Key points
- About 45–50 km by road
- Journey time depends heavily on Bosphorus traffic
- Bridges and the tunnel are tolled electronically
- One-way Taksim → SAW can be selected in the booking form
The short answer
Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) is on the Asian side of Istanbul, in the Pendik area. From Taksim it is about 45–50 km by road, depending on the route. Every route crosses the Bosphorus, so the journey time depends mostly on bridge and tunnel traffic: roughly 50–60 minutes when traffic flows, but up to 1.5 hours on weekday evenings. If you have a flight to catch, treat this as one of the least predictable drives in Istanbul and leave a generous margin.
Where to cross the Bosphorus
There are three main crossings. Your navigation app will choose based on live traffic, but knowing the options helps you plan.
15 July Martyrs Bridge
The closest crossing to Taksim. You head down through Beşiktaş and Ortaköy onto the bridge and continue on the Asian side via the TEM or D-100. It is the shortest route when traffic is light, but the approaches can queue badly at peak times.
Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge
The bridge further north is often suggested when the 15 July Bridge is congested. The distance is longer but the total time can be shorter.
Eurasia Tunnel
The tunnel runs under the Bosphorus south of the Old City and emerges near Göztepe on the Asian side. From Taksim you first have to reach the coastal road, so it mainly makes sense when both bridges are very busy.
Bridges and the tunnel are tolled electronically, and there are no cash booths. On the 15 July Martyrs and Fatih Sultan Mehmet bridges the toll is charged only when crossing from Europe to Asia; the Eurasia Tunnel is tolled in both directions. See tolls, bridges and traffic fines in a rental car for how this works with a rental car.
When to leave
On any Bosphorus crossing, timing matters more than the route:
- Weekday mornings and evenings: bridge approaches are at their busiest. Leave as early as you can if your flight falls in these hours.
- Friday evenings and before public holidays: traffic leaving the city adds to the queues, and estimates change quickly.
- Late night and early morning: usually the most predictable time to drive.
Add time for fuel, returning the car and your airline's recommended check-in time to the sat-nav estimate.
Dropping the car off at SAW
To finish your stay by returning the car at Sabiha Gökçen, choose Taksim as the pickup point and Sabiha Gökçen as the return point in the betacarrental.com booking form. Availability and any one-way fee are shown while you book, and the airport return arrangements are confirmed by the team after booking. See Sabiha Gökçen Airport car rental for general information.
It makes sense to spend that last day on the Asian side: visit Üsküdar, Kuzguncuk, Beykoz or Çamlıca Hill and continue to the airport without crossing back. Our Bosphorus drive from Taksim covers the Asian shore.
Driving from SAW to Taksim
If you collect the car at SAW, your first drive will cross the Bosphorus and end in Beyoğlu's narrow streets. Ask your hotel about parking in advance; street parking is very limited. See driving in Beyoğlu and Taksim.
If you only need a car for a few days, you can also take public transport into the city and rent in Taksim just for those days. SAW is served by the M4 metro line and airport buses; check current routes and timetables before travelling.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Taksim from Sabiha Gökçen Airport?
About 45–50 km by road, depending on which bridge or tunnel you use.
How long is the drive from Taksim to Sabiha Gökçen?
Around 50–60 minutes in free-flowing traffic. On weekday evenings it can take up to 1.5 hours, so leave plenty of time before a flight.
Which bridge is fastest?
It depends on the time of day. The 15 July Martyrs Bridge is shortest when traffic is light; at busy times your sat-nav may suggest the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge or the Eurasia Tunnel.