Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW), located on Istanbul’s Asian side, serves millions of international and domestic travellers each year. If your destination is Galata, Beyoğlu, or Taksim on the European side, you’ll be pleased to know there are several comfortable and practical ways to make the journey across the Bosphorus.
These three districts blend into one another as part of central Istanbul. Galata, at the base of the hill near the Golden Horn, is full of charm and history, while Taksim, further uphill, offers energy and access to key transport links. If you’re staying in one of our Galata or Beyoğlu apartments, this guide walks you through the best ways to reach us from Sabiha Gökçen.
Summary Table: Transport from Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Galata, Beyoğlu or Taksim
| Option | Best For | Travel Time | Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi | Direct convenience, first-time visitors | 60–90 minutes | Medium | Crosses the Bosphorus; metered and available 24/7 |
| Private Transfer | Families, late arrivals, comfort | 60–90 minutes | Medium-High | Pre-booked, meet-and-greet, no navigation needed |
| Havabus + Walk | Budget-conscious travellers | 90–110 minutes | Low–Medium | Arrives at Taksim; short taxi or walk to apartment |
| Public Transport | Light packers, adventurous guests | 90–120 minutes | Low | Involves multiple transfers; best with Istanbulkart |
Taxi – Door-to-Door from Sabiha Gökçen to Galata or Taksim
Best for: Travellers looking for simplicity and direct service
Taking a licensed taxi is the most straightforward way to travel from Sabiha Gökçen to Taksim, Galata, or Beyoğlu. The ride involves crossing either the Bosphorus Bridge or the Eurasia Tunnel and can take anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes depending on traffic conditions.
Travel time: 60–90 minutes
Price range: Medium
Tip: Use the official taxi queue at the airport and confirm the meter is running. Traffic can vary greatly based on the time of day.
Option 2: Private Transfer – Stress-Free Arrival to the European Side
Best for: Families, late arrivals, or guests unfamiliar with Istanbul
A private transfer from Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Galata or Taksim offers a smooth, pre-arranged experience. A driver will greet you in the arrivals hall and take you straight to your accommodation.
Travel time: 60–90 minutes
Price range: High
We’re happy to arrange this for you, just send us your flight details and we’ll handle the booking. It’s a particularly good option for those with children, heavy luggage, or after a long flight.
Option 3: Havabus Shuttle from Sabiha Gökçen to Taksim + Taxi or Walk
Best for: Budget travellers and solo guests with light luggage
The Havabus shuttle from Sabiha Gökçen to Taksim is a reliable and economical option. Buses are modern, air-conditioned, and include space for luggage.
From Taksim Square, it’s a short taxi ride or a 15–20 minute walk to most Galata apartments and parts of Beyoğlu.
Travel time: 90–110 minutes
Price range: Low–Medium
The Havabus runs frequently, and you can pay with a card onboard. Drop-off is right near the entrance to Istiklal Street, making it a convenient jump-off point.
Option 4: Public Transport – Metro, Marmaray and Tram from SAW to Beyoğlu
Best for: Adventurous travellers and those packing light
Getting from Sabiha Gökçen to Galata by public transport is now more straightforward than it used to be, thanks to Istanbul’s expanding metro and rail network.
Here’s how to do it:
- Take the M4 metro line from Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Ayrılık Çeşmesi
- Transfer to the Marmaray and ride under the Bosphorus to Yenikapı
- At Yenikapı, transfer to the M2 metro line heading toward Hacıosman
- Get off at Şişhane (ideal for Galata) or Taksim (ideal for central Beyoğlu)
- From Şişhane, walk to Galata in 2 minutes; from Taksim, you can walk to various parts of Beyoğlu easily.
Travel time: 90–120 minutes
Price range: Low
You’ll need an Istanbulkart, which can be purchased at the airport. This route is budget-friendly but does require stairs, changes, and navigation.
Which Area Should You Stay In?
All three areas, Galata, Beyoğlu, and Taksim, offer great access to the city’s heart, but if we had to choose just one, we’d always recommend Galata.
Galata is steeped in history, centred around the iconic Galata Tower and filled with cobbled lanes, artisan shops, and sweeping views of the Golden Horn. It’s peaceful yet central, elegant yet authentic. It’s also where most of our beautiful heritage apartments are located.
Beyoğlu sits just 5 minute walk to Galata and offers a modern, creative spirit: think galleries, music venues, and boutique shops.
Taksim is Istanbul’s main urban square, less atmospheric than the historic streets below.
If you’re looking for charm, location, and a touch of local life, Galata is the perfect place to stay.
Why Book with Istanbul Place Apartments?
We offer a collection of hand-restored homes in Galata and Beyoğlu, each one full of original architectural charm and modern comforts. Whether you’re travelling as a family, two couples, or a small group of friends, our apartments offer privacy, space, and a genuine Istanbul experience.
We’re also nearby and ready to help, whether it’s advice on how to get from SAW to your apartment or where to find the best coffee once you arrive.
Final Tip
Let us know your arrival plans and we’ll help you choose the best route, from organising a private transfer from Sabiha Gökçen Airport to guiding you through the public transport system. We’re here to make your arrival smooth and welcoming.
Your Istanbul adventure starts the moment you land and we’ll make sure it begins the right way.
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