Istanbul is a city split between two continents and, for travelers, split between two major airports. Choosing between Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) is one of the most important logistical decisions for anyone flying to or from Turkey’s largest city. The choice isn’t just about which airport is “better” — it’s about which one fits your specific flight, budget, and location. This guide provides a Ultimate Guide to help you choose the right airport for your trip.
Note: All data points in this article are accurate as of the time of writing. Flight schedules, routes, and How to Get from Istanbul Airport to City Center: Best Transport Options 2026 online can change; always verify details against current official sources before your trip.
Key Takeaways
- IST is the primary international hub for Turkish Airlines and its global partners, while SAW is the hub for Pegasus Airlines and AnadoluJet.
- Location is the deciding factor: IST is on the European side (Arnavutköy), while SAW is on the Asian side (Pendik) — your hotel location should drive your choice.
- Transfer times differ significantly: IST has an extensive metro connection (M11), while SAW relies on the Marmaray and Metro M4 for rail access.
- Flight type matters: IST serves more long-haul international routes, while SAW focuses on domestic and short-haul European flights.
- Transit travelers should prioritize IST for seamless connections, while budget travelers often find better fares at SAW.
The Complete Answer: Which Istanbul Airport Should You Choose?
Illustration mapping how airport location dictates easy city access based on traveler destination.
Choose IST if you are flying long-haul, transiting, on Turkish Airlines, or staying in the European side of the city (Sultanahmet, Taksim, Beyoğlu). Choose SAW if you are flying with Pegasus or AnadoluJet, on a budget, or staying on the Asian side (Kadıköy, Moda, Üsküdar).
Quick Answer: The best airport for you depends entirely on your airline and your final destination in Istanbul. IST is the better choice for the European side and long-haul flights, while SAW is better for the Asian side and budget carriers.
The 30-Second Decision Framework
- If your flight is on Turkish Airlines → IST
- If your flight is on Pegasus or AnadoluJet → SAW
- If your hotel is in Taksim/Sultanahmet → IST
- If your hotel is in Kadıköy or the Asian side → SAW
- If you have a layover under 4 hours → IST (better connectivity)
- If you are on a strict budget → SAW (often cheaper fares)
Side-by-side terminal view contrasting international hub facilities with budget-focused transit options.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | IST (Istanbul Airport) | SAW (Sabiha Gökçen) |
|---|---|---|
| Location | European Side (Arnavutköy) | Asian Side (Pendik) |
| Distance to Taksim Square | ~40 km | ~48 km |
| Primary Airlines | Turkish Airlines, Star Alliance | Pegasus, AnadoluJet |
| Rail Connection | M11 Metro Line | M4 Metro + Marmaray |
| International Destinations | Extensive (long-haul) | Limited (short-haul Europe) |
| Passenger Volume | Higher (major hub) | Lower (regional hub) |
Location & Accessibility: The Real Travel Time Difference
The primary difference between IST and SAW is their location on opposite sides of the Bosphorus. This natural barrier affects every transfer you make in the city, and choosing the wrong airport can add significant time to your journey.
IST Accessibility: Istanbul Airport is located on the European side in Arnavutköy. The M11 metro line connects IST to Gayrettepe in the city center, providing a fast and reliable rail option. The Havaist shuttle buses offer another reliable connection to key points like Taksim and Sultanahmet. Taxis are always available but can be subject to traffic congestion, especially during peak hours.
SAW Accessibility: Sabiha Gökçen is on the Asian side in Pendik. The M4 metro line connects to Kadıköy, a major transportation hub on the Asian side. From Kadıköy, you can transfer to ferries, the Marmaray (which crosses the Bosphorus), or continue by bus. The Havabus service provides direct connections to Taksim and other European-side destinations.
Quick Answer: The M11 metro at IST provides a direct rail connection to the European side, while SAW’s M4 metro connects to Kadıköy on the Asian side. For travelers heading to Taksim, IST’s metro is a more direct and generally The Fastest Istanbul Airport Transfer to Sabiha Gokcen (SAW) online.
The “Wrong Side” Trap
The Bosphorus is a significant barrier. If you stay in Sultanahmet (European side) but book a flight from SAW (Asian side), you must factor in a journey that includes crossing the Bosphorus via bridge, ferry, or the Marmaray tunnel. This can easily add 1-2 hours to your total travel time compared to using the airport on your side of the city. Always map your hotel to the airport before booking your flight.
Facilities & Passenger Experience: What Each Airport Offers
The two airports offer very different passenger experiences, reflecting their distinct roles in Istanbul’s aviation system.
IST — The Mega-Hub Experience: Istanbul Airport is a massive, modern facility designed for high passenger volume. Its grand architecture, extensive duty-free area, and premium lounges create a spacious, impressive feel. The terminal is designed to handle the scale of a major global hub, which means longer walking distances between gates. If you have a long layover, IST offers a wide variety of food options, from local Turkish cuisine to international chains.
SAW — The Efficient Regional Hub: Sabiha Gökçen has a more compact layout, which translates to shorter walking distances and a more functional, less overwhelming experience. Recent terminal expansions have improved the facilities, but it remains more of a point-to-point airport than a global hub. The food options and lounges are present but more limited than at IST.
The “Connections” Factor
IST is specifically designed for Airport-Specific Layover Guides products, especially with Star Alliance partners. Its layout and facilities prioritize smooth connections, making it the clear choice for layovers. SAW is primarily point-to-point, meaning most passengers either start or end their journey there. This makes it less convenient for connecting flights.
Comparison Table: Facilities at a Glance
| Facility | IST | SAW |
|---|---|---|
| Lounges | Multiple (priority, business, pay-per-use) | Fewer options |
| Duty-Free Area | Extensive | Moderate |
| Walking Distance | Longer (large terminal) | Shorter (compact terminal) |
| Food Options | Wide variety (local & international) | More limited |
Flight Networks & Airlines: Matching the Airport to Your Itinerary
Your airline is often the single most important factor in determining which airport you will use. The two airports are dominated by different carriers.
IST — The Global Gateway: Istanbul Airport is the primary hub for Turkish Airlines, one of the world’s largest carriers. This means IST handles extensive long-haul routes to the Americas, Asia, Africa, and Europe. As a major Star Alliance hub, it also serves as a connection point for partner airlines, offering a vast network of global destinations.
SAW — The Low-Cost Alternative: Sabiha Gökçen is the base for Pegasus Airlines and AnadoluJet. These carriers focus on domestic routes within Turkey and short-haul European destinations. This focus on point-to-point travel makes SAW a key airport for budget travelers and those visiting regional Turkish cities.
The “Route Mismatch” Scenario
Booking a flight on a carrier that operates from the “wrong” airport for your location can create a logistical headache. For example, if you are staying in Taksim and book a Pegasus flight from SAW, you’ll need to factor in a longer and more expensive transfer. Always check your airline and airport code before finalizing your hotel plans.
Step-by-Step: How to Choose Your Airport Based on Your Flight
- Check your booking confirmation for the airline name.
- Search the airport code (IST or SAW) on your ticket.
- If your airline is Turkish Airlines → plan your route around IST.
- If your airline is Pegasus or AnadoluJet → plan your route around SAW.
- If you are flying a different carrier, check which airport they use in Istanbul.
- Once you know the airport, choose your hotel and transfer accordingly.
Cost, Time & Practical Considerations: The Real-World Decision
The final decision often comes down to a practical analysis of total journey time and cost, not just the price of the flight ticket.
The “Total Journey” Cost
Comparing airfare is only part of the equation. You must also consider the cost of airport transfers, hotel prices near each airport, and the time lost in transit. A cheaper flight from SAW might be negated by a more expensive and time-consuming transfer to a European-side hotel. Conversely, a pricier flight from IST could be offset by lower transfer costs and time savings.
Time vs. Money Trade-Off
SAW often has cheaper fares, particularly on low-cost carriers. However, if your final destination is in the European side, the transfer can be longer and more expensive. IST generally has higher airfares but offers better connectivity to the European city center, especially with the M11 metro. The best choice depends on your budget and time constraints.
The “Layover” Scenario
For transit passengers, IST is almost always the better choice. Its hub status provides smoother connections, more lounges, and a wider range of facilities for layovers. SAW is rarely used for international layovers, as it lacks the same level of connectivity and facilities for this purpose.
Night Flights & Early Departures
For red-eye flights or early morning departures, consider hotel availability and transport options at odd hours. Both airports have 24-hour operations, but the public transport options (metro, Marmaray) have set operating hours. If you have a very early flight, a hotel near the airport might be more practical than relying on a pre-dawn transfer. Check the operating hours of the metro and bus services to plan accordingly.
How to Choose: A Practical Guide for Different Traveler Types
Your travel profile can help simplify the decision. Here’s a quick guide to which airport is likely a better fit based on your traveler type.
For First-Time Visitors to Istanbul: Prioritize hotel location and tourist attractions. Most first-time visitors stay in the Old Medina or around Taksim, which are on the European side. This makes IST the more logical and convenient choice.
For Business Travelers: Consider proximity to business districts. Major business areas like Maslak and Levent are on the European side, making IST the closer airport. Always verify which airport is closer to your specific meeting point.
For Budget Travelers: Weigh cheaper flight fares against potential higher transfer costs. A cheaper SAW fare might not be worth it if you need to budget for a long, expensive transfer to the European side. The savings may not always be worth the extra time and money.
For Transit Passengers: Choose IST for easier connections and more comfortable lounges. Its design as a major hub makes it the superior choice for layovers.
For Families with Young Children: Consider walking distances and terminal size. SAW’s compact layout may be easier for families, as it involves less walking than the vast terminal at IST.
Step-by-Step: The 5-Step Decision Process
- Identify your airline and flight number.
- Determine which airport your flight departs from or arrives at.
- Map your final destination in Istanbul (hotel, meeting point, etc.).
- Calculate the transfer time and cost from each airport to your destination.
- Compare total journey time and cost — then make your choice.
FAQ
Which airport is closer to the city center? IST is generally closer to the European side (Taksim, Sultanahmet), while SAW is closer to the Asian side (Kadıköy). The “closer” answer depends entirely on where you are going.
Is Sabiha Gökçen an international airport? Yes, SAW is an international airport, but it primarily serves short-haul routes to Europe and the Middle East, while IST handles most long-haul international flights.
Which airport is better for a layover? IST is generally the better choice for layovers because it is a major hub with better connectivity, more lounges, and more facilities for transit passengers.
How do I get from IST to SAW? The most common options are the Havaist shuttle, a taxi, or a combination of metro and Marmaray. The journey takes approximately 1-2 hours depending on traffic and mode of transport. Always check current schedules and traffic conditions.
Can I use the same airline at both airports? No. Turkish Airlines primarily operates from IST, while Pegasus and AnadoluJet operate from SAW. Check your specific airline before booking.
Conclusion
The core difference between IST and SAW is simple: IST is the mega-hub for global connections and the European side, while SAW is the efficient regional airport for budget carriers and the Asian side. Your airline and your hotel location are the two most important factors in making your choice.
Do not choose an airport in isolation. Plan your flight, hotel, and transfer as one integrated journey to get the best balance of cost, convenience, and time. Book your accommodations and transfers based on your chosen airport to avoid unnecessary travel time and costs.