Everything About Istanbul Airport Transfers
Istanbul, a magical metropolis that connects two continents, usually welcomes its visitors through one of two major airports: the modern giant Istanbul Airport (IST) on the European side, or the bustling gateway of the Anatolian side, Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW). The first step of your journey, the airport transfer, sets the tone for the rest of your trip. In this guide, we'll take a deep dive into all available options to get from both airports to the city center or your hotel, comparing their pros and cons.
Istanbul Airport (IST) Transportation Options
As one of the world's largest airports, IST is located about 40-50 km from the city center. Your options for transport are:
- Havaist Shuttles: These are comfortable buses with regular services to many points in the city. While an economical option, you may need an additional taxi or public transport from the drop-off point to your hotel. This can be tiring when traveling with luggage.
- Taxi: Easily found at the airport exit. However, it's difficult to predict the fare, especially during rush hours, due to traffic. You might face issues like surprise costs and language barriers.
- Private Transfer (Dodo Transfer): The most comfortable and stress-free option. Your vehicle is booked before you land, your driver greets you with a name sign and helps with your luggage. The price is fixed and is not affected by traffic or waiting times. It offers a comfortable door-to-door journey.
Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) Transportation Options
Located on the Asian side, SAW requires careful planning, especially if you're heading to a hotel on the European side, due to bridge traffic.
- Havabüs Shuttles: Provides transport to central points like Taksim and Kadıköy. You might need to transfer from Kadıköy by ferry or Marmaray, or from Taksim by metro or funicular. Although budget-friendly, it's a multi-step journey.
- Taxi: Like at IST, the meter fare can vary greatly depending on traffic. Bridge traffic, in particular, can increase the cost.
- Private Transfer (Dodo Transfer): This is the most reliable way to get from Sabiha Gökçen to any point in Istanbul with a fixed-price guarantee. Experienced drivers use the most efficient routes to get you to your hotel's doorstep smoothly.
Conclusion: Why Dodo Transfer?
In a large and bustling city like Istanbul, comfort and reliability are paramount, especially after a long flight. Dodo Transfer ensures you get the best start to your trip with its surprise-free fixed prices, professional drivers, 24/7 customer service, and perks like free child seats for families.
