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How To Go From Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) to Buyukada Anastasia Meziki History Mansion
Reaching the historic Anastasia Meziki Mansion on Büyükada from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) might seem deceptively simple given the 0.00 km distance and 0 minutes duration displayed. However, this indicates the final leg of your journey, not the entire trip. This blog post details how to travel from SAW airport to Büyükada, focusing on the fact that you can't physically be *at* the Mansion and the airport simultaneously. We'll explore all your transport options, including their pros, cons, and estimated travel times, so you can plan a smooth and enjoyable journey to this beautiful historical location. Getting to Büyükada requires a multi-step process involving airport transfer, ferry travel, and potentially a short taxi ride. Expect a journey of at least 2-3 hours depending on traffic and ferry schedules. We will cover various methods, including taxi, Havabus, and public transport combinations, to help you choose the best option for your needs and budget.
From Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) to Büyükada's Anastasia Meziki Mansion: A Detailed Guide
The 0.00 km and 0 minutes displayed are misleading. They refer only to the *final* distance and time from the Büyükada ferry terminal to the Mansion itself—essentially, a negligible final step, which most likely means the Mansion is directly adjacent to the ferry terminal, or a very short walk away. The real challenge is reaching Büyükada from Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW), located on the Asian side of Istanbul, considerably distant from the Princes' Islands.
Transportation Options from SAW Airport to Büyükada:
- Taxi + Ferry: This is the most straightforward, albeit priciest, option. A taxi from SAW to the Kadıköy ferry terminal will take approximately 1-1.5 hours depending on traffic. From Kadıköy, you'll catch a ferry to Büyükada. The ferry journey lasts around 1-1.5 hours. Once on Büyükada, a short taxi ride or walk will take you to the Anastasia Meziki Mansion (depending on its precise location near the ferry terminal). This method is convenient but can be expensive, particularly during peak hours.
- Havabus + Ferry + Tram/Taxi: Havabus is a shuttle bus service connecting SAW to various points in Istanbul, including Taksim and the city center. You could take the Havabus to Kadıköy (which is more convenient than Taksim for this route). From Kadıköy, follow the ferry instructions detailed above. This option is cost-effective compared to a taxi but may take slightly longer due to the multiple transfer points.
- Public Transport (Metrobus + Ferry): This option combines multiple modes of public transport. You would take the TEM Highway using a public bus (check the latest local transportation schedules for this), which will likely involve walking a distance between bus stops and airport. Next, you'd switch to the Metrobus and then head to the Kadıköy ferry terminal. The journey could be longer but significantly cheaper than other options, however, planning is critical and will demand more time commitment. This is suitable for budget travelers comfortable with navigating Istanbul's public transportation system.
Detailed Breakdown of Each Option:
Taxi + Ferry:
- Pros: Fastest option, door-to-door service, convenient.
- Cons: Most expensive, subject to traffic delays.
- Estimated Cost: High (Expect to pay around 200-300 TL or more).
- Estimated Time: 2-3 hours (including potential traffic delays).
Havabus + Ferry + Taxi/Tram:
- Pros: Relatively affordable, less affected by traffic (except at the Kadıköy terminal).
- Cons: Requires multiple transfers.
- Estimated Cost: Medium (Around 100-150 TL).
- Estimated Time: 2.5-3.5 hours (depending on transfer times and ferry schedules).
Public Transport (Bus/Metrobus + Ferry):
- Pros: Cheapest option.
- Cons: Time-consuming, requires navigating multiple transport lines, might be confusing for first-time visitors.
- Estimated Cost: Low (Around 50-75 TL)
- Estimated Time: 3-4 hours or more (depending on connections and waiting times).