
Sabiha Gokcen Airport, also known as SAW, is a major international airport located on the Anatolian side of Istanbul, Turkey.
Sabiha Gokcen Airport is a significant hub for Turkish Airlines and is a major gateway to the city of Istanbul.
Getting to the airport is relatively easy, with taxis and buses available from the city center.
Suggestion: Transportation in Turkey Istanbul
Getting to Istanbul S Gokcen
Start your trip to the airport a minimum of 3 hours before your flight departure time; 3-1/2 is better, and 4 is secure.
You can take the Marmaray from Yenikapı or Sirkeci to Ayrılık Çeşmesi, then the M4 Metro line to Kadıköy, where you board the Havabus airport bus to the airport.
For a traffic-free option, you can take the M4 metro line directly.
Instead of the Marmaray, you could take a ferryboat from Eminönü to Kadıköy, then the Havabus bus to the airport, allowing for a last Bosphorus ferry cruise goodbye to the city.
The airport private transfer service is another option, as they know how to predict the traffic flow and time required for the trip.
Transportation from Airport

Getting to and from Sabiha Gökçen Airport is relatively easy, with several transportation options available. The airport is connected to the city center by public transport, taxis, and private transfer services.
You can take the Havataş Airport Bus from the airport to the city center, which takes around 2½ hours and costs 23 TL. Alternatively, you can take a taxi, which takes around 90 minutes and costs approximately 70€. If you prefer a more affordable option, you can take the public transport system, which includes buses, metro, and ferry.
Here are some of the options in more detail:
* OptionTravel TimePriceBus E10 or E11 to Kadıköy, then ferry to Eminönü, then tram T1 to Zeytinburnu, then metro to Havalimani (airport)3-4 hours15 TLHavaş buses via the central transfer point near Taksim Square2½ hours23 TLTaxi90 minutesapprox. 70€
It's worth noting that taking a taxi or private transfer service can be more convenient, especially if you have a lot of luggage or are short on time. However, the public transport system is a more affordable and environmentally friendly option.
Flights

If you're flying into this airport, you're in luck - there are direct connections from the German-speaking area with several airlines, including Germanwings, Condor, Pegasus Airlines, Sun Express, and Turkish Airlines.
You can reach your destination quickly and easily with these convenient flights.
Airport Transport
There are several ways to get to the city center from Sabiha Gökçen Airport, including city buses, Havataş Airport Bus, private transfer services, public transport, taxis, shuttle vans, and car rentals.
You can take the Marmaray from Yenikapı or Sirkeci to Ayrılık Çeşmesi, then the M4 Metro line to Kadıköy, where you board the Havabus airport bus to the airport.
The first bus from Kadıköy to the airport departs at 06:30 am, and the last bus at 00:30 am, with buses running every 30 minutes.
You can take the MetroMarmaray to get to the city center from the airport, which is a traffic-free option.
The Havabüs airport bus shuttles between Sabiha Gökçen Airport and the Kadıköy ferry dock every 30 minutes, making it a convenient option.
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If you're traveling with light luggage, you can take the public transport option from Sabiha Gökçen Airport, which includes buses E10 or E11 to Kadıköy, then the ferry to Eminönü, then tram T1 to Zeytinburnu, and finally the metro to Havalimani (airport).
Here are the options for changing between the two airports:
- Take the bus E10 or E11 to Kadıköy, then the ferry to Eminönü, then tram T1 to Zeytinburnu, then continue with the metro to Havalimani (airport)
- Use the Havaş buses via the central transfer point near Taksim Square
- Take a taxi, which will take around 90 minutes and cost approximately 70€
Airport Details
To get to Sabiha Gökçen Airport, you should start your trip a minimum of 3 hours before your flight departure time, and 4 hours is even more secure.
Take the Marmaray from Yenikapı or Sirkeci to Ayrılık Çeşmesi, then the M4 Metro line to Kadıköy, where you board the Havabus airport bus to the airport.
For a more scenic route, you can take a ferryboat from Eminönü to Kadıköy, then the Havabus bus to the airport.
Airport History
The Sabiha Gökçen Airport is named after the world's first female fighter pilot, who flew 22 different combat and aerobatics aircraft.
Ms Gökçen's pioneering work was made possible by Kemal Atatürk's social reforms, which emphasized equal rights and opportunities for women.
Atatürk's saying, "The future is in the skies", has become a guiding principle for the Turkish air travel and aircraft industries.
The airport is a testament to Ms Gökçen's remarkable legacy and her contributions to the world of aviation.
Sabiha Gökçen Airport Change
Changing airports can be a bit of a challenge, but don't worry, I've got you covered. If you need to switch from Sabiha Gökçen airport, you have a few options to consider.
You can take the public transport option, which involves taking bus E10 or E11 to Kadıköy, then the ferry to Eminönü, and finally the tram T1 to Zeytinburnu, followed by the metro to Havalimani (airport). This journey can take around 3-4 hours and costs 15 TL, but be aware that city traffic can cause delays.
The public transport option is not recommended for heavy luggage due to the long transfer routes and sometimes limited accessibility.
Alternatively, you can take the Havaş buses via the central transfer point near Taksim Square, which takes around 2½ hours and costs 23 TL.
If you prefer a more direct and convenient option, you can take a taxi, which takes around 90 minutes and costs approximately 70€.
Here are a summary of your options:
- Public transport: 3-4 hours, 15 TL
- Havaş buses: 2½ hours, 23 TL
- Taxi: 90 minutes, 70€
Traveling to/from Airport
Traveling to/from Airport is relatively straightforward, but it's essential to know your options. You can take the Marmaray from Yenikapı or Sirkeci to Ayrılık Çeşmesi, then the M4 Metro line to Kadıköy, and finally the Havabus airport bus to the airport.
For a more scenic route, you can take a ferryboat from Eminönü to Kadıköy instead of the Marmaray, adding some extra time to your journey. This option is perfect for those who want to make the most of their time in Istanbul and enjoy a Bosphorus cruise.
If you're short on time or prefer a hassle-free option, you can use the private transfer service or take a taxi. The travel time by taxi is approximately 90 minutes, and the price is around 70€. Alternatively, you can use the Havaş buses via the central transfer point near Taksim Square, which takes around 2½ hours and costs 23 TL.
Pendik Train Station

Pendik Train Station is the Istanbul terminus for high-speed trains.
It's located near the seashore, a few kilometers south of Sabiha Gökçen Airport.
You can get to Pendik Train Station by taking a city bus.
From there, you can take the train to visit other cities like Eskişehir, Ankara, and Konya.
From Old Istanbul to Airport
Start your trip to the airport a minimum of 3 hours before your flight departure time, 3-1/2 is better, and 4 is secure.
You can take the Marmaray from Yenikapı or Sirkeci to Ayrılık Çeşmesi, then the M4 Metro line to Kadıköy, where you board the Havabus airport bus to the airport.
For a traffic-free option, you can take the M4 metro line directly.
Taking the ferryboat from Eminönü to Kadıköy, then the Havabus bus to the airport, allows for a last Bosphorus ferry cruise goodbye to the city, and even more time.
The airport private transfer service is another option, as they know how to predict the traffic flow and time required for the trip.
General Information

Sabiha Gökçen International Airport is one of the two international airports serving Istanbul, Turkey's largest city.
The airport is located 35 km southeast of Istanbul center, on the Asian side of the city.
To get to your destination, you'll need to navigate the airport's layout, which is divided into several sections, including flights, ground transportation, and getting around.
Here's a quick rundown of the airport's sections:
- 1Understand
- 2Flights
- 3Ground transportation
- 4Get around
- 5Wait
- 6Eat and drink
- 7Buy
- 8Connect
- 9Cope
- 10Sleep
- 11Nearby
Understand
Sabiha Gökçen Airport is named after the world's first female fighter pilot, adopted daughter of Atatürk. The airport was built to relieve pressure on Istanbul Ataturk Airport on the European side.
Low-cost carriers and charter airlines are the primary users of this airport.
Contents
Sabiha Gökçen International Airport is one of the two international airports serving Istanbul, located 35 km southeast of the city center on the Asian side.
The airport is easily accessible by various means, including flights, which can be booked through the airport's website or a travel agent. Flights are a convenient option for reaching Istanbul.

For those who prefer not to fly, ground transportation is available, including buses and taxis. These services can be found at the airport's arrivals area.
Getting around the airport is relatively straightforward, with clear signs and directions to help navigate the terminal.
If you have time to spare, you can wait at the airport's lounge or grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants and cafes.
Eating and drinking options are plentiful at the airport, with a range of cuisines to suit different tastes.
You can also buy souvenirs or last-minute essentials at the airport's shops.
For staying connected, the airport offers free Wi-Fi and several charging stations throughout the terminal.
If you're feeling overwhelmed, the airport staff are available to help and provide assistance with any queries or concerns.
Sleeping options are limited at the airport, but you can find some comfortable chairs and quiet areas to rest.
If you're looking for more to do in the area, there are plenty of nearby attractions and activities to explore.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the two airports in Istanbul?
Istanbul has two major airports on the European side: Istanbul Airport (IST) and Ataturk Airport (ISL), with Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) located on the Asian side.
Sources
- https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Sabiha_G%C3%B6k%C3%A7en_International_Airport
- https://www.aviontourism.com/en/airport/istanbul-sabiha-g%C3%B6k%C3%A7en-SAW
- https://turkeytravelplanner.com/go/Istanbul/Transport/sabiha_gokcen_airport.html
- https://turkeytravelplanner.com/go/Istanbul/Transport/s_gokcen_transport.html
- https://www.introducingistanbul.com/sabiha-gokcen-airport
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