Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) is Istanbul's second airport, located on the Asian side. Getting to Taksim on the European side involves crossing the Bosphorus — a scenic but logistically complex journey. This guide covers all options with honest prices and timing estimates.
Quick facts — SAW to Taksim
- Distance: ~48 km
- Transfer time: 55–85 minutes
- Private transfer: from €85, fixed — bridge toll included
- Bosphorus bridge crossing: yes, included in the price
All transport options — SAW to Taksim compared
| Option | Price | Time | Changes | Door-to-door |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private transfer (ShuttleVIP) | €85 | 55–85 min | 0 | Yes |
| VIP Mercedes transfer | €90 | 55–85 min | 0 | Yes |
| Yellow taxi | €60–120+ | 55–90 min | 0 | Yes |
| Uber / Bolt | €55–110+ | 55–90 min | 0 | Yes |
| Metro M4 + Marmaray + M2 | ~€4 | 75–100 min | 3 | No |
| Havabus → Kadıköy + metro | ~€12 | 100–130 min | 2 | No |
Book a fixed-price SAW transfer — no prepayment, free cancellation up to 12 hours before pickup.
The route — Asian side to European side
Your driver exits SAW onto the TEM motorway heading west, passing Pendik, Kartal and Kadıköy on the Asian shore before ascending to the Bosphorus crossing. The bridge (July 15 Martyrs Bridge or Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, depending on traffic) offers panoramic views of the strait. After landing on the European side at Beşiktaş, it's a short drive up to Taksim Square.
- 0 km: Sabiha Gökçen Airport — driver meets you at arrivals
- ~12 km: TEM motorway — passing Pendik and Kartal
- ~25 km: Kadıköy / Üsküdar — the Asian shore of the Bosphorus
- ~38 km: Bosphorus bridge crossing — panoramic views
- ~44 km: Beşiktaş — European shore
- ~48 km: Taksim Square — drop-off at your hotel
Other destinations from SAW
- SAW → Sultanahmet: ~55 km · 60–90 min · from €85
- SAW → Beyoğlu / İstiklal: ~50 km · 60–90 min · from €85
- SAW → Kadıköy (Asian side): ~30 km · 30–50 min · from €65
- SAW → Beşiktaş: ~52 km · 65–90 min · from €85
- SAW → Levent / Maslak: ~58 km · 65–95 min · from €85
- SAW → Üsküdar: ~28 km · 28–45 min · from €85
Insider tips for SAW arrivals
- Allow extra time. Turkish low-cost carriers (Pegasus, SunExpress) often arrive at SAW, and baggage claim can take 30+ minutes during busy periods.
- Enjoy the crossing. The Bosphorus bridge is a highlight of the journey — ask your driver for the July 15 Martyrs Bridge for the best views.
- Plan around rush hour. 07:30–09:30 and 17:00–20:00 add 20–40 minutes; book a return-flight pickup with a 90-minute buffer.
- Use WhatsApp. Your driver's number is sent after booking — drivers at SAW check messages while waiting.
See also the Havabus vs VIP transfer comparison and our complete Sabiha Gökçen transfer guide.
By ShuttleVIP Travel Experts
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