Sabiha Airport to Izmit
Overview
Sabiha Airport actually sits closer to Izmit than Istanbul's other airport, which keeps this transfer to around 65 kilometres and about 45 to 50 minutes on a coastal road that skirts the Gulf of İzmit for much of the way. Gate-side tracking means your driver already knows which door you will walk through in Sabiha's arrivals hall, ready to load your cases into a private V-Class or Sprinter reserved only for the run toward Izmit. The fare is agreed with you beforehand by WhatsApp message, in Arabic or English, so the coastal scenery is the only surprise on offer. Sabiha Airport to Izmit is a straightforward option for anyone with business or family ties in Kocaeli Province who would rather skip public transport changes entirely.
Highlights
- Around 65 km from Sabiha Airport to Izmit, about 45-50 minutes along the coast
- Sabiha sits noticeably closer to Izmit than the alternative Istanbul airport
- Route follows the Gulf of İzmit shoreline for much of the drive
- No metro line currently serves central Izmit, so a private car covers the whole trip
- Driver tracks the Sabiha arrival gate and greets you right after customs
- Fare agreed by WhatsApp message before you fly, fixed for the whole run
- Waterfront parks along the Sea of Marmara sit close to the city centre
- Mini Köşk and Kebapçı Mehmet Usta are known names within reach of central hotels
Route details
About the destination
İzmit is a vibrant coastal city in Kocaeli Province, renowned for its scenic location on the Gulf of İzmit, historic landmarks like the İzmit Clock Tower, and expansive waterfront parks along the Sea of Marmara.
Hotels nearby
- Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Izmit
- Wellborn Luxury Hotel
- TRYP by Wyndham Izmit
Landmarks nearby
- İzmit Clock Tower
- Seka Park
- Kasr-ı Hümayun Palace
- Mansion of Selim Sırrı Paşa
Restaurants nearby
- Kebapçı Mehmet Usta
- Mini Köşk
- Fi 712 Restaurant
- Keyfi Köfte
Nearest metro
None
Good to know
- Sabiha's arrivals hall has exchange desks near the exit for lira before the coastal drive
- This route runs closer to the airport than most, so pickup times are usually punctual
- The coastal road offers sea views, worth requesting a window seat if travelling with children
- Since no metro serves Izmit directly, arrange any local trips through your driver or hotel
- Weekday mornings see lighter traffic on this eastern route than the city-bound roads
- Seka Park and the waterfront promenade are easy first stops after checking in
- Keep your Izmit hotel address saved digitally in case coastal signal is patchy