Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Kadıköy, Moda and the Asian Side
Kadıköy is the closest major neighbourhood to Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW), and the easiest one to reach. Both are on the Asian side of Istanbul, about 35–40 km apart, so there is no Bosphorus crossing to slow you down, and the M4 metro runs from the airport straight to Kadıköy. That makes this one of the few Istanbul airport journeys where public transport genuinely competes with a car.
Short answer: the M4 metro is the simplest and cheapest way, about 50 minutes with no changes. The Havabüs coach to Kadıköy takes about 45–60 minutes and suits travellers with bigger bags. By taxi or private transfer it's roughly 30–45 minutes outside rush hour, and a car is the easiest choice for Moda's side streets, the Bağdat Avenue area, late arrivals and families.
Sabiha Gökçen to Kadıköy: all options at a glance
| Option | Journey time | Changes | With luggage | After midnight | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metro M4 | ~50 min | None | Fine, busy at rush hour | Until around midnight | Hotels near central Kadıköy |
| Havabüs coach | ~45–60 min | None | Good, luggage hold | Some late departures | Bigger bags on a budget |
| Taxi | ~30–45 min* | None | Good | Yes | Door to door without booking |
| Private transfer | ~30–45 min* | None | Best, space per vehicle | Yes, flight tracked | Families, groups, late arrivals, Moda and Bağdat Avenue |
*Road times assume normal traffic. The main highway towards Kadıköy is busy on weekday mornings and evenings.
Option 1: the M4 metro
The M4 station is part of the airport complex and signposted from arrivals. Buy an Istanbulkart from the machines, then ride the line to its last stop, Kadıköy, in about 50 minutes. Trains run frequently during the day and until around midnight.
At Kadıköy, the exits come out close to the ferry piers and the market streets, and most hotels in central Kadıköy are a 5–15 minute walk away. For Moda, allow another 15–20 minutes on foot along partly cobbled streets, or take a short taxi.
The line also stops at stations such as Kozyatağı and Ayrılık Çeşmesi on the way. At Ayrılık Çeşmesi you can change to the Marmaray line: one stop takes you to Üsküdar.
Option 2: Havabüs coach
Havabüs, the official Sabiha Gökçen airport coach, runs a direct line to Kadıköy from outside international arrivals. The ride takes around 45–60 minutes depending on traffic and ends in central Kadıköy. Your bags travel in the hold, which is easier than carrying large cases through metro stations. Buy tickets at the counter, online or on board, and check havabus.com for the current fare and timetable before you travel.
Option 3: taxi
The official taxi rank is in front of the arrivals hall. Insist on the meter and turn down "fixed prices" offered inside the terminal. This route doesn't cross the Bosphorus, so there are no bridge or tunnel tolls and the fare depends mostly on traffic. Keep some cash handy, as not every driver accepts cards.
Option 4: private transfer
Your driver tracks your flight, waits in arrivals with a name sign and takes you straight to your door at a fixed price per vehicle agreed in advance. On this short route a transfer is less about speed than convenience: no queue, no meter, no hunting for the right exit with luggage, and a driver who knows the narrow streets of Moda. A Mercedes Vito seats up to 6 passengers with luggage, and larger groups can book a Sprinter.
See the fixed price for your trip on our Sabiha Gökçen Airport Transfer page.
Where exactly are you staying?
- Central Kadıköy and the market streets: walkable from the M4 exit and the Havabüs stop.
- Moda: a 15–20 minute walk from central Kadıköy; by car you get to the door.
- Bağdat Avenue, Caddebostan and Suadiye: the long shopping avenue runs parallel to the coast, away from the metro line, so a car is usually the most direct option.
- Üsküdar: M4 to Ayrılık Çeşmesi, then one stop on the Marmaray.
Getting around from Kadıköy
Kadıköy is one of the best-connected places in the city. Ferries from Kadıköy pier cross to Karaköy, Eminönü and Beşiktaş, a short and scenic ride that is often the quickest way to the sights on the European side. When the weather is rough, the Marmaray from Ayrılık Çeşmesi runs under the Bosphorus instead.
Back to the airport
For the return, the M4 is the most predictable option because it avoids road traffic entirely. If you go by car, leave extra time on weekday evenings. You can book the return together with your arrival on our Sabiha Gökçen transfer page.
Heading to the European side instead? Read our guides from Sabiha Gökçen to Taksim and Sultanahmet, or the overview of all options.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take from Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Kadıköy?
About 50 minutes on the M4 metro, 45–60 minutes on the Havabüs coach, and roughly 30–45 minutes by taxi or private transfer outside rush hour.
Is there a direct metro from Sabiha Gökçen to Kadıköy?
Yes. The M4 runs from the airport to its final stop at Kadıköy without any changes.
What is the cheapest way from Sabiha Gökçen to Kadıköy?
The M4 metro. You pay the normal city fare with an Istanbulkart, which you can buy from the machines at the airport station.
Can I get to Kadıköy after midnight?
The metro stops running around midnight, so late arrivals usually take a late Havabüs departure (check the timetable for your date), a taxi or a pre-booked transfer. A pre-booked driver tracks your flight, so a delay doesn't leave you stranded.
How do I get from Kadıköy to Sultanahmet or Taksim?
Take a ferry from Kadıköy pier: to Eminönü for Sultanahmet, or to Kabataş and then the F1 funicular for Taksim. The Marmaray from Ayrılık Çeşmesi is the alternative when the weather is rough.
Landing late or travelling with family?
Your driver waits with a name sign in Sabiha Gökçen arrivals, tracks your flight and drives you straight to your door in Kadıköy, Moda or anywhere on the Asian side at a fixed price agreed in advance.
See the fixed price and book