Here are the main options to get from Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) to Istanbul’s Old City (Sultanahmet area): --- ## 1. Direct HAVABUS + Tram (budget-friendly, fairly simple) **Step 1 – HAVABUS to Kadıköy** - Outside the arrivals terminal, follow signs for **HAVABUS**. - Take the **HAVABUS “Sabiha Gökçen – Kadıköy”** shuttle. - Duration: ~60–90 minutes depending on traffic. - Cost: Check current price, but usually **cheap and paid in cash or by card at the bus**. **Step 2 – Ferry to Eminönü or Karaköy** - From HAVABUS drop-off in Kadıköy, walk to **Kadıköy ferry pier** (about 5–10 minutes). - Take a **Şehir Hatları** or **IDO** ferry to: - **Eminönü** (best for Sultanahmet) or - **Karaköy** (also fine; one extra tram stop). - Duration: ~20–25 minutes. - Cost: low; pay with **Istanbulkart**. **Step 3 – Tram to Sultanahmet** - From **Eminönü** or **Karaköy**, follow the signs for the **T1 Tram line**. - Take the tram in direction **Bağcılar**. - Get off at **Sultanahmet** stop (for Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, etc.). - Duration: ~10–15 minutes. This route is cheap, scenic (nice Bosphorus view), and relatively easy if you have light luggage. --- ## 2. HAVABUS to Taksim + Tram/Metro (simple if staying near T1 line) **Step 1 – HAVABUS to Taksim** - Take **HAVABUS “Sabiha Gökçen – Taksim”** from the airport. - Duration: ~60–90 minutes depending on traffic. **Step 2 – From Taksim to Old City** Options: 1. **Taksim → Kabataş funicular F1 → T1 tram** - From Taksim, take **F1 funicular** down to **Kabataş**. - From Kabataş, take **T1 tram in direction Bağcılar**. - Get off at **Sultanahmet**. 2. **Taxi from Taksim directly to hotel** in Old City - More expensive but convenient with heavy luggage. --- ## 3. Taxi / Private Transfer (most convenient) **Taxi from SAW directly to Old City** - Duration: usually 45–75 minutes, depending on traffic and time of day. - Cost: varies; expect a significantly higher price than public transport. - Use **official yellow taxis** from the airport queue; insist on using the **meter**. - Good if you: - Arrive late at night / with kids / with a lot of luggage. - Want door-to-door service to your hotel in Sultanahmet, Beyazıt, etc. **Private transfer** - Pre-book online (hotel or transfer company). - Driver meets you in arrivals and takes you directly to your hotel. - Price is typically fixed (often similar to or a bit higher than a taxi but more predictable). --- ## 4. Public buses + Marmaray/Metro (cheapest but more complex) This changes over time, but typical pattern: - From SAW, take an **IETT bus** (e.g. to **Ayrılık Çeşmesi** or **Pendik**). - Change to **Marmaray** or **Metro**. - Travel to **Sirkeci** (for Marmaray) or **Yenikapı** and connect to the tram to Sultanahmet. This is cheapest but involves more changes and is less comfortable with luggage. --- ## Recommended choice - **Most visitors**: HAVABUS to **Kadıköy** + **ferry to Eminönü** + **T1 tram to Sultanahmet** (nice, inexpensive, not too complicated). - **If arriving very late or with heavy luggage**: Taxi or private transfer directly to your hotel. If you share: - Your **arrival time and day**, and - Your **exact hotel or area in the Old City**, I can suggest the most practical step‑by‑step route for your specific case.