Istanbul Asian Side Transfer Guide — Getting to Kadikoy, Uskudar & More 2026

Istanbul's Asian Side (Anatolian Side), with vibrant neighborhoods like Kadikoy, Uskudar, Bostanci, Maltepe, and Pendik, is attracting increasing tourist interest. From Kadikoy's food scene to Uskudar's historic mosques, from Bagdat Avenue shopping to Moda waterfront serenity — the Asian Side is an essential part of the Istanbul experience İlgili: Istanbul Airport Transfer.

However, transport planning can be somewhat complex. Istanbul's two airports are on different sides: Istanbul Airport (IST) is on the European Side, while Sabiha Gokcen (SAW) is on the Asian Side. Which airport you use significantly affects your travel time to an Asian Side accommodation. In this guide, we compare all transport options from both airports to the Asian Side.

Getting from IST Airport to the Asian Side

Istanbul Airport (IST) is located in the northern part of the European Side. Crossing to the Asian Side requires using one of the Bosphorus bridges or the Eurasia Tunnel. This increases both distance and traffic risk. IST to Kadikoy is approximately 55-65 km, to Uskudar 50-60 km, to Pendik 70-80 km.

Getting from SAW Airport to the Asian Side

Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) is located in Pendik on the Asian Side. It is much closer to Asian Side neighborhoods and requires no bridge crossing. SAW to Kadikoy is 35-40 km, to Uskudar 40-45 km, to Pendik just 10-15 km. If your accommodation is on the Asian Side, choosing a SAW flight can halve your transfer time.

Private Transfer: The Most Comfortable Way to the Asian Side

A private transfer is the most advantageous option, especially when traveling from IST to the Asian Side. Why? Bridge tolls and motorway fees are included in the fixed price, the optimal route is chosen based on real-time traffic, child seats and spacious luggage areas are provided, and the driver knows the area. When traveling from IST to the Asian Side, the driver selects between the July 15th Bridge, FSM Bridge, or Eurasia Tunnel based on live traffic.

Merry Tourism offers transfers from both airports to all Asian Side neighborhoods. Mercedes Vito for families, sedan for couples, Sprinter for large groups. Price is set based on airport and destination area and does not change. Same price day or night.

Public Transport to the Asian Side

Getting from IST to the Asian Side by public transport is possible but complex. First option: M11 metro to Gayrettepe, M2 to Yenikapi, Marmaray to Kadikoy/Uskudar. This route requires 3 transfers and takes 1.5-2 hours total. Second option: Havaist to Kadikoy or Taksim, then ferry to Kadikoy. Both options make luggage carrying and child management challenging.

Check metro.istanbul and sehirhatlari.istanbul for current schedules. Metro closes at midnight — public transport is not an option for night flights.

Taxi to the Asian Side

You can take a taxi from IST to the Asian Side, but bridge tolls and the long distance significantly increase the metered fare. During rush hours, bridge traffic waiting time is also reflected on the meter. No child seats. From SAW, taxis to Asian Side neighborhoods are shorter and more economical.

For groups of 3+, a private transfer from IST is more economical per person than a taxi. From SAW, taxi and private transfer prices may be close for 1-2 passengers on short distances — but comfort, child seats, and safety advantages remain with private transfer.

What to See on the Asian Side

Kadikoy is one of Istanbul's most vibrant neighborhoods: Moda waterfront, Bahariye Avenue shopping, diverse meyhane and restaurant scene, antique streets, and weekend markets. Uskudar offers a historic atmosphere with Maiden's Tower views, Mihrimah Sultan Mosque, and waterfront promenades.

Bagdat Avenue is one of Turkey's most famous shopping streets — 6 km of brands, cafes, and restaurants. Fenerbahce and Caddebostan waterfronts are ideal for family walks and picnics. Merry Tourism also offers tour transfer services within the Asian Side.

How to Book Your Transfer

Booking an IST or SAW to Asian Side transfer with Merry Tourism takes 2 minutes. Enter flight number, passenger count, child seat needs, and address. Instant confirmation with driver details. WhatsApp communication throughout.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours. Payment in EUR, USD, or TRY. Online credit card available. Transfers to Kadikoy, Uskudar, Bostanci, Maltepe, Pendik, and all Asian Side neighborhoods.

Airport Comparison by Asian Side Neighborhood

7 Most Asked Questions from Asian Side Travelers

• IST or SAW — which is better for the Asian Side? — If your accommodation is on the Asian Side, SAW is always closer; transfer time is roughly half compared to IST.
• How much extra time does IST-Kadikoy bridge traffic add? — Evening rush 17:00-20:00 can add 45-60 minutes; transfer drivers select the bridge based on live traffic.
• Are there night services from SAW to Kadikoy? — Unlike IST, SAW is much closer; night transfer completes in 30-40 minutes.
• Can I find a car with a child seat on the Asian Side? — Do not count on yellow taxis; private transfers provide free ISOFIX as standard.
• How many transfers does IST to Asian Side public transport require? — M11 + M2 + Marmaray needs at least 2-3 changes; takes 1.5-2 hours.
• I landed at IST at 01:00 AM, how do I get to Kadikoy? — Metro is closed, no ferries; private transfer is the only reliable option and has no night surcharge.
• How does my hotel location on the Asian Side affect transfer time? — If in Pendik, 15 minutes from SAW; if in Uskudar, 35-55 minutes from SAW.

When planning travel to the Asian Side, the most critical decision is which airport you use. If you are flying via IST and staying on the Asian Side, private transfer — with bridge toll included at a fixed price — is the most cost-effective and comfortable option. It eliminates multiple transfers, long walks and night service gaps, making it the clear choice especially for families with luggage and group travel.

Recommendations to Make Your Asian Side Transfer Experience the Best It Can Be

Our top recommendation when planning travel to the Asian Side: if you can fly via SAW, choose that option — your transfer time and cost will drop significantly. If you are arriving via IST, book your transfer at the same time as your flight. If you are arriving after midnight, a private transfer is mandatory — neither the metro nor ferries operate at that hour. Merry Tourism offers door-to-door, fixed-price transfer service from both IST and SAW to all Asian Side neighborhoods, with bridge toll included.

Night Transfer Scenarios from the Asian Side to the Airport

Between 23:00 and 06:00, getting from Istanbul's Asian Side to Istanbul Airport by public transport is near-impossible. At this hour the metro is closed, ferries are minimal, and Havaist Asian Side night services are very limited. In these hours, the reliable options are taxis and private transfers. A taxi at night can produce a high bill with the 50 percent night surcharge plus bridge toll, and the meter keeps running while you wait in bridge traffic. Private transfers carry no night surcharge — the price is fixed in advance and does not change. For passengers with night flights, especially Asian Side residents heading to IST, private transfer remains the smartest and most budget-friendly solution available.

Asian Side Transfer Experiences Shared by Merry Tourism Customers

The experience shared by a German tourist couple staying in Kadikoy neatly summarises the Merry Tourism service philosophy. Arriving at IST at 01:30 AM, the couple emphasised the relief they felt when they saw their pre-booked transfer driver waiting with a name board at customs. On the same travel date, another passenger who decided to take a last-minute taxi to Uskudar waited 55 minutes in bridge traffic while the driver added the bridge toll separately on the meter. The difference created by a fixed-price, pre-planned transfer is clearly illustrated when these two scenarios are placed side by side, and the comfort and cost advantage it provides is unambiguous.

How to Get a Merry Tourism Price Quote for Asian Side Transfers

On the Merry Tourism website, use the Get a Quote button to enter your departure point — IST or SAW airport — destination address, passenger count, and child seat needs to receive a fixed-price quote in 30 seconds. The price is shown in EUR, USD, or TRY; payment can be made online by card during booking or in cash on arrival. Confirmation is instant and driver details — name, phone number, vehicle plate — are sent immediately. When a flight number is added to the booking, the driver tracks your flight and greets you at the airport without unnecessary waiting on either side. This fully digital and transparent process is one of the key features that sets Merry Tourism apart from other transport options.

Asian Side Transfer: Final Notes and Recommendations

Istanbul's Asian Side, with its rich cultural life, delicious cuisine, and historic character, welcomes millions of local and international visitors every year. When reaching these beautiful neighborhoods, the right airport choice and the right transfer choice are critical decisions that determine how your holiday or business trip begins. From SAW to the Asian Side, a private transfer is the shortest, most economical, and most comfortable option. If arriving from IST, a private transfer with bridge toll included at a fixed price is again the most reliable choice. For night arrivals, families with children, and passengers with multiple bags, the choice is unambiguous. Take advantage of Merry Tourism's door-to-door fixed-price transfer service from both airports to all Asian Side neighborhoods.