Istanbul Airports Guide

Istanbul, the lively metropolis at the crossroads between Europe and Asia, is served by three airports, but one is dedicated solely to cargo. For travelers, there are 2 main airports in Istanbul: Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW).

Each airport serves different destinations and airlines. Reaching them by public transport, taxi, or bus is straightforward when you know how. I’ve flown in and out of both several times—here’s everything you need to know about getting to each Istanbul airport and what to expect during transits.

Istanbul Airport (IST) is on Istanbul’s European side, while Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) is located on the Anatolian (Asian) side.

The 2 Airports in Istanbul

1. Istanbul Airport (IST)

Istanbul Airport is the city’s newest and largest airport, situated 35 km northwest of the city center and serving as Turkish Airlines’ main hub. The airport is also used by several other major carriers, including Emirates, Lufthansa, and British Airways.
There are two terminals: Terminal 1 for domestic flights, and Terminal 2 for international routes.
Why do travelers rate Istanbul Airport highly?

• Modern facilities: As a newly-built airport, Istanbul Airport features modern amenities: duty-free shops, lounges, restaurants, and cafés—a great place to spend time during layovers or delays.
• Efficient operations: Designed for high passenger and flight volumes, this airport is very efficient, using advanced technology and equipment to streamline operations, minimize waiting times, and enhance the overall experience.
• Excellent connectivity: Istanbul Airport has a vast network: more than 300 destinations served by over 100 airlines. It’s easy to connect almost anywhere in the world. The airport is also well-linked to the city center by public transport, taxi, and bus.
• Award-winning: Since opening in 2019, Istanbul Airport has received multiple awards, including “Best Airport in Southern Europe” and “World’s Best New Airport” at the Skytrax World Airport Awards 2020, recognizing its high-quality services and facilities.

Downsides to Istanbul Airport?

Istanbul Airport is enormous! Getting to your gate can take time, so always allow plenty of time if you’re transiting or departing—I’ve almost missed my flight to Eritrea because I had to cross the entire airport between gates.
Another downside is the free wifi: it’s tricky. You can access wifi via SMS, or by using one of the kiosks to verify your passport—but either way, you only get one hour of free access. It’s surprising that such a modern airport imposes such a short limit. To avoid wifi hassles, consider buying a local eSIM for Turkey. With a data plan, you’ll be online instantly—convenient, simple, and affordable.

Getting to Istanbul Airport by public transport

Istanbul Airport is well-connected to the city center by public transit. The easiest way is the M11 metro line, which runs every 6 minutes during peak times. The ride to the airport takes about 30 minutes, with a fare of 18 Turkish Lira (TRY)—less than $1 or 1 euro.

Alternatively, the direct Havaist bus service connects Istanbul Airport to center city locations such as Taksim Square and Kadıköy. Buses run every 20 minutes and cost 30 TRY.

Getting to and from Istanbul Airport by taxi

Taxis run from all over Istanbul to the airport. The ride from downtown takes around 40 minutes (traffic depending), for about 300 TRY (roughly $20). You can also prebook a private car transfer from the airport to your hotel. A private transfer costs around $45 per group (up to 7 people).

This can be a real time-saver in a busy airport: a representative will meet you at exit gate 9 (right after baggage claim) and take you straight to your booked hotel.

2. Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW)

Sabiha Gökçen International Airport is on the Asian side, about 40 km southeast of Istanbul’s center. It’s the city’s second-largest airport, serving providers like Pegasus Airlines, Turkish Airlines, and Qatar Airways. The airport has a single terminal for both domestic and international flights. Most low-cost flights use Sabiha Gökçen.

Is Sabiha Gökçen a good airport?

The main issue is how crowded it can get—Sabiha Gökçen handles a huge number of flights. While you’ll find affordable food, drinks, and Turkish snacks like simit, it’s often packed, and seats at the gates are scarce.

When boarding begins, passengers are taken by bus to their aircraft. Sometimes, it feels more like a crowded bus station than an airport. Passport controls can involve long queues, so be prepared.

Getting to Sabiha Gökçen International by public transport

The most convenient way to reach Sabiha Gökçen is the Havabus shuttle bus, which goes directly to Taksim Square and Kadıköy. Buses leave every 30 minutes and cost 18 TRY; expect the journey to take around 1.5 hours (100 minutes).

Alternatively, take the city E10 bus from Kadıköy, which stops at the airport. The trip lasts about 90 minutes, with a fare of 5 TRY.

Reaching Sabiha Gökçen International Airport by taxi

Taxis serve the airport from all parts of Istanbul. The drive from the city center takes about 60–90 minutes, depending on the traffic, and costs around 300 TRY or $20.

Getting from SAW Airport to your hotel by private transfer

Avoid the stress of public transport by pre-booking a private minivan transfer—prices start at $29. This option is ideal if you arrive late, are a group of six or more, or have just landed after a long international journey.

Which airport is better: Istanbul IST or Sabiha SAW?

Both airports work well for travelers, but one may be more convenient depending on where you’re staying.

IST, Istanbul’s main airport, connects to the city via the metro—making it the obvious choice if you’re staying near subway stations. If you’re staying in Taksim, you might prefer Sabiha SAW as it’s closer and the bus connection is straightforward.

For departures, allow plenty of time for taxi rides and passport control, as both airports can get busy.

Sabiha is smaller, so you can get to your gate in minutes (thanks to the shuttle transfers), while Istanbul Airport is vast—it can take up to 30 minutes to reach your gate.

Atatürk Airport no longer used for commercial flights

Atatürk Airport was once Istanbul’s main airport until Istanbul Airport opened. It’s located 24 km west of downtown and is now used only for cargo. That’s everything you need to know about Istanbul’s two active airports. Safe travels!