Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport

Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) is Turkey's second-busiest airport, located on the Asian side of Istanbul in the Pendik district. Named after Turkey's first female combat pilot, the airport serves over 41 million passengers annually and is the main hub for Pegasus Airlines and AJet (formerly AnadoluJet).

The airport has a single terminal building divided into domestic and international sections:

• Domestic Section: Gates 206 and above, serving flights within Turkey
• International Section: Gates 201-205, serving international destinations

Both sections are housed under one roof, making connections straightforward. The terminal is arranged with departures on the upper floor, arrivals on the ground floor, and a mezzanine level with lounges and additional services.

Key fact: SAW is located approximately 50 km from Istanbul's historic center on the European side. Getting to Sultanahmet or Taksim takes 60-90 minutes depending on traffic and transport method. If your destination is on the European side, factor in significant travel time.

Sabiha Gokcen Airport is located 50 km southeast of Istanbul's historic center and 35 km from Kadikoy on the Asian side. The airport's distance from the European side (where most tourist attractions are located) is the biggest consideration when planning transport.

Typical travel times:

Destination	By Metro/Marmaray	By Taxi/Car
Kadikoy (Asian side)	52 min	30-45 min
Sultanahmet (European side)	75-90 min	60-90 min
Taksim (European side)	90-120 min	60-90 min
Istanbul Airport (IST)	2+ hours	90 min (no traffic)

The M4 metro connects directly to the terminal, making public transit a reliable option. Taxis are faster when traffic is light but unpredictable during rush hours.

Uber & Bolt

Uber and Bolt operate at Sabiha Gokcen Airport with pickup at designated rideshare areas outside arrivals.

• Pickup location: Follow signs to rideshare pickup area outside arrivals hall
• Wait times: 5-15 minutes typical, longer during peak hours
• Payment: App-based, credit card

Taxi

Licensed yellow taxis queue outside the arrivals hall. All taxis are metered and most accept credit cards, though carrying Turkish Lira is advisable.

Destination	Fare (TL)	Fare (EUR)	Time
Kadikoy	800-1,200	22-35	30-45 min
Sultanahmet	2,000-3,500	55-95	60-90 min
Taksim	1,500-2,500	40-70	60-90 min
Uskudar	1,200-1,800	35-50	40-60 min

Important notes:

• Bridge and tunnel tolls are added to the meter for European side destinations
• Traffic can double journey times during rush hours (07:00-10:00 and 17:00-20:00)
• Turquoise taxis are 15% more expensive than yellow; black luxury taxis are 70% more
• Confirm the driver will use the meter before departing

M4 Metro Line

The M4 metro connects Sabiha Gokcen Airport directly to Kadikoy, with connections to the European side via Marmaray.

To Kadikoy:

1. Follow "Metro" signs inside the terminal (station connected to airport)
2. Take M4 direction Kadikoy
3. Journey time: 52 minutes (23 stations)

To European Side (Sultanahmet/Sirkeci):

1. Take M4 to Ayrilik Cesmesi station (about 45 min)
2. Transfer to Marmaray (cross-Bosphorus rail)
3. Exit at Sirkeci for Sultanahmet area
4. Total journey: 75-90 minutes

Ticket Type	Price
Single ride (Istanbulkart)	20 TL (EUR 0.55 / USD 0.60)
Istanbulkart (reloadable card)	150 TL deposit + fares

Frequency: Every 5 minutes (peak) / Every 10 minutes (off-peak) Operating hours: 06:00-00:00 weekdays, 24 hours on weekends

Tip: Purchase an Istanbulkart at machines in the metro station. It works on all Istanbul public transit and offers discounted fares.

Havabus Shuttles

Havabus operates direct shuttles to Kadikoy and Taksim from outside the arrivals hall.

Destination	Fare	Frequency	Journey Time
Taksim	285 TL (EUR 8)	Every 30 min	90-120 min
Kadikoy	120 TL (EUR 3.50)	Every 30 min	45-60 min

Operating hours: 06:30-00:30 Pickup: Outside arrivals, look for white Havabus vehicles

Havaist (Airport to Airport)

The HVIST-13 bus connects SAW to Istanbul Airport (IST).

• Fare: 260 TL (EUR 7)
• Frequency: Throughout the day, 00:30-23:20
• Journey time: Approximately 2 hours (85 km, traffic dependent)

The multi-level car park has capacity for 4,718 vehicles and 72 buses, located adjacent to the terminal.

Type	Rate
Short-term (hourly)	Check current rates at sabihagokcen.aero
Valet parking	500 TL

Tips:

• Disabled badge holders and veterans park free
• Pay at automatic machines (credit card accepted) or at exit
• Pre-booking for longer stays can save up to 50%

Sabiha Gokcen Airport has extensive dining options in both the domestic and international departure areas, as well as landside.

Quick Service (Landside & Airside)

• Starbucks: Multiple locations throughout the terminal
• Simit Sarayi: Traditional Turkish simit (sesame bread rings) and pastries
• Burger King, McDonald's: Fast food options

Turkish Cuisine (Airside)

• Kebab and doner restaurants: Traditional Turkish grilled meats
• Pide and lahmacun: Turkish flatbreads, excellent for a quick meal
• Turkish breakfast spots: Cheese, olives, eggs, and fresh bread

International Options

• Italian: Pizza and pasta available at several outlets
• Asian: Sushi and wok dishes
• Mediterranean: Mezze and appetizers

Budget Tips

• Landside cafes are generally cheaper than airside
• Simit Sarayi offers good value for Turkish pastries and sandwiches
• Duty-free shops sell Turkish delight, baklava, and other local treats

Free WiFi is available throughout the airport with no time limit.

Detail	Information
Network name	SGIA_WiFi_Free
Registration	SMS verification or passport details
Time limit	Unlimited
Speed	Adequate for browsing and streaming

Tip: If SMS verification fails, use the passport registration option on the login page.

SIM cards are available at the airport, though city shops offer better prices.

Airport Locations

• Turkcell (Arrivals hall): 24-hour kiosk
• Vodafone (Arrivals hall): 24-hour kiosk
• Turk Telekom (Arrivals hall): 24-hour service

Pricing (Airport)

Provider	Data	Price (TL)	Price (USD)
Turkcell Tourist Pack	20 GB	1,000	28
Vodafone Tourist Pack	25 GB	1,490	42
Turk Telekom	25 GB	1,550	44

Note: Airport prices are 50-100% higher than city stores. If you can wait, buy from a Turkcell or Vodafone shop in Kadikoy or central Istanbul.

Requirements: Valid passport required for SIM registration (Turkish law).

ATMs are located throughout the terminal in arrivals, departures, and airside areas. Major Turkish banks (Garanti, Is Bank, Yapi Kredi, Akbank) have machines available.

Currency

• Turkey: Turkish Lira (TL / TRY)
• Exchange rate: Approximately 1 EUR = 36 TL, 1 USD = 33 TL (rates fluctuate significantly)

Currency Exchange

Exchange counters are located in arrivals and departures, but airport rates include significant markups (often 5-10% worse than market rate).

Better alternatives:

• Withdraw TL from ATMs using a no-fee debit card (Wise, Revolut)
• Many restaurants and shops accept credit cards
• Exchange only small amounts at the airport for immediate needs

Tip: Turkey is increasingly card-friendly, but taxis and small vendors often prefer cash.

Sabiha Gokcen offers duty-free shopping in both domestic and international departure areas.

Duty-Free

• Unifree Duty Free: Main operator with spirits, perfumes, cosmetics, tobacco
• Tax-free savings: Significant on alcohol and tobacco for international travelers

Turkish Specialties

• Turkish Delight (lokum): Various brands available
• Baklava and sweets: Packaged options for gifts
• Turkish tea and coffee: Quality brands at reasonable prices
• Ceramics and textiles: Turkish souvenirs

Other Shops

• Electronics: Phone accessories, adapters
• Fashion: Turkish and international brands
• Books and magazines: Including English-language titles

Sabiha Gokcen has several lounges accessible via Priority Pass, airline status, or paid entry.

Priority Pass Lounges

Plaza Premium Bosphorus Lounge (International):

• Location: Near Gate 205, after passport control
• Hours: 24 hours
• Amenities: Hot and cold buffet, bar (premium drinks extra), WiFi, showers
• Maximum stay: 2 hours

Plaza Premium Marmara Lounge (International):

• Location: Near Gate 204, after passport control
• Hours: 24 hours
• Amenities: Buffet, drinks, children's play area, smoking room
• Maximum stay: 2 hours

Plaza Premium Lounge (Domestic):

• Location: Near Gate 206, after security
• Hours: 24 hours
• Amenities: Buffet, WiFi, comfortable seating

Kepler Hotel & Lounge (International):

• Location: After passport control, turn left
• Hours: 24 hours
• Amenities: Includes access to rest pods (subject to availability)

Turkish Airlines Lounge

Access: Turkish Airlines Business Class, Miles&Smiles Elite/Elite Plus, Star Alliance Gold

• Location: International departures
• Amenities: Hot buffet, Turkish specialties, WiFi, comfortable seating
• Note: Not accessible via Priority Pass

Day Pass Purchase

Most lounges offer paid entry for approximately 500-800 TL (EUR 14-22) for a 2-hour stay.

At the Airport

ISG Sabiha Gokcen Airport Hotel:

• Distance: 5-minute walk from terminal (300m)
• Stars: 4-star
• Amenities: Soundproofed rooms, 24-hour fitness center, sauna, restaurant (breakfast from 04:30)
• Price: From 3,000 TL/night (EUR 85)
• Shuttle: Free transfer to/from terminal

Kepler Hotel & Lounge (Airside):

• Location: Inside international departures
• Type: Sleep pods/cabins
• Booking: Hourly rates available
• Access: Available via Priority Pass or direct booking

Near the Airport

• Kaya Hotel SAW: 10-minute drive, shuttle available, from 2,500 TL/night
• Crowne Plaza Istanbul Asia: 15-minute drive, full-service hotel
• Holiday Inn Istanbul Kadikoy: 30-minute drive, closer to Asian side attractions

Transit Tips

• For early morning flights, the ISG Airport Hotel is ideal (breakfast starts at 04:30)
• The Kepler Hotel is useful for long layovers without leaving airside
• Quieter areas with seating are available throughout the terminal

Istanbul is a city of two continents, with most historic attractions on the European side. SAW's location on the Asian side means significant travel time to major tourist areas, but the Asian side offers its own authentic neighborhoods worth exploring.

Getting to Key Attractions

Destination	Travel Time	Route
Kadikoy	52 min	M4 Metro direct
Sultanahmet (Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia)	75-90 min	M4 + Marmaray to Sirkeci
Grand Bazaar	80-95 min	M4 + Marmaray to Sirkeci
Taksim / Istiklal Street	90-120 min	M4 + Marmaray + walk or tram
Bosphorus ferry terminals	60-70 min	M4 to Kadikoy, then ferry

Asian Side Highlights

If you have time before or after your flight, the Asian side offers authentic Istanbul experiences:

• Kadikoy: Vibrant market streets, cafes, excellent food scene, 52 min by metro
• Moda: Seaside neighborhood with cafes and sunset views, near Kadikoy
• Uskudar: Historic mosques, waterfront promenades, Bosphorus views

European Side Must-Sees

• Sultanahmet: Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern
• Grand Bazaar: Historic covered market with 4,000+ shops
• Bosphorus Cruise: Ferry trips along the strait between Europe and Asia
• Galata Tower: Panoramic city views, historic Genoese tower

Layover Recommendations

• 4-hour layover: Stay at the airport; explore Kadikoy only if you have 5+ hours
• 6-hour layover: Quick trip to Kadikoy for Turkish breakfast and market exploration
• 8+ hour layover: Possible to visit Sultanahmet, but factor 3-4 hours for transport alone
• Overnight layover: Consider staying at ISG Airport Hotel and exploring the next morning

Travel Tips

• Purchase an Istanbulkart immediately for discounted transit fares
• Download the Moovit or Trafi app for real-time public transit navigation
• Tipping: 5-10% in restaurants is appreciated but not required
• Shops in tourist areas are open late; local shops close by 19:00-20:00
• Istanbul tap water is safe but most locals drink bottled water

Day Trips from Istanbul

• Princes' Islands: Car-free islands in the Sea of Marmara, 90 min by ferry from Kadikoy
• Bursa: Ottoman capital, famous for kebabs and silk, 2-hour ferry + bus
• Edirne: Historic mosques and architecture, 2.5 hours by bus