With the arrival of the first plane of Pegasus Airlines on February 18, 2023, the regular route from Sabiha Gokcen Airport in Istanbul to Plovdiv Airport was launched. It will take place twice a week - on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and prices start at BGN 55 for a one-way ticket. The duration of the flight is about an hour.
Sabiha Gokcen is one of the international airports serving the metropolis of Istanbul in Turkey. It is named after the first woman in the world to pilot a combat aircraft, and is located 35 km southeast of the center, in the Asian part of the city.
You can get from it to the center of Istanbul or back by taxi/transfer, car rental, shuttle buses and public transport (subway, buses).
Subway
From October 2022, Sabiha Gokcen Airport in Istanbul is accessible by subway. Line M4 connects it directly to Kadiköy (also in the Asian part). If your final destination is Sultanahmet in the European part of Istanbul, you should get off at Ayrılık Çeşmesi station and transfer to the Marmaray train in the direction of Halkalı. It takes another 8 minutes to reach Sirkeci İstasyonu. This station is within walking distance of Topkapı Palace, Hagia Sophia and Sultan Ahmet Mosque. Travel time from the airport by public transport, including one transfer (subway and Marmaray) is 1 hour and 10 minutes.
Istanbul Sabiha Gökcen Airport Subway Station is next to the terminal and a 5-minute walk from the arrivals hall. Metro M4 departs every half hour in the direction of Kadiköy and Sabiha Gökcen Airport in Istanbul, every day of the week between 06:00 and 00:00. On weekends, the subway operates 24 hours a day. Tickets for public transport in Istanbul can be purchased from the yellow ticket machines called biletmatik at the stations.
Public transport/bus:
This is the cheapest but also the most inconvenient way, especially if you have heavy luggage. To get to the center you will need to use a bus and a ferry. First you need to take bus line E10 or E11 to Kadıköy and then take a ferry to Karaköy. From there you can continue by trams/subway.
Shuttle bus
This is the most famous bus service for transportation to and from the airport. It is operated by the Havabüs company and takes you directly from the airport to Taksim on the European side of the city and Kadıköy on the Asian side. White buses depart every 30 minutes from Sabiha Gokcen Airport in Istanbul, Taksim and Kadıköy. You will find the airport bus stop in front of the arrivals hall across the road. Travel time is at least 60 minutes to Taksim and minimum 40 minutes to Kadiköy ferry terminal. You can buy a ticket at the bus.
Taxi
Using a taxi is the most convenient and fastest way. But due to heavy traffic jams, it can also be quite a bit more expensive compared to all the aforementioned travel methods. You will find yellow taxis as soon as you exit the arrivals hall. Tariffs should be prominently displayed.
Private transfer
Private transfer is a great alternative to both taxis and the standard airport shuttle. They are much more convenient than taxis, have a fixed price and therefore offer a much more relaxed (and safe) drive to your hotel. Unlike Havabus, private buses take you to your hotel doorstep. They are also the best option when your group is three or more people (with a lot of luggage) or when you are traveling with very young children.
Rental car
For those who prefer to reach the city and explore the area on their own, the best option is to rent a car directly at the airport. There you will find various car rental companies such as Avis, Bostanci, Budget, Enterprise, Europcar, Payless, etc. Compare their prices and book your car online for maximum security.
