The Turkish government has unveiled an ambitious infrastructure project to connect Istanbul’s airports — Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gökçen International Airport — with a high-speed rail system.

“Istanbul Airport is considered the largest in the world, and Sabiha Gökçen is one of the most renowned. With this project, we will link these two hubs, allowing passengers to travel between them in just 30 minutes,” said Turkey’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Abdulkadir Uraloğlu.

Project Overview

The rail line will span approximately 120 kilometers, starting in the city of Gebze and passing through Sabiha Gökçen Airport, the Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge, Istanbul Airport, and terminating in the Çatalca district. The integration of the Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge into the railway network will enable seamless travel across the Bosphorus Strait.

Funding and Timeline

Funding for the project is currently being discussed with the World Bank. The tender process is expected to begin in 2025, according to Minister Uraloğlu.

Benefits for Istanbul’s Airports

The new rail line aims to enhance Istanbul’s transportation network by reducing travel time and easing road congestion. It will address a critical transportation need in a city with a population exceeding 30 million.

“This project will provide an essential solution for Istanbul’s residents and travelers alike,” said Uraloğlu, highlighting the broader impact of the initiative on the region’s connectivity and infrastructure.