REVIEW · ISTANBUL
Private Transfer from Istanbul Airport to Sabiha Gökcen Airport
Book on Viator →Operated by Travel Inn Turkey · Bookable on Viator
Airport transfers can turn stressful fast. This private IST to SAW transfer is designed to cut the hassle down to almost nothing, with meet & greet service and flight tracking built in.
What I really like here is the very specific pickup plan—arrival exit instructions plus the M 55 sign—and the practical help with bags so you’re not juggling everything while finding your ride. You also get a climate-controlled minivan, which matters when you’re landing after a long flight.
One thing to consider: the service has clear luggage limits (1 suitcase plus 1 carry-on per traveler), and extra or oversized items may need prior approval. If you’re traveling with unusual gear, plan ahead.
In This Review
- Key things to know before you go
- How the IST arrival pickup actually works (Exit 13, M 55, and no-name privacy)
- What “luggage assistance” means when you’re tired and carrying too much
- The 90-minute transfer in an air-conditioned minivan
- Getting from Istanbul Airport (IST) to Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) without extra hassle
- Price and group size: when $236.70 per group makes sense
- If your flight changes, your transfer still stays calm
- Communication quality: the people behind the transfer
- Luggage rules and special gear: what can get you stuck if you assume
- Who should book this IST to SAW private transfer
- Should you book this private transfer from Istanbul Airport (IST) to Sabiha Gökçen (SAW)?
- FAQ
- Where do I meet the driver at Istanbul Airport (IST)?
- What happens if my flight is delayed?
- How long is the transfer from IST to SAW?
- Is this transfer private or shared?
- What’s included in the price?
- What luggage am I allowed to bring?
- Do I need to tip the driver?
- Is service for all travelers suitable?
- How much time do I have to cancel for a full refund?
Key things to know before you go

- Exit 13 meet-up with M 55 sign makes pickup easier than random doorways and crowds
- Flight tracking at no extra charge helps if your plane runs late
- A/C minivan and luggage assistance keeps arrival and departure calmer
- All taxes, tolls, and fuel included means fewer surprises at payment time
- Up to 4 people per group can be good value versus taxis or multiple rides
How the IST arrival pickup actually works (Exit 13, M 55, and no-name privacy)
The whole point of a private airport transfer is simple: you want someone to meet you and get you moving. Here, that process starts right in the arrivals terminal at Istanbul Airport (IST). Your meeting point is the Arrival Terminal, Exit 13 area. Then you look for a sign marked M 55—that’s where your driver/support team will be.
A small but important detail: for privacy reasons, passenger names won’t be displayed. That’s actually good news if you’d rather not have your full name floating around in the terminal for strangers to spot. The trade-off is that you’ll need to rely on the sign and a quick confirmation step.
If your flight is delayed, this service is ready for it. They track your flight and wait for you, without charging you extra. That single feature can be the difference between arriving calm and arriving stressed—especially in a busy airport where getting delayed often means you’ll also be stuck navigating lines and unclear directions.
My practical advice: once you’ve landed, keep your booking confirmation info handy and be ready to confirm quickly at the terminal. This type of transfer works best when the meeting is smooth and fast.
You can also read our reviews of more private tours in Istanbul
What “luggage assistance” means when you’re tired and carrying too much

Airport transfers usually promise luggage help, but not all of them handle it in a way that feels useful. In this case, luggage assistance is included on both ends of the transfer, and that matters.
At IST, it means you’re not doing the full juggling act of rolling suitcase + carry-on + phone + documents while trying to locate a vehicle. At the airport end, help also reduces that last-minute scramble when you’re tired and just trying to get settled.
There’s another reason to pay attention to the luggage rules: you’re allowed a maximum of 1 suitcase and 1 carry-on bag per traveler. If you’re traveling with oversized items (examples given include bicycles and surfboards), don’t assume it’s automatically accepted. The data says excess or oversized luggage may have restrictions unless pre-arranged, so if your gear is bulky, reach out before you go and confirm whether it fits under adult-pricing rules.
My practical takeaway: if you’re traveling with standard suitcases and a carry-on, you’re in the sweet spot for this service. If you’re traveling with unusual gear, message the operator early.
The 90-minute transfer in an air-conditioned minivan

The drive time is listed at about 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on conditions. That’s a helpful target because it sets your expectations for arrival planning, hotel check-in timing, and any onward connections you might have.
The vehicle is an air-conditioned minivan. That sounds basic, but it’s a real comfort upgrade. Istanbul can feel hot and chaotic on landing days, and A/C makes the ride more comfortable while you decompress and focus on what’s next.
This transfer is private, so you won’t be sharing the van with strangers whose schedules don’t match yours. In the reviews, people specifically called out the vehicle as spacious and comfortable, with on-time service and fast responses. That lines up with what a private transfer should feel like: calm, direct, and orderly.
Good to know: the service says it’s near public transportation, but since this is a private transfer, you shouldn’t need to rely on public options mid-ride. The “near public transportation” note is more relevant if you ever want alternatives.
Getting from Istanbul Airport (IST) to Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) without extra hassle

You’re going cross-city within Istanbul—from IST to Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW). That route can be tricky in terms of timing, traffic, and airport logistics, which is exactly why booking a private transfer is worth considering.
The drop-off location is Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW), with an address provided in Sanayi, Pendik. In real life, airport addresses can help you confirm you’re in the right place if you’re using GPS and want reassurance.
Also, this transfer includes taxes, tolls, and fuel charges in the price. That matters because many transfers and taxi options can turn into “surprise math” once tolls and extra charges appear. Here, what you pay is meant to cover the route with fewer line-item surprises.
One more small win: because it’s a professional, licensed driver, you’re not trying to sort out driver credentials or guessing whether someone knows the fastest approach. The service is built for an airport-to-airport flow, not random sightseeing detours.
Price and group size: when $236.70 per group makes sense

The price is listed as $236.70 per group, up to 4 people. That pricing structure can be a good deal when you’re traveling as a small group—especially if you’re split into multiple taxis or rides.
Here’s how I think about value for this type of transfer:
- If you’re traveling solo, it’s often more expensive than public transit or a single taxi. But the trade is time saved and stress reduced.
- If you’re traveling as 3–4 people, the cost per person drops fast compared to separate rides. And the advantage stays the same: meet-and-greet, a private vehicle, luggage help, and flight tracking.
- You also get included essentials that you’d otherwise have to handle yourself: licensed driver, air-conditioned vehicle, and coverage of taxes/tolls/fuel.
The reviews back up the “what you pay for” angle: people highlighted stress-free pickup, a comfortable and spacious vehicle, on-time arrival, and quick responses. Even if you never care about the word VIP, that feeling shows up when pickup is organized and the ride is easy.
One cost note: tips aren’t included. That doesn’t mean you must tip, but it does mean budgeting for optional gratuities if you choose to.
A few more Istanbul tours and experiences worth a look
If your flight changes, your transfer still stays calm
Flight delays are common, and what you want is a system that adapts. This transfer includes flight tracking and explicitly notes there’s no extra charge if your flight is delayed.
From a traveler perspective, this is one of the most valuable features because it removes the need for you to keep re-contacting the company. It also reduces the chance of you arriving to find your driver gone and then trying to scramble for alternatives while you’re already tired.
So, if your flight is late, your best move is to still do the normal safety steps—confirm you’re through arrivals, check your terminal location, and keep communication ready if needed. But you won’t have to pay the extra “waiting fee” pressure that many other transfers create.
In short: it’s built for real airport chaos, not perfect schedules.
Communication quality: the people behind the transfer

The service is provided by Travel Inn Turkey. What I like in the available feedback is that responses are signed by real team members, including Maria (Manager) and Anastasia & The travelinnTurkey Team. That might sound small, but it usually correlates with consistent customer support—especially when the pickup process hinges on correct meeting instructions.
It also hints that the company understands how airport arrivals work: quick confirmations, smooth handoffs, and not making you chase details after landing.
There’s also an extra support line you might appreciate: after you book online, you can call or message the team and they can help with reservations in Istanbul or special requirements in Turkey. That’s not required for the transfer itself, but it’s useful if you arrive with plans and want a hand.
Luggage rules and special gear: what can get you stuck if you assume
Airport transfers are simple until they aren’t. Here are the specifics you should keep in mind before you pack:
- Each traveler is allowed a maximum of 1 suitcase and 1 carry-on bag.
- Excess or oversized luggage (examples include bicycles and surfboards) may have restrictions unless pre-arranged.
- If you’re bringing extra-size items, you should inquire with the operator prior to travel to confirm acceptance.
This matters for two reasons. First, the van has physical limits. Second, the service pricing notes that adult pricing applies to all travelers—so if you’re traveling with extra people or special equipment arrangements, it’s better to confirm early rather than argue at the curb.
My suggestion: count your bags per person before you leave home and match it to the limit. If you’re right at the edge, message the operator and ask how they handle your situation.
Who should book this IST to SAW private transfer
This transfer is a strong fit for:
- Small groups up to 4 people who want a calm arrival or departure transfer
- People landing with luggage and not wanting to hunt for taxis
- Anyone whose flights might change and wants the comfort of tracking
- Travelers who value a licensed driver and a vehicle that’s ready when you arrive
- Families or groups who just want the simplest path between Istanbul airports
It’s also a good choice if you’d rather spend your time planning the next day instead of planning how to get across Istanbul while stressed.
If you’re the kind of traveler who likes doing everything independently and you’re comfortable figuring out public transport after a flight, you could go cheaper. But if your priority is getting from IST to SAW cleanly, this private service is built for that.
Should you book this private transfer from Istanbul Airport (IST) to Sabiha Gökçen (SAW)?
If you want an airport-to-airport ride that’s straightforward, organized, and comfortable, I’d book it. The biggest reasons are the very practical ones: meet-and-greet at Exit 13 with M 55, luggage help, a climate-controlled minivan, and flight tracking so delays don’t turn into problems.
Book it especially if you’re traveling with 2–4 people, because the per-group pricing makes sense fast. You’ll also appreciate it if you’re tired, carrying standard bags, and don’t want to waste energy negotiating Istanbul airport logistics.
Skip or double-check first if you have oversized or extra luggage. This service works best when your bags fit the stated limits and your pickup needs are simple.
FAQ
Where do I meet the driver at Istanbul Airport (IST)?
You’ll meet at the Istanbul Airport Arrival Terminal, Exit 13. Look for a sign marked M 55.
What happens if my flight is delayed?
The service tracks your flight and will wait for you without any extra charge for flight delays.
How long is the transfer from IST to SAW?
The duration is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.
Is this transfer private or shared?
It’s private. Only your group participates.
What’s included in the price?
Included are meet-and-greet service at the arrivals terminal, a professional licensed driver, flight tracking, air-conditioned minivan, luggage assistance (standard baggage), plus all taxes, tolls, and fuel charges.
What luggage am I allowed to bring?
Each traveler is allowed a maximum of 1 suitcase and 1 carry-on bag. Oversized or excessive luggage may have restrictions unless pre-arranged.
Do I need to tip the driver?
Tips or gratuities are not included. They are optional.
Is service for all travelers suitable?
Most travelers can participate. Service animals are allowed.
How much time do I have to cancel for a full refund?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Changes within 24 hours aren’t accepted.





























