Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Kartal transfer
Private driver, fixed price, name-sign meet & greet. Door to door to Kartal.
Route at a glance
Kartal is about 14.7 km from Sabiha Gökçen Airport by road. In light traffic the drive takes around 20 minutes; at weekday rush hour allow up to 30 minutes. The longest stretch is on the Sahil Bulvarı, and the route stays on one side of the Bosphorus. A private transfer is priced per vehicle and fixed when you book; the smallest car starts at €30. Of Istanbul's two airports, this is the closer one for Kartal (76.3 km from IST).
Your ride, step by step
- Meet & greetYour driver waits in the arrivals hall, facing the exit from baggage claim, holding a sign with your name on it.
- On the road14.7 km, ~20 min off-peak. You stay on the same side the whole way.
- Drop-offYour driver drops you at your address in Kartal.
Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Kartal: your options
| Option | Price | Door to door | With luggage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private transfer | €30 fixed | Yes, with name sign | Easy |
| Taxi | Metered, traffic-dependent | Yes; there may be a queue | Depends on the car |
| M4 metro / Havabus | Cheapest | No, may need a change | Awkward |
Which way to Kartal?
- Abdi İpekçi Caddesiabout 1.8 km
- Sahil Bulvarıabout 5.4 km
- Turgut Özal Bulvarıabout 2.9 km
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.
- Passport queues can build up when several charter and low-cost flights land together; your flight is tracked, so there is no need to rush.
- Asian-side areas such as Kadıköy, Ataşehir or Pendik are far quicker to reach from SAW than the European side, which is worth bearing in mind when picking a hotel.
Going back: when to leave Kartal for the airport
| International flight | Domestic flight | |
|---|---|---|
| Sabiha Gökçen Airport | 3 h 45 min – 3 h 45 min | 2 h 45 min – 2 h 45 min |
Time to leave before departure (quiet – rush hour). Your airline's advice comes first.
Which airport is closer?
| Airport | Distance | Time | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sabiha Gökçen Airport | 14.7 km | ~20 min | €30 |
| Istanbul Airport | 76.3 km | ~80 min | €72 |
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 Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Kartal?
A one-way private transfer starts from €30 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 Sabiha Gökçen Airport, and how long does it take?
About 14.7 km by road. The drive takes around 20 minutes in light traffic and up to 30 minutes at weekday rush hour.
How do I get from Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Kartal?
Public transport means the M4 metro line or Havabus coaches, 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 in the arrivals hall, facing the exit from baggage claim, holding a sign with your name on it.
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: 14.7 km from SAW vs 76.3 km from IST.
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 Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Kartal use?
In free-flowing traffic the fastest way is Abdi İpekçi Caddesi → Sahil Bulvarı → Turgut Özal Bulvarı. The route does not cross the Bosphorus.
When should I leave Kartal for Sabiha Gökçen Airport?
At rush hour we suggest leaving about 3 h 45 min before an international departure and about 2 h 45 min before a domestic one (drive, 3 / 2 hours at the airport and a 15-minute margin included).
Address not listed?
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