SAW → Taksim
Direct coach, ~90 minutes to Taksim Square. Runs frequently during the day, with reduced overnight service. Board at the HAVABUS stand outside SAW arrivals. Fare ~₺200–350 depending on time.
Route · SAW → Beşiktaş (European Bosphorus shore)
Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) to Beşiktaş: Taxi, Transfer & Fare 2026
Landing at Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) on the Asian side, with a Bosphorus-front hotel in Beşiktaş on the European shore. Distance: ~50–60 km — and it crosses the Bosphorus. Travel time: 50 minutes late night, 70–100 minutes in rush hour. Four ways to make the trip: metered taxi (~₺1,400–1,900 + ~₺150–200 tolls) via the 15 July Martyrs Bridge, a fixed-price WhatsApp transfer, HAVABUS to Taksim then onward, or the scenic M4 metro + Kadıköy ferry (~₺80, ~85 min). Compare all four below.
Updated
01 · Where Beşiktaş is
Why the SAW → Beşiktaş trip crosses the Bosphorus
Sabiha Gökçen sits on the Asian side of Istanbul, deep in Pendik. Beşiktaş is on the European shore of the Bosphorus. Every option below has to bridge — or float across — the strait between them.
SAW: Asian side, Pendik
Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) is Istanbul's second airport, on the Asian side, ~40 km east of the Bosphorus in Pendik. Because Beşiktaş sits on the European Bosphorus shore, every route from SAW must cross the strait: taxis and coaches use the 15 July Martyrs Bridge or the FSM Bridge; the metro-plus-ferry option crosses on water. The crossing itself accounts for a large share of the travel time in traffic.
Beşiktaş: European Bosphorus shore
Beşiktaş is a historic waterfront district on the European Bosphorus shore, home to Dolmabahçe Palace, Yıldız Palace, Ortaköy Mosque and the Beşiktaş football stadium (Vodafone Park). It has the highest concentration of five-star Bosphorus-front hotels in Istanbul — Four Seasons Bosphorus, Çırağan Palace Kempinski, Shangri-La, W Istanbul, Swissôtel and more line the shore between Kabataş and Ortaköy. Any drop-off point is minutes from the water.
02 · Four ways
Four ways to get from Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) to Beşiktaş
Compare all four side-by-side. The best option depends on group size, luggage, time of arrival and whether you want a scenic Bosphorus crossing thrown in.
By taxi or transfer
Taxi
Official metered taxi
Yellow cab from the SAW rank. Meter starts at zero; motorway plus Bosphorus Bridge tolls added at the end. Rate is UKOME-regulated, single 24/7 tariff.
~75 min · ₺1,400–1,900 + tolls
Transfer
Fixed-price WhatsApp transfer
Our partner driver quotes an all-in price to your Beşiktaş or Bosphorus-shore hotel. Meet-and-greet at arrivals, luggage help, tolls included.
~75 min · Fixed price
By coach, metro or ferry
HAVABUS
HAVABUS to Taksim + onward
No direct SAW → Beşiktaş line. Board SAW → Taksim (~90 min), then a 10-min downhill taxi, or F1 funicular Taksim → Kabataş + walk/tram to Beşiktaş.
~90–120 min · ₺200–400
M4 + ferry
M4 metro + Kadıköy ferry (scenic)
M4 SAW → Kadıköy (~50 min, ~₺50), then direct ferry Kadıköy → Beşiktaş (~25 min, ~₺30). Scenic Bosphorus crossing included.
~85 min · ₺80
M4 + Marmaray
Long rail alternative
M4 → Kadıköy → Marmaray under the Bosphorus → Sirkeci → T1 tram → Kabataş → F1 funicular → Taksim → downhill to Beşiktaş. Long and awkward — skip in favour of the ferry.
~110 min · ~₺90
Which option should you pick?
Solo, daytime, light luggage
Take the M4 + Kadıköy ferry. It costs a fraction of a taxi and the 25-minute Bosphorus crossing is one of Istanbul's best views. Land, ride the metro, then arrive at your Beşiktaş hotel on a ferry — hard to beat.
Family or luggage-heavy
Fixed-price transfer or metered taxi. Door-to-door across the Bosphorus Bridge, no dragging bags on and off ferries or funiculars. Per person cost drops fast with 2–4 travellers, and tolls become a rounding error.
Late-night arrival
Taxi or fixed-price WhatsApp transfer. M4 metro closes around midnight and HAVABUS runs on a very reduced overnight schedule. The upside — traffic is minimal, and the bridge crossing is 50 min flat.
03 · Taxi route
The SAW → Beşiktaş taxi route via 15 July Martyrs Bridge
One route is faster than every alternative: E-5 Anadolu motorway west, then across on the Bosphorus Bridge, then straight downhill into Beşiktaş.
Preferred: 15 July Martyrs Bridge
E-5 Anadolu → 15 Temmuz Şehitler Köprüsü (Boğaziçi Köprüsü) → Barbaros Bulvarı → Beşiktaş. This is the direct route. The bridge exit dumps you almost onto Barbaros Bulvarı, which drops downhill through Yıldız straight into Beşiktaş centre. Off-peak this is 50–60 minutes end to end. In rush hour (07:30–10:00, 17:00–20:00) allow 90–100 minutes — the bottleneck is E-5 approach traffic, not the bridge itself.
Alternative: FSM Bridge (rarely worth it)
E-5 or O-4 → Fatih Sultan Mehmet (FSM) Bridge → Barbaros Bulvarı south. Slightly longer distance and typically longer time — the FSM Bridge exits further north, requiring a longer descent into Beşiktaş. Only chosen if the 15 July Bridge is closed or heavily congested, or by drivers routing around a specific problem. Same meter, but bridge toll is comparable.
Tolls (paid on top of the meter)
The Bosphorus crossing is not free. The driver pays tolls automatically via HGS (High-Speed Toll) on their windshield, and you reimburse in cash at the end of the trip.
- 15 July Martyrs Bridge (Bosphorus Bridge): ~₺30–40
- E-5 / motorway segments: ~₺30–50 depending on route
- Total tolls added to fare: typically ₺150–200 including any short paid stretches
The Eurasia Tunnel (Avrasya Tüneli) is an alternative crossing under the Bosphorus but costs more (~₺100+) and drops you at Kazlıçeşme on the Marmara coast — the wrong side of the peninsula for Beşiktaş. Not the natural choice for this direction. Verify current toll rates at hgs.gov.tr.
04 · HAVABUS
HAVABUS: no direct Beşiktaş line — connect via Taksim
The İBB airport coach network runs several lines from SAW, but Beşiktaş is not among them. The closest useful line is SAW → Taksim, which then needs an onward hop.
Taksim → Beşiktaş
Options from Taksim: a 10-minute downhill taxi (~₺150–250), or the F1 funicular one stop to Kabataş (₺15) then a 10-minute walk or T1 tram along the shore to Beşiktaş.
Time & total
~90–120 minutes end to end. Total cost ~₺200–400 per person depending on onward choice. Slower and less comfortable with luggage than a direct taxi.
Why not just take HAVABUS all the way?
Because there is no all-the-way. Beşiktaş has no dedicated airport coach terminal. Every non-taxi option involves at least one transfer — the question is whether you make that transfer at Taksim (bus + taxi) or at Kadıköy (metro + ferry). For most travellers Kadıköy is more pleasant.
Full HAVABUS Sabiha Gökçen network guide — every line, stop and timetable →
05 · M4 + ferry
M4 metro + Kadıköy ferry — the scenic sweet spot
If you land in daylight and travel light, this is arguably the best option. Cheapest by far and the Bosphorus crossing is the arrival highlight instead of a chore.
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1
M4 metro: SAW → Kadıköy
Board at SAW metro station (follow "Metro / M4" signs from arrivals). The full line runs SAW → Tavşantepe → Kartal → Bostancı → Kadıköy — around 50 minutes end to end, ~₺50 with İstanbulkart. Trains every 5–8 minutes; first ~06:00, last ~00:00. Buy an İstanbulkart at the vending machine before the barriers.
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2
Walk 5 min: Kadıköy metro → Kadıköy ferry terminal
Exit the M4 at Kadıköy, follow "İskele / Ferry" signs. The Beşiktaş ferry pier is a 5-minute walk along the waterfront. Kadıköy is safe, lively and full of cafés if you have time to spare between departures.
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3
Ferry: Kadıköy → Beşiktaş
Direct İDO / Şehir Hatları ferry across the Bosphorus, ~25 minutes, ~₺30 with İstanbulkart. Ferries roughly every 15–20 minutes during the day. You dock at Beşiktaş pier — 5–10 minutes' walk from most Beşiktaş hotels, or a short taxi hop to the Bosphorus-front luxury properties north of the pier.
Why the ferry beats the Marmaray
An alternative rail route exists — M4 → Kadıköy → Marmaray (under the Bosphorus) → Sirkeci → T1 tram → Kabataş → F1 funicular → Taksim → downhill walk to Beşiktaş. It works, but with four transfers and a long detour through the old city it takes over 110 minutes and costs about the same as the ferry route. Skip it. The ferry is faster, simpler and gives you the view.
Total cost of the M4 + ferry route: ~₺80 per person with İstanbulkart transfers, versus ~₺1,700 all-in for a taxi. Allow 85–90 minutes end-to-end including the Kadıköy walk and ferry wait. Not ideal for four large suitcases — very good for a backpack and a camera.
06 · Hotels
Beşiktaş Bosphorus-front hotels our drivers know well
Beşiktaş and the shore road north to Kuruçeşme and Bebek hold Istanbul's densest cluster of five-star Bosphorus hotels. Below: the most common SAW drop-offs.
Four Seasons Bosphorus
Çırağan Cd., between Beşiktaş and Ortaköy. Waterside 19th-century palace-hotel. Driver takes 15 July Bridge → Barbaros Blv. → shore road north.
Çırağan Palace Kempinski
Çırağan Cd., waterfront Ottoman palace. One of the most requested SAW drop-offs — set-piece Bosphorus entrance.
Shangri-La Bosphorus
Sinanpaşa Mah., steps from the Beşiktaş ferry pier. Popular for its Dolmabahçe-adjacent location — great from both taxi and ferry approaches.
W Istanbul
Süleyman Seba Cd., Akaretler. Slight uphill from the Bosphorus in the Akaretler mansion row — 5 min from the waterfront.
Swissôtel The Bosphorus
Bayıldım Cd., Maçka. Hilltop above Beşiktaş with panoramic Bosphorus views. Driver approach via Barbaros Blv. then Maçka.
Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus
Yıldız Cd., set back on the ridge with wide Bosphorus views. Short taxi hop from the ferry pier if arriving via M4 + ferry.
Ritz-Carlton Istanbul
Süzer Plaza, Elmadağ. Technically Şişli side but often booked as "Beşiktaş" — 10 min downhill from Taksim to Kabataş.
Radisson Blu Bosphorus
Çırağan Cd., Ortaköy end of the shore. Newer waterfront property with direct Bosphorus views from the terrace.
Hotel Les Ottomans
Muallim Naci Cd., Kuruçeşme. Further north along the shore — small Ottoman-style palace-hotel, 15 min drive from central Beşiktaş.
Bebek Otel
Cevdet Paşa Cd., Bebek. Even further north along the shore in the Bebek village — classic Bosphorus location and small-hotel service.
Any Google Maps address
Send the Google Maps pin of your hotel via WhatsApp before the trip. The whole Beşiktaş → Bebek shore is on the standard route — driver will get you to the door.
07 · Watch-outs
Common SAW → Beşiktaş mistakes to avoid
Four traps that catch first-time visitors on this specific route.
Accepting rides inside the terminal
Never take a ride from anyone approaching you inside SAW arrivals. All licensed taxis wait outside at the official rank — follow the "Taxi" signs. Anyone offering their "hotel car" is unlicensed and will overcharge for the long Bosphorus crossing.
The "fixed price" driver at the rank
Some drivers at the SAW rank quote a "fixed price" instead of using the meter. This is illegal — the metered UKOME tariff is mandatory. Politely say "meter please" (taksimetre lütfen) or walk to the next car. A pre-arranged WhatsApp transfer is the only legitimate fixed-price option.
Driver picking the FSM Bridge or Eurasia Tunnel
For Beşiktaş, the natural crossing is the 15 July Martyrs Bridge. A driver choosing the FSM Bridge (further north) or the Eurasia Tunnel adds distance and toll cost with no benefit. Confirm the route on Google Maps before boarding — "15 Temmuz köprüsü, please".
Assuming late-night M4 works
The M4 metro from SAW closes around midnight. If you land at 01:00, only taxi, fixed-price transfer or the very reduced overnight HAVABUS will get you to Beşiktaş — the metro + ferry option is not running. Traffic is at least minimal at that hour.
08 · FAQ
SAW to Beşiktaş — frequently asked
The most-asked questions for travellers making this exact trip.
How much is a taxi from SAW to Beşiktaş?
A licensed metered taxi from Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) to Beşiktaş typically costs ₺1,400–1,900 in 2026, plus ₺150–200 in tolls (Bosphorus Bridge and motorway sections). The distance is ~50–60 km and the journey takes ~50 minutes off-peak, 70–100 minutes in rush hour. There is no night surcharge — the same single UKOME tariff applies 24/7.
How far is Beşiktaş from Sabiha Gökçen airport?
Beşiktaş is roughly 50–60 km from Sabiha Gökçen (SAW), across the Bosphorus from Asia to Europe. The taxi route uses the E-5 Anadolu motorway then crosses on the 15 July Martyrs Bridge (Boğaziçi Köprüsü), dropping straight onto Barbaros Bulvarı downhill into Beşiktaş. Time depends heavily on traffic — 50 min late night, 90–100 min at peak.
Is there a direct HAVABUS from SAW to Beşiktaş?
No — there is no direct HAVABUS line from SAW to Beşiktaş. The closest HAVABUS route is SAW → Taksim, which takes ~90 minutes. From Taksim you can take a 10-minute downhill taxi, or the F1 funicular to Kabataş and then walk or tram to Beşiktaş. The full journey ends up ~90–120 minutes and is awkward with luggage.
Which bridge does SAW → Beşiktaş taxi cross?
The preferred crossing for SAW → Beşiktaş is the 15 July Martyrs Bridge (Boğaziçi Köprüsü, formerly Bosphorus Bridge). It exits directly onto Barbaros Bulvarı, which drops straight downhill into Beşiktaş — the most direct route. The Fatih Sultan Mehmet (FSM) Bridge further north is a longer alternative used only if 15 July is closed or congested.
SAW to Four Seasons Bosphorus taxi cost?
A metered taxi from SAW to the Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus (Çırağan Cd., between Beşiktaş and Ortaköy) runs ₺1,500–1,900 including tolls in 2026. Journey ~60–80 min. The driver takes the 15 July Martyrs Bridge, then Barbaros Bulvarı downhill, then the Bosphorus coast road (Muallim Naci Cd.) north to the hotel entrance.
Can I take the M4 + ferry route with luggage?
Yes, but it is easier with one small suitcase or a backpack than with multiple large bags. M4 metro from SAW to Kadıköy is step-free at both ends. At Kadıköy you walk 5 minutes to the İDO/Şehir Hatları ferry terminal, and the Beşiktaş ferry is a direct 25-minute Bosphorus crossing. Total ~85 min, ~₺80 per person. Scenic but not ideal for a family with four large cases.
Is SAW → Beşiktaş more expensive than IST → Beşiktaş?
Similar metered fare (~₺1,400–1,900) but SAW → Beşiktaş has higher tolls (₺150–200) because you cross a Bosphorus bridge, versus IST → Beşiktaş which uses the free O-6 northern motorway. In practice SAW → Beşiktaş costs ₺150–250 more all-in. Journey time is comparable — both around 60–90 minutes in normal traffic.
Late-night SAW → Beşiktaş options?
After ~midnight the M4 metro closes and HAVABUS runs on a much reduced overnight schedule. Late-night arrivals almost always take a taxi or a pre-booked fixed-price WhatsApp transfer. The upside: traffic is minimal so the 15 July Martyrs Bridge crossing to Beşiktaş is 50 minutes flat. Bridge tolls are collected automatically via HGS, no cash handover at gates.
Best route to Çırağan Palace from SAW?
By taxi: E-5 Anadolu → 15 July Martyrs Bridge → Barbaros Bulvarı → Beşiktaş → Çırağan Cd. north along the Bosphorus. ~60–80 min, ₺1,500–1,900 plus ₺150–200 tolls. Confirm the driver takes the Bosphorus Bridge, not the FSM Bridge (which is further north and adds time). For late-night check-in, a fixed-price WhatsApp transfer removes any meter or toll ambiguity.