Getting From Istanbul Airport (IST/SAW) to the Clinic

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International patients · Bahçelievler, Istanbul

Getting From Istanbul Airport (IST/SAW) to the Clinic

Our clinic is in Bahçelievler, Istanbul, about 600 m from İlkyuva station on the M3 metro line. From Istanbul Airport (IST) you can reach us by rail using the metro and a Marmaray connection; from Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) by the M4 metro and a Marmaray change. Both airports also have taxis and ride-hailing apps. Confirm the current route on the official Metro İstanbul and İETT sources before you set off.

This guide covers the transport options from both airports, which route suits the day of surgery, how to find the address and how to fit your journey to your treatment timetable. You are welcome to send transport questions via WhatsApp before you travel; we will clarify your plan together.

In short: In brief: Yayla Dental Akademi is at Ferit Selimpaşa Cad. No:44A, Bahçelievler/İstanbul, in the Basın Sitesi area opposite Migros, about a 600 m walk from İlkyuva station on the M3 line. From Istanbul Airport the metro (M11) and a Marmaray connection, and from Sabiha Gökçen the M4 metro and a Marmaray change, bring you by rail to the Bakırköy–Bahçelievler area; both airports also have taxis and ride-hailing apps. Routes and timetables change, so check the current information from Metro İstanbul and İETT. On the day of surgery, a door-to-door option is advisable to avoid heavy luggage and tiring changes, and strenuous effort should be avoided for the first 24 hours. Staying close to the clinic reduces your travel burden.

Where is the clinic and how do you find it?

Our address is Ferit Selimpaşa Cad. No:44A, Bahçelievler/İstanbul. The clinic is in the Basın Sitesi area, opposite Migros. The nearest rail stop is İlkyuva station on the M3 line; the walk from the station to the clinic is about 600 m.

We are open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 21:00 and closed on Sundays. You can book through our online booking page or by phone or WhatsApp on +90 544 289 66 33. If you have trouble finding the way, write to us on the same number when you leave the station and we will give you directions.

Istanbul traffic varies a great deal with the time of day. It is therefore more comfortable to plan your journey to the clinic around the rail system with a flexible time margin rather than a fixed travel time. For the first examination day in particular, we suggest settling into your accommodation first rather than coming straight from the airport to the clinic.

How do you get from Istanbul Airport (IST) to the clinic?

Istanbul Airport lies in the north of the city on the European side. It is served by a metro line (M11), which offers connections towards the city centre and towards Halkalı. At Halkalı you can change to Marmaray and continue towards Bakırköy; from the Bakırköy area you change to the M3 line and travel to İlkyuva station. Airport buses also run to various points in the city.

Which connection suits you depends on how much luggage you have, your arrival time and the service situation that day. Because line extensions, maintenance work and timetables change, confirm the current route on the official Metro İstanbul and İETT pages. Fares on the rail network and İETT buses are paid with an İstanbulkart, which you can obtain from sales points at the airport.

  1. Follow the signs in the airport down to the metro station.
  2. Take the metro towards Halkalı and change to Marmaray.
  3. Travel on Marmaray towards Bakırköy and change to the M3 line at the connecting station.
  4. Take the M3 to İlkyuva station and walk about 600 m to the clinic.

If your luggage is heavy or you land late at night, a licensed taxi or a ride-hailing app may be more comfortable for door-to-door travel. Showing the driver the address in writing reduces misunderstandings.

How do you get from Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) to the clinic?

Sabiha Gökçen Airport is on the Asian side, and because our clinic is on the European side your journey includes crossing the Bosphorus. From the airport the M4 metro runs towards Kadıköy. At Ayrılık Çeşmesi station you change to Marmaray to cross to the European side, continue towards Bakırköy and change to the M3 line to reach İlkyuva. Airport shuttle buses also serve some points on the European side.

This route involves several changes, and the journey is generally longer than from Istanbul Airport. Bear this in mind if you plan to fly on the same day as a treatment. Check the current Marmaray and metro timetables and any route changes on Metro İstanbul’s official sources.

Taxis and ride-hailing apps are available at Sabiha Gökçen too. Because the Bosphorus crossing depends on bridge or tunnel traffic, the journey can take longer at busy times; leave a flexible margin.

Which transport suits the day of surgery?

For the first 12–24 hours after a surgical procedure, strenuous effort is to be avoided, because a rise in blood pressure can restart oozing that had stopped. Carrying heavy luggage, climbing stairs and crowded changes count as such effort. On the day of surgery, a door-to-door option is therefore more comfortable than a long rail journey.

A practical approach is this: use a taxi or ride-hailing app with your luggage when travelling from the airport to your accommodation, and use the metro comfortably on examination and check-up days. If someone is accompanying you on the day of surgery, letting them plan the journey back takes a weight off your mind.

Swelling peaks 36–72 hours after the procedure and subsides within a week in most patients. Having your accommodation close to the clinic on those days makes it easier to attend the check-up. Details on choosing accommodation are in our guide to staying near the clinic.

Comparing the two airports

The table below compares the two airports in general terms from the point of view of reaching the clinic. We do not give journey times, because traffic, service frequency and waiting times at changes vary markedly through the day.

FeatureIstanbul Airport (IST)Sabiha Gökçen (SAW)
Side of the cityEuropean side (same side as the clinic)Asian side (Bosphorus crossing needed)
Rail routeM11 metro, Marmaray change, then M3M4 metro, Marmaray change at Ayrılık Çeşmesi, then M3
Number of changesUsually twoUsually two or three
Door-to-door optionLicensed taxi, ride-hailing appsLicensed taxi, ride-hailing apps
Suitability after surgeryShorter journey for the return flightLeave more time for the return flight

If you can choose Istanbul Airport when booking, being on the same side of the city as the clinic and your accommodation in Bahçelievler is a practical advantage. If you have found a suitable flight to Sabiha Gökçen, rail travel is still possible; simply plan your time accordingly.

Fitting the journey to the treatment timetable

The transport plan should not be considered separately from the treatment plan. The first day is usually devoted to the examination, a three-dimensional CBCT scan if needed and settling the plan. Surgery is often scheduled for the following day, which leaves time for the consent process and lets you recover from the journey.

We recommend booking your return flight at least a few days after surgery. Signs of infection most often appear after the third or fourth day; having the first check-up while you are still in Istanbul lets us catch any problem early. After procedures such as a sinus lift, the timing of your flight should be discussed separately with your dentist.

For those who want to combine treatment with exploring the city, our sample 7-day itinerary shows how travel and rest days can be distributed. For the overall framework, see our dental tourism planning guide.

Write to us before you travel

If you share your flight time, which airport you will land at and where you are staying via WhatsApp, we will arrange your appointment time accordingly. If you need additional support with transport, let us know your situation in writing in advance; we will clarify together what can be arranged.

How to send your X-rays and medical history for a pre-assessment is explained step by step on our online pre-assessment via WhatsApp page. Remember that a remote assessment is a preliminary view; the final plan is set at the examination in the clinic. For a calm and well-planned journey, you can reach us on +90 544 289 66 33.

Frequently asked questions

Which metro station is closest to the clinic?

The nearest rail stop is İlkyuva station on the M3 metro line. The walk from the station to the clinic is about 600 m. The clinic is at Ferit Selimpaşa Cad. No:44A, in the Basın Sitesi area opposite Migros. If you have trouble finding the way after leaving the station, write to us on WhatsApp and we will give you directions. You can check the current M3 service status with Metro İstanbul.

Can I get from Istanbul Airport to Bahçelievler by metro?

Yes, rail travel is possible. From the airport take the metro towards Halkalı, change to Marmaray, travel towards Bakırköy and change to the M3 line to reach İlkyuva station. Because connections and timetables change, confirm the current route on the official Metro İstanbul and İETT sources. If you have a lot of luggage or land late, a taxi or ride-hailing app may be a more comfortable option.

Is it difficult to reach the clinic from Sabiha Gökçen?

Not difficult, but longer. Sabiha Gökçen is on the Asian side, so a Bosphorus crossing is needed. Take the M4 metro to Ayrılık Çeşmesi, cross to the European side on Marmaray, continue towards Bakırköy and change to the M3 line to reach İlkyuva. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are also available; bridge and tunnel traffic can lengthen the journey at busy times. If your return flight is from Sabiha Gökçen, leave a generous margin.

Can I come to the clinic by metro on the day of surgery?

There is usually no objection to using the metro to come to the clinic. What needs care is the journey back after the procedure. For the first 12–24 hours after surgery, strenuous effort is to be avoided; carrying heavy luggage, long staircases and crowded changes can restart oozing. On the day of surgery a door-to-door option such as a taxi or ride-hailing app, or accommodation within walking distance of the clinic, is more comfortable.

What is an İstanbulkart and where do I get one?

The İstanbulkart is the common travel card used on the metro, Marmaray, İETT buses and other public transport. It can be obtained and topped up at sales points in the airports and stations. The card fee, fares and transfer rules are updated from time to time; the accurate information is on the official İstanbulkart and İETT sources. For a short visit, using one card for all your journeys keeps things simple.

Can I come straight from the airport and be examined the same day?

It is possible if your flight time allows, but we usually suggest settling into your accommodation and resting first, and coming for the examination the next day or later the same day. That removes the need to come to the clinic with luggage and leaves enough time for the examination, CBCT scan and planning discussion. If you share your flight details on WhatsApp in advance, we will arrange your appointment accordingly.

What are the clinic’s opening hours?

Our clinic is open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 21:00 and closed on Sundays. For patients arriving from abroad we can plan appointments around flight times; being open into the evening gives flexibility for late arrivals. You can book through our online booking page or by phone or WhatsApp on +90 544 289 66 33.

How do I explain the address to a taxi driver?

Showing the address in writing is the most practical way: Ferit Selimpaşa Cad. No:44A, Bahçelievler/İstanbul. ‘Basın Sitesi’ and ‘opposite Migros’ are helpful pointers for drivers who know the area. In ride-hailing apps you can enter the address directly as the destination. If you run into a problem during the journey, write to us on WhatsApp; if you share your location we will help with directions.

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Dr. Dt. Mehmet Fuat Bozaba
Medical content review: Dr. Dt. Mehmet Fuat BozabaHead physician, works in periodontology and oral surgery · Last updated: October 2026 · About the head physician

Contact: Yayla Dental Akademi, Ferit Selimpaşa Cad. No:44A, Bahçelievler, Istanbul (Basın Sitesi, opposite Migros; about 600 m from İlkyuva metro station, line M3). Monday–Saturday 10:00–21:00, Sunday closed. WhatsApp and phone: +90 544 289 66 33 · Online booking: DoktorTakvimi.

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Search the databases: PubMed · Google Scholar · NIH PMC · Cochrane (institutional access may be required).

This page is for information only; diagnosis and treatment plans are determined by a dentist after an examination. Figures are population averages from the cited sources and do not describe an individual outcome.

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