Istanbul Airport (IST) & Sabiha Gökçen (SAW)
Istanbul's two airports on opposite sides of the city: IST, the vast 2019 hub 40 km north-west on the European side, and SAW, the low-cost airport 45 km south-east in Asia — which one you land at decides your transfer.
Istanbul Airport (IST) opened in 2019 to replace Atatürk and is one of the largest terminals in the world: Turkish Airlines' hub, served by Emirates, flydubai and most full-service carriers from the Gulf. Sabiha Gökçen (SAW), on the Asian side, is Pegasus's base and the airport for most low-cost flights, including many from Dubai.
Getting into town
| IST (Europe) | SAW (Asia) | |
|---|---|---|
| To Sultanahmet by car | 50–70 min | 60–90 min |
| To Taksim by car | 45–60 min | 60–75 min |
| Metro | M11 to Gayrettepe, then M2 | M4 to Kadıköy / Ayrılık Çeşmesi, then Marmaray |
| Bus | Havaist to Taksim, Sultanahmet, Kadıköy | Havabus to Taksim and Kadıköy |
| Taxi (approx.) | TRY 1,200–1,800 | TRY 1,300–2,000 |
Choosing when you book
If you stay in Sultanahmet, Galata or along the Bosphorus, IST is closer and better connected. SAW makes sense for Kadıköy and the Asian side, or when the fare difference is large — but add an hour and the bridge traffic to your plans. Never book a connection between the two airports under four hours; they are two hours apart by road at the wrong time of day.
Frequently asked questions
IST is closer to Sultanahmet, Taksim and the Bosphorus; SAW is closer to Kadıköy and the Asian side. Both are 40–45 km from the old centre.
