When you search for flights from London or elsewhere to Istanbul, you will see two different airports: Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW). It is tempting to decide on the fare alone, but the airport you land at directly affects how long it takes to reach your hotel and how tiring the journey will be. The answer to Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gökçen depends mostly on where you are staying. This guide compares the two airports by location, transport options and the neighbourhoods they serve best.
Where are the two airports?
مطار إسطنبول (IST) is on the European side of the city, in Arnavutköy near the Black Sea coast. It is the main hub of Turkish Airlines and handles most long-haul flights. It is roughly 40 kilometres by road from Taksim and a little further from Sultanahmet. Depending on traffic, the journey takes between 45 minutes and an hour and a half.
مطار صبيحة كوكجن (SAW) is on the Asian side, in Pendik. It is the main base of airlines such as Pegasus and AJet. It is about 35 kilometres from Kadıköy and around 45 kilometres from Taksim. To reach the European side you cross one of the Bosphorus bridges or use the Eurasia Tunnel, and at busy times that crossing can add a great deal to the journey.
Which airport suits your neighbourhood?
Start by checking which side of the Bosphorus your hotel is on:
- Sultanahmet, Eminönü, Fatih: Istanbul Airport is usually more convenient. Arriving at Sabiha Gökçen also works; via the Eurasia Tunnel the journey can be reasonable.
- Taksim, Galata, Karaköy, Nişantaşı, Şişli: Istanbul Airport is clearly closer and has a metro connection.
- Beşiktaş, Ortaköy and the Bosphorus shore: both airports work; Istanbul Airport is often more predictable in evening traffic.
- Kadıköy, Moda, Üsküdar, Ataşehir: Sabiha Gökçen is by far the closer airport, and you never touch bridge traffic.
To compare districts, read our guide to where to stay in Istanbul, and see every option for your dates on the Istanbul hotels page.
From Istanbul Airport to the city
Metro
The M11 metro line links Istanbul Airport with Gayrettepe. At Gayrettepe you change to the M2 line for Levent, Şişli, Osmanbey and Taksim. Stairs and long interchange corridors can be tiring with luggage, but avoiding the traffic is a real advantage, particularly at rush hour.
Airport buses
Havaist buses run from the airport to Taksim, Sultanahmet, Kadıköy, Beşiktaş and many other points in the city. They have luggage holds, but journey times depend on traffic and you may need to walk or take a taxi from the final stop to your hotel.
Taxi and private transfer
Airport taxis wait outside the terminal, but fares depend on the meter and the traffic. If you land late, travel as a large family or carry a lot of luggage, a pre-booked transfer is the most comfortable option: the driver meets you by name in arrivals and drops you at the hotel door. See vehicle types and journey times on the النقل من مطار إسطنبول page.
From Sabiha Gökçen to the city
Metro
The M4 metro line connects Sabiha Gökçen Airport with Kadıköy. From Kadıköy you can take a ferry across to Karaköy, Eminönü or Beşiktaş, which is a lovely first glimpse of the Bosphorus. You can also change to the Marmaray line at Ayrılık Çeşmesi and travel under the sea to Sirkeci and Yenikapı on the European side.
Airport buses
Havabus coaches run regularly from Sabiha Gökçen to Kadıköy and Taksim. The Taksim service crosses a bridge, so the trip can take much longer at busy times of day.
Taxi and private transfer
A taxi from Sabiha Gökçen to the European side is a long ride, exposed to bridge and tunnel traffic. With a pre-arranged transfer the route and vehicle are fixed, and the driver waits for you even if your flight is delayed. Details are on the Sabiha Gökçen transfer page.
What to consider when choosing a flight
Look at the whole journey, not just the fare. A cheaper flight into Sabiha Gökçen can lose its advantage once you add the time and cost of reaching a hotel on the European side. On flights that land late at night, public transport options shrink and a transfer or taxi becomes essential. On connecting itineraries, choose connections that stay at the same airport; changing between IST and SAW can take hours in traffic.
The departure airport in the UK matters too. Flights to Istanbul leave from several London airports, and the most convenient combination is often the one that pairs an easy departure for you with the Istanbul airport closest to your hotel. Compare options on our London to Istanbul flights page. If you would rather have flights, hotel and transfer in one booking, see the Istanbul packages on our العروض page.
Practical airport tips
- Both airports have Istanbulkart machines; the same card works on the metro, buses, trams and ferries.
- Passport control can be slow at peak times; if you have booked a transfer, drivers track your flight and wait for your actual landing time.
- Istanbul Airport is huge, and the walk from the gate to baggage reclaim and the exit is long, so wear comfortable shoes.
- For the return journey, aim to be at the airport at least three hours before an international flight, and add the journey from the city on top of that.
- Keep your hotel address written in Turkish on your phone; it helps with taxi drivers and bus staff.
Conclusion
In short, if you are staying on the European side, especially in Taksim, Şişli, Galata or Sultanahmet, Istanbul Airport is usually the more practical choice. If you are staying in Kadıköy, Üsküdar or elsewhere on the Asian side, Sabiha Gökçen will save you time. Whichever you choose, a pre-arranged transfer and a hotel in the right neighbourhood get your Istanbul trip off to a smooth start from the very first hour.
