Sabiha Airport to Buyukcekmece
Overview
Sabiha Gökçen to Buyukcekmece is one of the longer cross-city routes we run, since it starts on the Asian side and heads all the way to the far western coast, a distance of around 81.8 km that typically takes 60 to 75 minutes depending on the bridge crossing. Since this run stretches Istanbul's whole width behind you, settling in pays off, and the same car and driver carry you without a change all the way to your lakeside or Marmara-facing address. Sultan Suleyman Kanuni Bridge and the promenade around Buyukcekmece Lake wait at the far end of this crossing, a genuinely different pace from the airport side of the city you left behind at Sabiha Gökçen. Whatever the traffic on the bridge does, the total price for this cross-city run was already written down on WhatsApp beforehand, so the distance itself never shows up as an added cost.
Highlights
- Around 81.8 km from Sabiha Gökçen, typically 60 to 75 minutes.
- Route crosses the city entirely, from the Asian side to the far coast.
- Waterside hotels near the lake suit longer, more restorative stays.
- Sultan Suleyman Kanuni Bridge and the lake promenade sit close together.
- Sancaklar Mosque's modern design is a short drive from the district.
- One fixed fare for the whole cross-city distance, confirmed on WhatsApp.
- Marina and lakeside dining make this a relaxed base away from the centre.
- A private car makes this long crossing easier than a shared ride would.
Route details
About the destination
Büyükçekmece sits at the western edge of Istanbul's European side, a coastal district built around a wide lagoon-like lake that opens to the Sea of Marmara, far enough from the centre to feel more like a seaside town than a city suburb. Its long promenade and marina draw local families for weekend walks, while a historic stone bridge attributed to the Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan still carries traffic across the water it was designed to span centuries ago. Older hans and mosques from the Ottoman period sit alongside newer hotels and resort-style complexes that have grown up along the shoreline in recent decades. Visitors who choose to stay this far out usually want a quieter base with open sea views, easy beach access, and a slower pace than the historic peninsula offers, while still being within reach of the airport for arrival and departure.
Hotels nearby
- Eser Premium Hotel & Spa
- Mercia Hotels & Resorts
- Lion City Hotel
Landmarks nearby
- Sultan Suleyman Kanuni Bridge
- Kurşunlu Han
- Sokollu Mehmed Pasha Mosque
- Sancaklar Mosque
- Büyükçekmece Lake
Restaurants nearby
- Sedir Fish Restaurant
- Ziyafettin Usta Kebab House
- The Hunger Kıyı Istanbul
- Kalikratya Balık
Nearest metro
Tüyap Metrobus Station
Good to know
- Settle in for a longer ride, since this crossing spans the whole city.
- Bring snacks or entertainment for children on the roughly hour-long drive.
- Bridge traffic builds in the evening, so daytime crossings often run smoother.
- Change money or draw cash before leaving the terminal, since the drive ahead is a long one.
- Note your hotel's exact street near the lake, as several resorts sit close together.
- The marina promenade is a good stretch for stretching your legs after the drive.
- Evenings by the lake are calm, a pleasant way to end a long travel day.