Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen (SAW)? Transfer Guide

Istanbul's Two Airports: The Differences Between IST and SAW

Most travellers flying into Istanbul land at one of two airports: Istanbul Airport (IST) on the European side, or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) on the Asian side. Which one you land at usually depends on your airline, but knowing the difference can meaningfully affect your transfer time.

Who Is Istanbul Airport (IST) Closer To?

Istanbul Airport sits in the north of the European side and is closer to central, touristic districts like Taksim, Beşiktaş, Şişli, Sultanahmet and Fatih. If your hotel is in one of these areas, landing at IST usually means a shorter transfer.

Who Is Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) Closer To?

Sabiha Gökçen Airport is on the Asian side and is closer to districts like Kadıköy and Ataşehir. If your hotel is on the European side, a transfer from SAW may take a little longer than from IST due to the Bosphorus crossing.

Transfer Time Comparison

Depending on traffic, typical averages are: IST → Taksim roughly 45-60 minutes, SAW → Taksim roughly 55-70 minutes. For Asian-side points like Kadıköy, SAW is noticeably shorter.

Whichever Airport You Land At, Transfer Is Easy

We offer a direct, fixed-price transfer service from both airports to your hotel or address. Once your flight number is registered, your driver adjusts to any delay automatically — no extra charge.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know which airport I'm landing at?
The IATA code (IST or SAW) is printed on your ticket; check your booking confirmation if unsure.

Can I book an airport-to-airport transfer?
Yes, we can also arrange transfers between the two airports — just select the route on the booking form.

Which airport is more convenient for Taksim?
See our detailed Istanbul Airport Taksim Transfer and Sabiha Gökçen Taksim Transfer pages.

Ready to Book?

Select your airport on our homepage and get an instant price quote for your transfer.