If you’re planning a trip to Istanbul, one question comes up almost immediately: “Should I fly into IST or SAW for Istanbul?”
There are two major airports in the city; Istanbul Airport (IST) in the European side and Sabiha Girkcen Airport (SAW) in the Asian side. They have similar characteristics as they serve millions of passengers annually, yet they are not in the same destination, and they do not provide airline alternatives, as well as possess different benefits.
Istanbul Airport (IST) – The Main Gateway to Turkey
Istanbul Airport is the largest and busiest airport in Turkey and is situated 40 km away from the city center. It was opened in 2018 and since then it has been one of the largest hubs in the world that replaced Atatürk Airport.
Why choose Istanbul Airport (IST) for Turkey travel?
Most suitable to a long-haul flight: The majority of the long-distance carriers operate out of IST.
Contemporary amenities: You can count on an imposing range of eateries, stores, and bars.
Easy access to European side accommodation: less time in travelling to Sultanahmet and Taksim compared to travelling to SAW.
Facilities at Turkey’s IST Airport
Large availability of duty free stores and high end products
These are international airlines lounges.
Metro connection (M11 line) and aero buses
Hotels built at the location of a layover
Pros of IST:
- Greater global flights and links
- Terminal design- best in the business
- The historic Istanbul European side is easier to access.
Weaknesses of IST:
- It may get very busy at rush hour
- The bigger a terminal, the greater the distance one has to walk
Sabiha Gokcen airport is smaller and is located on the Asian side but still serves millions of passengers within a year. It is a well-liked option when it comes to domestic flights and low-cost airlines such as Pegasus Airlines.
Advantages of landing into Sabiha Gokcen Airport
Lower fare flights: In particular, regional and domestic.
Less busy: Faster check-in and smaller queues.
Nearside attractions such as Asian: Easy access to Kadikoy, Uskudar, coastal regions.
Does SAW favor those on low-end trips?
Sure, in many cases, it is the cheapest to fly with SAW to Istanbul, and this makes it ideal to use it when you want to save money. Bihaha Gökçen Airport (SAW) – The Budget-Friendly Option
Pros of SAW:
- Cheaper flights on low-cost carriers
- The size of the compact makes navigation easier
- Very good option when you are going to be on the Asian side
Disadvantages of SAW:
- Fewer flights to/from abroad
- Increased commute to Sultanahmet and Taksim
Flying to the European Side IST vs. the Asian Side SAW
It all depends on the side of Istanbul you are going to be staying.
European Side (IST): It is closer to the main touristic attractions such as Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar.
Asian Side (SAW): Just off colorful local neighborhoods, street food, and beautiful ferry rides.
Tip: Book the airport on the same side as your hotel to avoid long transfers.
Airport Transfers & Travel Time
Airport transfer time from IST to Sultanahmet
- Taxi: 40–60 minutes (depending on traffic)
- Shuttle bus: Around 1–1.5 hours
- Metro: About 1 hour with M11 line connection
How long from SAW to Taksim by metro?
- Metro + Marmaray: 80–100 minutes
- Taxi: 1–1.5 hours depending on traffic
- Shuttle: About 90 minutes
Best airport for fastest city access in Istanbul:
If you’re staying in central Istanbul on the European side, IST is usually quicker. For Asian side stays, SAW is more convenient.
Istanbul Airport vs. Sabiha Gökçen – Pros and Cons
| Feature | Istanbul Airport (IST) | Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) |
| Location | European Side | Asian Side |
| Flight Options | More international routes | More low-cost flights |
| Facilities | Larger, modern, many amenities | Smaller, simpler, faster to navigate |
| Best For | Long-haul and European side stays | Budget travel and Asian side stays |
| Transfer Time to Sultanahmet | ~1 hour | ~1.5 hours |
| Crowds | High during peak hours | Lower overall |
Tips for Choosing the Best Airport
- Check your hotel’s location – Match your airport to your accommodation side.
- Look for flight deals – SAW often wins on price, IST on variety.
- Consider your arrival time – Late-night arrivals may have easier transport options from IST.
- If connecting internationally – Choose IST for more options.
Final Thoughts
When you are travelling to Istanbul to experience the historic European side of the city and are travelling internationally, Istanbul Airport (IST) is your best bet in terms of convenience and frequency of flights.
Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) may be the wiser location to choose should you be going to the Asian side or seeking the lower-cost flights.
In this way or another, both airports are modern, well-equipped, and they can provide you with a nice beginning of the Turkish adventure. It will all come down to where, what, and the availability of flights.
FAQs
How long does it take to transfer from Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet?
It normally takes 40 to 60 minutes by taxi, depending on traffic. shuttle buses 1-1.5 hours Connections Metro: 1 hour
Does Sabiha Gökçen Airport favor cheaper travellers?
Yes, the services of low-cost airlines such as Pegasus and AnadoluJet serve SAW and such flights are generally cheaper compared to IST, particularly on domestic routes and short international destinations.
What Istanbul Airport should I use as a tourist?
When you are on the European side, either close to Sultanahmet or Taksim, then Istanbul Airport (IST) is preferably situated with more international flights and closer to you. Sabiha Gokcen (SAW) is closer to the Asian side and has cheaper fares, too, in case you are staying on that side.
Would you fly into IST on the European side or SAW on the Asian side?
Travel time will be less when flying into IST in case your accommodation or city points of attraction are on the European side. If you intend to visit Kadraw, Uskudar, or any other neighborhood on the Asian side, take SAW.