Welcome to Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW),

Located in the Pendik district on the Asian side of Istanbul, Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) is Istanbul's second major airport. It's a significant hub, particularly for Pegasus Airlines and AnadoluJet (a Turkish Airlines brand), and serves numerous domestic and international destinations, including many low-cost carriers.

Guide to Istanbul's Airport on the Asian Side

Flights & Airlines SAW is the primary hub for Pegasus Airlines and hosts many AnadoluJet flights, alongside other Turkish and international airlines. It's a popular choice for budget travelers and those heading to or from the Asian side of Istanbul or nearby cities like Bursa or Kocaeli. 

Terminal Information SAW currently operates primarily out of a single, modern terminal building that handles both domestic and international flights. It can get quite busy, especially during peak times. A second runway has significantly increased capacity.

Getting To and From SAW Airport

Several transport options connect SAW to the city:

• Havabus Buses: These shuttle buses provide reliable connections to Kadıköy (Asian side transport hub) and Taksim (European side center). Payment can usually be made onboard or via Istanbulkart.
• Metro (M4 Line): The M4 Kadıköy-Sabiha Gökçen Airport metro line offers a direct and efficient rail connection to the Kadıköy ferry terminal and Marmaray/metro interchanges, making it easy to reach many parts of the city while avoiding traffic.
• IETT Public Buses: Various IETT bus lines serve SAW, connecting it to different neighborhoods on both the Asian and European sides. These are often the cheapest option but can be slower. E-10 and E-11 are popular routes towards Kadıköy and 4. Levent respectively.
• Taxi / Rideshare: Taxis are available outside the terminal. Agree on the fare or ensure the meter is used. Ride-sharing apps are also an option. Traffic, especially crossing to the European side via the bridges, can significantly impact travel time and cost.
• Private Transfers: Pre-bookable private or shared shuttles offer fixed-rate transfers.
• Car Rental: Rental desks for various companies are located in the arrivals area.

Airport Services & Facilities

SAW offers essential services for travelers:

• Lounges: There are domestic and international lounges, some affiliated with airlines and others accessible via payment or lounge programs.
• Shopping: A good selection of Duty-Free shops, along with stores selling souvenirs, clothing, books, and essentials.
• Food & Drink: Various cafes, fast-food outlets, and restaurants are available both before and after security.
• Accommodation: The ISG Airport Hotel is located right next to the terminal building. Other hotels are available in the surrounding Kurtköy area or further afield in Pendik or Kadıköy.
• Other Services: Currency exchange, ATMs, pharmacies, prayer rooms, Wi-Fi access (often limited free time), luggage services.

Practical Tips

• Allow Sufficient Time: While generally smaller than IST, SAW can be very busy. Allow ample time for check-in, security, and immigration.
• Factor in Traffic: If traveling to/from the European side, account for potential Bosphorus bridge traffic, which can cause significant delays, especially during peak hours. The metro is often a more predictable option.

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