Istanbul receives more than 100 million passengers a year and ranks among the world's top three airports in terms of air traffic. Below is an up-to-date guide to the two operating airports of the metropolis: Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW). You will learn where they are located, how to get to the center, how much a cab costs and why one of them was built as the largest in the world. Keep this article in your bookmarks - it will come in handy when transferring and planning your vacation.
All Istanbul airports on the map
The map shows that both operating hubs are located on opposite banks of the Bosporus: IST - in the European part, SAW - in the Asian part. The distance between them along the D020 and O-6 highway is about 80 km.
Where did Ataturk Airport disappear to?
The first Istanbul airfield was built in 1912 in the Yeşilköy district and named in honor of the country's first president, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. By the end of the 20th century, it served up to 60 million passengers, but there was nowhere to grow. After the opening of the new IST, most scheduled flights were transferred there, and Ataturk's grounds were left for charters, government flights and cargos. Part of the area is planned to be turned into a giant city park.
Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW)
SAW seismic terminal after reconstruction
SAW is located 35 km southeast of the Kadıköy neighborhood. Opened in 2001, it quickly became the base for low-cost carrier Pegasus Airlines and the second home for Turkish Airlines and AJet. Throughput capacity is 40 million people per year. Two levels: arrivals - first floor, departures - second floor.
In 2023, the M4 metro line was brought to the airport: now it is possible to get to the shore of the Sea of Marmara without interchanges, and further on along the Marmaray line - even to the European Sultanahmet.
Istanbul New Airport (IST)
IST is an ambitious $12 billion project in the Arnavutköy neighborhood. Capable of handling up to 90 million people from 2018, and all 150 million in the future. One huge terminal is divided into domestic and international zones; all arrivals come to a common lounge on the first level.
Turkish Airlines is based here: its airliners fly to 300+ cities on five continents. Russian carriers include Aeroflot, S7 and Pobeda.
How to figure out where you're flying to
Look at the three-letter code on the e-ticket:
- IST is a new European airport.
- SAW - Sabiha Gokcen in Asia.
If there are connections on the itinerary, check the codes - sometimes flights from one airline arrive at IST and depart from SAW.
How to get from the airport to the center
The fastest way is the subway; the most budget-friendly is the bus; the most comfortable is a booked transfer. Below are all options with prices and travel time.
Metro
SAW: M4 Kadıköy - Sabiha Gökçen line. It takes 50 minutes to Ayrılık Çeşmesi station, then Marmaray through the underwater tunnel to Yenikapı for another 12 minutes. From there, the second M2 line will take you to Taksim in five stops.
IST: line M11 İstanbul Havalimanı - Gayrettepe. Travel time to Şişli is 35 min, the train comes directly to the shopping district and intersects with the M2.
Shuttle buses
Havabus (SAW ⇄ Taksim) runs every 30 minutes. The cost of the ticket is 100 ₺ and the time is 1 h 20 min without traffic jams.
Havaist (IST ⇄ European part) serves 12 routes - to Sultanahmet, Beşiktaş, Emınönü and even Bahçeşehir. Fares start from 165 ₺.
Cab
The official racks have fixed fares: 20 ₺ for boarding and 22.3 ₺/km during the day. The IST → Taksim trip costs ≈800 ₺ and takes 45-60 min. Insist on the meter being on and check the toll sections of the highway in advance.
Individual transfer
Online services allow you to choose the class of car and get a price in advance. The advantage is a sign with your name on it and Russian-speaking support. If you are flying in a group, the cost is shared and is often cheaper than a cab.
Rent a car
It is better to book online: the deposit is lower and you can choose the machine. The daily rate for a hatchback starts from 35 €. Turkish roads are toll roads, the payment is deducted by HGS-mark. Parking in the center is rare and expensive, so the car is advantageous if you plan to go out of town.
How to move from IST to SAW and back again
Two options:
- Bus HVIST-13. Departs around the clock every 30-60 min. The price is 320 ₺. Travel time is 90-120 min.
- Metro + Marmaray. IST → Gayrettepe (M11), then M2 to Yenikapı, transfer to Marmaray to Ayrılık Çeşmesi and M4 to SAW. Minimum 2 hours, but the ticket costs ≈70 ₺.
Conclusion
Istanbul's airports are a model example of logistics: 24-hour subway, frequent shuttles, dozens of car rental options. Long connection? Go to the Galata Bridge for a glass of çay and return without rush. And to make the whole itinerary perfect, use the services of airline tickets, hotel booking and business travel organization - tested by travelers from all over the world. By the way, if you need to get a visa or instant tour selection, solutions are also available online.
