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TRAVEL GUIDE
IST vs SAW: Which Istanbul Airport Should You Use?
Istanbul has two major airports on opposite sides of the city. Here is how they differ and what that means for your transfer to your hotel.
The two airports
Istanbul Airport (IST) is on the European side of the city, around 40 km from central districts such as Taksim and Sultanahmet. It is the main hub for many international connections.
Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) is on the Asian side, in the Pendik district. It is closer to Kadıköy, Ataşehir and the other Asian-side districts, and the drive to the European side crosses the Bosphorus.
Which one is closer to my hotel?
| Your hotel is in | Usually closer to |
|---|---|
| Taksim, Beyoğlu, Şişli, Beşiktaş | Istanbul Airport (IST) in distance, but travel time depends on traffic |
| Sultanahmet, Fatih, Bakırköy | Istanbul Airport (IST) |
| Kadıköy, Ataşehir | Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) |
Traffic and the Bosphorus crossing can change travel times a lot, so it is worth allowing extra time, especially at peak hours.
Transfer prices from each airport
Our fixed prices depend on the airport and the district. For example, a Mercedes Vito from IST to Taksim is €55, while from SAW to Taksim it is €65. In the opposite direction, from SAW to Kadıköy a Vito is €60 and from IST to Kadıköy it is €65. See the full price list for every district.
Connecting between IST and SAW
If your flights use different airports, plan generous time between them. A private transfer between the two airports takes roughly 75 to 120 minutes depending on traffic and costs a fixed price from €75. See the IST to SAW transfer page.
Frequently asked questions
Which airport is closer to Taksim?
Istanbul Airport is closer in distance, around 40 km, while Sabiha Gökçen is around 50 km and the route crosses the Bosphorus. Travel time depends on traffic.
Are transfers cheaper from IST or SAW?
It depends on the district. To the European-side districts such as Taksim, transfers from IST are cheaper, while to Kadıköy and Ataşehir transfers from SAW are cheaper.
Can you pick me up from either airport?
Yes. We serve both airports with the same service: flight monitoring, a pre-arranged meeting point and a fixed price.
How do I get between the two airports?
You can book a private transfer between them. The trip takes roughly 75 to 120 minutes depending on traffic.
Related pages
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