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Istanbul's two international airports sit on opposite sides of the city, separated by roughly 90 kilometers. A dedicated Havaist inter-airport shuttle runs around the clock, designed specifically for passengers transferring between terminals without entering the city center.
Quick answer
The bus from Istanbul Airport to Sabiha Gokcen operates 24 hours daily via Havaist's HAVAİST-19 line, departing every 60 to 90 minutes depending on demand. A one-way ticket costs 515 TRY per person, and the journey takes approximately 90 to 120 minutes depending on traffic. Buses depart from Istanbul Airport's ground transportation hub and arrive at Sabiha Gökçen's domestic arrivals level.
Nearly three million passengers transfer between Istanbul's two airports each year, most of them connecting international flights on tight schedules. The distance between the terminals exceeds that of many European capital cities, and until 2019 no direct public transit option existed. Havaist introduced the inter-airport route to eliminate the need for costly private transfers or convoluted multi-leg journeys through central Istanbul. The shuttle follows the Northern Marmara Motorway for most of its route, bypassing urban congestion but remaining vulnerable to weather-related delays during winter months. Morning departures between 6:00 and 10:00 face heavier traffic as the route intersects commuter flows near Pendik and Tuzla. Late-night services after 23:00 run on reduced frequency but maintain the same fare structure. Passengers booking connecting flights should account for at least 150 minutes of total transfer time, including boarding, transit, and terminal navigation on the Sabiha Gökçen side. Ticketing happens exclusively at Havaist kiosks or via the official mobile app—drivers do not accept cash or card payments onboard. The fleet consists of climate-controlled coaches with luggage compartments, though overhead bin space fills quickly during peak travel windows. Seats are not assigned, and passengers with mobility limitations should request priority boarding at the departure gate. The service does not include intermediate stops, and the route operates independently of the city's standard Havaist lines that serve residential districts. Transfer passengers arriving at Istanbul Airport with checked baggage must clear customs before boarding the shuttle, even if their final destination is international. Sabiha Gökçen Airport requires all arriving passengers to re-check luggage for onward flights, as interline baggage agreements between IST and SAW remain limited. The inter-airport bus addresses a logistical gap in Istanbul's aviation infrastructure, but it remains a longer and less predictable option than the private transfers many connecting travelers ultimately choose.
“The shuttle follows the Northern Marmara Motorway for most of its route, bypassing urban congestion but remaining vulnerable to weather-related delays during winter months.”
Havaist provides 24/7 bus service between Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW). Buses operate continuously throughout the day and night to accommodate varying flight schedules.
The Havaist bus service connects Istanbul Airport to Sabiha Gökçen Airport with direct routes that take approximately 90-120 minutes depending on traffic. Follow these steps to locate the bus stop, purchase your ticket, and board the correct service.
Exit the arrivals hall at Istanbul Airport and follow signage for Havaist buses, typically found at the ground transportation area outside the terminal. The bus stop for Sabiha Gökçen-bound services is clearly marked with route information.
Buy tickets at the Havaist ticket kiosks near the bus stops or use the Havaist mobile app for advance purchase. Ticket machines accept credit cards and cash, but boarding without a valid ticket is not permitted.
Verify the bus displays the Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) destination on its front panel before boarding. Multiple Havaist routes operate from Istanbul Airport, so double-checking prevents boarding the wrong service.
Enter through the front door, scan or show your ticket to the driver, and place larger bags in the designated luggage compartment. Keep valuables and travel documents with you in the cabin.
Buses depart at regular intervals throughout the day, and the journey includes limited stops. Track your progress and prepare to disembark when the driver announces Sabiha Gökçen Airport as the final stop.
Prepare these essentials before your inter-airport transfer to ensure smooth travel on the day of departure.
Everything you need to know about bus from istanbul airport to sabiha gokcen
You can travel between the two major hubs using the official airport shuttle service, which provides a reliable connection. This public transit route is designed specifically to assist travelers in navigating the distance between the European and Asian sides of the city.
Yes, the Havaist shuttle service operates as the primary direct transport link between these two locations. These coaches are equipped with luggage compartments and comfortable seating for the journey across the city.
The one-way ticket price for this service is 515 TRY per person. Please ensure you have the appropriate payment method ready before boarding to facilitate a smooth departure.
The best arrival window is 00:00–23:00, as the service runs 24/7. Frequent departures throughout the day are scheduled to accommodate various flight times and passenger needs.
You can manage your travel arrangements through the official site at https://www.hava.ist. Booking your passage ahead of time helps ensure you have a seat on your preferred coach.
Yes, the service offers 24/7 operations to maintain a consistent flow of transit. This high frequency allows passengers to rely on the shuttle regardless of their specific arrival or departure flight schedule.
Allow plenty of time for your transfer, as Istanbul traffic can be unpredictable depending on the hour. Always verify your boarding terminal details to ensure a seamless connection during your trip.