Key Factors That Affect Transfer Time in Istanbul
In a megacity like Istanbul, transfer durations from the airport depend on several dynamic variables. Istanbul has two main airports—IST (Istanbul Airport on the European side) and SAW (Sabiha Gökçen on the Asian side)—and travel times differ significantly depending on the district.
Major factors include:
- Day and time of travel (rush hours: 07:30–10:00 & 16:30–20:00)
- Weather and ongoing road construction
- Transportation type (private transfer, taxi, public transit)
- Route selection: TEM highway, E-5, or connecting roads
Estimated Transfer Times from Istanbul Airport (IST) – 2025
European Side
- Taksim / Beyoğlu: 40–60 minutes
- Şişli / Mecidiyeköy: 35–55 minutes
- Beşiktaş: 45–70 minutes
- Bakırköy: 50–75 minutes
- Florya / Yeşilköy: 45–60 minutes
- Başakşehir: 25–35 minutes
- Avcılar: 50–70 minutes
- Esenyurt / Beylikdüzü: 60–90 minutes
Asian Side
- Kadıköy: 70–100 minutes
- Üsküdar: 60–90 minutes
- Ataşehir: 75–100 minutes
- Maltepe / Kartal: 90–120 minutes
- Sancaktepe: 80–110 minutes
Estimated Transfer Times from Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) – 2025
Asian Side
- Kadıköy: 30–45 minutes
- Ataşehir: 25–40 minutes
- Ümraniye: 35–50 minutes
- Maltepe: 20–30 minutes
- Kartal / Pendik / Tuzla: 10–25 minutes
- Sancaktepe: 25–35 minutes
European Side
- Taksim / Beyoğlu: 60–90 minutes
- Şişli / Beşiktaş: 60–95 minutes
- Bakırköy / Florya: 70–100 minutes
- Esenyurt / Beylikdüzü: 90–130 minutes
Day vs Night Travel Time: What Changes?
Traffic in Istanbul significantly decreases between 10:30 PM and 5:30 AM. During this time, the same route can take:
- 30% to 50% less time.
For example, a 90-minute transfer from SAW to Taksim may take only 50 minutes at night.
4 Tips to Minimize Your Transfer Time
- Schedule your flight during off-peak hours
Early morning or late-night flights generally encounter less traffic. - Choose professional transfer services
Reputable companies optimize routes for minimum time and maximum comfort. - Monitor alternative routes
For example, the Northern Marmara Highway may be faster than E-5 during peak hours. - Use live traffic apps
Google Maps or Yandex Navi can help your driver avoid congested areas in real time.