A driver meets you at arrivals, usually with a sign, and takes you directly to your destination.

Comfort & Amenities

This is the most comfortable option: spacious vehicles, comfortable seating, and a personalized pick-up. It’s especially good for groups since pricing is often per vehicle rather than per person.

Departure Times

Private transfers are highly flexible; you can schedule exact pick-up times when booking, which is useful for early or late flights.

Payment

You can pre-book and pay online for convenience and peace of mind. Pre-booking avoids the need to secure cash or haggle at the airport.

PROS	CONS
📍 Most convenient — door-to-door service without the hassle 📍 Safe and reliable — vetted drivers and clear pricing 📍 Comfort — roomy, well-maintained vehicles	📍 Still subject to traffic delays, though pre-paid pricing avoids fare surprises

BY TAXI

Taxis are available at SAW’s official rank outside arrivals, but they come with trade-offs: higher cost, potential traffic delays, and occasional reports of overcharging or unpleasant experiences. If you opt for a taxi, consider booking in advance via a reputable service to lock in a fair price and avoid surprises.

As of February 2026, taxi fares from SAW to Kadıköy typically range between 1,800 and 2,500 TL for a standard yellow cab. Prices are higher for larger vans or premium vehicles.

Booking ahead through a trusted provider gives you a clear price, a driver waiting with your name, and vehicle choices such as economy, minibus, or luxury options.

BY REGULAR BUS

Standard IETT buses also serve routes between SAW and Kadıköy. These buses can be cheaper than shuttles or taxis, but they are usually slower and less comfortable for travelers with large suitcases. One example route is:

• E-11: SAW – Kadıköy

For many travelers the metro, Havabus, or a pre-booked private transfer will be preferable to a regular bus because those options are faster, more convenient, or more comfortable depending on your priorities.

OTHER HELPFUL BLOG POSTS

If you’d like more practical tips for travel in Turkey, the following posts may be useful for planning accommodation, domestic flights, and logistics around Istanbul and beyond:

✈️ Best Airport Hotels Near SAW Airport — options if you need to be close to the airport for an early flight.

✈️ Istanbul Airport vs Sabiha Gökçen Airport: Which One Should You Choose? — guidance on choosing the right arrival airport for your trip.

✈️ Travel Around Turkey by Plane — tips for domestic flights inside Türkiye.

✈️ Airports in Turkey: Info About All 50+ Airports — overview to help plan multi-destination travel.

✈️ How to Plan a Trip to Turkey — a general planning guide for first-time visitors.

✈️ How to Get From SAW Airport to Taksim — a companion guide if you need Taksim instead of Kadıköy.

✈️ How to Get From SAW Airport to Sultanahmet — guidance for reaching Istanbul’s historic Old Town from SAW.

Planning a trip to Türkiye? Check out our other posts for more tips.

Photo Credits: M4 Metro stops via metroduraklari