Sabiha Gökçen Airport, on the Asian side of Istanbul, is the city's second hub, often used by low-cost carriers.
A more economical alternative to Istanbul Airport for those staying on the Asian side.
How to get to Sabiha Gökçen International Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to SAW
Parking near Sabiha Gökçen International Airport
Next to the terminal is a multi-level parking structure.
Rates are in line with major international hub standards.
How to get to Istanbul from SAW
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Airport transfers you can book in advance
Shuttles and private transfers you can book online, picked from the best rated by travelers.
Istanbul: Private Transfer from/to Sabiha & Istanbul Airport
Istanbul: Private Airport Transfer
Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gokcen Airport Private Transfers
Istanbul: Private Airport Transfer with Meet and Greet
Car rental at Sabiha Gökçen International Airport
Desks of the major car rental operators are located near arrivals.
For rental, you need a driver's license, passport, and credit card, plus the IDP in most cases.
Hotels near Sabiha Gökçen International Airport
Kurtköy, around the airport
The M4 metro has a station about 5 minutes on foot from the arrivals area; hotels in the Kurtköy and Pendik area are between 700 metres and 3 km from the terminal, 10-15 minutes by taxi.
Best for: Layovers of a few hours and dawn or late-night flights, when it's worth staying a few minutes from the terminal.
- The M4 metro links the terminal to the rest of the Asian side with no changes all the way to Kadıköy
- Hotels a few minutes on foot or by taxi from check-in, handy for short layovers
- Only through roads and Pendik's industrial areas around: in the evening you stay at the hotel
- For the historic peninsula on the European side you still need 70-90 minutes by metro, Marmaray or taxi
Recommended hotels
- ISG Sabiha Gökçen Airport Hotel The only hotel physically on the Sabiha Gökçen airport grounds, in Pendik: no transfer needed, handy for layovers of a few hours. View availability
- Mövenpick Hotel Istanbul Asia Airport About 3 km from the terminal, in Pendik: opened in 2021, with an indoor pool, spa and four restaurants, handy for those with a long layover. View availability
- Hampton by Hilton Istanbul Kurtkoy Hilton's budget brand, 700 metres to 2 km from the terminal, in the Kurtköy area; breakfast included in the price. View availability
Kadıköy and Moda
The M4 metro runs direct from Sabiha Gökçen to Kadıköy in about 52 minutes over 23 stops, with a train every 5-6 minutes between 6 am and midnight (running non-stop on weekends); by taxi, over roughly 32 km, it takes 45-60 minutes depending on traffic.
Best for: Those who want the city's livelier Asian side, with a direct metro line to the airport without passing through the historic centre.
- No changes: the M4 runs from Sabiha Gökçen all the way to its Kadıköy terminus
- Moda and the Sea of Marmara waterfront just steps away, with ferries to the European side
- The 52 minutes by metro are still longer than a direct taxi outside rush hour
- Nightlife around Kadıköy's harbour is noisy until late on weekends
Sultanahmet and the historic bazaar
M4 metro plus Marmaray with a change at Ayrılık Çeşmesi: about 75 minutes in total for a total cost of around 76 lira; by taxi 45-65 minutes for 2,600-3,400 lira depending on traffic and time of day.
Best for: Those who want the historic peninsula's monuments and accept a transfer of over an hour from the airport.
- Marmaray's Sirkeci station is just steps from Topkapı, Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque
- The historic peninsula's tram and metro are close at hand for the rest of the city
- The transfer from the airport is the longest of any zone in this guide
- A very touristy district, with higher prices and crowds than Kadıköy
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
- lounges
- 5
- with Priority Pass
- 3
- paid entry
- from 31 USD
- open 24 hours
- 3
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The terminal, second hub of the city, handles numerous low-cost flights to Europe.
Best not to risk it: 2.5-3 hours in advance for international flights is the safest choice.
Map of Sabiha Gökçen International Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. Is Sabiha Gökçen on the European or Asian side?
On the Asian side of Istanbul, connected to the center via the M4 metro line toward Kadıköy.
Q. Is it better to use Sabiha Gökçen or Istanbul Airport?
It depends on where your hotel is: Sabiha Gökçen is more convenient for the Asian side (Kadıköy), Istanbul Airport for the European side (Sultanahmet, Taksim).
Q. How much does a taxi from Sabiha Gökçen to downtown cost?
Metered fare (flag drop 71.94 TL + 47.92 TL/km): roughly 1,550-1,650 TL to Kadıköy (Asian side, cheaper and closer), 2,080-2,200 TL to Taksim (European side, requires crossing the bridge); night surcharge +50%.
Q. Is it true that it's used a lot by low-cost flights?
Yes, numerous low-cost connections to Europe and the Middle East mainly operate from this airport.
Q. Which lounges accept Priority Pass?
Plaza Premium Lounge Anadolu (Domestic), Kepler Club (International) and Plaza Premium Lounge Marmara (International).
Q. How much does lounge access cost without a business class ticket?
The lowest entry price is 31 USD, at Kepler Club (International).
Q. Are any lounges open 24 hours?
Yes: Plaza Premium Lounge Anadolu (Domestic), Kepler Club (International) and Plaza Premium Lounge Marmara (International).
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights
