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Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen (SAW)? The right choice for your hotel
The differences between Istanbul's two airports: location, distance to the city, travel times, and which airport suits which district.
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Short answer: which airport should I choose?
When searching for flights you will see two codes for the same city: IST and SAW. A fare difference can look tempting — but the wrong airport can add more than an hour to your journey.
Short answer: if you are staying on the European side (Taksim, Beşiktaş, Şişli, Sultanahmet), Istanbul Airport (IST) is usually more practical. On the Asian side (Kadıköy, Ataşehir, Üsküdar), Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) is closer. Fares and flight times matter too; both airports connect to the city by private transfer.
The two airports at a glance
| Istanbul Airport (IST) | Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) | |
|---|---|---|
| Location | European side, Arnavutköy | Asian side, Pendik |
| Main airline | Turkish Airlines | Pegasus Airlines |
| To Taksim | ~40 km, 45–60 min | ~50 km, 55–80 min |
| To Sultanahmet | ~45 km, 50–70 min | ~48 km, 50–75 min |
| To Kadıköy | ~52 km, 60–80 min | ~35 km, 35–50 min |
| Public transport | M11 metro, Havaist | M4 metro, Havabüs |
The most practical airport for your district
- Taksim, Beyoğlu, Galata: IST → Taksim is usually quicker.
- Sultanahmet: both airports are similar distances; from SAW the Eurasia Tunnel is often fast.
- Levent, Maslak, Şişli: IST → Şişli is ideal for business trips.
- Kadıköy, Moda: SAW → Kadıköy is clearly closer.
- Ataşehir: SAW → Ataşehir takes 25–40 minutes.
Connecting between IST and SAW
If you land at one airport and depart from the other, allow at least 4–5 hours: baggage claim, a drive of about 85 km and 75–100 minutes, then a new check-in and security. An IST–SAW transfer is the most reliable way across with your luggage, in one car and without changes.
Which is easier for late-night arrivals?
Public transport thins out at night at both airports. For late arrivals, a pre-booked private transfer is the most reliable way to go straight to your address without waiting or haggling. See Istanbul Airport transfers and Sabiha Gökçen transfers for details.
Your ride is one tap away.
Frequently asked questions
Is Sabiha Gökçen or Istanbul Airport closer to Taksim?
Istanbul Airport is closer to Taksim: about 40 km and 45–60 minutes. From Sabiha Gökçen, Taksim is about 50 km and 55–80 minutes including the Bosphorus crossing.
How long is the transfer between the two airports?
The roughly 85 km drive takes 75–100 minutes depending on traffic.