Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge, widely known as Istanbul’s Third Bridge, is considered one of the largest engineering projects built in Türkiye in recent years. Since its opening, the bridge has become an essential part of daily transportation in Istanbul, serving not only as a crossing point between the European and Asian sides of the city, but also as a major transportation artery connecting airports, highways, industrial zones, and commercial routes.
With the rapid growth of tourism and transportation services in Istanbul, the importance of the bridge has increased significantly, especially for private transfer services operating between Sabiha Gökçen International Airport and Istanbul Airport.
Overview of the Third Bridge
The bridge officially opened in 2016 as part of a massive infrastructure project designed to reduce traffic congestion on Istanbul’s first and second Bosphorus bridges, both of which had suffered from severe daily traffic for many years.
The bridge is located in the northern part of Istanbul, allowing vehicles to travel between Asia and Europe without entering the heavily congested city center.
Modern Engineering Design
The bridge is considered one of the largest suspension bridges in the world. Its design combines advanced engineering with the ability to handle thousands of vehicles and heavy trucks every day, while also including future railway infrastructure.
Reducing Traffic Congestion
Before the bridge opened, most trucks and commercial vehicles had to pass through central Istanbul, causing massive traffic jams. Today, a large portion of that traffic has been redirected to the northern highway system.
Connection to Major Highways
The bridge is an important part of the Northern Marmara Motorway project, which connects several important cities and transportation routes across Türkiye in a faster and more organized way.
Importance of the Bridge for Airport Transfers
The importance of the third bridge increased dramatically after the opening of Istanbul Airport because the city now has two major international airports located on opposite sides of Istanbul.
Sabiha Gökçen Airport is located on the Asian side, while Istanbul Airport is located on the European side in the northwestern part of the city. As a result, there has been a growing demand for a fast and efficient route connecting the two airports.
Faster Than Inner-City Routes
Traveling through central Istanbul can take a very long time because of heavy traffic, while the third bridge offers a faster and smoother alternative, especially during rush hours.
More Comfortable for Travelers
Passengers arriving after long international flights usually prefer a quieter and more comfortable journey instead of spending hours in city traffic. This is why most VIP transfer companies rely heavily on this route.
Ideal for Large Vehicles
The northern highway and the third bridge are designed to accommodate vans, minibuses, and larger transportation vehicles, making them ideal for airport transfer services.
Distance and Travel Time Between the Airports
The approximate distance between Sabiha Gökçen Airport and Istanbul Airport ranges from 85 to 100 kilometers depending on the chosen route and traffic conditions.
Travel time usually varies according to congestion levels:
| Traffic Condition | Approximate Duration |
|---|---|
| Light traffic | Around 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Moderate traffic | Around 1.5 hours |
| Heavy traffic | Up to 2 hours or more |
During holidays and peak tourism seasons, travel times may increase significantly due to the large number of vehicles on the highways.
Third Bridge Toll Prices
The bridge operates as part of Türkiye’s toll highway system, and payments are collected electronically through the HGS system without requiring vehicles to stop at toll booths.
Passenger Car Toll
The current toll fee for a standard passenger car crossing the bridge is approximately start from 300 Turkish lira and up to 1500 Turkish lira for one direction.
Commercial Vehicle Toll
Larger vehicles such as vans, buses, and trucks pay higher toll fees depending on their classification and axle count approximately start from 500 Turkish lira and up to 2000 Turkish lira which is one reason why VIP transfer prices are higher than standard sedan transfers.
Transfer Prices from Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Istanbul Airport
Transfer prices vary depending on the vehicle type, number of passengers, luggage amount, and service quality. Current market prices in Istanbul are approximately as follows:
Economy Cars
Economy vehicles are suitable for one or two passengers with limited luggage. Prices usually range between 2,700 and 3,500 Turkish lira depending on the company and traffic conditions.
Family Vans
Family vans are commonly used for families or small groups because they provide additional luggage space and more seating comfort. Prices generally range between 3,500 and 4,500 Turkish lira.
Luxury VIP Vehicles
Luxury vehicles such as Mercedes Vito and Volkswagen Caravelle are among the most requested options by tourists and business travelers. Prices usually range between 4,500 and 6,000 Turkish lira and may increase further during busy tourism periods.
Current US Dollar Exchange Rate
According to current exchange rates, 1 US dollar equals approximately 45.8 Turkish lira. This means transportation prices between the airports are directly influenced by fluctuations in the Turkish currency market.
For example:
| Price in Turkish Lira | Approximate Price in USD |
|---|---|
| 3,500 TRY | Around 76 USD |
| 5,000 TRY | Around 109 USD |
| 6,000 TRY | Around 131 USD |
Because exchange rates change frequently, many transfer companies update their prices regularly.
Factors Affecting Transfer Prices
- Travel Time: Night transfers and rides during rush hours are usually more expensive because drivers spend more time on the road.
- Number of Passengers and Luggage: More passengers and larger luggage quantities require bigger vehicles, which increases the overall transfer cost.
- Tourism Season: During summer holidays, public holidays, and peak tourism months, demand for airport transfers rises sharply, leading to higher prices.
- Vehicle Type: There is a major difference between a standard economy sedan and a luxury VIP van equipped with premium seating, Wi-Fi, and additional comfort features.
Conclusion
Today, Istanbul’s Third Bridge is much more than a simple Bosphorus crossing. It has become a strategic transportation project that transformed mobility across the city and connected major transportation hubs in a faster and more efficient way.
As Istanbul continues to grow and attract millions of tourists and travelers every year, the importance of the third bridge is expected to increase even further, particularly in the airport transfer sector between Sabiha Gökçen Airport and Istanbul Airport, where it has become the preferred route for most professional transportation services.