Sabiha Gökçen Airport in Istanbul
Sabiha Gökçen Airport (code SAW) is on the Asian side of Istanbul, in Pendik. It is the city's second passenger airport, and many low-cost flights land here. If your hotel is in Kadıköy or Ataşehir, it is more convenient than IST. If you are staying on the European side, you will cross the Bosphorus.
How Not to Mix Up the Airports
Check the code on your ticket: SAW or IST. The name is spelt in several ways, too: Sabiha Gökçen, Sabiha Gokcen or simply Sabiha. The whole city and the Bosphorus lie between the two airports, so a mix-up can cost you the flight. More on the other airport in our Istanbul Airport (IST) guide.
Where to Go from Here
Kartal, Pendik and Maltepe are closest. Kadıköy and Ataşehir are 35 to 50 minutes by car, Taksim 50 to 70 minutes, Sultanahmet 60 to 85 minutes and Beylikdüzü 70 to 95 minutes. Prices and every option are on our Sabiha Gökçen page.
Flying Out of Sabiha
Leave with time to spare, especially from the European side and in the evening. Traffic across the Bosphorus is heavy and there is hardly any way round it. An early-morning flight usually means clearer roads, but check-in still takes its time. We suggest a pick-up time for your flight.
Public Transport
The M4 metro line and Havabus coaches serve the airport. We weigh up each option in metro, bus or car from Sabiha.
Common Questions
Where Is Sabiha Gökçen Airport?
In Pendik, on the Asian side of Istanbul.
Which Airport Is Closer to Taksim?
The driving times are similar: 40 to 75 minutes from IST and 50 to 70 minutes from Sabiha on weekdays. Choose by the flight, not just the distance.
Is There a Metro to the Airport?
Yes, the M4 line runs to Sabiha Gökçen. Check the hours on the Metro Istanbul website.