Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) is on Istanbul's Asian side, so reaching Sultanahmet means crossing the Bosphorus; the trip usually takes 1 to 1.5 hours. The most reliable public transport route is the M4 metro to Ayrılık Çeşmesi, then the Marmaray rail line under the strait to Sirkeci. With lots of luggage or a late landing, a hotel transfer or taxi is the more comfortable choice.
On this page7
From Asia to the old city: your options
SAW sits in the east of the city near Pendik. Every route to Sultanahmet crosses the water, either over one of the bridges, through the Eurasia road tunnel or through the Marmaray rail tunnel beneath the sea. Bosphorus crossings clog up in the evening, which is why rail is often the option with the fewest surprises.
- Hotel transfer: Door to door with no bag-hauling; ideal for families and late arrivals.
- Taxi: Flexible, but the journey time depends heavily on traffic, and tolls may be added.
- M4 + Marmaray + T1: Traffic-free and inexpensive, with two changes.
- Airport buses: These usually run to Kadıköy and Taksim, so you will need an extra connection for Sultanahmet.
Hotel transfer straight to the door
We also arrange paid transfers from Sabiha Gökçen on request. Send your flight details on WhatsApp (+90 534 336 00 46) and we will confirm the price and meeting arrangements there. More information is on our transfer page.
Cars coming from the Asian side usually take either the Eurasia Tunnel or one of the bridges. On the tunnel route, you surface on the coastal road beside the Sea of Marmara and approach our neighbourhood along Kennedy Avenue, with the old sea walls on one side and the water on the other.
By taxi: journey time and tips
Take a taxi from the official rank outside the terminal. Off-peak, the ride can take a little under an hour; on weekday evenings it can run past 1.5 hours. Bridge or tunnel tolls may be added to the metered fare, so it helps to raise this with the driver at the start.
Make sure the meter is running, give the address as “Küçük Ayasofya, Cinci Meydanı Sokak” and show the hotel pin on your phone. Ride-hailing apps are common at this airport too.
Step by step with the M4 metro and Marmaray
This route ignores traffic entirely, and passing under the Bosphorus by train is an experience in itself. Allow around 1.5 hours including waits and changes. Interchanges and service patterns can change, so check a current journey planner before you leave; our Istanbulkart guide covers payment.
- Follow the signs from the terminal to the M4 metro station and board a train towards Kadıköy.
- Get off at Ayrılık Çeşmesi and follow the signs inside the station to the Marmaray platforms.
- Take the Marmaray towards the European side (Halkalı). After Üsküdar the train runs beneath the sea, and the next station is Sirkeci.
- Get off at Sirkeci. The station is very deep, so allow a few minutes for escalators or lifts up to street level.
- Near Sirkeci Station, board the T1 tram towards Bağcılar; Sultanahmet is the stop after Gülhane. With light bags you can also walk uphill alongside Gülhane Park.
The scenic alternative: ferry from Kadıköy
If you are not in a hurry and travel light, ride the M4 all the way to its terminus at Kadıköy and catch a ferry across to Eminönü. The crossing takes about twenty minutes, and the skyline of domes and minarets rises ahead of you as you approach, which is hard to beat as a first view of the city. From Eminönü it is just a few stops on the T1 to Sultanahmet.
As you leave Kadıköy, look for the grand old Haydarpaşa Station by the water. Our ferry guide has more on riding Istanbul's ferries.
A note on airport buses
The airport buses from SAW generally serve Kadıköy and Taksim rather than the old city. From Kadıköy you can continue by ferry or Marmaray; from Taksim, take the funicular down to Kabataş and then the T1 tram. Check the current routes and stops on the terminal signs and in the official apps.
The final stretch to the hotel
From the Sultanahmet or Çemberlitaş tram stop, the walk to the hotel takes about 8–10 minutes, mostly downhill. The lanes are narrow, sloping and partly cobbled, so with large suitcases a short taxi from the stop may be easier.
- Get off at Sultanahmet and walk south along Sultanahmet Square.
- At the far end, head downhill past the Sokollu Mehmet Pasha Mosque.
- Continue to Cinci Meydanı Sokak near Little Hagia Sophia; if you get lost, message us on WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a metro from Sabiha Gökçen to Sultanahmet?
Not a direct one, but you can take the M4 to Ayrılık Çeşmesi, the Marmaray to Sirkeci and then the T1 tram, avoiding road traffic altogether.
How long does a taxi from SAW to Sultanahmet take?
Usually between 1 and 1.5 hours depending on traffic. Evening Bosphorus crossings can make it longer.
Can I use an Istanbulkart on the Marmaray?
Yes. The same Istanbulkart works on the Marmaray, metro, tram and ferries, and transfers within a set time window are usually discounted.
What is best if I have a lot of luggage?
With several large bags, a hotel transfer or taxi is far easier. The rail route involves long walks inside stations, and the lanes around the hotel are steep and cobbled.
