Istanbul has two major airports, one on the European side and one on the Asian side, and choosing between them can shape your first and last day in the city. This page sets Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gökçen Airport side by side, so you can compare the key facts at a glance. Use the table to weigh up location, transport links and convenience, then open the full guide to either airport for more detail.
Istanbul Airport on the European side and Sabiha Gökçen Airport on the Asian side are often compared when choosing a flight. Istanbul Airport is the larger, 35 km northwest of the city centre, while Sabiha Gökçen is the second-largest, 32 km southeast of the centre.
This page helps you weigh the two before you book a flight or plan a transfer. Use the comparison on this page for the facts, then read the sections below on who each airport suits and what to check before you travel.
| Istanbul Airport | Sabiha Gökçen Airport | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Airports, Stations and Piers | Airports, Stations and Piers |
| District | Arnavutköy | Pendik |
| Address | Tayakadın Mahallesi, Terminal Caddesi No:1, 34283 Arnavutköy, Istanbul | Pendik/Kurtköy, Istanbul |
| Nearest metro | Istanbul Airport (İstanbul Havalimanı) (M11) | Sabiha Gökçen Havalimanı (M4) |
| Airport code | IST | SAW |
| Opening hours | Open 24 hours | Open 24 hours |
| Time needed | Planning 3–4 hours before departure | – |
| Best time to visit | Mornings (06:00–11:00) and late evening (20:00–23:00) have lighter crowds. Midday (12:00–18:00) is peak arrival and check-in time. Late night (00:00–05:00) is quietest but offers fewer food and shop options. Weekdays typically have less congestion than weekends. Turkish school holidays (mid-July… | The airport operates year-round and 24 hours daily. Passenger volume peaks in summer (June–September) and around public holidays. Early morning and late-night flights typically see lighter crowds. Winter can bring occasional weather disruptions; spring and autumn generally offer the smoothest… |
Choose Istanbul Airport if you want one large modern terminal
Choose Istanbul Airport if you want one modern terminal for both international and domestic flights. It is Turkey's largest airport and Europe's busiest, in the Arnavutköy district on the European side, and it is open 24 hours. The Metro station is Istanbul Airport (İstanbul Havalimanı) on the M11 line. Plan three to four hours before departure. Mornings (06:00–11:00) and late evening (20:00–23:00) have lighter crowds, while midday (12:00–18:00) is the peak for arrivals and check-in.
Choose Sabiha Gökçen if you would rather land on the Asian side
Choose Sabiha Gökçen Airport if you would rather land on the Asian side. It is Istanbul's second-largest airport, in Pendik, 32 km southeast of the city centre, with a modern terminal that offers comprehensive facilities and services for international and domestic flights. A direct Metro connection links it with the city on the M4 line, at the Sabiha Gökçen Havalimanı station. The airport is open 24 hours, and passenger numbers peak in summer (June–September) and around public holidays.
Getting there and practical differences
Both airports are listed as open 24 hours and both have a Metro station: M11 at Istanbul Airport and M4 at Sabiha Gökçen. The main differences are location and size. Istanbul Airport is on the European side, 35 km northwest of the centre, and Sabiha Gökçen is on the Asian side, 32 km southeast. Think about which side of the city your hotel is on, and check the official site of your airport for current transport options and schedules before you travel.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Istanbul Airport?
It is in the Arnavutköy district on the European side, 35 km northwest of the city centre. The address is Tayakadın Mahallesi, Terminal Caddesi No:1, Arnavutköy.
Is there a Metro to Sabiha Gökçen Airport?
Yes, a direct Metro connection serves it, and the station is Sabiha Gökçen Havalimanı on the M4 line. The airport is in Pendik, 32 km southeast of the city centre.
When is Istanbul Airport quieter?
Mornings (06:00–11:00) and late evening (20:00–23:00) have lighter crowds. Midday (12:00–18:00) is the peak for arrivals and check-in. Plan three to four hours before departure.
When is Sabiha Gökçen busiest?
The airport operates year-round and 24 hours daily. Passenger numbers peak in summer (June–September) and around public holidays. Check the official site for current details.
Final thoughts
The better airport is the one that fits your flight, your hotel area and your arrival time. Pick the one that suits your plans, then open its full guide for transfer options and practical tips. Before you travel, check the airline and the official airport websites for current terminals, transport services and times, since these can change.
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