Istanbul Airport to Kartal transfer
Private driver, fixed price, name-sign meet & greet. Door to door to Kartal.
Route at a glance
Kartal is about 76.3 km from Istanbul Airport by road. In light traffic the drive takes around 80 minutes; at weekday rush hour allow up to 125 minutes. The longest stretch is on the airport highway (D-020), and the Bosphorus is crossed via the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge. A private transfer is priced per vehicle and fixed when you book; the smallest car starts at €72. Sabiha Gökçen Airport is closer to Kartal (14.7 km), which is worth knowing if you can choose your flight.
Your ride, step by step
- Meet & greetYour driver waits on the arrivals level, directly opposite the exit doors from baggage claim, holding a sign with your name. Your flight is tracked, so the pickup time shifts automatically if you land late.
- On the road76.3 km, ~80 min off-peak. The route crosses the Bosphorus, so bridge traffic sets the pace.
- Drop-offYour driver drops you at your address in Kartal.
Istanbul Airport to Kartal: your options
| Option | Price | Door to door | With luggage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private transfer | €72 fixed | Yes, with name sign | Easy |
| Taxi | Metered, traffic-dependent | Yes; there may be a queue | Depends on the car |
| M11 metro / Havaist bus | Cheapest | No, may need a change | Awkward |
Which way to Kartal?
- airport highway (D-020)about 20.8 km
- TEM motorway (O-2)about 9 km
- Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridgeabout 1.2 km
- TEM motorway (O-2)about 11.9 km
- Samandıra - Kartal Bağlantısıabout 9.7 km
- Spor Caddesiabout 1.8 km
The Bosphorus is crossed via the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge. Source: OpenStreetMap. The road may change with traffic; the price does not.
Good to know
- Kartal is a short drive from Sabiha Gökçen via the TEM or the Kurtköy–Yakacık link; the D-100 is busy in the morning and evening.
- Switch your phone on after landing; free Wi-Fi is available in the terminal in case you need to message your driver.
- After customs, follow the signs to the arrivals exit doors, where all meet-and-greet takes place.
Going back: when to leave Kartal for the airport
| International flight | Domestic flight | |
|---|---|---|
| Istanbul Airport | 4 h 45 min – 5 h 30 min | 3 h 45 min – 4 h 30 min |
Time to leave before departure (quiet – rush hour). Your airline's advice comes first.
Which airport is closer?
| Airport | Distance | Time | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Istanbul Airport | 76.3 km | ~80 min | €72 |
| Sabiha Gökçen Airport | 14.7 km | ~20 min | €30 |
Arriving in Kartal
Kartal lies in the south-east of the Asian side, between Maltepe and Pendik, and has been changing rapidly through urban regeneration. Residential towers and new mixed-use projects built on former industrial land have given it a modern skyline, while promenades and parks along the shore are local favourites.
Highlights: Kartal Sahili, Dr. Lütfi Kırdar Şehir Hastanesi, Aydos Ormanı.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a transfer from Istanbul Airport to Kartal?
A one-way private transfer starts from €72 per vehicle, not per person. The price depends on the vehicle you choose, is confirmed at booking and doesn't rise for traffic or delays.
How far is Kartal from Istanbul Airport, and how long does it take?
About 76.3 km by road. The drive takes around 80 minutes in light traffic and up to 125 minutes at weekday rush hour.
How do I get from Istanbul Airport to Kartal?
Public transport means the M11 metro line or Havaist buses, usually with a change. Taxis are metered, so the fare moves with traffic. A private transfer meets you at arrivals for a price fixed in advance.
Where do I meet my driver at the airport?
Your driver waits on the arrivals level, directly opposite the exit doors from baggage claim, holding a sign with your name. Your flight is tracked, so the pickup time shifts automatically if you land late.
What if my flight is delayed?
Add your flight number and we track it live; there is no waiting-time limit for delays and no extra charge.
Which airport is closer to Kartal?
Sabiha Gökçen Airport is closer: 76.3 km from IST vs 14.7 km from SAW.
How can I pay?
Pay online by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay, or in cash to the driver at the end of the ride. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before.
Which roads does the transfer from Istanbul Airport to Kartal use?
In free-flowing traffic the fastest way is airport highway (D-020) → TEM motorway (O-2) → Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge → TEM motorway (O-2) → Samandıra - Kartal Bağlantısı. The Bosphorus is crossed via the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge.
When should I leave Kartal for Istanbul Airport?
At rush hour we suggest leaving about 5 h 30 min before an international departure and about 4 h 30 min before a domestic one (drive, 3 / 2 hours at the airport and a 15-minute margin included).
Address not listed?
We drive anywhere in Istanbul. Type your address and see the price instantly.