Istanbul has two major airports: Istanbul Airport (IST) on the European side and Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) on the Asian side. Which one fits better depends mainly on your hotel – not only on the flight price.
Istanbul has two major airports: IST on the European and SAW on the Asian side. Which one fits when – depending on hotel, luggage, children and rush hour.
When we arrive, we don't just think “airport to city centre” but all the way to the hotel door. That is exactly why we compare both airports here from a trip-planning point of view.
- IST is on the European side, SAW on the Asian side. That decides the onward journey.
- If your hotel is in Kadıköy or on the Asian side, SAW is especially practical (direct metro M4 to Kadıköy).
- If your hotel is in Galata, Sultanahmet or Taksim, the European side is usually the more natural starting point; always check the last stretch to the hotel.
- With children and several suitcases we prefer a private transfer; alone or as a couple with little luggage the metro is often the most plannable solution.
- At rush hour use as much rail and water as possible.
Which airport is better for Istanbul?
In short: The better one is the one that suits your accommodation and your luggage. There is no blanket “better” choice. Pick the neighbourhood you're staying in first – and then check which airport has the easier onward journey to it.
IST: Istanbul Airport (European side)
Istanbul Airport is connected to the metro network. What matters is where you change onto the rest of the network and how far the last walk to the hotel is. Havaist airport buses serve various destinations; timetables and routes change, so check the official Havaist page before departure.
All options in detail: From Istanbul Airport IST to the City Centre.
SAW: Sabiha Gökçen (Asian side)
Sabiha Gökçen is on the Asian side. The M4 connects the airport directly with Kadıköy; depending on the source, roughly 45 to 60 minutes are quoted for the journey itself – allow a buffer. If you want to go to Europe, you can change to the ferry in Kadıköy or check the Marmaray connection.
For car journeys towards Europe the Bosphorus has to be crossed – at rush hour that can take very long. All options in detail: From Sabiha Gökçen Airport SAW to the City Centre.
- Kadıköy / Asian side: SAW with the M4 is especially strong
- Galata / Karaköy: IST or SAW possible; the last section can be steep
- Sultanahmet / Fatih: several changes possible; with lots of luggage door-to-door is more comfortable
- Taksim / Beyoğlu: for the onward journey usually easier via IST; check the route beforehand
What we consider when choosing
- Hotel first: The neighbourhood decides. More in Which Neighbourhood in Istanbul Suits You?.
- Luggage and children: With several suitcases, a pre-booked transfer at a fixed price is worth it.
- Arrival time: If you land late, check beforehand whether the public transport connection is still running.
- Plan B: Before departure, save a public-transport route and a transfer alternative.
Onward in the city
After arrival the Istanbulkart helps, and for the first days our routes: 3 days, 4 days and 5 days. Internet in advance: eSIM for Istanbul.
– Amra
