Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) Guide: Best Tips for Your Trip

Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) is the second-largest airport in Istanbul, located on the Asian side of the city in Pendik, about 40 km from the city center. Serving low-cost airlines, domestic routes, and international flights, it is a popular choice for travelers heading to Kadıköy, Taksim, and beyond.

Whether you’re arriving, departing, or on a layover, this guide covers transportation, check-in tips, airport facilities, lounges, and hotels near SAW to ensure a stress-free experience.

Where is Sabiha Gokcen Airport Located?

Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) is positioned east of Istanbul in the Pendik district on the Asian side. It’s the main hub for Pegasus Airlines and also serves AnadoluJet, Turkish Airlines, and many budget airlines flying between Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

Distances to Key Istanbul Districts

• Kadıköy: 30 km (~45 minutes by metro)
• Taksim: 44 km (~90 minutes by shuttle)
• Sultanahmet: 48 km (~90 minutes by metro & tram)
• Istanbul Airport (IST): 85 km (~100 minutes by car)

💡 Tip: Traffic in Istanbul can be unpredictable, so always allow extra time when heading to the airport.

Location Map

Terminals & Check-In Procedures at SAW

Unlike Istanbul Airport (IST), Sabiha Gokcen Airport has one large terminal that serves both domestic and international flights.

Check-In Process & Security

• Domestic Flights: Check-in is located in the central terminal area
• International Flights: Opposite end of the terminal—arrive 2.5 hours early
• Self-Check-In: Available for Pegasus Airlines, Turkish Airlines, and AnadoluJet
• Security Checks: Expect long queues during peak hours, especially on weekends

💡 Tip: Use self-check-in kiosks if you have only carry-on luggage to save time.

Airport Services & Facilities

SAW is smaller than Istanbul Airport (IST) but still offers good facilities for travelers.

1. Free Wi-Fi & Charging Stations 📶🔋

• Free Wi-Fi: Available for 2 hours
• Charging stations: Scattered across the terminal

💡 Tip: Buy a SIM card at Turkcell, Vodafone, or Türk Telekom kiosks for internet without limits.

2. Lounges & VIP Services ✨

• Primeclass Lounge: Open to all passengers (~€40 entry)
• Pegasus Business Lounge: Available for business-class passengers
• Kepler Sleep Pods: Comfortable nap cabins for rent

💡 Tip: If you have a long layover, book a lounge or sleep pod for a relaxing experience.

3. Shopping & Duty-Free 🛍️

• Luxury brands: Lacoste, Hugo Boss
• Turkish souvenirs: Turkish delight, spices, carpets
• Duty-Free: Perfume, alcohol, chocolates

💡 Tip: Prices at duty-free are sometimes higher than in the city, so compare before buying.

4. Dining & Food Options 🍽️

• Turkish Cuisine: Tadında Anadolu (Kebabs, mezes)
• Fast Food: McDonald’s, Burger King, KFC
• Cafés: Starbucks, Simit Sarayı

💡 Tip: If you have more than 3 hours, take a quick trip to Viaport Outlet Mall, just 10 minutes from SAW.

Hotels Near Sabiha Gokcen Airport

If you have an early flight or long layover, here are the best hotels near SAW:

1. ISG Airport Hotel (Closest & Most Convenient) 🏨

• Location: Walking distance from the terminal
• Best for: Short stays, layovers
• Rooms: Comfortable, soundproof

💡 Tip: Book in advance as this hotel fills up quickly.

2. Crowne Plaza Istanbul Asia 🌟

• Location: ~10 minutes from SAW
• Best for: Business travelers, luxury stay
• Extras: Free shuttle, large rooms

3. Viaport Marina Hotel ⛵

• Location: ~15 minutes from SAW
• Best for: Families, near shopping mall
• Extras: Waterpark, restaurants

How to Get from Sabiha Gokcen Airport to the City Center

There are multiple ways to travel between Sabiha Gokcen Airport and central Istanbul, each offering different levels of cost, speed, and convenience.

1. M4 Kadıköy-Sabiha Gokcen Metro Line 🚆 (Fastest Option)

• Travel time: ~45 minutes to Kadıköy
• Fare: ~27 TL using Istanbulkart
• Where to find it: Located inside the airport terminal
• Transfers: Connects to Marmaray, trams, and ferries for access to Sultanahmet and Taksim

💡 Tip: The M4 Metro Line is the most reliable and budget-friendly option, avoiding Istanbul’s notorious traffic.

2. Havabus Shuttle 🚌 (Best for Taksim & Kadıköy)

• Destinations: Taksim, Kadıköy
• Travel time: ~60-90 minutes (depends on traffic)
• Fare: ~175 TL (Kadıköy), ~283 TL (Taksim)
• Operating hours: Every 30-45 minutes from 4 AM to midnight

💡 Tip: Havabus is ideal if you’re staying in Taksim and don’t want to deal with metro transfers.

3. Taxis & Ride-Sharing 🚖 (Most Convenient, But Costly)

• Travel time: ~50-90 minutes (depends on traffic)
• Fare: 1,200-1,500 TL (depending on your destination)
• Available: 24/7 at the arrivals terminal

💡 Tip: Always use official yellow taxis or book a ride via BiTaksi to avoid scams.

4. Private Airport Transfers 🚗 (Best for Groups & Families)

• Travel time: ~50-70 minutes
• Fare: ~1,300 TL (fixed price, includes meet-and-greet)
• Advantages: No waiting, ideal for families with luggage

💡 Tip: If you’re traveling with kids or heavy bags, a private transfer is the most comfortable option.

FAQs About Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW)

What airlines operate at Sabiha Gokcen Airport?

Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) is the main hub for Pegasus Airlines and also serves Turkish Airlines, AnadoluJet, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Flydubai, and many low-cost European carriers. The airport mainly handles domestic and regional international flights, making it a key gateway for budget travelers flying into Istanbul’s Asian side.

Where can I store my luggage at Sabiha Gokcen Airport?

SAW offers luggage storage services near the arrivals hall. You can store small, medium, and large-sized bags for a few hours or multiple days. Prices vary depending on size and storage duration. If you plan to explore Kadıköy or Viaport Mall before your flight, this is a safe and convenient option.

Why should I use Sabiha Gokcen Airport instead of Istanbul Airport (IST)?

SAW is smaller and less crowded than IST, making it easier to navigate. It is also closer to Istanbul’s Asian side, especially Kadıköy, Pendik, and Bursa. Many low-cost carriers operate from SAW, often offering cheaper flights than those at Istanbul Airport (IST).

How do I get from Sabiha Gokcen Airport to Sultanahmet?

To reach Sultanahmet, take the M4 Kadıköy Metro Line to Ayrılık Çeşmesi, then transfer to the Marmaray Line toward Sirkeci. From Sirkeci, take the T1 tram to Sultanahmet. The total travel time is about 90 minutes, and it’s one of the cheapest ways to reach Istanbul’s Old City.

What are the security and passport control wait times like at SAW?

During peak travel seasons and weekends, security and passport control at SAW can take 30-60 minutes. For international flights, it’s recommended to arrive at least 2.5 hours early. For domestic flights, 90 minutes before departure is usually enough.

How do I rent a car at Sabiha Gokcen Airport?

Major car rental companies such as Avis, Budget, Europcar, and Enterprise have counters at SAW’s arrivals hall. You need a valid driver’s license and a credit card for the deposit. Booking online in advance is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure the best rates.

Will Sabiha Gokcen Airport expand in the future?

Yes! The airport is undergoing major expansions, including the construction of a second runway to increase capacity. This will help SAW accommodate more international flights and reduce delays. Additionally, more shopping, dining, and hotel facilities are being added.

Where can I exchange currency at SAW?

Currency exchange offices are located in both arrivals and departures areas. They offer major currencies such as USD, EUR, and GBP. However, ATM withdrawals often provide better exchange rates with lower fees. It’s advisable to compare rates at different kiosks before exchanging money.