IST or SAW? Which Istanbul Airport to Fly Into (2026)
Choose Istanbul Airport (IST) if you are staying on the European side (Taksim, Beşiktaş, Şişli, Sultanahmet). Choose Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) if you are staying on the Asian side (Kadıköy, Üsküdar, Ataşehir). Both are about 40–50 km from the centre. IST is the hub for Turkish Airlines; SAW is the main base of Pegasus.
Side by side
| Istanbul Airport (IST) | Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) | |
|---|---|---|
| Side of the city | European, in Arnavutköy | Asian, in Pendik |
| Main airlines | Turkish Airlines and most international carriers | Pegasus and many low-cost airlines |
| To Taksim | about 42 km | about 48 km |
| To Kadıköy | about 55 km | about 37 km |
| Metro | M11 to Gayrettepe (change to M2) | M4 to Kadıköy, about 52 minutes |
| Airport bus | Havaist, 12 lines | Havabüs to Kadıköy and Taksim; Havaist HVL-13 to Sultanahmet |
| Private transfer to Taksim, Economy | from €42 | from €50 |
Which is better for where you are staying?
The Bosphorus splits Istanbul between Europe and Asia, and crossing it is where traffic builds up. Flying into the airport on the same side as your hotel usually saves time.
- European side (Beşiktaş, Şişli, Nişantaşı, Sarıyer, Taksim, Karaköy, Sultanahmet): IST is usually closer.
- Asian side (Kadıköy, Üsküdar, Ataşehir): SAW is usually closer.
- Taksim and Sultanahmet are reachable from both at similar distances; compare flight prices and times.
Getting into the city from SAW
Since October 2022 the M4 metro reaches Sabiha Gökçen and runs to Kadıköy in about 52 minutes. Havabüs coaches go to Kadıköy (300 TL, about 60 minutes) and Taksim (485 TL, about 90 minutes), with extra night trips. Taxis and private transfers wait outside international arrivals.
Getting into the city from IST
IST has a single terminal for domestic and international flights and handled about 84.5 million passengers in 2025. The M11 metro and Havaist buses leave from below the arrivals floor, taxis from exits 9 and 13. Our drivers meet you at Exit 13, by the 3E sign.
Transfer prices for this trip: IST → Kadıköy transfer · SAW → Kadıköy transfer
Frequently asked questions
How many airports does Istanbul have?
Two passenger airports: Istanbul Airport (IST) on the European side and Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) on the Asian side. The old Atatürk Airport no longer has passenger flights.
Which Istanbul airport is closer to Sultanahmet?
They are similar: about 48 km from IST and about 50 km from SAW. Traffic and the time of day matter more than the distance.
Which airport is closer to Kadıköy?
Sabiha Gökçen (SAW), about 37 km away and linked by the M4 metro.
Which airport does Turkish Airlines use?
Istanbul Airport (IST) is the Turkish Airlines hub. Pegasus mainly uses Sabiha Gökçen (SAW).