Arriving in Istanbul: Getting from IST and Sabiha Gökçen into the City

For most visitors, the airport metro is best in normal hours; airport coaches are easier with bags; and an official taxi or pre-booked transfer is the dependable late-night option.

Before you leave arrivals

Get an Istanbulkart if you will use public transport. It works on the metro, municipal buses and ferries, and is useful even on a short visit.

Carry a payment card and a little cash. ATMs and exchange services are available at both airports. Compare exchange rates before changing more than you need for your first day.

Using a foreign phone: a device brought from abroad can generally be used on Turkish mobile networks for up to 120 days from your date of entry into Türkiye without IMEI registration. This is not counted from first use.

For a longer stay, IMEI registration must normally be completed within 365 days of entry. The standard limit is one device every three calendar years. Short-stay visitors generally do not need to register their phones.

From Istanbul Airport (IST)

Metro: M11

The M11 is usually the most reliable way into the city when it is operating. The route runs:

Gayrettepe – Istanbul Airport – Halkalı

Useful connections include:

• Gayrettepe for the M2 metro and European-side business districts.

• Kağıthane for the M7 line.

• Halkalı for Marmaray and onward rail connections.

The M11 is rarely a door-to-door journey, so most visitors will need at least one transfer. Check the live timetable before relying on it for a late arrival.

Havaist airport coaches

Havaist coaches are a good compromise between price and convenience, especially if you have luggage or are staying near a listed stop. At Istanbul Airport, Havaist coaches leave from Transportation floor -2.

Havaist accepts credit cards. It does not use timed seat reservations, so you cannot choose a particular departure; however, online tickets are available and are currently valid for 72 hours. Check the live route finder for stops, fares and departure times.

• Havaist route finder

• Havaist live timetables

IETT public buses

IETT buses can be cheaper, but they are slower and less convenient with luggage. They work best when there is a direct route to your destination and you are arriving in daytime.

Taxi or transfer

For a door-to-door trip, use the signed official taxi area or a reputable pre-booked transfer. Confirm that the meter will be used, ask whether card payment is possible, and keep the receipt. Ignore unsolicited ride offers inside the terminal.

From Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW)

Metro: M4 to Kadıköy

The M4 runs between Kadıköy and Sabiha Gökçen Airport. The full journey takes about 52 minutes, with normal service listed from 06:00 to 00:00.

Useful connections:

• Ayrılık Çeşmesi for Marmaray.

• Ünalan for the Metrobüs.

• Kadıköy for ferries, the T3 tram and the Asian-side waterfront.

The M4 is part of Istanbul’s Night Metro network, operating continuously from Friday 06:00 to Sunday 00:00. Check the current timetable and fare rules before travelling.

Havabus coaches

Havabus runs direct airport coaches to Kadıköy and Taksim. This is a particularly good option for a hotel near either terminus, or if you would rather avoid changing trains with luggage.

The operator publishes its current timetable, fare and delayed-flight arrangements online:

• Havabus

• Taksim route

• Kadıköy route

IETT public buses

SAW is also served by public buses, including the E3, E10, SG-1 and SG-2, plus routes towards Pendik and the Metrobüs. They are good value but can be slow in traffic.

Check the airport’s current public-bus list.

Taxi or transfer

Use the official taxi area outside arrivals or a reputable pre-booked transfer. Sabiha Gökçen’s official taxi service operates around the clock.

Travelling from SAW to IST

A Havaist shuttle is currently listed from Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Istanbul Airport. At SAW, the pickup point is the open car-park level opposite the arrivals terminal.

This can be useful if you need to change airports, but do not plan a tight connection. The airports are far apart and traffic can be severe. Check the live Havaist timetable before you travel and leave a generous buffer.

Arriving late at night

• At IST: check the M11’s last train. If it has finished, look for a suitable Havaist departure or take an official taxi/pre-booked transfer.

• At SAW: the M4 normally ends around midnight, except for its Friday–Sunday Night Metro operation. On other nights, check Havabus or use an official taxi/pre-booked transfer.

• If your flight is delayed, check the operator’s live schedule after landing. Do not assume the last coach will wait.

The simple decision

• Travelling light and staying near a metro connection: M11 from IST or M4 from SAW.

• Staying near Taksim or Kadıköy, with luggage: Havaist from IST or Havabus from SAW.

• Travelling from SAW to IST: check the direct Havaist shuttle, but allow plenty of time.

• Arriving very late, travelling with children, or heading to a distant hotel: official taxi or reputable pre-booked transfer.

Checked 24 September 2026. Timetables, fares and routes can change; confirm your journey with the operator before travelling.