Kadıköy is the closest major destination from Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) — both airport and neighbourhood sit on Istanbul's Asian side, just 25 kilometres apart. The journey is fast and cheap by public bus, making this one of the easiest airport transfers in the city.
All fares are current as of April 2026. Journey times assume normal daytime traffic.
Quick Comparison
| Option | Price | Journey Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| İETT E-10 bus | 84 TRY | ~60 min | Cheapest option |
| HAVABUS coach | 270 TRY | ~60 min | More comfortable |
| Taxi | ~1,200–1,400 TRY | ~30–45 min | Door-to-door |
Option 1 — İETT E-10 Bus (Cheapest)
The İETT E-10 is the most economical way to travel between SAW and Kadıköy. It's a full-size city bus that runs along the D100 highway and drops you at Kadıköy bus terminal (Kadıköy Gar), right in the heart of the neighbourhood.
Fare: 84 TRY (paid with İstanbulkart)
Journey time: ~60 minutes
Frequency: Every 15–20 minutes during the day, less frequent at night
Operates: Around the clock
Step-by-Step
- Exit arrivals at the Ground Floor and find the İETT bus stop near the bus terminal.
- Purchase or top up an İstanbulkart at the vending machines inside the airport (card: 70 TRY).
- Board the E-10 bus towards Kadıköy — the destination is displayed on the front of the bus.
- Ride for approximately 60 minutes along the D100 highway.
- Alight at Kadıköy — the bus terminates here. You are a 5-minute walk from the ferry piers, Moda and the main Kadıköy market.
İstanbulkart Tips
The E-10 charges a single flat fare of 84 TRY. Transfers within 90 minutes on other İETT lines or metro services are discounted. If you plan to continue by ferry, metro or tram, the İstanbulkart saves you money compared to single-ride tokens.
Option 2 — HAVABUS Coach (Most Comfortable)
HAVABUS operates a direct airport coach from SAW to Kadıköy. It's faster than the E-10 in heavy traffic because it uses express lanes, and you get a reserved seat with luggage storage.
Fare: 270 TRY per person
Journey time: ~60 minutes
Frequency: Every 30 minutes
Operates: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Where to Board
Follow HAVABUS signs from the arrivals hall to the Ground Floor Bus Terminal. Buy your ticket at the HAVABUS desk or pay the driver directly by card or cash. No reservation required.
Drop-off at Kadıköy
The coach drops you at Kadıköy HAVABUS stop, close to the main square and ferry terminal. From there you can easily reach Moda, Bağdat Avenue, or continue by ferry to Eminönü or Beşiktaş.
Option 3 — Taxi
A taxi is the fastest option and the most convenient if you have heavy luggage or are travelling in a group.
Estimated fare: ~1,200–1,400 TRY (metered, no surcharge)
Journey time: ~30–45 minutes in light traffic, up to 60 minutes in rush hour
Use the official taxi rank outside the arrivals exit. SAW taxis use the same meter rate day and night — there is no night surcharge. Do not follow anyone offering a ride inside the terminal.
From Kadıköy — What to Do Next
Kadıköy is a major transit hub on the Asian side. From here you can easily reach:
- Eminönü / Sirkeci (European side): Kadıköy–Eminönü IDO ferry, ~20 minutes
- Beşiktaş (European side): Kadıköy–Beşiktaş IDO ferry, ~20 minutes
- Taksim: Ferry to Beşiktaş or Kabataş, then walk or F1 funicular
- Sultanahmet: Ferry to Eminönü + T1 tram 2 stops
- Bağdat Avenue: Directly south of Kadıköy, easily walkable or by taxi
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way from SAW to Kadıköy? The İETT E-10 bus at 84 TRY (with İstanbulkart) is the cheapest option. HAVABUS costs 270 TRY but offers reserved seats and luggage storage in the hold.
How long does the E-10 bus take from SAW to Kadıköy? Around 60 minutes in normal traffic. Allow 75–80 minutes during morning or evening rush hours.
Where does HAVABUS drop off in Kadıköy? Near Kadıköy main square, within easy walking distance of the ferry terminal and the central market area.
Can I take a ferry from Kadıköy to the European side? Yes. IDO ferries run regularly from Kadıköy to Eminönü (for Sultanahmet and the Old City) and Beşiktaş (for Taksim and Dolmabahçe). The journey takes 20–25 minutes.
Does the E-10 run 24 hours? The E-10 operates around the clock, but frequency drops significantly after midnight. For late-night arrivals, HAVABUS (24/7, every 30–60 min) or taxi are more reliable.
