I'm flying to Istanbul for the first time and will be landing at Sabiha Gökçen Airport. I've booked a hotel in Sultanahmet, which is on the European side of the city. I read that SAW is on the Asian side, and to reach the city center, you have to cross the Bosphorus. I'm not sure which is best: the metro, bus, or taxi. Has anyone flown into SAW and traveled to the European side? How much does an airport transfer from SAW to Sultanahmet cost, and how long does the trip take?
By the way, I forgot to mention that I have a connecting flight via Warsaw, so a delay is possible. If I book in advance, will the driver wait for me? Also, does the price include the Bosphorus Bridge toll, or is that charged separately? After a long flight, I don't have the energy to haggle or figure things out on the spot.
Welcome to Istanbul! As someone who lives here and often drives guests around, I'll say right away that our famous Bosphorus Bridge is a whole other story during rush hour. You can get stuck there for a long time, so for a trip like this, it's best to have an experienced driver who knows the city and alternative routes well. I often take this route myself and long ago switched to the transfer aeropuerto Estambul SAW (https://gettransfer.com/en/directions/philippines/puerto-princesa) via GetTransfer. The price is fixed before the trip, and all fees and tolls are included. The ride to Sultanahmet costs around 900–1,000 lira, with no additional charges. The driver will meet you at the terminal, help with your luggage, and take you directly to your hotel on the European side.