The Ultimate Guide to International Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) with tips

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Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW), located roughly 40 kilometers east of the Bosphorus on Istanbul’s Asian shore, is Turkey’s second-largest international airport after Istanbul Airport (IST). Our Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport guide contains information about general overview, flights information, wifi, airport lounges, nearby hotels, facilities, things to do on a layover, and many more.

Quick Overview

Sabiha Gokcen Airport is around 41 kilometers from Taksim and 45 kilometers from Sultanahmet, Istanbul’s historical center on the European side. It is named after Sabiha Gokcen, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk’s adopted daughter. There is only one terminal and one runway at the airport. In the previous year, it served almost 35 million passengers.

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Location Map

Arrivals and departures at Sabiha Gökçen International Airport

The most convenient approach to finding the status of arrivals and departures at Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) is to visit the official website. There is a list of flights arriving or departing, the precise arrival or departure time, flight numbers, and the current status and delays.

The departure area has three access gates. You will pass through a security checkpoint and locate check-in kiosks here. A comprehensive map of Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) can help you get oriented. This will demonstrate how the airport is laid out and how to navigate it.

Layovers and stopovers

To go to your final destination on a transit trip, you must change planes. The interval between two flights can sometimes be long, lasting several hours. In this circumstance, several tourists choose a nearby Istanbul airport hotel to rest or see the city for a short time. Suppose you have a lengthy stopover at Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport, or you are staying in the city. Why not take advantage of some fun activities in the airport or Istanbul?

Airport Lounges

Sabiha Gokcen Airport has three lounges that face the apron field.

  • The ISG CIP Lounge is in the departure lounge. It provides hot and cold beverages, sandwiches, light refreshments, foreign daily newspapers, and internet access.
  • The Istanbul International Lounge is built on a mezzanine floor in the international departure area and serves Turkish Airlines passengers. The 800 m2 lounge can accommodate 146 visitors and features a pide salon, billiards room, library, and shower, among other amenities.
  • Turkish Airlines Lounge is located in the domestic departure area and serves domestic passengers. The 1,290 m2 lounge is separated into two sections: Elite and Business. Snacks and hot and cold beverages are available.

Duty-free shopping, malls, and shopping

There are many different retailers throughout the airport, and in addition to international names, regional companies are well represented.

Starbucks, Mado, Burger King, Mc Donalds, and Simit Saray, are among the different eateries and cafés tourists have access to after check and various duty-free shops.

PCR test options at the airport

Sabiha Gokcen Airport now has a COVID-19 diagnostic laboratory called SmartLab. The PCR testing center is located in the arrivals area. The testing station is available 24 hours, seven days a week. The PCR test results will be available in an hour and a half, the antibody test results in 45 minutes, and the antigen test results in 20 minutes. Your results will be presented in both English and Turkish.

Hotels near Sabiha Gokcen Airport

The Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) is fantastic since it provides travelers with an inside airport hotel. However, for those who wish to stay the night near the Sabiha Gokcen Airport, there is a selection of great hotels within easy reach and acceptable for all budgets. 

  • Hotel IGS Sabiha Gokcen Airport

The ISG Airport Hotel is a four-story hotel located about 104 meters from the Sabiha Gokcen Airport terminal building. The hotel includes 116 ordinary rooms and 12 suites, and two handicapped rooms. Visitors to the hotel may enjoy sightseeing at the city’s prominent attractions, including Sabiha Gökçen International Airport, Osmanli Mosque, and World Atlantis Shopping Center. During your visit, you will have access to high-quality room amenities. After a long day, the hotel’s fitness facility, spa, and garden are great locations to rest and unwind. At ISG Airport Hotel, you’ll find an enticing combination of expert service and a diverse range of amenities.

  • Nearport Hotel Sabiha Gokcen Airport

The Nearport Sabiha Gokcen Airport Hotel is a notable addition to Istanbul and a wise choice for visitors. This 4-star hotel is about 2 kilometers from the airport and is easily accessible. The hotel’s strategic position allows you quick access to the city’s must-see attractions. This Istanbul hotel offers an abundance of exceptional services and amenities. The hotel has 24-hour room service, free Wi-Fi in all rooms, 24-hour security, room service, and a gift/souvenir store.

All guest suites have thoughtful features to offer an unrivaled sense of relaxation. After a long day, the hotel’s fitness center, sauna, hot spring bath, massage, and steam room are great locations to rest and unwind.

  • Hotel Skyport Istanbul

Skyport Istanbul Hotel has a restaurant and good accommodations with 32 rooms and 1+1 suite room. There is free Wi-Fi, a grocery, and a free airport shuttle. Guests may unwind in the property’s garden.

Internet & Wi-Fi

Free Wireless Internet Available at Sabiha Gokcen) Airport

It is now simple and quick to access free Wi-Fi at Sabiha Gokcen Airport. WiSpotter Wireless Internet Access is a service that allows you to access a wireless connection for a predetermined fee (the first 30 minutes free).

With the WiSpotter service, you may use your laptop or a WiFi-enabled mobile phone to connect to the internet at certain service points. This service is available at one of eight kiosks located around the terminal departures level on domestic and international land and air sides.


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