Istanbul Airport vs Sabiha Gökçen: which should you fly into?

Istanbul has two major airports on opposite sides of the Bosphorus, and they are about 90 km apart by road. That makes the choice matter more than you might think, mostly because of which side of the city your hotel is on. Neither airport is close to the center, so you will spend a similar time getting into town either way, and the cheaper flight is often the better pick.

Side by side

Distances and times come from published guides and vary with traffic, so treat them as rough guides. Istanbul traffic is heavy at rush hour, which is why a short drive on paper can take much longer in practice.

Which airport for which area?

• Sultanahmet, Old City: either works. IST has a direct Havaist bus and a metro route, while SAW usually means a ferry or Marmaray. See our guides to Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet and Sabiha Gökçen to Sultanahmet.
• Taksim, Beyoğlu, Galata: IST has a direct Havaist bus and a metro route with one change. SAW has a Havabus that goes to Taksim. See Istanbul Airport to Taksim.
• Kadıköy, Moda and the Asian side: SAW is far closer, and the M4 metro runs towards Kadıköy.
• Connecting to another flight: stay at the same airport if you can. Moving between the two takes about 2 hours by bus in normal traffic.

Which airlines fly where?

Istanbul Airport is the main hub for Turkish Airlines, and most full-service and international airlines use it. Sabiha Gökçen is the main base for Pegasus and AJet and also has several low-cost carriers. Routes change, so the airport code on your ticket is the reliable check, and it is worth looking at both airports when you search for flights, because fares can differ.

Getting into the city

From Istanbul Airport, the M11 metro runs to Gayrettepe, where you change to the M2, and Havaist buses go to Taksim, Sultanahmet and other areas. From Sabiha Gökçen, the M4 metro runs to Kadıköy, where you can change to Marmaray or a ferry, and Havabus coaches run to Taksim and Kadıköy. A metered taxi costs about the same from either airport in recent guides, roughly €40 to €46 to the old city or Taksim, but fares change quickly with the lira, so check before you travel. Most visitors use public transport in daytime and book a transfer for late arrivals.

If you land late at night

Metros and some buses stop or run less often late at night, and a taxi at an unfamiliar airport after a long flight is the least predictable option. Pre-booking a transfer gives you a fixed price and a driver waiting at arrivals. It is worth checking before you book your flight, because a very late landing changes what your options are.

Get online as soon as you land

Whichever airport you choose, you will want maps, ride apps and messaging working right away. An eSIM installed before you fly connects on arrival. See how to install an Airalo eSIM step by step.

Frequently asked questions

Which Istanbul airport is better for tourists?

For most tourists staying in Sultanahmet, Taksim or Beyoğlu, Istanbul Airport (IST) is the more natural fit, especially on a full-service or international airline. Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) is the better choice if your flight lands there or you are staying on the Asian side, for example in Kadıköy.

Which airport is closer to Sultanahmet?

Neither is close. Both are roughly 45 to 55 km from the old city, and the trip takes about 45 minutes to 2 hours depending on traffic and how you travel. The difference between them is small, so your airline and schedule should drive the decision.

Which Istanbul airport is cheaper to fly into?

Often Sabiha Gökçen, because low-cost airlines such as Pegasus use it as a main base. Compare the full cost, though, because a cheaper flight can be offset by a longer or pricier trip into the city if your hotel is on the other side.

Is Sabiha Gökçen on the Asian or European side?

Sabiha Gökçen is on the Asian side, in the Pendik district, southeast of the city. Istanbul Airport is on the European side, northwest of the city. Sultanahmet and Taksim are on the European side, while Kadıköy is on the Asian side.

Is there a metro from the airports into Istanbul?

Both have a metro link. Istanbul Airport has the M11 line to Gayrettepe, where you change to the M2. Sabiha Gökçen is served by the M4 line towards Kadıköy. Metro hours and routes change, so check the operator before you rely on it, especially late at night.

Can I get from one Istanbul airport to the other?

Yes. A Havaist bus links them, but allow about 2 hours in normal traffic, and a lot more in rush hour. If you have a connection on separate tickets, leave plenty of time, or consider a taxi or private transfer.

Should I book a private transfer from either airport?

Not necessarily. Public transport works well in the daytime. A private transfer helps if you land late at night, travel with a group or luggage, or want a fixed price and a driver waiting at arrivals.

Related reading

The short version

If you are staying in Sultanahmet, Taksim or Beyoğlu, Istanbul Airport is usually the simpler fit, and it is the hub for most full-service airlines. If you are staying on the Asian side, Sabiha Gökçen is much closer, and it is the base for Pegasus and several low-cost carriers. If the fares are close, choose by your hotel's side of the city and your arrival time, and book a fixed-price transfer if you land late.