Kadıköy is the closest major destination from Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) — both sit on Istanbul's Asian side, just 25 kilometres apart. The M4 metro connects SAW directly to Kadıköy in 52 minutes for just 42 TRY, making this one of the cheapest and most reliable airport connections in Istanbul.
All fares are current as of April 2026. Journey times assume normal daytime traffic.
Quick Comparison
| Option | Price | Journey Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| M4 Metro | 42 TRY | 52 min | Cheapest — recommended |
| İETT E-10 bus | 84 TRY | ~60 min | Good alternative |
| HAVABUS coach | 270 TRY | ~60 min | Comfortable, luggage hold |
| Taxi | ~1,200–1,400 TRY | ~30–45 min | Door-to-door |
Option 1 — M4 Metro (Cheapest & Most Reliable)
The M4 metro line runs directly between Sabiha Gökçen Airport station and Kadıköy. It's the fastest, cheapest and most weather-proof option — no traffic, no delays, guaranteed seat frequency.
Fare: 42 TRY (İstanbulkart) | Student: 20.50 TRY
Journey time: 52 minutes
Frequency: Every 5 minutes during peak hours
Operating hours: 06:00–00:00 daily | 24 hours on Friday and Saturday nights
Step-by-Step
- Follow M4 Metro signs from the arrivals hall — the station is directly connected to the terminal.
- Purchase or top up an İstanbulkart at the yellow vending machines (card: 70 TRY).
- Tap in and board any train towards Kadıköy — all trains on this line run to Kadıköy, so there is no risk of going the wrong direction.
- Ride for 52 minutes to Kadıköy terminus.
- Exit at Kadıköy — the ferry piers, the market and all major bus connections are within a 5-minute walk.
İstanbulkart Tips
The İstanbulkart costs 70 TRY to buy. Top it up with as little as 100 TRY. It's valid on all metro lines, İETT buses, trams, Marmaray and IDO ferries — if you're continuing by ferry to the European side, the same card covers that too.
Option 2 — İETT E-10 Bus
The E-10 city bus is a solid fallback if the metro is out of service or you prefer a ground-level journey. It runs along the D100 highway and terminates at Kadıköy bus terminal.
Fare: 84 TRY (İstanbulkart)
Journey time: ~60 min
Frequency: Every 15–20 min during the day
Board at the İETT stop at the Ground Floor Bus Terminal. The E-10 costs twice as much as the M4 and is subject to road traffic, but runs frequently throughout the day and night.
Option 3 — HAVABUS Coach
HAVABUS runs a direct coach from SAW to Kadıköy with reserved seating and a luggage hold.
Fare: 270 TRY | Journey time: ~60 min | Frequency: Every 30 min | Operates: 24/7
The main advantage over the metro is the undercarriage luggage storage — ideal if you have 2+ large suitcases. Buy your ticket at the HAVABUS desk in the terminal or on board.
Option 4 — Taxi
Estimated fare: ~1,200–1,400 TRY | Journey time: ~30–45 min (light traffic)
Use the official taxi rank outside arrivals. All SAW taxis are metered with no night surcharge. For solo travellers, the metro is around 30× cheaper.
From Kadıköy — Onward Connections
Kadıköy is Istanbul's Asian-side transport hub. Once you're there:
- Eminönü / Sultanahmet (European side): IDO ferry ~20 min
- Beşiktaş / Taksim area: IDO ferry to Beşiktaş or Kabataş ~20 min
- Asian side destinations: M4 metro continues from Kadıköy towards Ünalan, Kozyatağı and beyond
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a metro from Sabiha Gökçen to Kadıköy? Yes — the M4 metro runs directly from SAW to Kadıköy in 52 minutes for 42 TRY. It operates from 06:00 to midnight daily (24 hours on Friday and Saturday nights).
What is the cheapest way from SAW to Kadıköy? The M4 metro at 42 TRY is the cheapest option — cheaper than the E-10 bus (84 TRY) and significantly cheaper than HAVABUS (270 TRY) or taxi.
How long does the M4 metro take from SAW to Kadıköy? 52 minutes. Trains run every 5 minutes during peak hours.
Does the metro run at night from SAW? The M4 runs until midnight (00:00) every night. On Friday and Saturday nights it operates 24 hours, so overnight arrivals on those nights can use the metro.
Where does HAVABUS drop off in Kadıköy? Near Kadıköy main square, within easy walking distance of the ferry terminal and the central market area.
