Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) is Istanbul’s secondary international airport, located in Pendik on the Asian side of the city. Named after Sabiha Gökçen, the first female combat pilot, the airport is 32 km from the city centre and operates around the clock with modern facilities.
The airport serves both international and domestic passengers, operating as a base for Pegasus Airlines and AnadoluJet. A metro line runs directly to the terminal, connecting to the city centre in approximately 50 minutes, making it easily accessible for visitors. With a single integrated terminal building and comprehensive passenger services, Sabiha Gökçen has become one of Europe’s fastest-growing airports.
Quick answer: Istanbul Metro (M4 line) (50 minutes to Kadıköy, ₺). 4 more ways compared below.
Quick Facts
| Type | Airport |
|---|---|
| IATA code | SAW |
| Built / opened | 2001 |
| Address | Pendik/Kurtköy, Istanbul Google MapsApple MapsYandex Maps |
| District | Pendik |
| Metro | Sabiha Gökçen Havalimanı (M4, Terminal building) |
| Opening hours | Open 24 hours |
| Best time to visit | 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 travel conditions. Check your flight status and allow extra time during peak hours. |
| Website | sabihagokcen.aero |
How to Get from Sabiha Gökçen Airport to the City Center
| Option | Duration | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Istanbul Metro (M4 line) | 50 minutes to Kadıköy | ₺ | Direct connection from terminal to city centre. Runs 24 hours. Check metro timetable for overnight schedules. |
| Havaist shuttle bus | 60–90 minutes to central Istanbul | ₺₺ | Express shuttle with multiple stops including Taksim, Mecidiyeköy and Halkalı. Operates frequent departures. |
| Public bus | 90–120 minutes depending on route | ₺ | Connect to metro at Tavşantepe terminus (approximately 10 km from terminal). Multiple bus routes serve the airport. |
| Taxi | 40–60 minutes to central Istanbul | ₺₺₺ | Avoid unofficial touts outside arrivals. Book through official airport taxi ranks or licensed apps. Metered fares apply. |
| Private car or rental | 40–60 minutes to central Istanbul | ₺₺₺ | Accessible via E-80 and E-5 highways. Parking available at airport and central locations. |
₺ budget · ₺₺ moderate · ₺₺₺ upscale · ₺₺₺₺ splurge. Price levels are estimates compared with typical prices for visitors.
Why Visit Sabiha Gökçen Airport?
Sabiha Gökçen Airport serves visitors arriving on budget airlines and domestic flights, particularly from European destinations. For many international travellers, this is an alternative entry point to Istanbul, often offering competitive fares. The direct metro connection eliminates the need for taxis or shuttle bookings, providing straightforward, affordable access to central Istanbul. The airport’s modern facilities, including restaurants, shops, free Wi-Fi and a hotel, make transit time comfortable whether you’re arriving or departing.
History of Sabiha Gökçen Airport
Opening and early years
Sabiha Gökçen Airport opened on 8 January 2001, more than 80 years after Istanbul’s first airport began operations. Built to relieve congestion at the older Atatürk Airport on the European side, it was strategically located in Pendik on the Asian shore, where expansion could be achieved without urban constraints.
Growth and recognition
The airport expanded rapidly through the 2000s and 2010s, becoming the world’s fastest-growing airport for seven consecutive years from 2009 to 2015. Today it ranks as Turkey’s second-busiest airport and the ninth-busiest in Europe, handling nearly 50 million passengers annually. In 2014, Malaysia Airports took full ownership, bringing international expertise to operations.
Modern expansion and standing
The terminal was modernised with contemporary design, and new infrastructure including a domestic terminal annex was added to raise capacity to 41 million passengers per year. Today Sabiha Gökçen serves as the hub for low-cost carrier Pegasus Airlines and connects Istanbul to destinations across Turkey and Europe, particularly via budget airlines.
Tickets and Payment at Sabiha Gökçen Airport
Entry to the airport is free; passengers pay only for their flights and any services used. Tickets are purchased through airlines in advance.
Check-in and entry: Arrive at the airport 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international departures. Self-service check-in counters are available. Passport control and security screening take 20–40 minutes depending on passenger volume. The terminal has a single integrated building with clear signage.
Facilities: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal. Restaurants, cafés, shops and duty-free retail are located in the departure and arrival areas. A hotel and VIP lounge services are available on-site. Baggage storage, lost property and postal services are accessible through the information desk.
For transport and parking rates, visitor information and flight updates, see the official website at sabihagokcen.aero.
How to Get to Sabiha Gökçen Airport
By metro: The M4 metro line terminates at Sabiha Gökçen Havalimanı station, directly connected to the airport terminal. Journey time from Kadıköy is about 50 minutes; from further west (Kartal, Pendik) it is faster. The metro operates 24 hours with reduced overnight frequency.
By bus: Havaist and public buses serve the airport from multiple city locations. Havaist operates express service to Taksim, Mecidiyeköy and Halkalı. Public buses connect to the metro at Tavşantepe terminus, about 10 km away.
By taxi or private car: The airport is accessible via the E-80 and E-5 highways from the city centre. Taxi ranks are located outside the arrivals hall. Use official airport taxis to avoid unofficial touts. Private drivers can use on-site parking or short-term drop-off zones.
Accessibility
The terminal is wheelchair-accessible with lifts, accessible toilets and designated parking. Passengers with reduced mobility can request assistance at check-in. The airport offers accessible parking spaces and has a dedicated assistance desk. For detailed accessibility information, contact the airport's customer service on the official website.
Food Nearby
Inside the terminal, multiple restaurants and cafés offer Turkish, international and quick-service options. A hotel restaurant operates on-site. Once in the city centre (Taksim, Kadıköy, Galata), you'll find numerous dining options ranging from street food to fine dining.
What to Bring
Standard travel documents (passport, boarding pass) and any visas required by your destination. Airport security permits 100 ml liquid containers; larger bottles can be purchased duty-free after security. The terminal has shops, so forgotten items are often available. Wear comfortable shoes for walking the terminal and connecting routes.
Photography Rules
Photography is permitted in public areas of the terminal for personal use. Tripods and professional equipment require permission from airport management. Avoid photographing security areas and restricted zones. Respect any posted restrictions.
Family Suitability
The airport is family-friendly with nursing rooms, changing facilities and family-friendly dining options. The terminal is stroller-accessible. The journey by metro is manageable with luggage and children; however, allow time for crowded moments during peak hours. A hotel is available for rest if needed before departure.
Istanbul Vibes Tips
- Use the M4 metro if possible rather than a taxi; it's cheaper, faster and avoids traffic congestion. The metro runs 24 hours, though overnight frequency is reduced.
- Allow 15–20 minutes to walk from the metro platform to the check-in area and another 20–40 minutes for security and passport control. Budget total time accordingly.
- Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal. Download your airline's app before arrival to check-in online and track your flight.
- The airport is served by budget airlines, so flights may be cheaper but be aware of strict baggage allowances. Confirm allowances and pay for excess baggage in advance.
- If arriving late at night or departing very early, the on-site hotel is convenient; booking a room even for a few hours avoids rush and exhaustion.
Explore Nearby Sabiha Gökçen Airport
Metro stations near Sabiha Gökçen Airport
Pendikabout 10.7 km awayMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Sabiha Gökçen Havalimanı – about 950 m away (~16 min walk)Open daily 06:00–00:00Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Sights near Sabiha Gökçen Airport
Kadıköy · typical visit: Half a day to a full dayMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
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FAQ: Sabiha Gökçen Airport
How far is Sabiha Gökçen Airport from central Istanbul?
The airport is 32 km southeast of the city centre in Pendik. By metro, the journey to Kadıköy takes approximately 50 minutes. To Taksim or Galata, travel time is typically 60–90 minutes depending on your final destination and onward transport.
Is there a metro line to the airport?
Yes. The M4 metro line runs directly to Sabiha Gökçen Havalimanı station, connected to the terminal building. This is the fastest and most affordable way to reach the city centre. The metro operates 24 hours with reduced frequency overnight.
What is the difference between Sabiha Gökçen and Istanbul Airport?
Sabiha Gökçen is Istanbul's second-largest airport, opened in 2001 and located on the Asian side. Istanbul Airport (Kiliç Arslanbey) is the newer primary airport, opened in 2018 on the European side and serves more international carriers. Budget airlines often use Sabiha Gökçen.
Can I stay overnight at the airport?
Yes. An on-site hotel (ISG Airport Hotel) offers rooms for overnight stays. There are also transit hotels with day-use rooms available. These are convenient for very early departures or late arrivals.
What facilities are available at the airport?
The terminal includes restaurants, cafés, shops, duty-free retail, free Wi-Fi, banking services, baggage storage, medical facilities and prayer rooms. A hotel and VIP lounge services are available. Parking and car rental are also on-site.
How early should I arrive for international flights?
Arrive 3 hours before international departures. For domestic flights, 2 hours is standard. Factor in 20–40 minutes for security and immigration lines, plus time from metro or car park to the terminal.
Are unofficial taxis a problem at this airport?
Yes. Unofficial taxis (touts) sometimes operate outside the terminal. Use only the official taxi ranks inside the arrivals hall or book through a licensed app. Metered fares apply from official ranks.
Is the airport busy at night?
The airport operates 24 hours with varying traffic. Late-night and early-morning arrivals and departures are typically quieter than daytime. However, budget airlines sometimes operate night flights, so night-time activity does occur. Check your flight time for typical conditions.
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