Kartal airport transfer
Kartal lies in the south-east of the Asian side, between Maltepe and Pendik, and has been changing rapidly through urban regeneration.
In short
Kartal is on Istanbul's Asian side. The closer airport is Sabiha Gökçen Airport: 14.7 km and about 20 minutes in light traffic (up to 30 at rush hour). From Istanbul Airport it is 76.3 km and about 80 minutes, so landing at SAW saves roughly 60 minutes on the road. Private transfers from both airports are priced per vehicle and fixed at booking.
Airport routes
From Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Kartal: the route
Road distance 14.7 km.
- Abdi İpekçi Caddesiabout 1.8 km
- Sahil Bulvarıabout 5.4 km
- Turgut Özal Bulvarıabout 2.9 km
Source: OpenStreetMap. The road may change with traffic; the price does not.
From Istanbul Airport to Kartal: the route
Road distance 76.3 km.
- airport highway (D-020)about 20.8 km
- TEM motorway (O-2)about 9 km
- Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridgeabout 1.2 km
- TEM motorway (O-2)about 11.9 km
- Samandıra - Kartal Bağlantısıabout 9.7 km
- Spor Caddesiabout 1.8 km
The Bosphorus is crossed via the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge. Source: OpenStreetMap. The road may change with traffic; the price does not.
Good to know
- Kartal is a short drive from Sabiha Gökçen via the TEM or the Kurtköy–Yakacık link; the D-100 is busy in the morning and evening.
- Prices are per vehicle and fixed at booking; traffic or delays never change them.
Highlights of Kartal
Kartal lies in the south-east of the Asian side, between Maltepe and Pendik, and has been changing rapidly through urban regeneration. Residential towers and new mixed-use projects built on former industrial land have given it a modern skyline, while promenades and parks along the shore are local favourites. Kartal is home to major public hospitals, so many visitors are patients and their families; business travellers who want to be close to Sabiha Gökçen also choose the area. The Kadıköy–Tavşantepe metro line and Marmaray connect it with the rest of the city. On the seaward side, where the new developments are, roads are broad and orderly, whereas the old streets of central Kartal are narrow and crowded. The Kartal section of the D-100 gets congested in the morning and evening.
Kartal Sahili
A long seafront with walking and cycle paths, parks and tea gardens.
Dr. Lütfi Kırdar Şehir Hastanesi
One of the largest public hospitals in the area.
Aydos Ormanı
Woodland around Aydos Hill to the north, popular for walks.
When to leave Kartal for the airport
| International flight | Domestic flight | |
|---|---|---|
| Sabiha Gökçen Airport | 3 h 45 min – 3 h 45 min | 2 h 45 min – 2 h 45 min |
| Istanbul Airport | 4 h 45 min – 5 h 30 min | 3 h 45 min – 4 h 30 min |
Time to leave before departure (quiet – rush hour). Your airline's advice comes first.
City transfers from Kartal
Door-to-door transfers with a driver also run between districts, not just to the airport. Popular routes:
Frequently asked questions
How long is the transfer from Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Kartal?
About 14.7 km; 20 min off-peak, up to 30 min at rush hour. Private transfers start from €30.
How long is the transfer from Istanbul Airport to Kartal?
About 76.3 km; 80 min off-peak, up to 125 min at rush hour. Private transfers start from €72.
Anything to know about getting to Kartal?
Kartal is a short drive from Sabiha Gökçen via the TEM or the Kurtköy–Yakacık link; the D-100 is busy in the morning and evening.
Which airport is closer to Kartal?
Sabiha Gökçen Airport is closer: 14.7 km, about 20 minutes off-peak. Istanbul Airport is 76.3 km and about 80 minutes away.
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