Traffic and Road Condition Tips When Leaving Sabiha Gökçen Airport
1. Check the Traffic in Advance
Istanbul is known for its heavy traffic, and especially during morning and evening rush hours, traffic can get extremely congested. Before heading out from Sabiha Gökçen Airport, it’s wise to check the traffic conditions. Apps like Google Maps and Yandex Navigator can help you track real-time traffic and find alternative routes.
Tip: Major roads around the airport, particularly the TEM Highway and D100 Highway, can be very congested. By checking traffic apps in advance, you can assess alternative routes.
2. Choose the Right Time
Traffic in Istanbul varies at different times of the day. The morning and evening rush hours (from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM) are when traffic is the heaviest. If possible, you may want to plan your travel outside these peak times. Additionally, weekends can also see heavy traffic on some routes.
Tip: If you’ve arrived early in the morning and have to wait for a while, your journey will likely be easier compared to the evening rush hour, when traffic tends to be denser.
3. Keep an Eye on the Weather
Istanbul’s weather can be unpredictable, and especially during the winter months, rain, snow, or fog can worsen road conditions. Before heading out, it’s important to check the weather forecast to avoid unexpected weather challenges.
Tip: In adverse weather conditions, it’s crucial to drive more cautiously. Rain or fog can reduce visibility, which can impact driving safety.
4. Use Navigation Apps
Taking advantage of technology can help you navigate Istanbul’s traffic more easily. Once you leave Sabiha Gökçen Airport, using a navigation app to plan your route and monitor traffic is a great way to save time. Navigation apps also provide important real-time updates on road closures, accidents, and traffic conditions.
Tip: Google Maps, Waze, and Yandex Navigator not only provide traffic information but also offer alerts for potential accidents and road closures. Using these apps, you can easily adjust your route and ensure a quicker trip.
5. Check Traffic Cameras
Various traffic cameras throughout Istanbul offer real-time views of the road conditions. You can check live images from these cameras to get updated information on traffic near Sabiha Gökçen Airport and surrounding roads. Many municipalities and traffic authorities stream these camera feeds online.
Tip: By checking traffic cameras, you can gain insights into potential congestion before your trip and adjust your route accordingly.
6. Consider Public Transportation and Alternative Options
If you’d rather avoid the traffic, you might want to consider using Istanbul’s public transportation or other alternative options. From Sabiha Gökçen Airport, you can reach major areas like Kadıköy and Taksim by bus, taxi, metro, or private transfer. In some cases, airport shuttle services might be a quicker option.
Tip: If you don’t want to deal with the heavy traffic, consider public transportation or private transfer services. These options offer a more relaxed experience, especially when traffic is at its peak.
7. Be Patient and Prepare Before You Leave
Sometimes, no matter how careful you are, Istanbul’s traffic can still be heavy. Therefore, it’s important to stay patient before heading out. Additionally, ensuring you have enough fuel, water, snacks, and phone charge in your car can make your journey more comfortable.
Tip: For long trips, especially when there’s heavy traffic, make sure to prepare everything you need beforehand for a smoother journey.
