How to travel from Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) to Istanbul Airport (IST) with time for sightseeing in central Istanbul?

From messages by 3 participants in 1 source · Last activity: 31 days ago

TL;DR

From SAW, take the M4 metro to Kadıköy, continue by ferry to Eminönü and walk to Sultanahmet, where Havaist buses run to Istanbul Airport (IST). Istanbulkart vending machines are located at the entrance to the SAW metro.

What the community said

For a route through the historic centre, buy an Istanbulkart from the machines at the SAW metro entrance, then take the M4 line to Kadıköy.

31 days ago M4, Istanbulkart, Kadıköy

From Kadıköy, take a ferry to Eminönü. Sultanahmet Square, the Blue Mosque and other Old City sights are within walking distance from there.

31 days ago Kadıköy — Eminönü — Sultanahmet

After sightseeing in Sultanahmet, take a Havaist airport bus to IST. This option combines an inter-airport transfer with a short visit to central Istanbul.

31 days ago Havaist, Sultanahmet to IST Airport

If you arrive at SAW closer to midday rather than during the morning rush hour, an alternative is the Havabus to Taksim. From there, walk via İstiklal Avenue, Galata Tower and Galata Bridge towards Sirkeci and Sultanahmet.

31 days ago Havabus, Taksim, İstiklal Avenue, Galata Tower

The M4 metro is directly connected to Sabiha Gökçen Airport. There are cafés and food kiosks near the metro area, typically cheaper than eating inside the terminal.

34 days ago M4, Sabiha Gökçen Airport