How to get to Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) for an early-morning flight from central Istanbul?

From messages by 6 participants in 2 sources · Last activity: 38 days ago

TL;DR

For early flights from IST or SAW, check the first public-transport departures in advance. From Laleli, travelers consider Marmaray plus the M4 metro for SAW; from Kadıköy, reaching IST may require travelling across the Bosphorus overnight. Allow a substantial buffer or use a taxi for morning departures.

What the community said

For a 09:00 departure from Istanbul Airport (IST), staying in Kadıköy is most practical only if you can cross to the European side overnight. This avoids relying on a Bosphorus crossing shortly before an early flight.

Kadıköy to Istanbul Airport (IST)

For a 10:00 flight from Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW), a route from Laleli can combine Marmaray with the pink M4 metro line. Morning service is reported to start around 06:00, so leave extra time for waits and transfers.

Laleli — Marmaray — M4 — Sabiha Gökçen

When travelling from Istanbul Airport to the historic centre, check whether Havaist 11 is currently operating and where to transfer for Sultanahmet. Havaist 11 is mentioned as an airport-bus option, but confirm its current terminus before travelling.

Havaist 11 — Sultanahmet