Istanbul’s two major airports, Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gökçen Airport, will soon be linked by a high-speed rail line. Construction is expected to begin in 2025.
This ambitious project aims to streamline transportation across the city, making airport transfers faster and more efficient for travelers and locals alike.
Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, Turkey’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, shared details of the upcoming rail line, describing it as a 120-kilometer route starting from Gebze, passing through Sabiha Gökçen Airport, crossing the Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge, and continuing to Istanbul Airport. The line will extend to Çatalca, enhancing connectivity across Istanbul’s European and Asian sides.
Financing for the project is currently being negotiated with the World Bank, which is expected to provide the necessary funds.
“We are in discussions with the World Bank, and they will finance this project. We plan to hold the tender in 2025, and, God willing, we will complete it,” said Uraloğlu.
The high-speed rail line is expected to significantly reduce travel times between Istanbul’s airports, providing a smoother alternative to the often congested road routes.
This new development reflects Turkey’s ongoing investment in infrastructure to accommodate the growing number of passengers passing through the country’s airports each year.
Istanbul Airport, one of the largest airports in the world and busiest in Europe, continues to see increasing traffic, while Sabiha Gökçen Airport plays a crucial role in domestic and international travel. Linking the two with a high-speed train line is anticipated to boost tourism, facilitate business travel, and enhance overall transportation within the city.
As Istanbul positions itself as a key transit hub, the project aligns with broader goals to modernize the city’s transport network and improve accessibility between vital locations. Once the rail line is operational, travelers can expect more convenient and faster connections between Istanbul’s bustling airports.
