Sultanahmet — home to Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace and the Grand Bazaar — is one of Istanbul's top tourist destinations. Getting there from Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) requires a Bosphorus crossing, but the journey is straightforward and there are several good options.
All fares are current as of April 2026. SAW is on Istanbul's Asian side; Sultanahmet is on the European side.
Quick Comparison
| Option | Price | Journey Time | Transfers |
|---|---|---|---|
| M4 + Ferry (Eminönü) + T1 tram | ~126 TRY | ~85 min | 2 |
| E-10 + Ferry + T1 tram | ~168 TRY | ~90 min | 2 |
| Marmaray train | ~168 TRY | ~75–80 min | 1 |
| HAVABUS + taxi from Kadıköy | ~400–450 TRY | ~80–90 min | 1 |
| Taxi | ~1,500–1,700 TRY | ~40–60 min | None |
Option 1 — M4 Metro + Kadıköy–Eminönü Ferry + T1 Tram (Cheapest & Recommended)
The M4 metro makes this route even cheaper than before. Take it from SAW to Kadıköy (42 TRY, 52 min), then continue by ferry and tram to Sultanahmet.
Total fare: ~126 TRY (M4 42 TRY + ferry 42 TRY + T1 tram 42 TRY, all with İstanbulkart)
Journey time: ~85 minutes
M4 hours: 06:00–00:00 daily; 24h Fri & Sat nights
Step-by-Step
- Follow M4 Metro signs from arrivals — the station is inside the terminal.
- Purchase or top up an İstanbulkart (card: 70 TRY, works on all Istanbul transport).
- Take M4 to Kadıköy terminus (42 TRY, 52 min).
- Walk 5 minutes to the Kadıköy Ferry Terminal (Kadıköy İskelesi).
- Board an IDO ferry to Eminönü (~15 min, 42 TRY). Ferries run frequently throughout the day.
- At Eminönü, follow signs to the T1 tram stop (on the same waterfront). Board towards Kabataş.
- Ride the T1 tram 2 stops: Sirkeci → Sultanahmet. You are 2 minutes from the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia.
The İstanbulkart covers all three legs.
Option 2 — Marmaray Train (Fastest Public Transport)
The Marmaray is an underwater rail line that connects Istanbul's Asian and European shores. Combined with an E-10 bus, it gets you to the European side faster than the ferry route.
Total fare: ~168 TRY (E-10 ~84 TRY + Marmaray ~84 TRY, with İstanbulkart)
Journey time: ~75–80 minutes
Step-by-Step
- Take the İETT E-10 bus from SAW towards Kadıköy.
- Alight at Ayrılıkçeşme (about 10 minutes before Kadıköy — ask the driver or watch the stops) to transfer to the Marmaray.
- Board the Marmaray towards Halkalı. Ride to Sirkeci station (~12 min).
- From Sirkeci, it is a 10-minute walk to Sultanahmet, or take the T1 tram 1 stop.
Sirkeci is right beside the old city walls — once you step out, Hagia Sophia is visible within a few minutes' walk.
Option 3 — HAVABUS to Kadıköy + Taxi or Ferry
If you prefer a more comfortable first leg, take the HAVABUS coach from SAW to Kadıköy (270 TRY), then continue by taxi to Sultanahmet (~350–400 TRY across the Bosphorus Bridge) or by ferry as described in Option 1.
Total cost: ~400–450 TRY by ferry, ~620–700 TRY by taxi from Kadıköy
Benefit: No standing on the E-10; luggage goes in the hold
Option 4 — Taxi
A taxi is the simplest option with heavy luggage or when travelling as a family.
Estimated fare: ~1,500–1,700 TRY including Bosphorus bridge toll
Journey time: ~40–60 min in light traffic, up to 90 min during rush hour
Use the official taxi rank outside arrivals. All SAW taxis run on the meter with no night surcharge.
Tell the driver "Sultanahmet Meydanı". For specific landmarks: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Topkapı Palace are all within walking distance of the square.
Nearby Landmarks & Tram Stop Guide
| Destination | Walking from Sultanahmet T1 stop | Tram stop |
|---|---|---|
| Hagia Sophia | 3 min | Sultanahmet |
| Blue Mosque | 4 min | Sultanahmet |
| Topkapı Palace | 8 min | Sultanahmet or Gülhane |
| Grand Bazaar | 12 min | Beyazıt (T1, 2 stops) |
| Spice Bazaar | 15 min walk or Eminönü (T1, 2 stops back) | Eminönü |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way from SAW to Sultanahmet? The public transport combination — E-10 bus (84 TRY) + Kadıköy–Eminönü ferry (42 TRY) + T1 tram (42 TRY) — costs around 168 TRY total and is the most economical route.
How long does it take from SAW to Sultanahmet by public transport? About 90 minutes via the E-10 + ferry + T1 combination, or 75–80 minutes via Marmaray.
Is there a direct bus from SAW to Sultanahmet? No direct bus service exists. The closest HAVABUS stops to Sultanahmet are Kadıköy (from which you still need a ferry) or Taksim (requiring a further tram journey).
Can I take the Marmaray all the way from SAW? There is no direct Marmaray stop at SAW. You take the E-10 to Ayrılıkçeşme first, then board the Marmaray there for the underwater crossing to Sirkeci.
How much is a taxi from SAW to Sultanahmet? Around 1,500–1,700 TRY including Bosphorus bridge toll. Use the official rank outside arrivals and always use the meter.
