Sabiha Airport to Basaksehir
Overview
Sabiha Airport to Basaksehir is a longer, cross-city run, since Sabiha sits on the Asian side and Basaksehir lies out toward the western edge of the European side, close to the Mall of Istanbul. The same driver who has been tracking your flight is holding your name board in the arrivals hall, ready to take the Bosphorus crossing before joining the motorway that leads out toward Basaksehir. That distance is why a private Mercedes suits the trip better than changing between other transport, with the fare for it fixed and confirmed on WhatsApp before you fly, unaffected by how the city is running that day. Families connecting through Sabiha for a stay near the stadium or the mall book this route often.
Highlights
- Roughly 62 km from Sabiha Airport, about 45 to 55 minutes by road
- Crosses from the Asian side to the western edge of the European side
- Passes near Ataturk Olympic Stadium on the approach into Basaksehir
- One of the longer cross-city routes we run from Sabiha
- A private Mercedes suits this distance better than switching vehicles midway
- Basaksehir's wide boulevards make the final stretch an easy, quiet drive
- Driver meets you at Sabiha arrivals with a printed name board
- Price fixed and confirmed on WhatsApp regardless of traffic on the day
Route details
About the destination
Basaksehir is one of Istanbul's newer districts, built up over the past two decades on the northern edge of the European side away from the historic peninsula. It is known for wide boulevards, planned housing estates and the Mall of Istanbul, one of the city's largest shopping centres, alongside the Ataturk Olympic Stadium a short distance away. The area draws residents and business visitors rather than sightseers, with green spaces such as the Millet Bahcesi giving it a more open, suburban feel than the older parts of the city. It suits travellers who want a modern base with easy motorway access, whether for meetings, shopping or a stay close to family already living in the district.
Hotels nearby
- Hampton by Hilton Istanbul Kayasehir
- Hilton Mall of Istanbul
- Mayar Residence Hotel
Landmarks nearby
- Atatürk Olympic Stadium
- Mall of Istanbul
- Başakşehir National Park (Millet Bahçesi)
- Başakşehir Çam & Sakura City Hospital
Restaurants nearby
- Kuzubeyi
- Lezzet-i Şark
- Farika Döner
- Deniz Kızı Restoran
Nearest metro
Başakşehir Metrokent Metro Station (M3)
Good to know
- Withdraw Turkish lira or arrange a SIM card at Sabiha Gokcen before heading out, since Basaksehir is largely residential.
- Message your flight number as soon as you land in Sabiha so the driver's tracking stays accurate.
- Expect the Bosphorus crossing to add time during rush hour, so build in a small buffer either side.
- If your hotel sits near the Mall of Istanbul, mention it when booking so the driver takes the closest exit.
- Bring a light jacket even in summer, since the drive across the city can mean a long spell in air conditioning.
- Save your Basaksehir address in Turkish script beforehand to make the final approach quicker for the driver.