Your Gateway to the City From Asian Side
Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) is Istanbul’s modern, efficient airport located on the Asian side of the city. Named after the world’s first female fighter pilot, it serves as a crucial hub, primarily for low-cost and regional carriers, offering swift access to Istanbul’s Anatolian suburbs and provinces.
Airport Quick Facts
| Feature | Detail |
| IATA Code | SAW |
| Location | Pendik, Asian Side of Istanbul, Turkey |
| Distance to City | Approx. 50 km (31 mi) to Taksim Square |
| Primary Hub for | Pegasus Airlines, AJet (AnadoluJet) |
| Annual Capacity | 41+ Million Passengers |
| Terminal Structure | Single Integrated Terminal (Domestic & International) |
| Direct Rail Link | M4 Metro Line to Kadıköy |
SAW is equipped with modern facilities designed for passenger comfort and convenience:
Lounges: Premium Plaza Premium Lounge and CIP services are available for all passengers for a fee.
Rest & Business: Kepler Sleep Cabins (International Departures) for hourly rest, conference rooms, and business services.
Connectivity: Free (limited) and paid high-speed Wi-Fi available throughout the terminal.
On-Site Hotel: The ISG Airport Hotel is directly accessible from the terminal.
Other Essentials: ATMs, currency exchange, car rental desks, pharmacy, and a multi-story car park.
The airport is connected via Metro, public bus, and dedicated shuttles. We highly recommend using the Metro to avoid Istanbul’s heavy traffic.
| Option | Destination/Route | Travel Time (Avg.) | Current Fare (Approx.) |
| M4 Metro | Kadıköy (Asian Side Hub) | 52 minutes | ~27.00 TL (Istanbulkart Full) |
| HAVABÜS Shuttle | Taksim (European Side) | 90 – 120 minutes | ~367.00 TL (Cash/Istanbulkart) |
| HAVABÜS Shuttle | Kadıköy (Asian Side) | 60 – 90 minutes | Fares vary, check on-site |
| Taxi | Taksim / Sultanahmet | 60 – 120+ minutes | ~1,200 – 1,450 TL+ (Yellow Taxi) |
Note on Fares: All public transport requires an Istanbulkart (a reloadable travel card) which can be purchased at the airport’s metro station. HAVABÜS accepts cash, Istanbulkart, or credit card at the kiosk. Fares are subject to change by local authorities.
| Day | Operating Hours | Frequency (Approx.) |
| Mon – Thu | 06:00 – 23:59 | Every 5-6 minutes |
| Fri/Sat | 06:00 – 04:30 (Extended Night Service) | Varies |
| Sun | 05:00 – 23:59 | Varies |
| ✅ Advantages of Using SAW | ❌ Disadvantages of Using SAW |
| Cost-Effective: Often serves budget airlines, resulting in cheaper flight options. | Distance from European Side: Significantly farther from main tourist areas (Sultanahmet, Taksim) than Istanbul Airport (IST). |
| Direct Metro Access: M4 line offers a guaranteed, traffic-free transfer to the Asian side (Kadıköy). | Traffic Risk: Road travel to the European side (via shuttle/taxi) is highly vulnerable to rush-hour congestion (can take 2+ hours). |
| Modern Terminal: Easier navigation and faster processing due to the single-terminal layout. | Fewer Long-Haul Routes: Primarily focuses on domestic, regional, and European destinations. |
| Ideal for Asian Side: Perfect for travelers whose final destination is on the Anatolian side of Istanbul. | Higher Taxi/Private Transfer Cost: Due to the distance to the European side. |
